Full Moon Community Ski draws skiers to Plain trails for annual winter tradition

PLAIN — On the night of Jan. 10, Nordic skiers put on their extra layers and headlamps to participate in the annual Full Moon Community Ski at the Meadow Loop Trail, located in the heart of Plain.

“The first time I ever came to the trails here was because of this event, like, 14 years ago…and then I just saw this awesome community here,” said Plain Valley Ski Trails (PVNT) instructor Lindsey Kiesz. “It's always been a big thing for me to come and enjoy.”

The event is free to participants, driven by volunteers who show up early to set up tiki torches, a camp fire, music, and of course, a table full of snacks and hot cocoa. It’s an annual tradition of Plain Valley Ski Trails (PVNT), bringing in as many as 100 people from the upper valley, Chelan, Wenatchee, Seattle, and even Canada.

“Fo as I can remember, we've done a full moon ski and have always invited the community up for the free event, just wanting people to get outside and enjoy Plain Valley ski trails,” said PVST Executive Director Christie Wilder.

As the organization has grown, the annual tradition has been carried on by Plain Valley Adventure Women, a group that brings women together to learn and improve outdoor skills in a supportive environment.

“When someone participates, we take them from where they are. There is no judgment whatsoever,” said Program Coordinator Terri Weiss.

In the summer, the Adventure Women lead mountain bike rides and hikes, as well as a variety of creative activities, such as soapmaking and gardening. During the winter, the Plain Valley Adventure Women organize a weekly snowshoe group, social events, and a six-week ski clinic. Everything is volunteer-driven.

“Our goal is to try to role model volunteering…All of our instructors for our ski program are all volunteers. [They are] hugely committed and spend a very large amount of time preparing. They take their instruction very seriously,” said Weiss.

Still, the Adventure Women prioritize fun, whether it’s mixing up routines, wearing tutus, or turning their warm ups into a dance number. The combination not only draws women from all over the upper valley, but also those as far as Ellensburg and Seattle.

“We like to add a little pizzazz,” said Weiss.

All of the net proceeds of the Plain Valley Adventure Women’s programs support the Plain Valley Nordic Team, the ski education program of PVST. The funding is crucial, said Wilder, who noted that the organization relies on fundraising, donations and grants to supplement the limited income from ski passes.

Having funding specifically earmarked for ski education is especially beneficial, as it enables PVST to charge participants only 15 to 17 percent of what it costs to run the program, said Wilder. Youth not only receive instruction at a lower cost, but they also have access to equipment all season long.

“That's something that's been really important to us, is removing the barriers from a very expensive sport,” said Wilder.

The Plain Valley Adventure Women are a core pillar of volunteers that drive PVST. The organization’s weekend ski clinics, youth team coaches, and Tour de Plain race series are also supported by volunteers.

“I've heard that we are the envy of the nation in terms of our volunteer base. I don't know of any other program that has the level of involvement that we do,” said Jeff Layton, head coach of the Devo team.

As a result, the small organization has not only built a community on the trails, but it has also produced nationally competitive ski racers. And for the first time, PVST will add a Master’s group for its Washington Nordic Cup race in February.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media