Hog Loppet this weekend
Steve Godfrey, Community correspondent
Feb. 25, 2011
Photo by Leavenworth Winter Sports Club
The 23rd annual "Running of the Hogs" - a.k.a. the Hog Loppet - happens tomorrow and is shaping up to be one of the best ones ever!
The Leavenworth Winter Ski Club has been working for weeks in preparation for the event. Here is the latest update from their website, just posted this morning:
HOG LOPPET UPDATE
BE ADVISED, MISSION RIDGE SKI AREA RECEIVED MORE THAN 10” OF NEW LIGHT DENSITY SNOW IN THE LAST 24 HOURS. THE NEW SNOW IS COVERING ROCKS AND OTHER NUMEROUS HAZARDS, USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN SKIING DOWN FROM THE TOP OF MISSION RIDGE TO AID 1 .. Cold temperatures are forecast for Saturday, dress appropriately. Looking forward to seeing you on the course ..the Hog Loppet Crew .."
Yes, it will be cold, but the forecast calls for sunny skies and minimal winds. The views along the course should be spectacular.
Here are a few friendly tips if you are doing the Hog for the first time:
1. If you are taking the bus from Leavenworth or Wenatchee, strap your skis and poles together. It will make things much easier when you off-load them.
2. Dress in multiple thin layers. I'm planning to wear 4 or 5 layers on top and bottom, with the outer layer being made of snow-repellent material.
3. Use toe warmers in your boots and hand warmers in your gloves. You will be glad that you did.
4. Bring a backpack with these minimum essentials: water, snack food, extra gloves (2 pair), sun glasses, lip balm. Maybe some sunscreen.
5. Put all your stuff (including your water bottle) inside your pack. Things tend to fall off packs in the back-country section of the trek.
6. Wear a warm hat and have something to protect your ears and face.
7. Shed your extra layers along the route and carry them in your backpack (make sure your pack is large enough to hold everything.
8. Bring your camera and take lots of photos!
9. The LWSC has very good aid stations about every 10K. Be sure to stop and enjoy some munchies and warm up by the fire.
10. If you have any problems at all along the route, please let other skiers know. We are a close group of folks and always glad to help a fellow skier in need.
This promises to be an awesome skiing opportunity tomorrow! I'll see you on the trail!
I have a photo: hog_loppet_logo.jpg 9.81 kB · jpg
