Sunriver River Loop, 12/30/09

A ton of snow fell Tuesday at Sunriver, and by Wednesday we were ready to strap on the XC skis again. Look at the difference in one day:
We decided to stay close and explore the River Loop at the resort, which basically circles the airport. We went counterclockwise, starting at the lodge and heading west before hanging a right at the tarmac. We skied around the end of the runway, along River Road and past the stables. Then the trail leaves the roadside and follows the Deschutes River, which is beautiful in the snow!
Interpretive signs dot the trail, giving facts about the area, wildfire and landscape. It was fun to learn while we skied :)

At the far south end of the trail, we skied past some massive houses that each had an airplane hangar on the back side. We had a good time imagining what it would be like to live there. (Michael - you need one!!) Soon, we were back to the golf course, which had plowed trails. But skiers before us had already laid tracks across the fairway, so we followed those back to the lodge. (Click HERE to see the trail map)

It was an easy, flat trail with great views. If it was clear, I think we could have seen mountains to the west, which would have been extra awesome. Brad thought the trail was a bit boring, but I enjoyed being able to glide without slogging up big hills for once. And it was plenty long to get a nice cardio workout.

:)