The Blaine County Recreation District announced this week that season passes for the North Valley Trails Nordic system will go on sale Oct. 1.
Passes can be purchased online at www.xcskisv.com. Buyers will receive a $10 discount until Dec. 1. Season passes cost $94.50 for adults, $10.50 for youths ages 7 to 17 and $15.75 for dogs. Children 6 and under can use the system for free.
The 125-kilometer North Valley Trails system is the country's third largest, rivaled only by Washington's Methow Valley (195 kilometers) and California's Royal Gorge (330 kilometers). However, the North Valley system is much more affordable. Season passes at Methow Valley cost $250 and Royal Gorge costs $525 during peak season.
The Recreation District sets the low pass price "so Nordic skiing can be available for all in the community," a district news release stated. "This was part of the mission when the Recreation District was asked to take over the system in 1993. It agreed to do so only if it could count on the continued support of skiing enthusiasts. This legacy continues today."
"Maintaining the system is not cheap, which is why pass sales are so important," said Shelly Preston, Recreation District trails director. Grooming the trails to perfection costs about $3,000 a day, Preston said.
The Recreation District estimates it will cost more this season because of high fuel prices. "It's worth it when you see people enjoying the amazing trails," Preston said.
No tax dollars pay to groom the North Valley Trails. The full cost of grooming is covered by pass sales and private donations. Therefore, the Recreation District is encouraging people to buy the special Platinum or Gold Pass Pins. Platinum pins cost $250 and Gold pins cost $50. These funds are tax deductible.
"If you ski a lot on the trails, buying a Platinum or Gold pass gives us the resources needed to keep the trails in great shape," Preston said. "If we were to charge what it costs, our regular passes would be more like $250 a year. That simply wouldn't be affordable for many in our community. The pass pin program helps us keep season pass (costs) low."
