John Craig Memorial Ski Race and Tour, Saturday, March 16, 2024
A skiing tradition since the 1930’s
The John Craig Memorial Ski Race and Tour is an annual event that commemorates 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 Oregon Nordic Club conducts this annual 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 is scheduled to be groomed for both skate and classic to make this historic ski event possible. An alternative route is planned in case of unsafe conditions.
Ski racers and tour participants can complete either the course of about 12 miles to the Dee Wright Memorial at the top of McKenzie Pass, a shorter course of about 6-8 miles to Windy Point, or turn around when you wish. The races and tours can start any time after 9 AM but must begin by 11 AM, to make sure you complete the event by 3 PM.
Registration available at: onc.org
Early registration cost, before March 12 is as follows:
Adult racer or ski tourer $ 20
Youth (under 18) 5
No need to be a member of the Oregon Nordic Club to participate.
Volunteers are also needed for this event. Every year, CONC provides a volunteer crew to help make this event a success. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Eric Ness. Volunteers are needed before the event, so they also have the opportunity to ski if desired.
Pizza Party: Beginning at 3:30 PM, there will be a free post event pizza party in Sisters, sponsored by NextAdventure. Details will be provided to registered participants.
Lodging: Discounted Lodging is available at Left Coast Lodgein Sisters.
For more information, please contact Ted Scheinman, John Craig Event Coordinator, at johncraigmemorial@onc.org or by phone at 503-914-9584 or go to the Oregon Nordic Club Website at www.onc.org.
