One of my favorite things to do in the winter is to go for a moonlight ski. It is just plain fun and a big exclamation point on the reasons why we live or visit this beautiful area. Gliding through an open meadow with the moon and stars lighting the way, combined with the silence of a winter’s night (save the scrunch of snow under your skis and the occasional yip-yip of a coyote)… Hmmm, what a great way to spend an evening. Give it a try! The next two full moons occur on February 9 and March 10, and the days leading up to them offer plenty of light if it is not cloudy. Although I’m hoping for a huge winter, my fingers are always crossed for the storm clouds to break right around the full moon, for a moonlight ski.
If you’d like to give night cross country skiing or snowshoeing a shot, here are a couple of things that I have found to be of interest:
1) It is pretty dark out there, even with the moonlight. Due to this, a nice, flat, open area like a meadow is often the best place to go. The openness of a meadow offers several advantages. First off, the open area offers more light, and better stargazing. Secondly, it is often easier to find your way back if you are exploring somewhere new. Lastly, hills, both up and down, seem to increase in difficulty at night, and a flat area offers a safer, mellower excursion. Plus, traveling in avalanche terrain at night is not a good idea. Be careful though, even in the meadows, the light often makes the small drainages and depressions appear as flat ground. Dropping into one usually ends with a crash and/or wet boots. Along the same lines, stay away from what is open water in the summer.
2) If you are driving to an area, make sure you are allowed to park there first. It is not fun to come back to a car that has been ticketed or plowed-in. Trust me.
3) A pack with a small headlight, a packable down jacket, and a thermos with a warm drink, all add a level of comfort and safety to your adventure. Often people accessorize their kits with other desired food and drink.
4) Many people like to ski and snowshoe with their dog. Dogs are hard to see at night. If you plan to bring your dog you may want to consider attaching a small light to his or her collar. We have a small bicycle taillight rigged up for this purpose, and it works quite well. Remember, some places do not allow dogs, or have leash laws. Please check before bringing your dog.
5) Be safe, and be sure of your whereabouts at all times.
Next full moon, give moonlight skiing or snowshoeing a try! Here are a few places to go:
Prosser Reservoir: Both the Prosser Creek and Alder Creek arms are large meadows that offer great experiences close to Truckee. There are several pullouts on Hwy. 89 North that are cleared out, and can be accessed as long as it is not storming with active snowplowing occurring. Please be careful and don’t venture out onto the ice.
Kyburz Flat: This area about 15 miles north of Truckee on Hwy. 89 North offers a flat cruise through a meadow, leading to a giant open valley in less than a mile. The access is signed on Hwy. 89.
Perazzo Meadows: A bright moon on Perazzo Meadows is a sight not to be missed, and is well worth the almost four mile trek in from Hwy 89 North. The access road, Henness Pass Road, is groomed for snowmobiles making travel much faster, but this excursion usually winds up being a long, but fun, night. As Perazzo Meadows are far from town lights, the night sky is especially vivid. Park at Little Truckee Summit on Hwy. 89 North about 15 miles north of Truckee and just past Kyburz, but on the opposite side of the road. Watch for snowmobile traffic as you (and your pet in particular) are really hard to see.
Lake Tahoe Lakeside Skiing: There are numerous short-in-length adventures to be had on the Big Lake’s shore. When the lake is low a strip of snow-covered beach forms between the water and the high water mark. Note: Be careful! Ice forms at the lake’s shore and gets covered with snow. You might accidentally venture off terra firma and onto the ice, which is not where you want to be… Please respect private property as well.
Mt. Rose Meadows: The south side of the Mt. Rose Highway at Tahoe Meadows is an excellent place for a ski or snowshoe at night. The daytime crowds are gone, and heading into the areas overlooking Washoe Valley offer glimpses of twinkling lights far below.
Last but not least, if you are looking to go on a guided trip, Squaw Valley, Northstar, Tahoe Donner and the Tahoe Rim trail association all lead guided full moon winter hikes! More information is available on their websites.
Places to not go: Although tempting, please abstain from poaching one of our fine Nordic centers. Skiing on freshly groomed snow (they usually groom at night) ensures frozen ruts for paying customers the next day. Plus, you are trespassing. Also, many places, including state parks, are often open to day use only. Please respect these closures. There are a lot of other places to go.
~ See you on the (dark and snowy) trail! Email me at trails@moonshineink.com.
