John Craig Memorial Ski Race and Tour

Background of the Event:  The John Craig Memorial Ski Race and Tour is scheduled for Saturday, March 16, 2024.  This event, commemorating John Templeton Craig, the pioneer mailman who died during a sudden winter snowstorm on McKenzie Pass in December, 1877, in an attempt to deliver mail to the Willamette Valley. The John Craig Memorial Event is written into the bylaws of the State Oregon Nordic Club as an end of the year celebration with most of the chapters of the ONC participating. The 2024 Event:  For 2024, the John Craig Memorial Ski Event will consist of self-timed ski races of about 6 or 12 miles and casual ski tours of the same lengths.  The event will take place on Saturday, March 16, leaving from the East Snow Gate of Highway 242 (McKenzie Pass Highway), about 9 miles west of Sisters, Oregon. The ski trail will be groomed to make this ski event possible.  We plan to have course monitors, rest stops, rescue, and medical support. Ski racers and tourers can complete either the course of about 12 miles to the Dee Wright Observatory at the top of McKenzie Pass or a shorter route of about 6-8 miles to Windy Point. Following the race and tour, there will be a celebration of the day held in Sisters, OR. Aspects of the Event:  Ski Race: Self-timed races of about 6 or 12 miles.  

• • Ski Tour: Individual skiing along the course -  either to Windy Point for 6 miles roundtrip or Dee Wright Memorial for 12 miles.  Participants can turn around at any time.

 

• • Rescue and Medical Support: We have asked the various ski patrols to assist us for the event.

 

• • Preparation and transportation on the Course: We will have the route groomed for both classic and skate skiing. An alternative route is planned in case of unsafe snow conditions.

 

• • A motor home vehicle is planned at the start of the race for emergencies

 

• • Porta-potty at beginning of event has been ordered.

 

• • Parking will be along highway 242 before the snowgate; please park downhill on the right.

 

• Registration: You can register at the ONC.org website or directly at:  https://onc-pdx.org/events/john-craig-memorial-ski-race-and-tour-2024/
  • A multi-level of fees:
    • • Adult pre-registration for race or tour before March 13 $20
     
    • • Adult on-site registration for race or tour $25
     
    • • Youth (under 18) pre-registration for race $5 or tour
     
    • • Youth on-site registration for race or tour $10
     
    • • Children under the age of 10 will be free
     
    • • The guiding principle of low cost for this event is to increase the awareness of cross-country skiing, increase the participation and involvement in the ONC Chapters, and to encourage winter outdoor activities.
     
    • Post-event Celebration: A post event Pizza Party will be held at Takodas Pizza in Sisters.