• Independent Media for Truckee • North Lake Tahoe
• Friday, February 10, 2012

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Winter wonderland: Romping in the snow on snowshoes is the only way to go. Photo courtesy Tahoe Rim Trail Association

Tahoe Rim Trail Association Offers Guided Snowshoe Treks

By Jackie Varriano
If you think the only time to experience the breathtaking Tahoe Rim Trail is sans snow, you are wrong. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association is offering free snowshoe day hikes and full moon treks for TRTA members every Saturday through the end of March. According to Emily Williams, director of trail use for the TRTA, space is limited for each hike to 15 participants and you must be pre-registered to join a hike. She also notes that dogs are allowed if they are well behaved, and their owners bring a leash and carry out waste.

At least two TRTA volunteers will be your guide on the hikes, which in January will take you through Castle Rock on an easy four-mile hike on Jan. 23, or a moderate eight-mile hike up Martis Peak on Jan. 30. Both start at 10 a.m. Also on Jan. 30, for TRTA members only, an easy two- to three-mile hike through Tahoe Meadows starts at 6:30 p.m. for a full moon trek. Full moon hike nights are limited to TRTA members only, and membership costs $35 a year. Membership benefits include the association’s quarterly newsletter and discounts on TRTA merchandise.

Interested in getting in on the snowshoe fun? Pre-register by emailing programs@tahoerimtrail.org or calling (775) 298-0012. Keep in mind that snowshoes are not provided, and according to Williams, participants should bring:

1. Snowshoes
2. Snow Boots (recommend gators to keep snow out of boots)
3. Trekking poles with snow basket (ski poles are fine)
4. Water — two quarts minimum per person
5. Lunch and snacks
6. Warm clothes made of synthetics blends, such as fleece, polypropylene, and wool. Cotton and jeans are not acceptable clothes for the backcountry in winter, and this includes cotton socks! Water- and wind-resistant pants and jacket are essential
7.  Gloves
8.  Ski hat
9.  Lip balm
10. Sunscreen, SPF 30 or greater
11. Sunglasses and/or goggles for blowing snow
12. Map and compass if you have them

Meeting places depend on each hike, and full directions and instructions will be given upon registration. Info: programs@tahoerimtrail.org, (775) 298-0012, tahoerimtrail.org

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