By Elane Dickenson

Wallowa County Chieftain

    Generations of kids have learned to ski (or, more recently, to snow board) in Wallowa County thanks to the Eagle Cap Ski Club, which has promoted skiing and operated a local community ski area for over 60 years.

    A group of local people started operating a small rope tow (originally powered by a Model A Ford) southwest of Joseph back in 1939. They moved the tow lift once to a better site nearby off what is still known as Ski Run Road about the time they incorporated in 1950.

    The club eventually obtained the use of property about nine miles east of Joseph, and thanks to the hard work and dedication of many, many volunteers opened Ferguson Ridge Ski Area in the winter of 1983-84. A reconstructed used T-bar, obtained several years before by far-sighted club members from Schweitzer Basin in Idaho, made its debut in 1985.

    A ski patrol was formed and a small warming lodge was built by club members as part of the can-do spirit that made the ski area possible.

    Community-owned and operated by volunteers, Fergi continues to be a premiere destination in Wallowa County on winter weekends and holidays for not only local families, but also snow-loving visitors.

    While very, very small compared to most ski areas, locals love Fergi because of its easy accessibility. They consider it a wonderful place for their kids to learn to ski as they did when they were youngsters.

    The design of the ski trails at Fergi makes it look like a peace symbol from the turnoff from the Imnaha highway onto Tucker Down Road en route to the ski area.

The skiable area consists of 170 acres, with a base elevation of around 5,100 feet and the summit of 5,740 with a 640-foot vertical drop and seven posted runs. There are two lifts, the T-Bar and a rope tow.

    The terrain difficulty is rated at 35 percent beginner, 45 percent intermediate and 20 percent advanced, with the longest run 1.2 miles.

    There are also a snowboard park and pipe for snowboarders and trails for cross-country skiers.

The cost to ski is very cheap compared to other, larger ski areas. T-bar tickets are $15 a day for adults or $10 for skiers 15 and under.

    An even better deal is lifetime Eagle Cap Ski Club memberships for $250 (can be paid at $50 a year for five years) for individuals or $500 ($100 a year for five years) for families. Paid members can sign up for four annual workdays, and then ski for free. Members who choose not to work can ski for $10 a day.

    No credit cards are accepted at Fergi for either lift tickets or rentals.

               (continued on page C9)                                        Skiing and snowboarding equipment is available to rent at Fergi inside the lodge; Nordic skis or snowshoes can be rented at Joseph Hardware in Joseph.

The season for Fergis operation is totally dependent on snow conditions. It is open from 10 a.m. to  4 p.m. on weekends and holidays during the winter, but the season can open as early as Thanksgiving or as late as February, and last into the spring.

Signboards with Fergis Open are put up in Enterprise and Joseph to let winter sports enthusiasts know the status of their favorite ski area.

The season often ends with Fergi Fest the end of March or beginning of April; its a free skiing party day that features downhill racing for all ages, a lawn chair race and ski golf, as well as a potluck and music.

Skiing and snowboarding equipment is available to rent at Fergi inside the lodge; Nordic skis or snowshoes can be rented at Joseph Hardware in Joseph.

    The season for Fergis operation is totally dependent on snow conditions. It is open from 10 a.m. to  4 p.m. on weekends and holidays during the winter, but the season can open as early as Thanksgiving or as late as February, and last into the spring.

Signboards with Fergis Open are put up in Enterprise and Joseph to let winter sports enthusiasts know the status of their favorite ski area.

    The season often ends with Fergi Fest the end of March or beginning of April; its a free skiing party day that features downhill racing for all ages, a lawn chair race and ski golf, as well as a potluck and music.

For more information including photos, videos, history and weather conditions visit www.skifergi.com