Thursday, January 8, 2009 - Page updated at 01:34 p.m.

Echo Ridge Nordic Trails

Information

On north side of Lake Chelan, about 10 miles from the town of Chelan.

Trails — Just over 25 miles of trails, with stretches for both skate and classic track skiing. More than half of trails are easy. About 70 percent were built exclusively for cross-country skiing and are looped on a series of ridge tops with scenic views. Added three miles of classic-type ski trails for upcoming winter season. Club will be erecting a new 20-foot-diameter yurt warming hut. Lower Echo Ridge is at 3,600 feet elevation, and Upper Echo Ridge is about 100 feet higher. There are four parking lots, plus snowshoe trails. Roads recently improved.

Open — Trails are open 24 hours. National Forest ski area is groomed by Lake Chelan Nordic Club. Normal grooming occurs on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights, except for holiday periods. Season will begin the second or third week of December, depending on snow conditions.

Facilities, services — Concessions, rentals and day lodge located two miles from the Nordic trails (all facilities located at Echo Valley Alpine Ski Area, and open weekends and holidays only).

Fee — $10 daily pass per adult for ages 18 and older; youths 17 and younger ski free. Self-pay station at trailheads. Season pass $70, available through the U.S. Forest Service or Lake Chelan Nordic Club. The club can be reached by writing to P.O. Box 245, Chelan, WA 98816. Fees help pay for grooming and snowplowing the access road and are matched with a grant. Echo Ridge is a U.S. Forest Service fee area and not a Sno-Park area.

Telephone — 509-682-2574 (U.S. Forest Service) or 800-4-CHELAN (Chelan Chamber of Commerce).

Web site: www.lakechelannordic.org

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