Castle Rock Snowshoe Hike
January 24
Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) offers free, guided snowshoe hiking on Saturdays through March. This is an easy, 4-mile trek to Castle Rock, which lasts 3 to 4 hours. Bring snowshoes, boots (recommend gators to keep snow out), trekking poles (ski poles are fine), water, lunch and snacks, warm water and wind resistant clothes, jacket, gloves, hat, lip balm, sunscreen, sunglasses, map, and compass (if you have them.) 10 a.m. Meet at Kingsbury North trailhead off of Highway 207, weather permitting. Reservations required. katyw@tahoerimtrail.org, 775-298-0012.
Free Tree Recycling
Through January 18
Truckee Tahoe Sierra Disposal customers can put Christmas trees out on their regular pickup day during the week of January 14 to 18. Trees must be free of decorations and garlands, and cut into 3-foot lengths. 530-583-0148.
Free TV Recycling
January
Did Santa bring you a new, digital flat screen? Drop-off your 32-inch (or smaller) TV through January 29 every Tuesday and Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. at IVGID Public Works, 1220 Sweetwater Road, Incline Village, 775-832-1284. (They’ll also take non-working Christmas tree lights.)
Christmas Tree Chipping
Through February 4
In its seventh year, this community project, which allows residents to drop off Christmas trees for chipping at no charge, continues to grow as a result of increased public participation and hard work by several local organizations. Funding and manpower provided by IVGID Waste Not, IVGID Public Works, IVGID Parks and Recreation and the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District. Chipped trees will be used as mulch to improve water conservation and reduce soil erosion on landscaped areas at IVGID Park and Recreation facilities. Incline Village residents are encouraged to drop off clean Christmas trees for recycling until February 4. All decorations, lights and tinsel must be removed from the trees to be accepted for chipping. Wreaths, stumps, or other green waste cannot be accepted. The drop off location is open 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Preston Field (Nevada Highway 28 at the junction of Nevada Highway 431) in Incline Village, ivgid.org, 775-832-1284.
Winter Wilderness Safety
Whether gliding through the trees on cross-country skis or hiking up a ridge to a beautiful view of Lake Tahoe, exploring the wilderness in winter is a wonderful experience. However, the snow and cold can be extremely dangerous, and it takes proper trip planning, experience (or experienced guides), and the right equipment to travel safely in the wintry environment. Here are some tips from TRTA for safer backcountry exploration this winter. tahoerimtrail.org.
• Check avalanche conditions. sierraavalanchecenter.org, 530-587-2158.
• Keep in mind that everything takes twice as long in the winter.
• Remember that there are other snow risks besides avalanches – getting stuck in a tree well and twisting an ankle are common winter sports injuries.
• Tell someone where you are going, your planned route, and when you will return.
•Wear Layered Clothing: a synthetic or wool liner layer against your skin (long johns), an insulation layer (fleece), and a water- and windproof outer shell. Do not wear cotton: it loses insulation qualities when wet with water or sweat. Wool or synthetic materials are much better at insulating than cotton.
• Wear a hat. Over 70 percent of your body heat can be lost through the head.
• Gaiters will keep snow/water out of your boots, keeping feet warmer and drier.
• Ensure that your winter boots have waterproof outer shells.
• Take some kind of emergency shelter in case you have to spend the night outdoors.
• Plenty of water – stay hydrated and drink often. Water is necessary for your body to generate heat.
• Bring more food than you think you will need.
• Brush up on navigation skills._ Map and compass skills are essential for winter backcountry travel. TRTA will offer a navigation course this winter.
• Always carry ‘The Ten Essentials’ with you in the backcountry – the basics you would need to stay alive in the event of an outdoor emergency:
• Map
• Compass
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Extra food and water
• Extra clothing
• Headlamp/flashlight
• First Aid Kit
• Fire Starter
• Matches
• Knife
Free Kiting Demos and Lessons
January 17 and February 7 and 21, March 15 and 16
Tahoe Mountain Sports is proud to present the Lake Tahoe Snowkite series 2009. Running Saturdays in January, February, and March the series features a freeride exposition and contests with awards and prizes. The events will feature small group lessons, free kite demos, and freeriding sessions. Space is limited and registration is required for lessons and demos. Call for various locations and times. Tahoe Mountain Sports is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily. 8331 North Lake Boulevard, Kings Beach, across from Jason’s, tahoemountainsports.com, 530-546-7001.
Snowshoe Snapshot
January 17
Enjoy a natural history snowshoe trek in the mountains, while a professional photographer captures the finest moments of the trip, offers a few tips on shooting landscape and winter photography, and teaches you the natural history of the area. You will receive a CD of the photos captured throughout your snowshoeing adventure. Trip includes: snowshoes, poles, natural history discussions, trail snacks, and hot drinks. This is an easy to moderate trek of approximately 2 to 4 miles. 4 people minimum per trek. $80 per person. By reservation through April 30. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. North Lake Tahoe – trail to be determined. TahoeAdventureCompany.com, 530-913-9212.
Alpenglow Winter Film Series
January 22
From the far northern Alaskan Ranges to the cold powder of Montana, Bean Bowers has taken his skis and camera to capture the beauty, challenge, and adventure of skiing far from lifts. His unique mountaineering experiences include kite skiing across the Patagonian ice cap with Andrew McLean and accessing never-before-skied chutes in a wild setting. Free event. Film at 7 p.m., Earlybird dinner special starts at 5:30 p.m. Sawtooth Ridge Cafe, North Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, 530-583-2880.
Skiing in Pakistan
February 4
Some of the most dramatic mountains in the world lie in Northern Pakistan. Unfortunately, political strife has kept many away from this beautiful area. While skiing an 8,000 meter peak, Kip Garre and Ingrid Backstrom discovered the Balti people and their culture. Join 100 to 200 adventure lovers at The Lake Tahoe Adventure Slide Show Series, sponsored by Mike Schwartz from The Back Country, Truckee. Hosted by Dave Nettle of Tahoe City. Free slide shows every Wednesday through March 11 at 7 p.m. Bar One, Olympic Plaza at Squaw Valley, thebackcountry.com, 530-582-0909.
Tubbs Full Moon Snowshoe Tours
February 6 and 7
Guided by a knowledgeable tour leader and the light of the full moon, snowshoers trek to upper mountain vistas to take in spectacular views of the snow-covered Sierra and Lake Tahoe. Squaw Valley’s snowshoe tours set off from High Camp at 5:30 pm. Guests should take the 5 or 5:15 p.m. cable car to High Camp. Tour costs $32 for adults, $27 youth. and $21 children which includes snowshoe rental and Cable Car lift ticket. Tour with lift ticket or season pass costs $17 for all ages. Reservations required. squaw.com, 530-452-7123.
Indoor Sports All Winter
Now that we have your attention… These adult leagues are extremely popular, so don’t miss out. Coed Indoor Soccer League open registration begins January 20 and Adult Volleyball registration deadline is January 27. Incline Village Recreation Center, 980 Incline Way, ivigid.org, 775-832-1284.
Dog Sled Tours
Wilderness Adventure Dog Sled Tours provides guests a memorable way to experience Tahoe’s winter wonderland. They offer hour-long tours at both Sugar Bowl and Squaw Creek resorts during winter and spring, weather permitting. Rates from $45 to $75 for children, and $95 to $125 for adults, based on midweek, weekend, and holiday rates. $125 per sled minimum. Reservations required. dogsledadventure.com, 530-550-8133.
Back Country Savvy
Snow savvy comes from experience and knowledge comes with experience. Snowlands Network and Truckee back country experts help accelerate the learning curve, offering useful and fun ski/snowshoe outings on Saturdays and Sundays. The courses range from beginner to strong intermediate.
• Sat., Jan 17: Discover Devils Peak on snowshoe. Explore a little known area of the Tahoe NF/South Yuba headwaters with former Yosemite ranger John Timmer. FREE.
• Sun., Jan. 18: GPS Navigation with Bill Straka. Full day practical on snowshoes at Clair Tappaan Lodge. Bill is an expert teacher and you’ll come away with new ways to use your GPS in the backcountry. $25 fee covers trail fees and course materials.
• Sat., Feb. 7: Backcountry Moun-taineering Skills for Youth with Peter Mayfield. An expert climber, skier, mountaineer, teacher and Truckee resident, Peter will give survival pointers
in a four hour on-snow course. FREE.
• Sun., Feb 15: Magical Mystery Ski Tour with Craig Dostie. An expert BC skier, Truckee resident Craig will pick the best route for the day and lead you on an adventure! FREE.
Snowlands On Snow (SOS) schedule is online at SaveOurSnowlands.org or call 530-265-6424 for info and to sign up.
