Wednesday January 9top

Y–O–G–A

Both the Circuit Gym in Southwest Portland and Mount Hood's Timberline Lodge are now offering classes in Portland's favorite meditative discipline—this time for boulderers. With all these specializations, it seems only a matter of time before Portland forms its own Village People tribute band, changing those classic arm poses in “Y.M.C.A.” to reflect this current obsession. Either that or develops a bad cover version of Bush’s “Everything Zen." The Circuit Gym, 6050 SW Macadam Ave., 246-5111. 7 pm Wednesdays. 246-5111. Easy. Timberline Lodge, Mount Hood, 272-3251. 2-3:15 pm Thursdays in January. Free for visiting guests. Easy. $5 (free for members).

Saturday January 12top

Urban Night-O

Leg-lifting canines of Multnomah Village are relieved of their territorial duties tonight. The Columbia River Orienteering Club has decided not to involve fire hydrants in this year’s meet. However, the format of this map-and-compass crusade remains exciting, as the control points still “increase your knowledge of the local community.” Participants must find as many control points as possible within their allotted course time (60 or 90 minutes). Flashlights and reflective vests required. Pooper scoopers, not so much. Lucky Labrador Public House, 7675 SW Capitol Highway., 6 pm. croc.org. Easy. $5-$7.

Winter Trails Day

I don’t know what’s more depressing, the fact that the press release for this national event actually points out that last year 12,000 participants “together burned 6 million calories per hour” or that I probably consumed almost that amount over the holidays alone. But hey, who’s not a glutton when it comes to free snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, especially when all the equipment’s included? Forest Grovers Adventure Without Limits provides guided tours, NW Avalanche Center provides winter safety know-how, and REI provides hot chocolate and more caloric treats. All you gotta provide is a damn good reason not to indulge. White River West Sno-Park, Mount Hood., 9:30 am-3 pm. 617-6072. Easy. Free.

Sunday January 13top

PACRAT Race

For simply having a skiing rat as a mascot—and for calling themselves the “Rattitudes”—this downhill race series deserves a mention. Unfortunately, skiers and snowboarders must be existing members of one of the ski clubs listed on nwskiers.org to compete in this rat race. Timberline Lodge, Timberline Highway, OR 97028., 272-3391. 8:45 am. pacrats.org. Easy. Lift ticket purchase required.

Tuesday January 15top

Tele Tuesdays

While this so-called “festival of freeheeling” ain’t exactly free, for those interested in the sport of telemark skiing it's not a bad start. Staff from the Mountain Shop assist with hands-on demos ($10), Wy’East Nordic gives lessons ($20) and if you’re feeling like a born natural, you can air out your ankles in this Tuesday’s uphill/downhill race ($15). Ski Bowl, Mount Hood., 288-6768. 5-9 pm. 288-6768. Easy. $10-$30.