Curlew, WA
Try Nordic gear, get a few tips, and enjoy the fresh air and scenic beauty while cross-country skiing along a stretch of the flat, groomed Ferry County Rail Trail. The 10th annual ski day will be held February 1 at the Curlew Trailhead. The event includes free instruction and use of cross-country ski gear and locally-produced Altai Skis Hok ski/snowshoe hybrid skis thanks to support from Spokane Parks and Recreation and Altai Skis. There will be a bonfire, some giveaways, and snacks thanks to REI of Spokane.
Back when the first ski day was held to raise awareness of the 24-mile-long rail trail in Northeast Washington, “We had no funding for improvements but we had a trail and 8 inches of snow so we groomed it for cross-country skiing along the Kettle River up to the tunnel,” says Bobby Whittaker, president of the Ferry County Rail Trail Partners group that has worked with State and County officials for over a decade to convert the raw rail corridor into a world class rail trail. “It really is amazing, miles and miles of waterfront that is yours as much as it is mine, no parking pass or ticket required!” Over the years the grassroots group has managed to secure approximately $1,000,000 in State and Federal grants and matching funds to develop the trail, a massively successful undertaking for such a small rural community. Check for updates about the ski day event at Ferrycountyrailtral.com or on Facebook.
