Fergeson Ridge

We took a trip to Wallowa County Oregon this weekend, one of our favorite places.  

We had the pleasure of skiing at Fergeson Ridge, the ski hill operated by the Eagle Cap Ski Club.  Lift tickets (t-bar only) are $15, but the terrain is substantial.  One could get very, very good learning to ski here.  This weekend, even though it is mid January, early season conditions still held due to the low snowfall.  The groomers were icy and parts were covered with what my husband calls "frozen death cookies"--ball bearings of ice.  But the side trails and perimeters were wonderful and full of soft powder.  Getting to some of these areas is a bit of a trek, and at one point, skiing solo, I had the feeling I was being watched--by a cougar.  But it was probably my imagination.

Most people who ski "Fergie" know each other.  The place is run by volunteers.  Even still, everyone is very friendly, even to newcomers.  To say we felt at home in the warming hut is a bit of an understatement.   It was filled with toddlers and nursing mamas, and the woodstove grate was covered with drying kids' clothes.  We shared a set of tiny skis, borrowed free from the shop, with another family who also had a first-time skier, and meals for all of us cost $9--total.  (Granted one grilled cheese sandwich was free after he burned the first two!)

Despite the everybody-knows-everybody mentality, they do try to keep the operation professional.  A sign clearly indicates that dogs should stay leashed and off the runs.  I found this sign to be about 50 percent effective:  the dogs were off the runs, but at least one unleashed dog was finding more exciting things in the parking lot.  Specifically, he found a leftover over ham and cheese sandwich.  A man walking past asked, "is that your dog?", to which I replied, "no, but that was my sandwich."  Note to self:  keep truck bed secure to prevent four-legged thieves!

We also spent a little time at the south end of Wallowa Lake.  I have to say I found it much more enjoyable in the dead of winter, without the summer crowds and noise.  This time, we only heard the muted sounds of snow falling, interrupted by the occasional owl.