Update - Winter Trails Day kind of fizzled due to lack of snow. However, the event at Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort (see below) has been rescheduled for Saturday, January 28. All other details remain the same. Oh yeah, there is now plenty of snow thanks to a series of storms that brought several feet to the Sierra Nevada and all of our area ski resorts.
Winter Trails Day is a great opportunity to learn more about safe and fun family recreation in the snowy Sierra Nevada mountains. There are numerous free organized events from which to choose, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, educational hikes, and winter safety activities. This is a family-friendly event with snacks and hot drinks.
Winter Trails Day 2012 is on Saturday, January 7. The main local sponsor is the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA). Other area outdoor organizations and ski resorts are participating as well. If you've ever wanted to try snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or learn more about safely enjoying the outdoors during winter, this event is a great opportunity.
Winter Trails Day at Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort
Winter Trails Day at Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort is brought to you in cooperation with the REI Outdoor School. Free activities include learning snowshoeing skills and cross country skiing mini clinics. Some sessions are specifically for families. Space is limited - call (530) 426-3871 for reservations and more information. Also on hand will be ski vendors with products available for demos and non-profit organizations where you can learn about safe winter recreation and places to go snowshoeing and cross country skiing. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Royal Gorge is west of Reno on I80 at 9411 Hillside Drive, Soda Springs, CA.
Winter Trails Day at Tahoe Meadows, North Lake Tahoe
The fun at Tahoe Meadows, on the east side of the Mt. Rose Highway (Nevada 431), begins at 10 a.m. and goes until 2 p.m. There will be winter safety clinics, guided snowshoe hikes, winter camping demonstration, winter gear demos, winter safety advice, and free hot chocolate and snacks. To participate in this north Lake Tahoe event, TRTA asks that you register online. For more information, call TRTA (775) 298-0012.
Winter Trails Day at Van Sickle State Park, South Lake Tahoe
The other TRTA family event for Winter Trails Day, also free and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will take place on the new trail system in Van Sickle State Park and will feature snowshoe hikes, snowshelter building, gear demonstrations, and hot drinks and tasty goodies. If you're not up to a snowshoe hike, joint TRTA and local recreation organizations to learn more about how you can be more active this winter. Afterwards, join us for a warming party at Explore Tahoe for free drinks and chili. To participate in this north Lake Tahoe event, TRTA asks that you register online. For more information, call TRTA (775) 298-0012.
For more information on these north and outh Lake Tahoe locations, check out the TRTA information flyer.
Winter Trails Day at Kirkwood Cross Country Ski Area & Snowshoe Center
Winter Trails Day at Kirkwood is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free snowshoe demos will be available through out the day, along with free mini beginning ski lessons from Kirkwood Cross Country. The free package includes lesson and equipment rental. Discounted trail passes (only $16) will be available to those wanting to keep skiing after the lesson. Lessons will be on the hour every hour, from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. and reservations are required. Call (209) 258-7248 for more information or to make a reservation.
Kirkwood Cross Country is on Highway 88, half a mile east of the Kirkwood downhill ski area. I've skied here and it's a nice place, but parking is limited - carpool if you can.
Winter Trails Day at Tahoe Cross Country
Tahoe Cross Country, on the west shore of Lake Tahoe at 925 Country Club Drive in Tahoe City, CA, is currently closed due to lack of snow. Get more information by calling the resort at (530) 583-5475.
Get Your Own Snowshoes
You can rent snowshoes at REI and Reno Mountain Sports in Reno. However, if you want to trek the snowy mountains on a regular basis, owning your own snowshoes is the way to go. Click the link to see what's available for both children and adults in your family.
