Looking for a way to celebrate the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, B.C., and don’t have a ticket, or don’t want to simply sit on your duff in front of the television? The Methow Olympic Festival offers a number of events to get you in the Olympic spirit.
Located near Winthrop, Wash. in the north central Washington Cascades, the Methow Valley is best-known for its 200 kilometers of Nordic trails and scenic winter terrain. The Methow Valley Sports Trail Association (MVSTA) came up with the idea for an Olympic Festival after pondering what they could do during the Olympics to celebrate and get people to participate in the action.
 The Methow Olympic Festival was born, which will take place Feb. 12 – 28.
To get the area in the Olympian mood, the MVSTA hosts the Super Tour Ski Race Jan. 16 –17 showcasing the highest level of cross-country skiing in the country and Canada. The Super Tour, one of 13 sanctioned races in the Series, features some of the same athletes who will be in the 2010 Olympics. Event Director Kristen Smith describes it as a way that “people can learn and see who these athletes are before they go off to the Olympics.” Visitors can then have the excitement of seeing a familiar name possibly make history in Vancouver.
The opening night of the two-week Methow Olympic Festival takes place on the same night as the Vancouver opening ceremonies and features a torch-light parade around the Winthrop ski oval. Visitors that night can ice skate in Winthrop or gather around to watch the ceremonies on a large-screen television.
During the Methow Festival, Smith says, there will be “numerous venues to watch the Olympics with former local Olympians offering commentary.” The Olympians will provide insights to what goes on behind the scenes while preparing for a race and will point out special details as the events take place.
The key part of the Festival is that it isn’t just for those with extreme snow skills. As Smith says, “all abilities can participate.” Beginners can take a number of free how-to clinics including ice skating and skiing.
Intermediates can sign up for their own favorite sport. And competitive level skiers can join in a Nordic ski camp. The main goal is to let visitors experience and partake in some of the same activities that will be going on in the Olympics. Best of all, most events are free.
Other fun activities include guided snow shoeing tours nearly every day, ski racing for dogs, and watching semi-pro hockey team, the Wenatchee Wilds.
Complete details, including special rates and lodging packages, are on the MVSTA web site (www.mvsta.com). Visitors can also find a complete schedule of activities, registration information and driving directions. Note: The festival coincides with both President’s Day weekend and the Washington schools Winter Break week, so it’s suggested to book early to ensure a room.
Winter events in the Methow Valley:
(Check www.mvsta.com for complete scheduling information).
Dec. 27: Ski Rodeo, a free 5k or 10km timed ski race and a 1k or 2.5k race for ages 4 –14 (a trails pass is required for all participants).
Jan. 16 –17: Super Tour Ski Race.
Feb. 12 – 28: Methow Olympic Festival.
Feb. 13: 7th Annual Tour of Methow Valley, ski celebration with a variety of trail distances and a potluck banquet to refuel at the end of the day, non-competitive. www.mvnordic.com/touromet.html
March 6: Winter Triathlon, bike (13.5k), ski (8.8k), run (8.3 k) throughout the Methow Valley.
  
|
