Trail Tuesday featuring Leavenworth Ski Hill, Central Chapter
In the scenic Leavenworth of the Central Chapter you’ll find Ski Hill — a trail system loved by locals and visitors for the gorgeous views and variety of iconic descent trails such as Rosie Boa. Wildflowers such as the bright yellow balsam root are in full bloom between April and May.
Connecting a series of trails that our Central Chapter and local mountain bikers have worked to build for over 15 years, the Ski Hill project is a partnership between Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance and the USFS Wenatchee Ranger District that joins several stacked-loop trail concepts. Ranging from green circles to black diamonds this progressive-level system affords great fast and flowy riding options for riders of all abilities.
Photo: Riley Seebeck, 2017
Rosie Boa is a classic blue/black descent trail that offers riders superb berms, flow, jumps, and a knife edge ridge (for the bold) on this picturesque ride. With an 1800’ elevation gain this XC route challenges riders with a decent grunt factor, but rewards with some great intermediate technical features on the descent. Access the trail by riding up the NUT or Freund or by climbing Ranger Road.
Henri riding a flowy scenic portion of the Ribbed trail, mid-May 2024. Photo: Vivika Stamolis
Local Leavenworth resident and shredder Hector leads Henri down Ribbed. Photo: Vivika Stamolis
Ribbed is a black descent trail with many steep flow sections, beautiful berms, jumps, and exposed runs along the ridge. Total 1.5 miles. There are a few short uphill sections with a ride-able grade as well.
Hector and his trail dog Canyon getting airtime at sunset. Photo: Vivika Stamolis
Henri riding the steeps and Hector hitting the gap jumps. Photos: Vivika Stamolis
As you'd guess, Ribbed leads directly into Lower Ribbed, a double-black descent trail with a few technical steep sections, twisty berms, steep flow, and larger jumps. Total 1.1 miles. This trail has large gaps and table tops toward the bottom, hence the double-black rating, but don't let that scare you away – there are ride-arounds! Access these trails by riding up Freund Singletrack climb, not an easy feat but well worth the sweat!
A peaceful, scenic ride on 4 The Boys a previous summer.
4 The Boys is a green descent trail, mostly cross-country with flow. Oh, and more gorgeous views, of course. 1.8 miles total. This is an easier alternative to Rosy Boa with less exposure.
Henri and Hector ascending the Fruend Access Road and the Freund Singletrack Climb trail. Photos: Vivika Stamolis
Freund Singletrack Climb is the main blue ascent trail to get you up to the trails you want to ride. 3.1 miles and 1,300 feet of gain. It's not easy but it's sure rewarding!
Learn more about our Central Washington Chapter and the Freund Canyon Trail System. Huge shout out to everyone who has put time and energy into building these great trails!
Special thanks to our local tour guide for the day, Hector - Leavenworth resident and volunteer Central Chapter coach!
Now get out and ride! See you on the trails!