Intermediate Skyline Trail Ski

Skyliners Trail ski

This is an intermediate ungroomed cross country trail through the forest. 

Trail Highlights: The trail parallels Tumalo creek to the parking lot at Tumalo falls. 

There are a few descents on the trail which can be tricky. The view of Tumalo falls is very nice in the winter. We will take a short break at the falls. The ski back on the road is usually an easy cruise. There is a rest room at the Skyliners snow park. Snow park passes required.

Level of Difficulty and Distance/Time expected: 

This is an intermediate level tour. The drive up Skyliners road is about 25 minutes. The forecast calls for 1-2 inches of fresh snow on Monday. It is a good idea to put glide wax on your skis to prevent snow from sticking. 

When: Monday February 3rd. 

Where: We will ski up the Tumalo Creek Nordic loop and return on the Tumalo Falls Nordic road for a loop of about 6 miles which should take about 3-4  hours. 

Link to the forest service map.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd984794.pdf

Meeting place/time: Meet at 9:15 at the Thump roastery and bakery coffee shop on York street. 

Thump Roastery & Bakery

549 NW York Dr suite 200, Bend, OR 97703

This location is about  6 blocks south of the Thump coffee at the Grove. We will leave cars on York street if the parking lot is close to full. Departure at 9:30 am. 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/aJpDitUZCjNY7t7e9

What to bring:  

• Ten Essentials. Including tools & straps for ski/boot repairs.

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

• Glide wax, extra phone battery.

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

• No dogs on this trip. 

Ski Equipment: Cross country nordic skis and poles suitable for off track skiing. We will likely have the opportunity to break trail through fresh snow. 

In general, skis should have a no-wax pattern for grip and metal edges for control on ice or hard pack conditions. Wider skis will provide better stability in more difficult conditions

Boots should be over the ankle for support and control, and must be compatible with the bindings on the skis.  Poles should have large baskets so they don't sink in soft snow.

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

Number of skiers: 8 skiers

Reservation Contact:  David Gast

Ski Difficulty Levels 

Difficulty changes & varies according to weather and trail conditions.  General guidelines for classification are given below.

• Beginner Tour: This means that to go on this tour you will have had some basic instruction on cross-country skiing skills including diagonal striding, step turns, snow plow and snow plow turns. The terrain will be mostly gentle and provide an opportunity to improve skills.  Distance is less than 4 miles and time is 2-3 hours.

• Intermediate Tour: This means 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.  Typically distance is less than 8 miles and time 3-5 hours.

• Advanced Tour: This means that to go on this tour you must have excellent proficiency in all ski touring techniques and you must be able to traverse and herringbone on steep terrain. You must be able to negotiate long steep hills, including densely wooded areas. You must be able navigate poorly marked or unmarked trails.  Distances are often over 8 miles and time up to 8 hours.