Note: The location is not Skibowl, its the closest spot on mt hood in yahoo's database. The date is tentative. There might be enough snow to ski by then and there might not. Also its no fun to ski in the rain so this event is weather permitting.
Cross Country Skiing is scenic, great exercise, and inexpensive to do! If this will be your first time, thats great! No experience necessary and its easy to learn - its mostly walking. Cross Country Skiing intro video:
Trillium Lake is a popular cross country ski area, though the actual trail has yet to be chosen (watch this spot for updates). The overall plan is to leave Portland around 9. Arrive at the trailhead around noon. Spend the afternoon gliding along trails through beautiful scenery. Eat a pack lunch on the trail somewhere. Turn around or continue on the same trail if its a loop. Drive back - most likely with a post-ski dinner somewhere along the route back to Portland.
REI members can rent skis-boots-poles from the downtown/Pearl store for $15/day ($8 for additional days). Otto's cross country sky shop in Sandy also rents for $15/day.
If you are driving and have an open seat, please leave a comment below.
Added by donpdonp on November 8, 2008