Skiing & skating

Winters chill is time for skiing and skating.

Ferguson Ridge Ski Area called Fergi is nine miles east of downtown Joseph and has six groomed runs and two trails for cross-country skiers. 

Difficulties range from beginner to expert. The area has a T-bar lift and a rope tow. 

Lift tickets, good all day, cost $15 for adults and $10 for youths under 16 years old. Fergi does not accept credit cards.

Near the lifts take-off, a shop also rents equipment. A full package of downhill gear includes skis, poles and boots. Rentals are: adults $15, children 12 and under pay $10. For the same prices, Fergi offers a snowboard gear package: a board and boots. Items are also available separately.

Next door is a snack bar offering lunch and a warm lounge.

Fergi operates weekends and holidays when theres enough snow. Most years, that lasts from December to April. Conditions are regularly updated online at www.skifergi.com

Check out  Fergis open/closed signs in Enterprise, outside Ed Staub & Sons Propane, and  in Joseph at the start of the Imnaha Highway.

The sign in Joseph is also a landmark on the drive to Fergi. After 10 minutes on the Imnaha Highway, turn right onto Tucker Down Road. The next three miles are uphill, before the road snakes around the base of the ridge.

For more information, call Eagle Cap Ski Club president Charlie Kissinger at 541-398-1167.

In addition to Fergi, Kissinger suggests other spots for cross-country and alpine skiing: Salt Creek Summit and Hurricane Creek. Equipment is available for rental at Joseph Hardware on Main Street. The whole package with cross-country skis, poles and boots costs $20. The store also offers snowshoes. A pair for adults costs $15, kids under age 13 pay $10.

Downtown Enterprise boasts the Wallowa Valley Community Ice Rink. It is Oregons only outdoor un-refrigerated rink.

Each day, two hours are set aside for hockey games or lessons. Even then, anyone is invited to lace up their skates and join a game. Free sticks and pucks are available next to the ice. The bulletin board has copies of the schedule.

Every year in early December, volunteers assemble the rink at Enterprise City Park, at the corner of Depot and Greenwood Street. Drivers southbound on Highway 82 make a right at Southwest Second Street and after two blocks, parking is on the right. 

Debs Apparel & Gifts, a clothing store on Main Street,two blocks from the ice, rents hockey and figure skates. Daily rental is $5. Add $2 for a few more days, or use the skates all week for $10. Debs is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, 11 to 4.

The rink is in full operation until spring temperatures in mid-March. The only exceptions during winter are days that are too warm or when rain threatens to damage the surface. Call the hotline at 541-263-0715 about conditions.