[whitebark]

From the pass, we followed the northwest-trending ski trail along Wenatchee Ridge. Most of the route is in a "Voluntary Snowmobile Closure Area" which means that snowmobiles are not allowed to go in there, unless they feel like it. Absurd as this sounds, the snow machines mostly respect the closure. The snow-covered road stayed near the crest of the ridge, gently climbing and descending, perfect terrain for classic nordic skiing. The views could have been great, but I'm not sure because we seemed to be caught in the Swauk Convergence Zone--clouds and wet snow swirled about us all day. A benefit of the stormy weather was that a couple inches of new snow covered the icy hard surface of the old snow, improving the skiing quite a bit . The first part of the trail was trampled by the old tracks of 'shoers and booters, but after a few miles they were left behind. We followed a fresh ski track nearly to the end of the road at the 4 mile point. Old Blewett Pass was still about 2 miles away; the forested steep ridge looked difficult to follow on skis. We turned around here and headed back to the car. There was a lot of bare ground showing around Blewett Pass. The ski season could be ending here soon...get out and enjoy it! Here's a picture of me trying to look good in a howling wind. Note bare slope at 4400'.

Wenatchee Ridge ski trail