Swede Shelter Intermediate Nordic ski
Ski from Swampy snow park to Swede shelter via the Swede Ridge Loop trail.
Trail Highlights: This is a longer (7-8 mile) tour on an intermediate
level ungroomed trail through mostly wooded terrain. There are several
off-camber sections along the back side of the Swede ridge loop. We will
stop for lunch/snack at the Swede shelter. We may get to enjoy breaking
trail through untracked snow. Our route may change based on the snow
conditions.
Level of Difficulty and Distance/Time expected: Intermediate level
tour. It is about 35 minutes to drive to the trailhead. The ski should take
about 4-5 hours.
When: Tuesday 18 February
Where: This is an intermediate trail ski of 7-8 miles.
Link to the Swampy trail map from CONC website.
Meeting place/time: Meet at the Swampy trailhead parking lot at the
trailhead sign. We will start skiing at 9am so please be there no later than
8:45am to sign in. I will do my best to get us started on time so we don’t
get cold at the start.
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 are allowed.
Ski Equipment: Cross country nordic skis and poles suitable for off track skiing.
We might have the opportunity to break trail through fresh snow.
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: 6 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.
