The History of the Inland Empire Nordic Club

1976 

Interested XC skiers were authorized to implement trails in Mt. Spokane State Park. Existing roads and trails in the area were used. 

1979 

The XC ski trails on Mt. Spokane were moved into the area designated for XC skiing in the WA State Parks Comprehensive Outdoor Recreational Plan. Two trails were built by volunteer skiers, totaling roughly 4 km. 

1984 

Washington State Parks built the upper Sno-Park lot on Linder Ridge to accommodate the growing number of skiers. Local skiers groom XC trails using Sno-Park funds and their own equipment. 

1985 

Inland Empire Nordic Club reorganized into a 501(c)(3). They purchased grooming equipment and used Sno-Park funds to groom. Sno-Parks and State Parks installed vault toilets. IENC volunteers compacted the parking lot and built 1.5 km. of trail using $3,000 of their own funds. 

1986 

IENC approached adjacent land owner to Mt. Spokane, Inland Empire Paper to extend XC trails onto their property. Trail improvement and expansion were approved by IEP, IENC, and State Parks. IENC built 1.7 km of new trail as well as improving Inland Paper trails. IENC groomed the trails using Sno-Park Funds and their own machinery. 

1987 

IENC was given permission by State Parks to expand the upper Sno-Park lot. IENC and Army Engineers saved state $69,000. 

The funds that Parks earmarked for a new warming center were deleted from the budget by Governor. IENC lobbied legislature to reinstate funding for materials and IENC volunteers their labor. Funds were reinstated to $83,000. 

1988 

IENC pays for plans, clears site, and pours foundation for the Selkirk Lodge. Washington State Parks stack logs and IENC sheets roof. 

Washington State Parks receives NOVA grant to build second shelter on trail system and buy a grooming machine. IENC supplies labor to pour foundation and successfully lobbied for a water system in what eventually became known as the Selkirk Lodge. 

1989 

IENC completed the Selkirk Lodge with exception of bathrooms. IENC donated $8,000 dollars to help complete building. State Parks begins grooming trails using Sno-Park funds and their own machinery. 

1990 

State Parks and area skiers realize that with 30,000 user days the XC system needs to be enlarged. IENC feels this enlargement should be done by an expert in the field so the best utilization of terrain, skier use and grooming patterns are all addressed in a professional manner. IENC hires master planner Jon Elliot to plan and revise trails on Mt. Spokane. IENC and State Parks also plumb new restrooms. 

1999 

IENC refiles as the Langlauf Association and Spokane Nordic Ski Association is formed. 

Image by Jayne McLaughlin