CSAT USSS athletes

CSAT USSS athletes, left to right: Sabrina Schanel, Teagan Lynaugh, Violet Kovel, Rosina Hart, Hudson Grabos, Nicholas Larivee. Back row, left to right: Corey Hoffman, York Hill Stables, Nicholas Lawrence, CSAT coach.

 Contributed photo

HOOD RIVER — Post Canyon is the go-to place to mountain bike, run, hike, or ride your horse in Hood River. With the significant increase of trail use by many groups, conflict has arisen. To make trail use safer and reduce conflicts, a new set of trails for non-wheeled recreation use (like horseback riding, running, and hiking) is now being built.

In October, Cooper Spur Alpine Team (CSAT), a local nonprofit provider of youth ski and mountain bike programs, teamed up with York Hills Stables to build the most recent section of non-wheeled trail. Athletes, ages 11-16, from CSAT’s United States Ski and Snowboard Training Program participated in the trail-building efforts. This marks the second year CSAT has partnered with Corey Hoffman, owner of York Hill Stables on this project. This year, athletes tackled a steep rocky hillside with picks and shovels, creating over 500 yards of new trail. “The goal is to ensure a safe environment for all non-wheeled recreation,” said Hoffman.