Highway 20 is closed for the season. This means Mazama is back to that quaint hamlet at the end of the road! Time to switch gears and start thinking of winter - here's what we know:
There isn't currently enough snow to nordic ski anywhere on the valley floor and Methow Trails is not grooming yet. Hoping for some snow in Mazama just before Thanksgiving - keeping our fingers crossed for a bunch!
Highway 20 will remain open to the Silverstar Gate 7 miles west of Mazama.
Highway 20 has enough snow over the pavement to ski and snowmobile as of November 18. It is thin down low and gets deeper and better as you approach Cutthroat.
Good backcountry ski conditions were reported after this last storm although coverage was thin at the lower elevations. Another foot or two should open a lot of terrain and that is what is in the forecast for this week!
It will be worth digging in the snow after the next storm event as we have had a shallow snowpack with cold temperatures and some crusts that may have facets buried. The next storm looks to be warm and wet which could stress the lower density layers below.
Fat biking is prime on most valley trails including the Community Trail, Jack's Trail, and even places like Buck Mountain. Call for rentals!
Spokane Gulch, Driveway Butte, and Cedar Creek have been the local's choices for hiking with minimal snow coverage.
The Goat's Beard has been gearing up for winter and we have the latest in backcountry skis, boots, bindings, and avalanche packs. We offer a 15% discount on package purchases and free mounting if you buy the skis or bindings from us which is a $60 value! If you do a price comparison, you will find we complete very closely with online sales!
And Micki has selected an amazing assortment of clothing this winter. Stop by to see the super fun Kari Traa line from Norway!
Summer 2017 is in full swing and all is well!
All trails are open and free enough from snow for hikers and bikers.
Stop by the Shop for gear, clothing, and information for your next adventure!
As always, give us a call if you have questions or updates for us. We hope to see lots of you for the Sunflower Relay May 6!
Spring is in sight but still a bit in the distance. Here's what's happening around Mazama and the Goat's Beard this April:
Cascade Endurance will join us in a La Sportiva running shoe demo. Shoes will be available to demo Friday evening May 5 during the Sunflower Relay packet pickup.
Cascade Endurance will then do a free group run with the La Sportiva demo shoes on Sunday April 7 at 9am from the Goat's Beard. Runners of all abilities are welcome. This is just a fun chance to stretch your legs, demo some shoes, and meet new friends.
WSDOT will begin clearing Highway 20 on April 10. We expect them to make quick progress and open the highway to the Silverstar gate that week. However, they have predicted a late opening beyond the gate.
Backcountry skiing will be available from the Silverstar gate which may give some corn turns on Delancy if you get up there soon. Silverstar will also be an option before the gate opens. We have a few pairs of backcountry rental skis for sale at the shop including a pair of DPS Wailer 112 Pure 3 178cm with Dynafit bindings and BD skins for $1099!
Bikers will be allowed to ride the highway beyond the gate only on Friday-Sunday this year.
As of April 2, we still have snow on the ground in Mazama and today is the last day Methow Trails will groom the nordic tracks.
Climbers have been seen at Fun Rock and I'm also guessing The Matrix is climbable in the sun. Both crags may have some dripping sections but we are close to climbing season! You would need snowshoes to reach the matrix and I'd bring a tarp to keep your things out of the snow.
We will remain open everyday from 9-5 during this season of transition and we are receiving new clothing and gear for summer activities each week. Stop by or give us a call if you have questions about conditions around Mazama!
The backcountry skiing is fantastic and more snow is on the way for the valley floor Nordic skiing! Here are the details - visit www.goatsbeardmountainsupplies.com for more info or call us at 509-996-2515
Backcountry Skiing -
Nordic Skiing -
Ice Climbing
Other winter activities
As always, we encourage you to support your local businesses. We have an excellent selection of clothing and equipment for all your winter activities. When you support us, we can help you enjoy the Methow Valley and the North Cascades!
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