The Perfect Ski to Sea Day

Ski to Sea is the original multisport relay race from Mt. Baker to Bellingham Bay. It’s a seven-legged, 93-mile (150 km) long, multi-event competition held on the Sunday of Memorial Day in Bellingham and it’s one of the unofficial kick offs to Summer!

I’ve lived in Bellingham since 1998 and have attended Ski to Sea many, many times over the years with my friends, then husband, and now kids and Frenchie pups. Each time it is unique, uplifting, and so fun to see these athletes cross the finish line and see their teams cheer… But before all that, I start my own day!

Start the Day

I like to begin my Ski to Sea weekend with a run at Lake Padden or hike to the view point on the Chanterelle Trail. Knowing there are athletes who began the day several hours before me just makes me want to get out and move myself. From the lakeside or the high point of the trail is where I check the Race Stats which are updated live on the Ski to Sea’s website.

Rally the Family

After a good morning wake up, I’ll grab the dogs and the fam where we get a different view of the Ski to Sea festivities by visiting Little Squalicum Park (“The Zipline Park”). We walk along the Interurban Trail above the Baseball fields and visit the newly opened Little Squalicum Pier.

Lunch Time

By lunch time we’ll have made our way over to Fairhaven and closer to the finish line and festivities, but first we’ll get lunch at local favorites, The Filling Station or Avenue Bread. Both have great service, delicious food, and choices for everyone to enjoy.

To the Finish Line!

Now that we’ve all eaten, it’s time to may our way through Fairhaven. Where we will inevitably grab an Iced Coffee from Cafe Blue and take in the scene of racers, teammates, spectators, and sponsors. In years past, the Fairhaven Festival also took place at the same time. I think this is the first year they will be done separately, I am excited to see what the streets look like!

Then we make the walk to Marine Park to witness the Finish Line of The Ski to Sea Race! Nothing beats seeing the teams cheer as their teammate rings the bell and the commentators make the announcements of placement, team name, over the roaring crowd.

Grand Finale

After all the excitement, you can’t just go home. So we’ll go to dinner and drinks at one of our favorite go-tos, Estelle, Black Sheep or Keenan’s on the outdoor deck!

Ski to Sea is a great time for the community, friends, businesses, and is worth a visit if you’ve never been!