Join The Evergreen Methow Chapter alongside Methow Trails and Methow Valley Trails Collaborative for a two day trails education event! Attend one or both days!
The Methow Chapter Trail School is a two-day, hands-on volunteer training focused on trail maintenance and construction. Each morning begins with classroom sessions covering key trail-building concepts, followed by afternoon fieldwork at the Bike Skills Park at Methow Trails (21 Horizon Flats Road, Winthrop, WA 98862) where participants will work alongside professional trail builders from Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance - Methow Chapter.
Attendees will take part in real trail projects such as shaping berms and jumps, setting rock features, refining drainage, and constructing wooden skinny lines. Volunteers can join for one or both days — no prior experience is needed.
While the focus is on mountain bike-specific trail techniques, these skills apply to all kinds of outdoor stewardship. The Trail School is open to everyone who loves trails — from hikers and runners to riders and general recreation supporters.
Participants will walk away with the confidence and know-how to contribute meaningfully to local trail projects. Plus, free food and drinks will be provided!
Location
- Day 1: Methow Trails Headquarters: 21 Horizon Flat Rd, Winthrop, WA 98862
- Day 2: Same Location
Schedule
Day one
Day one will be our core course, Trail School 101 (it is not required to attend day two).
This course introduces the fundamentals of how trails function on the landscape, how they change over time, and how volunteers help maintain them. Participants will learn how water, soil, and trail design influence trail conditions and how common maintenance practices help keep trails safe, durable, and enjoyable.
This course is designed for all user groups, not just mountain bikes. Trail School is designed to help volunteers become more knowledgeable trail stewards by understanding the “why” behind the work we do on the trail. The course will be a combination of classroom and field time performing work.
- 9am - sign in, introductions, plan for the day
- 9:30am - Begin classroom slideshow presentation
- 11:30am - Lunch
- 12:30pm - Walk to Skills Park, talk about tools and safety and begin work
- 3:30pm - Gather up tools
- 4pm - End
Day two
Day two will continue to build on the core skills learned in day one, with a focus on construction and mountain bike-specific trail techniques like shaping berms and jumps. While attending both days is highly encouraged, Trail School is designed so that either day can be attended independently.
- 9am - sign in, introductions, plan for the day
- 9:30am - Begin classroom slideshow presentation
- 10:30am - Walk to Skills Park, talk about tools and safety and begin work
- 11:30am - Lunch
- 12:30pm - Continue field projects
- 2:30pm - Gather up tools
- 3pm - End
What to bring?
- An eagerness to learn!
- Appropriate clothing and layers for the weather
- Closed toed shoes or boots comfortable for hiking
- Work gloves
- Water and snacks for the day
- Bring your bike and gear to ride afterwards and test your work!
Lunch will be provided (Pizza)
21 Horizon Flat Rd
Winthrop, WA 98862
United States