ZOOMING THROUGH THE SNOW

Snowmobile adventures abound in the Methow

Snowmobiling in the Methow Valley is a winter adventure like no other – and it’s particularly appealing as a group activity.

Snowmobilers can access 175 miles of groomed snowmobile trails from six Sno-Parks in the Methow Valley – and also connect with routes to Conconully or Chelan from the Loup Loup summit or Gold Creek.

There’s enough information available that you can easily explore on your own, or get to know local trails and other sled enthusiasts by joining a ride with the Methow Valley Snowmobile Association.

The club’s rides take you to designated backcountry areas to play on the hills. Club rides are open to everyone and are a good way for less-experienced riders to team up with others. Riders typically set out in small groups from a Sno-Park.

This year, the club is leading weekly rides classified by rider ability. People will have to sign up in advance, between Wednesday evening and Friday evening, at http://mvsnowmobile.blogspot. com. Information is also available on https://www.facebook.com/ methowvalleysnowmobile.

There will also be a monthly ride for sledders of all abilities.

The local Mountain Trails Grooming Association grooms regularly — at least three times a week — although the schedule can change if conditions warrant. They groom the most popular routes — from Boulder Creek, Eightmile and Goat Creek — most often. They also head up the North Cascades Highway to Cutthroat and up Harts Pass Road to Deadhorse Point about every three weeks.

Almost all routes are open, even those within the perimeter of the wildfires this summer. The trail that goes from Eightmile to Buck Lake is closed because of the high severity of the burn.

The snowmobile association has three safety warming huts equipped with a wood stove and basic emergency supplies. The newest hut is on Starvation Mountain, about 1 1/2 miles below the summit, near Shrew Creek. Another hut is in Blackpine Basin, between the Goat Creek and Yellowjacket Sno-parks. The third hut is on Sweetgrass Butte. The club also received a grant this year to help maintain the three other huts in the county.

All snowmobiles must be registered through the Washington State Department of Licensing or a licensing agent, even if a person rides only on his or her own property.

WHERE TO GO

Sno-Parks and groomed trails •Eightmile Sno-Park (Chewuch) •Boulder Creek Sno-Park (Chewuch) •Goat Creek Sno-Park (Mazama) •Yellowjacket Sno-Park (Lost River) •Twisp River Sno-Park (Twisp

River/Buttermilk) •North Summit, Loup Loup •North Cascades Highway to Cutthroat Lake Road

Grooming info: mountaintrailsgrooming.blogspot.com. Maps of groomed trails are available under the Trails tab.

GET INVOLVED

The Methow Valley Snowmobile Association organizes weekly club rides from December through March (see mvsnowmobile.blogspot.com for schedule). Membership: family, $20/year; individual, $15/year.

WHAT TO BRING

•extra warm and waterproof clothing •extra water and food in case you end up being out overnight •basic survival gear and first-aid equipment •emergency blanket •a way to build a fire

BE SAFE

Safety guidelines for avalanche country •Carry an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe, and know how to use them. •Get the forecast and consider current avalanche and weather conditions when planning your ride. •Cross avalanche slopes one at a time, and don’t gather in run-out zones. •Take an avalanche course. •Look for signs of recent avalanche activity, which indicates snow is unstable. • Check the Northwest Avalanche

Center for forecasts at www.nwac. us.

GET YOUR SNO-PARK PERMIT

Available online through Washington State Parks at https://parks. state.wa.us/130/Winter-recreation. Washington residents get a free Sno-Park permit when they register their snowmobile.

Call Washington State Parks Winter Recreation Program at (360) 902-8684 for more information. Also available through these local vendors: •Goat’s Beard Mountain Supplies,

Mazama •Hank’s Harvest Foods, Twisp •Pardners Mini Market, Winthrop •Winthrop Mountain Sports,

Winthrop •Loup Loup Ski Bowl (Permit cost rises this year, see page 19)

Photo by Ashley Lodato