Ski to the Sun

Events /

40km marathon and team relay

Join Methow Trails and the Methow Valley Nordic Ski Education Foundation February 10, 2024 for the sixth annual Ski to the Sun Marathon and Relay. The course travels through North America's largest ski trail network and takes skiers from the tranquil banks of the Methow River to the beautiful mountain vistas at Sun Mountain Lodge. Ski the marathon as an individual or as a relay with up to five other friends or family members (details below). The relay is freestyle technique - racers are welcome to skate or classic ski and results will be determined by overall time. The marathon offers both freestyle and classic categories while we have both standing and sit ski categories on an adjusted course for para Nordic racers. You'll enjoy food, festivities, and fun along the way!

Marathon

The Ski to the Sun Marathon is a challenging course that features some of the most spectacular sections of our trail system. Racers warm up with a fast-paced ski on the valley floor and end with an exhilarating climb to the top of Sun Mountain, where 360-degree vistas and delicious, hot food await.

Distance: 40km
Elevation Start: 2,210’ / 673m
Elevation End: 2,680’ / 817m
Total Elevation Gain: +1,932’ / 589m
Total Elevation Loss: -1,040’ / 317m
Team relay: Field limit 225 participants
Marathon categories: Free (skate) or classic, field limit 325
Para Nordic: 10.5km sit ski or standing

Team relay

Inspired by our popular Sunflower Marathon, Half Marathon, & Relay, the Ski to the Sun Relay encourages skiers of all ages and abilities to join in the festivities! This stunning course is divided into 6 different sections with 2-6 skiers per team. Skiers are welcome to skate or classic, but awards will be based on overall time (no skate and classic divisions). A summary of each leg is listed below.

Leg 1: Inn Run Loop
Kid/Beginner Skier - 0.7km
Leg 2: Mazama to Goat Creek Road
Beginner Skier - 4.8 km
Leg 3: Goat Creek Road to Browns Farm - 7.2 km
Intermediate Skier - 7.2 km
Leg 4: Browns Farm to Wolf Ridge Resort
Intermediate/Advanced Skier - 11.7 km
Leg 5: Wolf Ridge Resort to Chickadee Trailhead
Intermediate/Advanced Skier - 11.3 km
Leg 6: Chickadee Trailhead to Sun Mountain Lodge
Beginner/Intermediate Skier - 5.2 km

Registration

Relay teams / para Nordic

Deadline	Fee
Nov 30	$80
Dec 31	$90
Jan 1	$100 (relay deadline)

Marathon freestyle / classic

Deadline	Fee
Nov 30	$105
Dec 31	$115
Jan 31	$135 (marathon deadline)

Kids 17 and under $30

Pacific Northwest Loppet Series

Ski to the Sun is proud to be part of one amazing series of ski races in the Pacific Northwest. Come join us in the Columbia River Valley, the Callaghan Valley, the Methow Valley and the Okanagan Valley for a competition that pits all ages against each other. Join in for four times the fun!

Learn more

Registration details

Entry fee includes race bib, custom Ski to the Sun hat, post-race lunch, one free beer (21+), raffle prizes, and awards. No day-of registration. Refunds or registration transfers can be made before January 1st for a $15 fee. No transfers or refunds after January 1st. Register early, this event sells out every year.

Methow Trails and Methow Valley Nordic are non-profit organizations. Income from this event supports year-round trail operations and Nordic ski programming in the Methow Valley. There are no entry refunds, exchanges, transfers or rollovers, and the event may be cancelled due to variables beyond our control; severe weather conditions, fire, unhealthy air quality, road closures, natural disasters, or other unforeseeable events. We highly recommend purchasing race insurance through RunReg.