Saturday, September 7, 2013

2014 Women's Ski and Yoga Retreat

Another bluebird day on the trails (photo by Sun Mountain Lodge)
Ladies, it's time to start thinking about a weekend of fun! Fall may have just started, but it's never too early to start daydreaming of skiing through beautifully groomed trails on a bluebird day.

The 12th annual Women's Ski and Yoga Retreat at Sun Mountain Lodge! Held February 28-March 2, 2014, this weekend is all about relaxing and having fun with other women in the Methow's own winter wonderland. Whether you are brand new to the sport or are an experienced skier, there is something for everyone; our expert coaching team will help you become more proficient in both skate and classic skiing in a friendly, supportive environment. 

Each day we'll start with yoga practice, fuel for the day with a delicious breakfast, then have morning and afternoon ski sessions (with a break for more delicious food, of course) on portions of the 65 kilometers of beautifully groomed ski trails Sun Mountain has to offer. Top it off with a post-ski stretch, and relax with new friends.

During your free time, sit with a good book at the fire; take in the beautiful mountain views with a soothing soak in the hot tub; or get a reviving massage for your tired muscles. With ski and yoga instruction for every level, everyone can treat themselves to this wonderful weekend.

The retreat cost is $325 and includes: ski instruction, trail passes, yoga sessions, breakfasts and lunches, and Friday night wine and hors d'oeuvres. Rooms and other activities are additional. Sun Mountain Lodge offers a special room rate for retreat participants of $113 + tax per night, single or double occupancy. Additional persons are $10 per person, per night (four person maximum per room). Call Sun Mountain Lodge directly to make room reservations at: 800-572-0493.
photo by Sun Mountain Lodge
Click here for a peek at what's in store.

Make sure to register early to ensure your spot! To register: complete this form and then pay by either mailing a check to the address below, or use your credit card or PayPal account by following the links under the Retreat info at our "Events" tab above. 

Methow Endurance, PO Box 196, 
Winthrop, WA, 98862        

This retreat fills every year, so don't miss out! For any questions, email me at:
alison(at)methowendurance.com

Now bring on the snow!

Registration deadline is Friday, January 31, 2014. Please note, no refunds will be given after this date.

Monday, September 2, 2013

Upcoming Race: Driveway Butte Hill Climb! New Category!

Mark your calendars on November 2nd for the 3rd Annual Methow Endurance Driveway Butte Hill Climb! Long regarded as a training standard for local and regional endurance athletes, Driveway Butte is a great way to test your summer fitness and see how you stack up against your friends and neighbors.

Starting at Klipchuck Campground, a mere ten minute drive from Mazama, the Hill Climb ascends over 1500ft in 2.5 miles to a beautiful notch in the ridge, offering spectacular views of the Washington Pass area and Silver Star peak. Not that you'll be looking...the climb is relentless, with nary a flat stretch from beginning to end. Given its late fall placement, the trail often has a thin layer of snow covering it, adding an element of challenge to the already lung-burning adventure...

The 2011 racer field at the finish
Get your legs ready for breaking trail in January!

This year we're excited to offer an additional category: Backcountry Skier! Wintertime in the Methow Valley is a magical time for vertical junkies, who earn their turns skinning up into the highest reaches of the North Cascades. To honor (and challenge) them, we're opening a "Backcountry Skier" category of the race, where racers must heft a standard load of backcountry ski (or snowboard) equipment up to the finish. Specifically, their gear must include the following:

- Metal-edged backcountry skis or snowboard (skis must utliize Randonee or Telemark cable bindings)
- Backcountry-specific boots (no Nordic racing/touring boots)
- Rescue gear: Shovel and probe
- 1 liter of water
- Poles

The equipment can be carried in any fashion you wish, either on a pack or in hand, but it all must arrive at the finish with you. A one-minute penalty will be added for any missing piece!

This year's running should be the biggest yet, with anticipated athletes arriving from Seattle, Leavenworth, and British Columbia to join our local competitors. Registration is $15 for racers over 18 years of age, and $10 for under-18 year olds. There will be a $5 additional fee for day-of-race registration, which will be open from 7:30 to 8:15am.

Like all Methow Endurance events, a portion of the proceeds for the race will go to a local charity. For this year, we will be donating to Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a local non-profit dedicated to helping provide Christmas food baskets and much-needed resources to local families in need during the holiday season.

To register for the race, please use our Webscorer registration page:




See the registration on Webscorer
Webscorer - 

We hope to see you there!