The Ski Patrol Race Route Ski Tour from Snoqualmie Pass to Stampede Pass in the Washington Cascades!

Don ascended to the ridge overlooking Mirror Lake. There was 6 to 12 inches of new snow.

The Ski Patrol Race Route

An 18 Mile Ski Tour from Snoqualmie Pass to Stampede Pass in the Central Cascades!

Saturday March 31, 2007

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The Ski Patrol race is legendary. It was held only a few times in the 1930's and 1940's. The Washington Alpine Club, always known for their strong skiers, won the race the last two years it was held. Still a modern Snoqualmie Pass classic, it encompasses route finding, portions of nordic groomed, backcountry, and logging roads to complete the tour.

Don Brooks and I set out on this rainy March day to do the route. Don had done it twice before. Later we learned that Greg Balco and a friend also did the route this same day. The route is not marked except for a very few of the original markers high is the trees in one area.

We encountered all conditions so there was not a choice of ski that was ideal. We took classic nordic skis. Mine were actually track skis, and although light, were not ideal for several sections of the route.

Mirror Lake before our descent. This portion is where I wished I had my telemark skis!

The rain finally stopped and we could finally get some views.

We crossed on the ice and then followed the outlet to the logging roads. Once on the logging roads the backcountry portion is finished.

Thanks to Lowell Skoog for rediscovering the route. It is a classic!

Want to go next year? Lowell has the best info!

http://www.alpenglow.org/skiing/patrol-race-2004/index.html

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