It’s official: snow is here. For some of us, this is an unwelcome sight that means shoveling and wet, cold feet. However, for local skiers and snowboarders, this means the much-anticipated start to the ski season. Less than an hour from CHS are two options for downhill skiing, Stevens Pass and Mission Ridge, and a multitude of options for Nordic skiers. Stevens Pass offers day passes that cost $96 for an adult and $50 for a child. Mission Ridge passes are $75 for an adult and $55 for youth. Students who meet the GPA threshold can qualify for a free season pass with Stevens. Nordic skiers can ski with the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club for $26 (adult)/$20 (youth) per day or with the Plain Valley ski Trails for $20 (adult)/free (youth) per day. No matter where or how you are skiing, there are some simple steps that you can take to make the most of your experience:
Check the weather forecast
The weather can be unpredictable, especially in Leavenworth. A good way to check the forecast is to look at a weather app. It can tell you wind speed, temperature, pressure, humidity, and air quality. The weather can help you figure out what you need to wear and whether the conditions are suitable/ideal. Local ski organizations also post grooming/condition reports on their websites and some offer the option of signing up for email alerts. Knowing the weather and being able to predict if the snow is good is a key part to skiing/snowboarding.
Research/Buy Gear
The best way to find good skis is to research. The extra thirty minutes spent researching which skis are the best fit or right for what you are doing will not be time wasted. Nordic skis are more for fitness and strength and downhill skis are primarily for skiing down slopes. A handful of shops in town sell skis and snowboards, including Arlberg Sports Haus, Der Sportsman, and Colchuck Consignment. These shops rent or sell winter sports equipment for good deals. Colchuck Consignment is a store in Cashmere that sells used winter equipment. It is a great place to save on good quality skis. CHS boasts a number of accomplished skiers who would be happy to recommend equipment; don’t be shy, just ask. This ski season make the most of it and get some new skis or snowboards that are right for you.
Wax and Buff Gear
Once you have bought your winter equipment it is important to wax and buff the skis and snowboards. This allows you to move on snow effectively. If waxing at home isn’t your thing, Arlberg Sports Haus downtown will wax skis and snowboards and get them ready for the winter. Skis can be waxed using a wax iron and buffed with a copper brush. They can also be waxed using a wax stick. Wax comes in different types based on temperature and snow conditions. Local shops often employee experts who can be helpful in selecting the wax setup that is best for you. Waxing and buffing help with the performance of your skis so that you can make the most of ski and snowboarding on the snow.
Select Appropriate Snow Clothes
You’ve got to have style. It is a big part of ski/snowboarding culture. Ordering clothes online is a good way to get what you are looking for, but it can take a couple weeks. Arlberg Sports in Wenatchee is home to a ton of ski jackets and snowboard jackets. These can be very expensive, but if you are looking for cheaper, quality clothes go to Colchuck Consignment. “The Jacket I got as a gift online,” said sophomore Melvin Northrup, “I got my snow pants from a family friend.” You can even wear clothes that might have got too small for someone.
Have Fun
Clip in, pop on the skis, and have fun. The best way to make the most of the ski season is to have fun. Every time you hop on your skis try to go a little faster than you did last time. Ski with friends and have the most interesting conversations on the chair lift.
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