Hog Loppet 2012 Trip Report

Of the original 12, eight Skibuddies were able to make the trip over the mountains to Cashmere where we established our base of operations for the Hog Loppet.

Getting ready

Folks arrived at the beautiful 100 year old Brender Canyon Farm on Friday. It didn't take long to discover the quirks of the extremely retro 1950's stove, but dinner was soon set out on the huge handmade dinning table. We chatted, got to know each other and talked logistics for the next day.

4:30 am arrived far too quickly the next morning. We had a quick continental breakfast of pastries, yogurt, granola, fresh berries, bagels with cream cheese and coffee before dashing out the door.

Shortly after 6:00 the gang was loaded up on buses for the ride to Mission Ridge. We were excited to start the day despite the less than desirable forecast which called for wind partial sun and some snow.

As we got off the buses and we were momentarily fooled into thinking it wasn't too bad out. Then a gust of icy wind came through chilling us and hinting at what the day would bring.

We went to collect our lift tickets, bib numbers and super cool t- shirts. It was surprisingly quiet at the registration tables. A few moments later we found out that the trek was cancelled! 80 mph winds (which grew faster and faster depending on who you talked to) forced the resort to shut down the summit chairlift. Conditions were too dangerous to proceed. Disappointed, we all clambered back onto the buses and returned to Leavenworth.

While in transit a new plan was hatched. The eight of us decided to head to Lake Wenatchee and explore the Nason Ridge Sno-Park trail.

With the click of bindings and the schuss-schuss of our skis in the tracks, our new journey began. It was a completely different world on this side of the ridge. Clouds were sparse and the sun came out. With no wind to speak of, jackets were shed as we followed the trail 1500' up to the top.

It was an amazing day. Views were varied and wide ranging. We watched the storm hammer the nearby ridge expecting the clouds and wind to reach us at any moment. Yet somehow, the storm remained stalled and never crossed the valley.

Skiing a long loop, our team covered around 23KM of trail. Just 7KM less than the Hog Loppet itself.

After such a long day out we were ready for dinner at the Kingfisher at Sleeping Lady Lodge. A buffet like no other, the food was outstanding and the ambience was perfectly suited to celebrate a very special day in the mountains.

Our final hours at the house included a relaxed breakfast and a ping pong extravaganza. The weekend came to an end all too soon.

Plans are already being laid for another attempt to take on the Hog Loppet in 2013!

Nason Ridge

Ski Buddies at Nason Ridge