Hög Loppet 2011
Blog: The Daily Dog Walk
February 27, 2011
On Saturday my dogs stayed at home while I participated in the Hög Loppet, a non-competitive cross country ski trek from the top of Mission Ridge to Blewett Pass. The term “Loppet” originated in Scandinavia. In the Vasaloppet in Sweden, skiers ski from Berga to Mora (90Km) to commemorate the same trail the king of Sweden skied about 500 years ago. About 15,000 people take part in the Vasaloppet and 1.7 million people watch it on TV.
So if you are wondering, “What is a Loppet?” It's a large gathering of skiers who ski on a specifically groomed trail either classic (diagonal stride) or free (skating technique) of various distances. Our Hög Loppet has two groomed classic tracks and a skating track that is groomed for almost 18 of the 20 total miles. Enormous amounts of food and drink are usually consumed during the event. Traditionally, there is also an after party and celebratory banquet with awards and prizes and a dance. The afterward party for the Hög Loppet is held in Leavenworth, with lots of good company, food and beer. The word hög is also Swedish in origin, which means "high".
View of the backside of Mission Peak- about 5 miles into the trail, looking back at where I had skied from. Beautiful weather and snow, but a little on the cold side at about 6 to 10 degrees. Good motivation to keep moving.
Looking north into the Wenatchee Mountains from the trail.
Even though there was over 600 people in this event, there wasn't much congestion, as everyone spread out at their own pace. Though I expected most of the route to be downhill, much of it was flat or uphill until the last 5 miles. Work, but worth it.
There were many rest stops along the way and opportunities to see old friends and make some new ones, especially since the event is non-competitive, everyone's attitude is easy going and you can take your time. This is the last official rest stop (aid station) at Haney Meadow. 8 more miles to go! (Or 10 depending on whether you trust the USFS road sign or the ski info provided).
Haney Meadow, a botanical paradise during summer seems to be getting some serious use during the winter by snowmobilers. It was the same with every open area along 15 miles of the 20 mile trail, although it had just snowed 2 days ago. Snowmobilers were still trying to go up the groomed road 600 of us cross country skiers were on too. Wow. Who knew it was this bad...although non-motorized winter recreationalists are trying to get some of this area off limits from snowmobiles. Knowing what botanical treasures lie beneath (over 150 plant species in some meadows and many rarities) makes me really alarmed. Changing the hydrology by packing the snow, and riding in these areas with little snow cover at times- not good.
Descent from Haney Meadow- this area is basalt talus fields in the summer that have yellow columbine (Aquilegia flavescens) among other floristic gems.
I had a great time doing this event, and saw fantastic scenery along the way; though it is not for the faint at heart, as the top section is really difficult on cross country skis , and it is an arduous 20 miles- most of it not downhill. But this is the only opportunity to ski this route relatively unaffected by snowmobile traffic, have most of the route groomed, and have a shuttle back to your vehicle too. Worth it if you are up to it!
To find out more about the Hog Loppet and sign up for next years event: Hog Loppet, Leavenworth Winter Sports Club
Read more about the issue of motorized vs. non-motorized use areas from non-motorized users: Wenatchee Outdoors- New Non-Motorized Areas for a New Year?
And the opposing argument from the snowmobilers: from the Snowmobile Alliance Of Western States
If you would like to add your comments to the discussion about setting aside more non-motorized areas- you should now as the Forest Plan for this area is currently being revised. Read more about this on the Colville and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests Forest Plan Revision web page. You can comment by emailing, mailing, or calling: Rebecca Heath (Forest Supervisor) and the Forest Plan Revision Team: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Headquarters, 215 Melody Lane, Wenatchee, WA 98801, r6_ewzplanrevision@fs.fed.us, (509) 664-9200. Also add your full name, city of residence, and phone number to your comment(s) so that the Forest Service can verify you're a real person.
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douglas 1 year, 2 months ago
Hög Loppet 2011
That is beautiful country. We've driven FS 9712 a number of times in the summer. It must be spectacular in the winter.
Cambium 1 year, 2 months ago
Hög Loppet 2011
Absolutely, spectacular. Luckily it was great weather too so we could see the views.
LTM 1 year, 2 months ago
Hög Loppet 2011
Those are good thoughts on the need to preserve the fragile nature of Haney Meadow, but keeping mortoized traffic on that log-road is tough to police. Seeing those snowmobile tracks in every direction is a sad side-effect of the area being loved-to-death. Maybe the USFS could chime-in with some thoughts on educating our mechanized friends toward a more balanced approach to recreation on this scenic ridge.
Cambium 1 year, 2 months ago
Hög Loppet 2011
The forest plan for this area is currently being revised, so the best way to get action is to comment on this plan today: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee/forest-plan/index.shtml
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