Celebrate the start of the winter season with a day of snowy fun at Horseshoe Prairie in the beautiful Blue Mountains of Northeast Oregon!

The event begins at 10:00 AM at Andy's Prairie parking area and offers something for everyone, from first-time adventurers to seasoned winter enthusiasts. Snowshoes will be available to loan for those new to the activities, making it easy to join in on the excitement.

Participants can enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere with hot drinks, pastries, and other treats. At 11:00 am you can join one of two guided adventures: a cross-country ski tour around the scenic Tamarack Trail and a snowshoe hike along the breathtaking Enchanted Forest Trail. Both excursions will be led by experienced skiers and snowshoers, and will meet at Elk camp near Junction A in Horseshoe Prairie, where the main festivities will be happening.

Whether you're trying out winter sports for the first time or looking to explore the snowy trails with a group, this event is a wonderful way to embrace the season and connect with the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains.

Access maps, grooming conditions and more here.

Questions? Get in touch with Craig Piefer at craig@bmlt.org.

Trip Details:

• What it takes to participate in this event:

  • Be ready for backcountry conditions and to exercise at your own pace.

  • Warm and somewhat waterproof clothing including gloves and hat.

  • No specific backcountry snow travel experience is necessary—bring a great attitude and an appetite for fun!

  • This event is for all ages! Children 16 and under are welcome with a guardian.

• Trip notes:

  Well behaved and leashed pets are welcome. Please clean up after pets and dispose of waste properly.

• Meeting location:

  Event will begin at 10am at Andy’s Prairie Parking area. Again, space is limited in the Andies Prairie Parking area, please, carpool with friends and family.

  Please Park at Andy’s Prairie Parking area, approximately 4 miles South of Spout Springs on Highway 204. An ODOT Sno-Park is required and can be purchased online or at the Tollgate Crossing 3 miles North of Spout Springs.

  Again, space is limited in the Andies Prairie Parking area, please, carpool with friends and family.

  BMLT and Blues Crew will have a check in/information station at the north end of the parking lot near the access trail to the sledding hill. From there participants will carefully cross Highway 204 to the Horseshoe Prairie recreation area, where they will find warm drinks, food and fire pits in the area known as Elk Camp (right turn at the very first junction). If you don’t have skis or snowshoes don’t let that keep you from enjoying the fun, we will have snowshoes to loan out at the check in/information station.

• Trip schedule:

  Carpool departure from Walla Walla at 8:30 am on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at public parking lot on the corner of Rose and Fourth (Parking lot behind the Farmer’s Market)

  Event will begin at 10am at Andy’s Prairie Parking area and end around 1:30pm

  Space is limited in the Andies Prairie Parking area. BMLT encourages you to carpool with friends and family.

  Schedule: Saturday January 18th

  10:00 a.m. Arrive at Andy’s Prairie Parking area

  10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Get equipment on and communicate the days activities

  10:30 a.m. Cross the highway and head out for adventure

  11:00 a.m. Guided Skiing and snowshoe tour

  12:30 p.m. Circle back to Elk Camp warm drinks and roasted marshmallows

  1:30 p.m. Communicate the end of event and invite attendees to continue to explore, volunteers help retrieve borrowed equipment and tear down the event

  3:00 p.m. Arrive back at Public Parking

• What to wear and equipment to bring:

  Equipment for Cross-Country Skiing:

  ✅ Skis (properly sized for your height and skill level)

  ✅ Ski boots (compatible with your skis)

  ✅ Ski poles

  ✅ Wax or no-wax skis (depending on conditions and equipment type)

  Equipment for Snowshoeing:

  ✅ Snowshoes (appropriate for your weight and snow conditions)

  ✅ Trekking poles or adjustable ski poles with snow baskets

  Shared Essentials:

  ✅ Backpack/Waistpack (small to medium size for snacks, water, and layers)

  ✅ Water bottle or hydration system (insulated to prevent freezing)

  ✅ Snacks (energy bars, trail mix, or fruit)

  ✅ Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF

  ✅ Sunglasses or goggles (to protect from glare and snow)

  ✅ Map or GPS device (if venturing beyond guided trails)

  ✅ First aid kit (BMLT Volunteers will also have first aid kits)

  ✅ Hand warmers (optional but helpful)

  Clothing Suggestions:

  Base Layer:

  ✅ Long-sleeve thermal top (synthetic or merino wool)

  ✅ Thermal leggings

  Middle Layer:

  ✅ Fleece or lightweight insulated jacket

  ✅ Insulated pants or warm softshell pants

  Outer Layer:

  ✅ Waterproof and windproof jacket

  ✅ Waterproof pants or gaiters to keep snow out

  Accessories:

  ✅ Hat or beanie (to cover ears and retain heat)

  ✅ Neck gaiter, balaclava, or scarf (to protect your face from wind and cold)

  ✅ Gloves or mittens (waterproof and insulated; bring an extra pair)

  Footwear:

  ✅ Socks (thick, moisture-wicking wool or synthetic; avoid cotton)

  ✅ Cross-country ski boots (for skiing)

  ✅ Insulated, waterproof boots (for snowshoeing; ensure compatibility with snowshoes)

  Optional Items:

  ✅ Camera or smartphone (for capturing moments)

  ✅ Lightweight seating pad (for breaks)

  ✅ Extra layers (if weather conditions change)

  ✅ Dressing in layers is key to adapting to the activity level and weather conditions. Ensure all gear fits properly for a comfortable and safe day out in the snow!

  *** BMLT Blues Crew Supplied: Safety gear, first aid kit, hard hat, tools

• Contact information:

  For more information, contact us at craig@bmlt.org or blues-crew@bmlt.org or 509-525-3136.

Presented in partnership with the Umatilla forest.