Race of the Methow

Feb. 1-2, 2025 at the McCabe Trails in Winthrop, WA

MVNSEF’s signature race!

FAQ

  • START LIST, Saturday, February 1st

    START LIST, Sunday, February 2nd

    NRL Race Registration by Team

    Community Race Registration by Team/Class/Gender/Last Name

    *Any start list change requests must be submitted by TEAM CAPTAINS OR COACHES ONLY by email by 12:00 pm Noon on Friday, January 31 by emailing events@mvnsef.org.

  • Friday, January 31: 

    • 9:00 am - 4:00 pm: Course open for inspection

    • 4:00 pm: Course closed, no access. 

    • 6:00 pm: Coaches Meeting (virtual)

    Saturday, Feb 1: Sprint - Freestyle

    • 7:30 am: Courses open for inspection

    • 7:30 am: Race information tent staffed

    • 7:45 am: Bibs available for pick-up

    • 9:00 am: NRL qualifier U16/18/20 (U16+)

    • 9:00 am: U16+ F

    • 9:15 am: U16+ M

    • 10:00 am: NRL Royal Court format sprint heats U16+

    • 10:00 am: U16+ Quarterfinals

    • 10:35 am: U16+ Semifinals

    • 11:10 am: U16+ Finals

    • Break

    • 12:30 pm: Community Races

    • 12:30: U8/10 Mixed Qualifier

    • 12:45 pm: U12+ Qualifiers

    • 1:15 pm: U8/10 Mixed Finals

    • 1:35 pm: U12+ Quarterfinals

    • 2:00 pm: U12+ Semifinals

    • 2:25 pm: U12+ Finals

    • 2:45 pm: Lollipop race

    • 3:00 pm: Awards

    Sunday, Feb 2: Mass Start - Classic

    (Revised 2/1/25, 8pm)

    • 7:30 am: Courses open for inspection

    • 7:30 am: Race information tent staffed

    • 7:45 am: Bibs available for pick-up

    • 9:00 am: NRL mass start 7.5 km classic

    • 9:00 am: U16+ Male - 3 laps

    • 9:45 am: U16+ Female - 3 laps

    • 11:00 am: Awards for JNQ races

    • 11:20 am: U12+ Male with mixed Open wave 

    • 11:50 am: U12+ Female

    • 12:20 pm: U8/10 Mixed 

    • 12:40 pm: Lollipop race

    • 1:00 pm: Awards

    11:20

    U12+ M, Open

    3

    1

    11:50

    U12+ M, Open

    3

    1

    12:20

    U8/U10 M, F

    1.5

    1

    12:40

    Community

    lollipop race

    1:00

    Community

    Awards

  • The race takes place at the McCabe Trails in the scenic town of Winthrop, WA, right next to Liberty Bell High School.

    Link to directions

    Map of Parking

    Overview map of McCabe Trails

  • The glide wax call for the JNQ races on Saturday (freestyle sprint) will be HS7 and the glide wax for Sunday (Classic mass start) will be HS6

    The current forecast is calling for a low of 19 on Friday night and a high of 31 on Saturday.  Saturday night we are looking at a low around 10 (maybe a couple degrees cooler) and races wrapping up in the upper teens.

    Currently we have plenty of snow at the school and the trails are firm.  We've had high pressure and cold temps for most of January, so the snow is old, but hard wax has been working at practice (although wear has been an issue).  We are forecast to get a couple inches on Friday (starting Thursday night) which will hopefully freshen things up. 

  • We’ve been fortunate to have a strong snowpack this year.

    Weather conditions can fluctuate, please check the NOAA forecast here.

  • If you are a USSS member and you’re trying to qualify for junior nationals, you want to register for the JNQ. Anyone else, we have a junior open class in our other race and we’d LOVE to have you join: racing is fun!

  • There are numerous hotels and vacation rental homes in the area. The Winthrop Chamber of Commerce is a great resource.

    If you’re looking for a vacation rental in the area you can find some great options on the Methow Reservations Website.

  • Race fee for JNQ races is $40 per race (skiers racing both days would pay $80) until Friday, January 24 at 11:59 p.m. After that time, a $15 “late fee” per race will be charged. Deadline for registration is Wednesday, January 29 at 5:00p.m.

    Race fee for Community Races U12 and older is $25 per race (skiers racing both days would pay $50) until Friday, January 24 at 11:59 p.m. After that time, a $15 “late fee” per race will be charged. Deadline for registration is Wednesday, January 29 at 5:00p.m.

    Race fee for Community U12 and Under Races is $15. After that time, a $15 “late fee” per race will be charged. Deadline for registration is Wednesday, January 29 at 5:00p.m.

  • Junior National Qualifier

    The Race of the Methow is a Junior National Qualifier (JNQ) for USSS registered U16-U20+ age group skiers. When you register in those categories, you must have a USSS membership to compete. (Please have your USSS number ready). If you are in those age groups but do not have a membership, or simply want to race for fun, sign up for our “everyone else” race!

  • Everyone Else!

    Come experience our favorite trails! We have options for adults and kids alike!