Ski to the Sun

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. The Marathon category is FULL for 2023 and the waiting list is closed.

Team relay

Inspired by our popular Sunflower event, 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. The relay category is FULL for 2023. There is no waiting list for the relay.

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 15th for a $15 fee. No transfers or refunds after January 15th.

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.

Course map

Download map

Bib pick-up

Bib pick up will be located at Winthrop Mountain Sports on Friday, February 10 from 4:00-6:00 pm. We encourage all racers to try and make this pick-up time. There will be a late bib pick up Saturday morning at the Start Line in Mazama from 7:15-8:30 am. There is enough time to ride the morning shuttle from Liberty Bell High School to the start AND get your bib at late pick up if needed.

Driving directions

RACE START – From Winthrop, follow Highway 20 northwest 13 miles. Turn right at the Mazama Junction and proceed straight through the T-intersection. Turn right into the Corral Trailhead Parking Lot.

RACE FINISH – From Mazama head southeast on Highway 20 towards Winthrop. Cross a bridge and turn right at the 4-way stop in town. Proceed through town approximately 1-mile. The road then curves to the right, crossing another bridge across the Methow River, and immediately after crossing the bridge the road will “Y”-turn right onto Twin Lakes Road. Follow this road for 3.2 miles to Patterson Lake Road, and follow the signs 6.4 miles to Sun Mountain.

Weekend Festivities

Friday, 2/10

• All day: Race waxing available at Winthrop Mountain Sports. Make a reservation here.

• 10:00am - 3:00pm: Ski Demo Location: Spring Creek Ranch Trailhead in Winthrop. Test out skis from Madshus, Salomon, Rossignol, and Fischer and fuel from Skratch.

• 4pm: Bib Pick Up at Winthrop Mountain Sports. Racers get discounts on gear and apparel!

Saturday, 2/11 RACE DAY!

• 6:45am-7:15am: Shuttle busses leave from Liberty Bell High School to Mazama. See your racer information packet for full schedule including spectator shuttle times.

• 7:15am: Late bib pick up: Mazama Ranch House Warming Room, near start line

• Race Start Times

  • 8:15 am - Classic Start

  • 8:45 am - Freestyle Marathon & Relay

  • 8:55 am - Freestyle Marathon & Relay

  • 9:00 am - Para Nordic

• 10:30am-2:30pm Post Race Lunch at Sun Mountain

• 11:30am: Awards at Sun Mountain

Sunday, 2/12

• 9:00am: Yoga for Skiers Stretch and Recover for Skiers Yoga Class at Motive Yoga Studio in Winthrop. Cost is $17. Register here.

• 9:00am - 12:00 pm: Ski Demo Location: Mazama Trailhead. Test out skis from Madshus and Salomon, and fuel from Skratch.