High Alpine Tr. Open

It's mid February, and many areas of the country are covered in snow. My hometown Flagstaff, Arizona experienced the second largest storm in recorded history this winter-54" in one storm. Yet here in Oakridge, it feels as if winter never really showed up. There's not much snow at Willamette Pass, to the and the reservoirs around here are pretty low. But, on the bright side the roads and trails around here are mostly open.

Only two days ago my friend and I rode the Alpine Trail from Kate's cut in trail (above Windy Pass on 1912). It was a crystal clear day, and it was amazing to look across the North Fork drainage at the Three Sisters to the east. We were able to drive up 1912 to around 4000' before hitting snow on a north facing corner. We were dropped at the edge of the snow, and biked on the snow about a half mile further to the trail.

Once on trail, there was very little snow. We hit a couple short patches climbing up the trail towards the meadow. The meadow was clear of snow on the western side, although it began about half way across the meadow and we had to walk about 100 yards on the eastern side.

Once past the meadow there is a 20" tree down on the trail. However beyond that the trail was in prime condition. Many people have been out doing treadwork already this year, and the trail was at it's best. We had a great ride all the way down to the Westfir Covered Bridge.
Its raining outside tonight, and the snow level may drop again. But, there's no snow base below 5000', and I don't think it will stick around for long.

Eugene

Tele Fest and Ibis Bikes

This weekend brings a great festival, the 2010 Telemark Festival (TeleFest) at Hoodoo. An annual event sponsored by Bergs Ski Shop in Eugene, TeleFest is a great time for all. Free lessons, lots of demo stuff to try, great skiers to meet, and lots of evening fun. There is usually a gigantic bonfire at some point, and always lots of good people to connect with.
It is Sat and Sun and Hoodoo. Volunteer for the event and get a free day pass, or buy a day pass and get free demos and lessons. If you want to volunteer, show up early and start looking for a way to help.

Also in the news, the Mountain Mercantile is now a dealer for Ibis Bicycles. Originally a small US manufacturer building steel, aluminum and ti bikes Ibis has re designed their rigs and now offers full carbon full suspension bikes made over seas. Built around the solid DW suspension design Ibis bikes climb well, descend well, and look great. While the manufacturing is overseas the bikes are assembled in California. The guys and gals at Ibis are super knowledgeable, friendly, and honest. Check out their website: http://www.ibiscycles.com

If you are interested in checking one out in person we will have one in the shop within the next couple of weeks, and hopefully we will have some demo bikes on the way for the spring and summer.

Hope to see you in the mountains.

Eugene

SNOW!

22.9 degrees and still snowing! Last night brought about 10 inches to the base of Willamette Pass and the surrounding country. Gold Lake Snow Park should be in great shape for cross country skiing and snow shoe adventures. The surrounding high country should be shaping up well for winter expeditions as well.

We should be receiving bindings for our Alpina X terrain skis any day now. They're not quite cross country, not quite telemark. A single camber ski with scales and quite a bit of shape. Once bindings are mounted they will join our rental fleet. All of our cross country equipment rents for $15 per day including boots and adjustable poles. See our rental page for more info.

Enjoy the snow and the holidays!