Royal Gorge Ski-O

Soda Springs
Sunday, Feb. 4, 2001

Contact: Christine Shirley, 650-349-0330

Royal Gorge offers one of the finest and best-managed cross-country ski trail systems in the world. With over 300 kilometers of groomed trails, Royal Gorge also is the largest cross-country ski area in North America. This year's snow is of excellent quality, and it looks like we'll have plenty of it.

Our course setter, Matthias Kohler, will find a challenge for everyone, even if you've skied Royal Gorge many times. Ski orienteering does not generally include technical control placement. Quick decisions and smart route choice will be most important. The beginner's course will be short and easy, so that even if it's your first time orienteering, or even on cross-country skis, you should finish with enough energy to enjoy the rest of the day.

Registration begins at 9:00 am in the main lodge (Summit Station) - just ask the same people who are selling trail passes. Starts are from 10:15 am to 1:00 pm. We will begin control pickup at 3:00 pm, so if you want to do a long course, please start by 12:00.

I need to fill out the volunteer corps, so please e-mail me or call 650-349-0330 if you can help with starts/finishes, control pickup, clinics, etc.

Course Notes

We will offer beginner through advanced point-to-point courses. The White course will be suitable for first-time/beginning skiers OR first-time/beginning orienteerers. There will be intermediate Yellow and Orange courses and two advanced courses.

Special Discounts

Royal Gorge will offer special discounts on trail passes and rentals for all participants. Bring the entire family.

Adult Trail pass, including event entry fee: $30.00
Adult Trail pass, event entry fee, and ski rental: $40.00

Jr. (ages 13 - 16) Trail pass, event entry fee: $20.00
Jr. (ages 13 - 16) Trail pass, event entry fee, and ski rental: $25.00

Kids (12 and under) Trail pass, event entry fee: $15.00
Kids (12 and under) Trail pass, event entry fee, and ski rental: $20.00

Arrange lessons by calling Royal Gorge at 530-426-3871. They can also provide more information and guidance on lodging.

Directions

From I-80 about 80 minutes east of Sacramento (15 minutes west of Truckee), take the Norden/Soda Springs exit, Go straight through the village for about a miles to the first blinking light/stop sign. Turn right; go across the railroad tracks, past the Soda Springs Downhill Ski area on your right, up the small hill and turn at the second right (you'll see signs by now). After the turn, go straight to the parking lot of the Royal Gorge ski area lodge. Parking is free.