CONC Ski Tour: Ski to Big Meadow

CONC Ski Tour: Ski to Big Meadow

When: Sunday, January 21, 2024

Where we'll ski: Start at Mt Bachelor Nordic Center and ski to Big Meadow via Big Meadow Trail. Return via Big Meadow Trail to Pete’s Way and Water Tower depending on conditions.

Map: You can see the trails on the Dutchman Flats Sno-Park map, which is available on the CONC website

Meeting time/place: The Grove at Northwest Crossing.  Meet at 8:30 to review the plan, make up car-pools and move equipment.  We will depart at 9:00 am.

There is plenty of on street parking around the Grove.

Distance/hours: Ski is 6 miles RT. Plan on spending 5-6 hours including drive time to/from the trailhead.

Brief Trail description: Moderate up hill and down hill sections on Big Meadow and Water Tower trails. Pete’s Way down has steeper sections requiring more skill.

Level of Difficulty: Intermediate Tour: This means that to go on this tour you must have proficiency in the basic skills of cross-country skiing including diagonal stride, sidestep, kick turn, step turn, snowplow, and snowplow turn and you must be able to traverse and herringbone on moderately steep terrain. You must be able to negotiate long moderately steep and short, steep hills and be able to follow marked ski trails.

 These are general guidelines when considering a group ski with CONC. Please honestly access your ability in order to feel comfortable and enjoy the day, but without hindering the enjoyment of others.

Conditions vary according to weather and trail conditions. Be aware that medical help may be limited or delayed.

You must be physically fit enough to participate safely in this activity within the anticipated time. If you have any doubts about your ability to meet these requirements, please contact me before the tour.

 Note: the difficulty of any trail can change based on current conditions such as ice, and may necessitate changes to the route.

What to bring:

Skis should be designed for backcountry use, and be adequate for the type of trip and terrain likely to be encountered. In general, skis should have a no-wax pattern for grip and metal edges for control on ice or hard pack conditions. Minimum width at the waist of the ski should be greater than 52mm. Wider skis will provide better stability in more difficult conditions.

Boots should be over the ankle for support and control, and compatible with the bindings on the skis.

Poles should have large baskets so they don’t sink up the handle in soft snow. Adjustable poles are good for varying terrain conditions.

Skis, boots and poles designed exclusively for skiing on machine groomed tracks are not recommended.

 Ten Essentials

 Proper winter clothing for insulation and protection from wind and rain. Dress in layers. No cotton!

 Water, snack/lunch. Snacks and lunch are often eaten outside. Bring food that can be easily eaten quickly in case it is cold.

 Number of skiers: 8 skiers total.

 Dogs are not allowed on this trip.