Mink Creek Nordic Center to open for the season Friday
The Mink Creek Nordic Center is set to open for the 2016-17 winter season on Friday December 9th. The center hosts equipment rental and serves as the hub for several popular cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails in the area.
The following is a press release about the center’s opening:
The East Fork Mink Creek Nordic Center has set its opening date for the 2016-2017 season.
The center is planning to open all trails to the public starting Friday, December 9 with equipment rental operations beginning Saturday, December 10. Equipment rentals are available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the season and on all holidays except Christmas.
“With the work done on the trails over the last five years, our little area now compares nicely to any trail system out there,” said Lance Clark, Outdoor Supervisor.
“The addition of Creekside Loop provides a few miles of very scenic beginner friendly terrain that opens the sport to more beginners,” said Andrea Faust, Outdoor Assistant. “For $23 an adult can enjoy a full day of skiing, including rental equipment. That is a bargain.”
Trails are open to skiers 24/7 and trail passes cost $9 per day for adults, $4 per day for youth and $7 per day for seniors. The full-service rental shop provides both classic and skate rental ski packages for youth and adults starting at $14 per day. Snowshoe rentals are available for $7 and no trail pass is necessary when using the designated snowshoe loop. When snowshoeing or sledding, a $5 per car parking fee is requited. Parking is included with all ski passes. A 30′ warming hut is available onsite for trail users and is available for rent for overnight stays.
“You really don’t need much to get going,” Clark said. “Cross-country skiing keeps you warm so some gloves, a hat, and a light wind layer are all that is necessary most days. Most bikers and runners already own the right clothing.”
Lessons for kids are Saturdays in February and include all rental equipment and trail passes. Private lessons can be scheduled by emailing Lance Clark at lclark@pocatello.us.
The East Mink Creek Nordic Center is located just seven miles south of Pocatello at the base of Scout Mountain. Season passes are available at the Community Recreation Center and day passes can be purchased onsite through fee boxes if the area is not staffed. Daily grooming at the East Fork Mink Creek Nordic Center is possible through volunteers with the Pocatello Cross Country Ski Foundation.
For more information on the East Mink Creek Nordic Center, visit nordic.pocatello.us.
