January 24, 2012 Buzz: Outdoors News Shorts

Nordic Star, On and Off the Snow

Photo at right: Torin Koos leading the way. Photo by Ian Harvey

Leavenworth has even more reason to be proud of hometown Nordic ski hero Torin Koos. On the opening day of the U.S. Cross Country Championships at Black Mountain, Maine, in early January, he won the title for freestyle sprint by a fairly wide margin. (Several days later, he crossed the line first in the 1.6k classical sprint, but was disqualified on a controversial technicality.)

However, his skiing performance isn’t the only reason Leavenworth has cause to be proud. The three-time Olympian continues to be an active role model through In the Arena, a national non-profit organization that connects with athletes and youth, for mentoring in sports and in life.

Amory Rowe, the founder and director of In the Arena says, “I think Torin Koos is that rare individual who is incredibly tenacious and talented and warm-hearted and community. You don’t find that very often.”

Koos has also partnered with his former Nordic coach Greg Peck to revive the Have-A-Healthy-Heart Program in the Cascade School District in Leavenworth, where he encourages physical exercise. He also volunteers in a fifth grade classroom at Osborn Elementary in Leavenworth, helping with their geography lessons as he checks in electronically from his World Cup locations. He brings back artifacts and teaches global understanding to the kids in his hometown. Finally, he also works with the local junior high cross-country and track teams.

While Outdoors NW is still waiting for the judges’ ruling for the freestyle sprint, there’s no doubt in our minds that Torin is a true winner.

http://www.in-the-arena.org/Athletes.aspx?id=2026

Snowshoe Romp

The largest snowshoe series in the world stomps into the Northwest this week. The Tubbs Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer rolls into Mt. Bachelor, Ore. Jan. 21, 2012 and to Stevens Pass, Wash. Feb. 4, 2012.

The event has been growing every year since its inception in 2003, raising staggering amounts for Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. The Romp features a 3k or 5k snowshoe walk and a 3k snowshoe race. While there are many notable sports races that raise money for charitable organizations, this one also serves to introduce a whole new population to the sport of snowshoeing.

Tubbs provides demo snowshoes to participants on a first-come, first-serve basis (there’s always a chance they’ll run out, but it rarely happens). The sponsors estimate that 34 percent of the stompers have never snowshoed before. The fun atmosphere lends itself to a party atmosphere. Be prepared for costumes and a plethora of pink on the trail.

http://tubbsromptostomp.com/

Hurricane Ridge Open Seven Days a Week

Sometimes, a snowplow can make all the difference. Thanks to the joint efforts of a federally funded pilot program and community donations, Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park is accessible during the week in winter for the second year in a row.

Prior to this effort, the popular destination was only open on weekends after Thanksgiving. Community organizations and local tourism offices kicked in to help pay for the plowing and emergency services costs associated with staying open beyond the weekend. Diane Schostak, of the Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau says, “Having that road open is very important to our winter tourism business. Recreation at Hurricane Ridge is very important to our visitors.”

This year the program continues, paying for plowing of the road so visitors can get up to Hurricane Ridge for outstanding winter fun and views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. There’s a tubing and sliding area for the kids, and two-hour ranger-led snowshoe walks for the bargain price of $5 suggested donation. Backcountry skiing and snowshoeing is unparalleled and there is even a small downhill ski area. Make sure you check before you go. The road still remains closed during severe winter storms or for avalanche danger.

For the most current update as to road closures, follow @HRWinterAccess on Twitter or see the website: http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/hurricane-ridge-current-conditions.htm

 

If you like this post, you might also enjoy:

Home Recent Articles The OutdoorsNW Blog