Excellent base for 40 km of groomed trails
Nordic grooming operations have begun at the Echo Ridge Nordic Ski Area on the Chelan Ranger District and the ski area officially opened today — Saturday December 18.
Ski area personnel established a good snow base over the last week and grooming will continue this weekend as the area receives additional snowfall. Skiers will encounter typical early season conditions with thin spots on some sections of trail. The trail system provides approximately 40 km of trails for skate and classic skiing and 15 km of snowshoe trails primarily along open ridge tops with commanding views of the Lake Chelan Valley and surrounding mountain ranges.
“The great base and incoming storms should create some outstanding ski conditions over the next several weeks, ” said Paul Willard, Recreation Program Manager for the Chelan Ranger District. “The well-designed ski trails, excellent grooming by the Lake Chelan Nordic Ski Club, and ridge top views are no longer a secret and we see an increasing numbers of skiers each season.”
All trailheads in the Echo Ridge Nordic Ski Area are plowed and open for parking. The Echo Ridge Nordic Ski Area is located 10 miles outside of the city of Chelan and is a cooperative effort between the U.S. Forest Service and the Lake Chelan Nordic Ski Club.
Ski passes are required for both ski and snowshoe trail use at Echo Ridge. Day passes are available on-site for $10.00 per adult, with no charge for skiers or snowshoers age 17 and under. Season passes are available for $70.00 online at https://www.lakechelannordic.org/ or visit the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce during normal business hours (see https://www.lakechelan.com for hours).
