Though all winter sports test the athlete’s mettle, the Nordic side of White Pass Ski Area may offer less intimidating recreational opportunities than the steep slopes across U.S. Highway 12.
The lesser-used Nordic trails offer scenic views of the Cascade foothills, a chance to snowshoe on the Pacific Crest Trail and vistas of frozen Leech Lake near the border of Yakima and Lewis counties. As is true for downhill skiers or snowboarders, White Pass offers rental equipment and day-use passes for adventurers.
At the Nordic Center, a small yurt across the road and parking lot from the main ski area lodge, recreators can buy various gear and rent skate or traditional cross-country skis, fat tire bikes and snowshoes.
Over 16 miles of groomed trails offer sections for each kind of user, including ski grooves and snowshoe-specific trails.
Reservations are neither required nor available, and, like chair lift passes, half-day rental options are available. The Nordic Center is open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Monday and daily through certain holidays.
Lessons are available at 10 a.m. and noon. Independent groups also offer lessons, such as the Olympia Mountaineers, who were visiting White Pass on Sunday.
Walk-in group lessons are available and private lessons can be reserved at 509-672-3101, ext. 6. Group lessons are $49 and private lessons cost $79 for one hour, with an additional $30 for one more skier.
Learn more at https://skiwhitepass.com/the-mountain/nordic-center
