Snowlands-On-Snow
Snowlands Network's third year of on-the-snow events
2009-2010 will be the third winter season for the Snowlands-On-Snow program. We hope that you will join us for one of our ski and snowshoe tours; most are free to all.
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Saturday, January 9, 2010
Ski to Faith Valley
Beginner-intermediate, 3-4 miles round trip, +350/-350 feet
Location: Hope Valley on Highway 88
Enjoy skiing through trees and descending a small hill into Faith Valley where you are treated to beautiful views. A wonderful introduction to skiing beyond groomed trails and roads. Limit: 5. Leader: Linda Stewart, llstew[AT]yahoo.com or 775-315-0974.
Sunday, January 10, 2010 [This trip has been cancelled due to injury of the leader]
Snowshoe exploration of Nancy Lake loop
Intermediate, 5 miles round trip, +1000/-1000 feet
Location: At Kingvale on Interstate 80 west of Donner Summit
Secluded Nancy Lake below a granite cliff is the destination, but the highlight will be the exploration of an alternate return route that will ascend Peak 7053. Limit: 10 participants. Leader: Marcus Libkind, malibkind[AT]snowlands.org or 925-455-5816.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
ASI XCD Backcountry course (Tentative)
Location: Meets each day in Truckee. Class takes place at Donner Summit
This is a custom version of ASI popular 1-day backcountry ski course for people who have skied a little in the backcountry but desire some formal instruction to help them progress. The full day follows a lesson/tour format in which you will ski from Donner Pass Road to Donner Pass on I-80 via a delightful route. Along the way you will receive instruction on the techniques described at www.alpineskills.com/bc_xcd.html. For the course to proceed at the reduced rate of $124 with equipment or $105 without equipment (regular $149 and $130) there must be six participants signed up by January 6, the go or no go date. Leader: ASI, tony[AT]alpineskills.com or 530-582-9170. To sign up contact Snowlands Network, aglabe[AT]snowlands.org or 530-265-6424.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Snowshoe in Castle Peak Valley
Beginner-intermediate, 2-4 miles, +400/-400 feet
Location: Donner Summit on Interstate 80
Combine a learning experience with a four-hour snowshoe tour in the Castle Peak recreation area. Noted snowshoe expert, and REI Outdoor School Instructor, Cathy Anderson-Myers will teach you off-trail snowshoe techniques, and give you avalanche safety and navigation tips as she guides you through the area. This is a snow-learning experience for all ages. Snowshoes are available on first come first serve basis at signup, but you are encouraged to bring your own. A SnoPark permit is required to park at the trailhead. Donation: $15. Limit: 15 participants. Leader: Cathy Anderson-Myers. Contact: Snowlands Network, aglabe[AT]snowlands.org or 530-265-6424.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Ski to Duck Lake
Beginner-intermediate, 7 miles round trip, +500/-500 feet
Location: End of plowed Highway 4 east of Bear Valley
After skiing Highway 4 to the east end of Lake Alpine, a short uphill and downhill leads to a wilderness loop around Duck Lake with views of the Dardanelles, Bull Run Peak and Wheeler Ridge. Be aware that the route begins with sharing the highway with snowmobiles. Limit: 6 participants. Leader: Kathy Kohberger, kohkoh[AT]sbcglobal.net or 650-738-0841.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
AIARE Introduction to Avalanches course (open to skiers and snowshoers) (Tentative)
Location: Meets each day in Truckee. Class takes place at Donner Summit
This 1-day AIARE approved avalanche course is presented by Alpine Skills Institute, a supporter of Snowlands Network’s mission. The standard course described at www.alpineskills.com/avalanche_awareness.html will be tailored to backcountry skiers and snowshoers who want to leave the security of rolling terrain to enjoy more adventure. Participants must supply their own metal-edged ski equipment or snowshoes. For the course to proceed at the reduced rate of $116 (regular $139) there must be six participants signed up by January 20, the go or no go date. Leader: ASI, tony[AT]alpineskills.com or 530-582-9170. To sign up contact Snowlands Network, aglabe[AT]snowlands.org or 530-265-6424.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Snowshoe Horsethief Canyon Road and Willow Creek
Beginner, 4 miles round trip, +600/-600 feet
Location: Hope Valley at the junction of highways 88 and 89 (Picketts Junction)
This mellow tour in the heart of Hope Valley climbs on Horsethief Road and returns to the trailhead via Willow Creek. Enjoy a variety of terrain and a great view of Hope Valley plus learn about the local history. The tour can be extended if the group desires. Limit: 12 participants. Leader: Barry Morgan, barry-morgan[AT]sbcglobal.net or 775-883-8628.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Ski exploration north of the Mt. Rose Highway
Intermediate, up to 8 miles round trip
Location: Mt. Rose Highway at Tahoe Meadows
The goal may be the Galena drainage or Relay Ridge, or maybe even Rose Knob; the leader will pick the exact destination depending on weather and snow conditions. This is an amazing area where Snowlands has labored successfully to ensure that parts are designated non-motorized in winter. The leader will show you where snowmobiles are permitted and not, and show you how to record and report illegal snowmobile use. Limit: 6 participants. Leader: Jeff Erdoes. To sign up contact Snowlands Network, aglabe[AT]snowlands.org or 530-265-6424.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Ski circumnavigation of Tamarack Peak
Intermediate, 6 miles round trip, +900/-900 feet
Location: Mt. Rose Highway at Tahoe Meadows
Circumnavigating Tamarack Peak takes you through interesting terrain and affords outstanding vistas including Washoe Valley far below and Mount Rose towering above. The tour includes a beautiful and gentle climb up the headwaters of the Galena drainage. The tour is divided 50-50 between off-road and on-road travel. Limit: 8 participants. Leader: Gail Ferrell, gail[AT]snowlands.org.
Sunday, February 28, 2010 ***CANCELLED***
Snowshoe exploration of Tamarack Peak
Intermediate, 5 miles round trip, +1100/-1100 feet
Location: Mt. Rose Highway at Tahoe Meadows
This exploratory tour will traverse Tamarack Peak along ridges that are narrow at times. The terrain is steep, but the views should be outrageous. The tour is divided 50-50 between off-road and on-road travel. Limit: 8 participants. Leader: Marcus Libkind, malibkind[AT]snowlands.org or 925-455-5816.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Ski to Matrimony Ridge
Intermediate, 4 miles round trip, +800/-800 feet
Location: At Kingvale on Interstate 80 west of Donner Summit
Bring something to sit on and a lunch for a break atop Matrimony Ridge where we will enjoy the view of Devils Peak framed by the Matrimony Tree. Other views include the canyon of the North Fork of the American River and Castle Peak. The tour begins in a forested area and the terrain opens up as you approach the granite plateau. Limit: 10 participants. Leader: Curtis Oldenburg, curto435[AT]gmail.com.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Ski Forestdale Meadow and Pass with option to Summit City
Intermediate, 6-9 miles round trip, up to +2000/-2000 feet
Location: Red Lake east of Carson Pass on Highway 88
This challenging tour first goes to Forestdale Creek, then around the east side of Peak 9016 to Forestdale Pass. Time permitting, descend to the site of historic Summit City and then climb back up. The return from the pass is via the classic run down into Forestdale Meadow. Expect great views along the way. This trip is more than 6 hours in length. Limit: 10 participants. Leader: Steve Hibbs, timemachines[AT]gbis.com or 530-694-1045.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Ski from Carson Pass to Meiss Lake
Intermediate, 7 miles round trip, +850/-850 feet
Location: Carson Pass on Highway 88
The tour to Meiss Lake begins with a climb to a saddle from which the tour descends into the Upper Truckee River drainage and the lake. The return requires climbing back over the saddle, but the scenery makes it all worth while. To the south is Thimble Peak, Round Top and Elephants Back. Meiss Meadow is surrounded by volcanic rock. This trip is more than 6 hours in length. A SnoPark permit is required to park at the trailhead. Limit: 4 participants. Leader: Linda Stewart, llstew[AT]yahoo.com or775-315-0974.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Ski to the headwaters of Forestdale Creek
Intermediate, 8 miles round trip, +1400,-1400 feet
Location: Red Lake east of Carson Pass on Highway 88
The route winds on and near Forestdale Road through rolling terrain and across the Forestdale Creek bridge. Beyond, the route climbs steadily up to the divide overlooking the entire Forestdale drainage with Round Top, Elephants Back and other features creating the boundaries of the canyon. The leader will show you where snowmobiles are permitted and not, and show you how to record and report illegal snowmobile use. Limit: 6 participants. Leader: Jeff Erdoes. To sign up contact Snowlands Network, aglabe[AT]snowlands.org or 530-265-6424.