Leavenworth Real Estate

Lake Wenatchee Ski Report

Ski season at Lake Wenatchee is not quite here yet.

Here’s the latest from Rick Halstead, Park Manager at Lake Wenatchee State Park

Hello everyone -

We’ve taken a few calls from folks wondering what conditions are like here . . . and when might the skiing begin. Unfortunately we have no snow at this time, despite there being 30 – 40″ just 20 miles west of here at Steven’s Pass. Typically we get significant snow in mid – late December and have enough to begin grooming just in time for the holidays. You can check this link for a report which is automatically updated hourly. The gauges are located right here in the North Park.

We need at least a foot of reasonably dense snowpack before we can begin packing trails and creating a good base for grooming. A bit more is needed for grooming.

Everything is in place for another season – - grants, snowcats, operators and landowner permission. Special thanks to Longview Timber Company for their ongoing permission to groom all those great trails on Nason Ridge. They own the land – we are very grateful they open their gates for snowcats and skiers.

There has been a very significant increase in Snopark permit fees this year. A one-day parking pass is now $20; a season pass is $80 (basic Snopark pass $40 plus “Special Groomed Trails Sticker” for another $40).

Attached is a Snopark program Q&A we’ve created to help explain the program, how it is funded, and where / how permit funds are spent – and the need for the fee increase. Some of you represent businesses which sell these permits – I encourage you to print a copy to share with all staff who might sell permits, and any customers who are particularly curious . . .

Thanks for all you support,

Rick Halstead, Park Manager

Lake Wenatchee State Park

(509) 763-3101

(509) 763-1029 fax

This entry was posted on Monday, December 7th, 2009 at 11:36 am and is filed under Community News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

1. Geordie Romer said at December 18th, 2009 at 6:42 pm

   Just a short update:

   Stevens Pass Nordic Center opened last weekend for weekend use and I just got this note today from the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce.

   The popular Icicle River Trails will open for Nordic skiing this Friday. The Tube Park and Lodge at Ski Hill will open from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday. The Nordic trails at Ski Hill open Saturday with night skiing until 11 p.m. Holiday Hours at the Ski Hill go into effect on Monday: 9:30 am. to 7 pm

   Looks like ski season is upon us!

2. Geordie Romer said at December 26th, 2009 at 10:51 am

   From Rick Halstead on 12/21

   We have 2-4″ of wet snow left. The forecast is not encouraging – colder, but no accumulations expected at least for another 7-10 days. No grooming of ski trails or sled hill is possible at this time.

   Skiing, sledding and snowshoeing is possible – though no trails are marked or maintained. Snopark permits will not be required until we begin grooming trails.

   Of course, the Polar Bear Swim goes on regardless – Saturday 1/1 at 2:00 p.m.!

   We’ll keep you posted as conditions improve . . .

   Rick Halstead, Park Manager

3. David Erbeck said at February 9th, 2010 at 5:37 pm

   Is there any Nordic skiing now at Lake Wenatchee?

4. Geordie Romer said at February 9th, 2010 at 5:43 pm

   Dave – Here’s the latest from a recent email:

   Soft conditions throughout the South and North Park, with thin spots along the lake and river. However, our groomers are repairing trails that need it and hauling snow to keep everything open- it is definitely still skiable! Nason Ridge is in good shape. Lower Nason is getting soft and thin in spots, but still has good coverage.

   **Call the park with your email address if you would like to be included on a daily emailed trail report!** 509-763-3101

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