For more than 20 years, the Lake Chelan Nordic Club (L.C.N.C.) has been a grassroots force behind Echo Ridge Nordic Ski Area, powered by the dedication of volunteers and the passion of a community that treasures winter recreation. From early mornings spent grooming trails to late nights planning operations, L.C.N.C. members have poured their time, energy, and heart into making Echo Ridge a welcoming place for skiers of all ages and abilities. Together with the Chelan Ranger District, the Club has groomed and maintained 32 kilometers (19.9 miles) of purpose-built, scenic, cross-country ski trails, offering locals and visitors alike an enjoyable winter experience in the Lake Chelan foothills. L.C.N.C. volunteers and staff dedicate hundreds of hours each season to grooming, operating equipment, and stewarding the land-efforts that have only been possible through a unique three-part funding partnership with the US Forest Service, Washington Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO), and the Lake Chelan Nordic Club. This year, the stability of L.C.N.C. longstanding partnership faces serious challenges. Federal workforce reductions within the Forest Service, evolving priorities under the current administration, and the compounding effects of the ongoing government shutdown have placed critical funding support at risk.
To support trail grooming at Echo Ridge for the 2025–2026 season, L.C.N.C. is seeking to raise $20,000. These funds will go toward grooming operations, including fuel, maintenance, and staffing for their snowmobiles equipped with Ginzu groomers and their new PistenBully snowcat, which was recently acquired through a grant of over $100,000.
For the past two winters, the Lake Chelan Nordic Club increased the frequency, the quality, and communication of trail grooming for both classic and skate skiing. Once an adequate base of snow is received, the majority of the 32 km system is groomed Friday through Monday each week, with an additional 10-15 km of quality skiing for mid-week. Last winter (2024-25) the Club completed 1,700 km (1,056 miles) of trail grooming from mid-November through March.
Your contribution helps preserve a legacy of community-driven recreation and healthy outdoor winter activity for all ages. Every dollar ensures the trails are groomed, and the spirit of Nordic skiing continues to thrive in the Lake Chelan Valley for both locals and visitors.
Ready to donate? Go here: www.lakechelannordic.org/partners-3
Interested in skiing at Echo Ridge this winter? Here is what you need to know:
- Season passes are available through the Lake Chelan Nordic Club website www.lakechelannordic.org for $120 per person
(including a club membership). - Day passes are $15 per person and can be purchased at the self-service fee areas located at the trailheads with cash or check. Kids 17 and under ski free!
- Grooming reports are posted on www.Nordic-Pulse.com and search for Echo Ridge.
