SnowyDes�na�onsAbound inYosemiteWinter
Asnowyrompneverfeltbe�er.Skiingalongtherolling hillsfromBadgerPasstoDeweyPointsseparatesthe adventurousfromthetouristsanddeliversa breathtakingviewofasnowyElCapitan.Iarrivedjustin �meforsunsetand,a�eracomfortablenightinmy bivvysack,caughtaglorioussunriseonthegranitegiant thenextmorning.Iwastheonlysoulthere,anditwas hardtobelieveIwasinoneoftheworld’smostpopular parks,visitedbymillionseveryyear.
SuchrichexperiencesawaitYosemitevisitorsinwinter, whensnowcoversthehighcountryandonlyafewbrave theelements.Thiswinter’sheavystormstodatemay righ�ullydeterevenmorevisitorsthanusual.Butthose
Wri�enbyMa�JohansonAshortwalkleadstothebaseofYosemiteFalls,requiringno snowgearexceptinheavywintercondi�ons.
down,formingagiantsnowconeatthebase.JohnMuir onceclimbeditwithaniceaxe,butIdon’trecommendit.
AneasywalkleadsstraighttoLowerYosemiteFallinjusta quarter-mile.HikethepavedtrailfromNorthsideDrive. Duringmostofthewinter,visitorscanmakethetrekin hikingshoesorboots(watchoutforslipperyice,though).If snowfallsdeepenoughtocoverthevalleyfloor,then snowshoesorcrosscountryskismaybeneeded.Returnthe wayyoucame,orformorevariety,completetheone-mile loophike,takingaboutanhour.
TuolumneGroveofGiantSequoias
AtourthroughtheTuolumneGroveofGiantSequoias providesagoodintroduc�ontosnowshoeingorcross countryskiing.
TuolumneGroveofGiantSequoias
Here’sagreatfirstwinterou�ngforbeginningskiersand snowshoers.Agentlepathleadstodozensofbeau�fulgiant sequoias,amongthelargestandoldestlivingthingson earth.
FromtheparkingareaneartheCraneFlatcampgroundand gassta�on,gonorthpasttherestroomsandgateanddown aforestroad.Thefirstsequoiascomeintoviewa�era sharpturn.Asidetrailleadstothetunneltree(sadlydead,
buts�llstanding)andthenreconnectswiththemainpath. Bepreparedtohikeuphillonthewayback,gainingaround 400feet.
Thistwo-mileroundtriptakesaroundtwohours.
DeweyPoint
Amarked,well-traveledtrailfromBadgerPassSkiArea leadstoaspectacularviewpointandanespeciallygood viewofElCapitan.Thegentleroutemeandersthrougha peacefulmeadowandforestbeforedescendingtothe valleyrimwherevisitorscanseedeepintothesnowcappedbackcountry.ThisisamustforYosemitewinter enthusiasts,bothskiersandsnowshoers.
Starteastontheo�en-groomedGlacierPointRoad, climbinggentlyandthendescendingatSummitMeadow. Aboutamilefromtheparkinglot,lookforthesigned DeweyPointMeadowTrail(#18)onyourle�,breaking fromtheroadandheadingnorth.Thenextmileiseasy goingthroughtheflatmeadowalongacreekandframed bylodgepolepines.
Thentraildrops,curvesandbecomesmoredifficult, joiningwiththeDeweyPointRidgeTrailasitpasses throughdensertreesbeforeemergingforafinalclimbto therimandviewpointat7,385feet.You’llfeellikeyou’re lookingofftheedgeoftheworld.Spendsome�mehere admiringTheCaptain,theCathedralRocksandother landmarks.
Whenyou’rereadytoreturn,youhaveachoiceofroutes.
Ifthetripoutchallengedyou,thenit’sbesttoreturnthe sameway.Butifyou’rereadyforsomevariety,afewhills andamorerigoroussegment,thenyoumighttryDewey PointRidgeTrail(#14).Tochoosethisop�on,retraceyour stepsaboutamiletothesignedtrailjunc�onandturn rightupthehill.Thesignedrouterollsupanddownlikea rollercoaster.Asusual,skierswillgetabiggerpayoffon thedownhillsthansnowshoers.Thetrailconnectswith
GlacierPointRoad.TurnrighttowardstheBadgerPass parkinglot,lessthanamiletothewest.
Thisseven-mileroundtriptakesbetweenfourandsix hours.
DeweyPoint
AmoreadventuroustrekleadstoDeweyPoint andagrandviewofElCapitan,requiring snowshoesorskisandagooddealofexperience usingthem
photobyMa�Johanson.
Travel�ps
Tosafelyenjoythemountainsinwinter,drive slowlyandcarrychains.Checktheforecast,andifit’s threatening,stayhome.Dressinlayers,avoidingco�on. Carryovernightgearonlongdaytrips,justincase. Preparefortheworstandhopeforthebest. Unpreparedfolkshaveexperiencedmanywinterwoes, butthosewhoproperlyplanandpreparemayacquirea lifelongloveofwinteradventure.
AllphotosbyMa�Johanson
A Visionary's Journey to Create the American Perimeter Trail.
A Conversation with Rue McKenrick
Sometimes social media is just perfect. Most of the time, it is just a vast black hole, but yesterday during a somewhat typical 10-minute peruse session. I stumbled on a post regarding a hiker who walked a 14000-mile loop around America over the past three years. Talk about a way to escape the Pandemic. A True Lewis and Clark explorer in the 21st century?
His posts were under a trail association name called the American Perimeter Trail @americanpermetertrail. Doing a little quick research to see if this was real, I realized that Rue McKenrick, from Bend, Oregon, had just finished a complete circle around America. On foot with a backpack! I needed to know more. How was this possible? Why would someone do that kind of journey in today's age?
The rest of this story is my notes and conversations with Rue as he shared some of his experience, passion, mission, and why to this rather hard-to-believe feet.
A little bit about Rue
Rue McKenrick has been hiking long-distance trails in America for nearly 20 years. He is an accomplished triple crown hiker of the PCT, AT, and CDT, and based on his scattered seasonal work history, to fund his hiking, you could say Rue is what you call a professional hiker. Rue has hiked well over 20,000 miles of American trails since high school.
He first attempted a long-distance trip in 2003, completing the Appalachian Trail. With a hunger for conservation and education, McKenrick worked for several nonprofit organizations in between his long-distance treks. He worked for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Outward Bound, and the Appalachian Mountain Club and is most proud of his service term with Ameri-Corp.
Q: So how did this all start Rue?
Rue: In July of 2019, I was in Bend, Oregon, and I envisioned creating this trail, a route that might connect many other trails such as the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) or AT (Appalachian Trail). I imagined a trail with no beginning and no end, a circular loop trail in America that millions could use.
Not exclusively a backpacker's trail but a space that would invite all to slow down, get outside, and enjoy nature. With this vision, I grabbed my tattered backpack, "ductape and all," and started walking with the 400 dollars I had in my pocket. I had no social channels back then, my gear was worn and tattered, and I didn't wait to get a sponsor. So I just did what I always have done. I started hiking south, trying to create or use seldom used routes
Q: When did you get sponsors and set up the 501c for the association?
Rue: Not until about a year later when I met a few people and supporters that were able to assist with social media, sponsors and ultimately creating the Conference.
Q: So you hiked a year with no real support?
Rue: Yes, and what made it worse is the Pandemic hit while I was on the trail and all the traditional help you might get from Trail Angels, other backpackers, small communities etc. disappeared quite quickly. I had a few people help with resupply boxes for me, and that was about it. Because many small communities were shut down to visitors, the Pandemic was challenging initially.
Q: Wow. What were some of the most complex parts in taking on this challenge for such a seasoned hiker?
Rue: Well, there were some tough times, but let me give you two examples:
One on my trail choices and another very personal one.
There is a section of the trail that I will be redoing because I could never consciously send another hiker over this route. So without sharing details, I walked from the Ridgecrest CA area through Death Valley and onto Las Vegas/Grand Canyon region. This section was brutal for various reasons. But what made it scary was an evening when my water bladder, which I generally slept with, was suddenly jerked from beneath me by a fox. It startled me a bit, and then, once I found my headlamp, the fox was sitting there nibbling and sucking on the nipple. So I yelled, and he grabbed the nipple and took off running, in pursuit, yelling and screaming; the fox dropped the bag. The hose was now chewed a bit and slightly leaking. I avoided a catastrophe, but it made me aware of the precious water resource.
The second difficult time on the journey was the unexpected death of my Brother. Difficult to stay on the trail, but I believe he would have wanted me to. Add to it that a bit past halfway I had to deal with a condition called "Over Training Fatigue". It was a real struggle to stay motivated and focused.
Besides those two instances, I also had guns pulled on me, experienced extreme weather conditions with significant snows in Arizona and North Dakota, tornadoes in Ohio, and a month of rain going northeast through theAppalachian mountain range. My entire hiking pack was stolen during a food stop. I dealt with fire-ant bites, a concussion, broken ribs, a fractured toe, and a tree falling on me. However, I found grace and company being fed and housed by countless people in communities unfamiliar with hikers.
Q: What about Zero Days or Long rest time?
Rue:: I did not take rest days during the scouting hike unless necessary. These days could be spent in my tent, in a hotel room, or at a stranger's home. During these times, I rested, repaired gear, made phone calls, sought medical attention if necessary, and prepared to go back on the trail.
I was forced off trail in October 2020 due to the "Over Training fatigue" and weather, and I returned home to Bend for six months. The Nonprofit was founded then, the community built up, and fundraising commenced to fund the trip's final leg.
In May 2021 I set out to finish the final 3,000 miles of the trail. In this segment, I lost my Brother, returned home, and then returned to the trail. I briefly returned to Bend in September 2021 where I continued working on the conference, fundraising and
PhotoCreditA.Dearybury PhotoCredit:A.Dearybury&L.Grace &S.Binellimapping the official route of the trail.
In July 2022, I left to complete the final miles of the loop, meeting up with Alex Meir and Amy Robin from Wilderness Mindset in late September to begin working on a documentary about building the APT. I walked into Drake Park, completing the trail on October 8, 2022.
Q: Now that you have finished, any regrets?
Rue: I regret not being there for my Brother. But no, I am focused now on building the conservancy efforts of the Conference and helping communities or agencies either complete trails we used or create trails that do not exist. Did you know that a state as large as Texas has no official state trail? We want to help them create one using the data I collected while traveling through the state.
Q: What's Next?
Rue: Well, we have put together a board for the association. We are meeting with Cartographers and filmmakers. But mostly, the effort now turns to membership and community involvement in conservation efforts around the country. We want the American Permeter Trail to become a National Scenic trail for everyone to enjoy, but that will take work and an act of Congress to get a designation.
I will be re-hiking some segments to make better routes. In addition, we will be creating a community effort to tie in with trail associations and projects around the country.
The APT will be a connection place for all who want to spend time with nature. A trail for kids to safely walk to school, a path to a neighboring town farmers market. It may have a section with a community garden that helps feed those in need. I want to see it also be part of an environmental education program that draws the next generations away from electronics and worries of the world to find peace among flora and fauna.
Support for the APT
"We applaud the completion of his APT scouting hike that Rue completed and support the concept of a long trail around the nation. We know what a challenge establishing and maintaining long trails can be. Ecologists are now confident that only by protecting large, connected landscapes (like the landscapes around long trails) can we ensure the
future survival and sustainability of species as climate change forces many to move to new habitats. If the APT means more connected and protected landscapes, we support it! - "Scott Wilkinson Director PCTA
How Can Others Join the Effort:
The American Perimeter Trail Conference is a grassroots 501c(3)non-profit organization dedicated to conservation and community With your generous support, we were able to fund the backpacking necessary to establish the APT and fund additional projects related to the creation of what will be America's newest and largest conservation and volunteer community. All contributions are taxdeductible.
Become a Member
Become a Member to enjoy a range of benefits, including full access to the members portal, members-only events, early registration to events and discounted registration to APTC events.
As a nonprofit organization, our greatest need is financial at this time. Please visit the website to consider becoming a member for 35 dollars or donating whatever amount you are comfortable with”
DedicatedToPushingTheSportForward
Followingasuccessful1960SquawOlympics, andtheemergenceoftheAmericanskiculture popularity,theElDoradoNa�onalForest surveyedpoten�alregionalwintersports developmentsites.Inthe1960s,withshortskis andotherinnova�ons,skiing,ingeneral,was ge�ngeasier.The1960ssawthefirstsurgeof extensivegroomingandsnowmaking,andthe successofAmericanskiingintheOlympicsled toariseinculturalenthusiasmforthesport.
Kirkwoodwasaloca�onofinterestand discussionsofmakingKirkwoodapossible wintersportssitewereintriguing.Thedisplayof interestwasnotsurprising,andinseveralways, Kirkwoodwasthemosteye-catchingofthe areasstudied.First,itisalargeandhandsome alpinemeadow,surroundedonthreesidesby spectacularslopes,makingthewholeavast naturalarena.
Picturesfromthefirstsurveysshowedthat Kirkwoodwasdesignedforskiingbythe mountainitself.Naturalslideareasonthe slopesaddedtoavisionthatwouldbecomeone ofAmerica’sIconicDeepPowerVer�calSki resorts.
TheKirkwoodSkiResortopenedin1972with fourchairli�s.Thatcouldgetapprox..1100 peopleanhourupthemountainwithaver�cal riseof1200feet.Fromitsincep�on,Kirkwood hasfosteredaskiingculturethatwouldpush theboundariesofthesport,encouragefree cultureandcapturethespiritoftheskiing community.in2012KirkwoodwasPurchasedby VailresortsanditsinvestmentfirstintotheLi�s andstructureonthemountainandthenintoits peoplehavemadeallthedifferenceinwhathas becomeaSierrafavoritefortheskicommunity. Fromthetrainedpatrolstaffthatliveonethe mountaintoiden�fysafetyissuetothecrews thatshovelouttheparkingareas,li�sand diningareas,theteamatKirkwoodisexcitedto behos�ngits50thyearcelebra�onin2022,in whatsomearecallingacelebra�onof“backto
normal”.
50thAnniversary
Kirkwoodcelebrates50yearsofskiingandridingthis year.TheKirkwoodcommunityhasstrong�estothis mountain,andcelebra�ngitsrichhistoryissuretohave everyonereminiscingofdeepwinter’spast.Kirkwood hasalwaysbeenknowforitssteepslopefilledwith powder.Fromabirdseyeviewyoucanactuallyseethat mostalltheli�areasaredesignedintradi�onalslide areascreatedbythemountainitself.Butitistheski communitythatmakesKirkwoodlegendary.Asskiing hasadvancedtheabilityofriderstoshapethefutureof themountainiss�llbeingseentoday.carvinglines
Wherethesteepanddeepproduceshair-raisingcliff drops,bumps,andopenbowlsensureyourlegsfeel likeJell-Owhenli�sclose.EverydayatKirkwoodisa chancetochooseyouradventure.With2,300acresof terrainandover2,000feetofver�cal,Kirkwoodis trulyanoutdoorplaygroundpackedwiththrills.The ruggedterrainandprolificdeepsnowpackbeckon shreddersforsteeplinestheywon’tsoonforget.
Si�ngontopoftheSierraCrestasitdoes,it’seasyto haveanyannualsnowfallofover600inches.
Kirkwoodoffersavarietyoftrailsforallabili�es.Chair 6istheaccesspointforbothSen�nelandPalisades Bowl.Chair2istheaccesspointtothebacksideofthe mountain.
“”Kirkwoodhasafounda�onalculturethatbeckons thefreeridecommunityinskiing.Anexci�ngculture thatseemstobeconstantlypushingtheedgeisaway oflifeonthemountain,””saysBagge�
BackcountrySkiinghistoryisalsorichatKirkwood, withwell-monitoredsidecountryaccessinmul�ple loca�onsaroundthemountainsandafantas�cnordic andsnowshoetrackonthenorthsideofthehighway thatleadsintosomebeau�fulcountry.
ASlopeforEverySkillLevel
Areyouabeginner?CheckouttheTimberCreekarea forvariousblueandgreenruns,whicharegreatfor learning.
Youmaybeanexpert.Then,don’tforgettorideour famousChair10,TheWall,foraccesstosomeofthe mostincredibleterrainKirkwoodoffers.
TheskiingandridingintheTimberCreekbasearea offeranidealplacetoprogressyourskillsandenjoy perfectgroomers,moderately-pitchedtreeruns,and smallgullies.
WhattoExpectontheMountainin22-23 Forthishistoricseason,Kirkwoodlooksforwardtoa returntonormala�erthreeseasonsof“weird”there areseveralfantas�ceventsplannedforthe communityatKirkwood.
havecalledthismountainhome,taughttheirkidstoskiand ridehere,andreveledindeepwintersofepicpowder.Ifyou wanttoknowwherethebestlinesare,justask.Prideofplace runsdeep,andthereisalwaysroomfornewmembers.
BankedSlalom
Kirkwood’s28thAnnualBankedSlalomisbackagain!Dayone willbeforthekidsandfamilies,whiledaytwoisfortheadults. HeldinSnowSnakeGully,thiseventisastapleforthe mountainandthecommunity.Testyourskillsagainstsomeof thebestlocalsandseewhocomesoutfastest.Not par�cipa�ng?Makesureyou’reatthefinishlinetocheeron yourfavoriteracerthroughthebo�om.
NewYear’sEveCelebra�on
Afamily-friendlystapleeveryonelooksforwardto,weringin theNewYearwithatorchlightrunfromthetopofchair5.The kidslovebeingapartofthisspecialparade,andtheadultslove thechancetosocializeinKirkwoodVillage.
KirkwoodsSignaturePrograms
JETS:JETSisaseason-long,team-drivenprogramforbothskiers andsnowboarderswhereathletesdemonstratedrama�c improvementintheirskiing/ridingbytheseason’send.In December,eachnewpar�cipantisevaluatedtohelpguide teamplacementfromthestartoftheseason.Theythenski/ rideweeklythroughouttheseasonwithworld-classcoachingto ensurethateverychildrealizestheirmaximumpoten�al.Asa result,parentswillseetheirchildrenachievingnewgoalsonthe mountainandbeforetheyknowit,evensurpassingthemwith theirabili�es.
FreerideProgram:TheKirkwoodFreerideteamsarean extensionoftheJETSprogramforthosethatwishtocompetein JuniorBigMountainfreerideevents.Theseprogramsfocuson bigmountainridingwithacompe��veoutcome,developing thenecessaryskillstorideandcompeteatthathighlevel. Kirkwoodistheperfecttraininggroundandwesawsome incredibleresultsduringthe2021-22season.
Expedi�onKirkwood:Expedi�onKirkwoodisfortheavid adventurerlookingtoexploreKirkwoodonamorein�mate level.AtKirkwood,ouruniqueterrainoffersli�accessto backcountryopportuni�eswithinourresortboundaries, providingtheperfectbackdropforourrangeofspecialtyclinics, privateguidesandbackcountryawarenessofferings.Beyond Kirkwood’sboundaries,you’llfindinfamousterrainfeaturedin manyskiandsnowboardflicks.Backcountry,inboundoroutof bounds,Kirkwood’slandscapeisinaclassofitsown!
SkiGuide
LakeTahoeisaworld-renowneddes�na�onwithsome ofthemostincrediblesceneryontheplanet.Fromthe lakeitselftothesurroundingmountains,awe-inspiring viewscanbefoundeverydirec�onyouturn.The uniquegeographyoftheregionisprofoundateach LakeTahoeSkiresort.
Inthis2022-23guidelearnwhatisneworuniqueat eachresortthisseasonasyouplanyouskiseason.
HeavenlySkiResort
Heavenlysitsintwostates,providingaone-of-a-kind skiingexperiencewithitsiconic,breathtakingviews nestledwithintheSierraNevadaMountainrange. TahoeisHeavenly,andyou’llcertainlyfeelitwhile skiingorridingtheSierrasandabsorbingviewsofLake Tahoe’sdeepblue,highalpinewater.Withnearly 5,000acresofskiableterrainand97trailsranging fromgroomerstochutes,youwon'tgetbored exploringthemountain’swidebreadthofterrain. Whetheryouaretakingintheunbelievablepanoramic viewsofLakeTahoeontheCaliforniaside,orseeing theCarsonValleyextendformilesontheNevadaside, youaresuretohaveyourbreathtakenawaybyboth
NorthStarResort
Thecombina�onofrelaxa�onand exhilara�oniswhatdrawsmanyofusto skiingandsnowboarding.Northstar California,celebra�ngits50thanniversary thiswinter,istheperfectplacetofindthat senseofcalm,wherethemajes�ctreesin theMar�sValleyandproximitytoLake Tahoemakeitfeellikehomeawayfrom home.Firesides’moresandhotcocoawith familyintheVillage,awe-inspiring mountainviews,anaverageof350inches ofannualsnowfall,anddecades'worthof historyandtradi�ons–allthese experiencesonandoffthemountainadd up,andtheyleaveyouwithendless unforge�ablememoriesthatwillhaveyou daydreamingaboutthismountaingetaway foryearstocome.
TerrainForEveryone:ExploreNorthstar California’sdiverseterrainandtrailsonMt. Pluto,anex�nctvolcanothatlasterupted morethantwomillionyearsago.Nowitis theperfectplaceforexploratorycruising withitsmoderatepitch,sweepingviewsof LakeTahoeofftheEastRidgetrail,and wide-openrunsthatallowgueststhe chancetocurateanon-mountain adventurethateveryonewilllove.With morethan3,000acres,familiescan progresstogetherinfamily-designated learningzones,or–formoreadvanced guests–exploreover400
acresofadvancedterrainonLookout Mountain,ortestyourlegsonLoggerLoop –thelongestrunatNorthstarCalifornia, extending1.4miles.Thetrulyadventurous amongthebunchcanridebumpsand gladesonmile-longrunsontheBackside orevendefygravityinoneofthelargest progressionterrainparksinthecountry.
anniversaryofopera�onsat NorthstarCaliforniaandfive decadesworthoftradi�ons,both oldandnew,thatmul�ple genera�onsofskiersandriders havecreated.Getreadyto celebratefi�yyearsofNorthstar Californiaandcon�nuecrea�ng specialmemoriesatyourhome awayfromhomethatlasta life�me.
EpicLi�Upgrade: Northstar California’snewlyupgraded ComstockExpressli�willbeopen forskiersandridersthisseason. Havingbeenreplacedatmidmountainfromafour-person chairtoanewhigh-speedsixpersonchair,thenewComstock li�isdesignedtoreducewait �mesatoneofthemountain’s mostpopularli�sandwill increaseuphillcapacitybynearly 50%.
FirstTracks: Newthisseason, PassHolderscangainearlyaccess onpicture-perfectcorduroyor
waistdeeppowderasoneofthe firstfewonthemountainahalfhourbeforethegeneralpublic everyMondayat8:30amstar�ng mid-Decemberthroughtheend oftheseason,condi�ons permi�ng.
LiveMusic: Aprèstherightwayin TheVillageatNorthstar.Graba drinkfromtheCabanaBar,cozy uparoundafirepit,orbreakout theiceskatesandenjoylive musicfrom2-5pm.inTheVillage onSaturdaysallwinterlong.
NoelNights: Theholidayseason intheVillageatNorthstarispure mountainmagic.Thelights,the music,thepicture-perfecticeska�ngrink,thefoodand drink...allofitwillmakeyouwish theseasoncouldlastforever. Occasionallytherewillevenbe visitsfromjollySaintNick!
realiza�onofthefounders’originalvision, theBasetoBaseGondolaoffers
newfoundconvenienceandaccessibilityto theresort’s6,000acresandfullspectrumof li�s,terrain,diningvenues,andmore.
TheBasetoBaseGondolaridewilloffer scenicviewsofLakeTahoeandtheSierra Nevadamountains,easytransitbetween theresort’suniquebaseareas,andli� accessforexpertskiersandsnowboardsto thetopofKT-22.Traversing2.4milesanda totalof3,105ver�calfeet,theridewilltake approximately16minutesaspassengers travelfromonebaseterminaltotheother withabriefstopatthenewKT-22midsta�on.TheBasetoBaseGondolafeatures fourterminals,33li�towers,and96cabins, eachofwhichseatsuptoeightpeople. Withthecapacitytotransport1,400 passengersanhour,thisnewgondolacan beoperatedasonecon�nuousli�orastwo separateli�sfromeachbaseareatothetop ofKT-22incaseofinclementweather.
NewUpgrades
A�ermorethan30years,theRedDogLi� hasbeenupgradedtoahigh-speed,sixseaterwithanewbaseterminalthatoffers directaccessfromtheparkinglot.The 2022-2023seasonwillalsointroducean expandedandredesignedFunitelPlazafor easierli�accessfromtheVillage,amassive renova�onoftheAlpineLodge,andthe installa�onofnewautoma�csnowmaking systemsatAlpine.
Transporta�on
Mountaineer, theserviceofferingfree wintertransporta�oninOlympicValleyand AlpineMeadows,willaddnewservice routesandexpanditsopera�ngschedule forthe2022-2023season.FromDecember 9,2022throughApril9,2023,Mountaineer willprovidedailyeveningservicebetween OlympicValleyandAlpineMeadows,fourdayperweekopera�onsinAlpine Meadows,andserviceinOlympicValley
un�l2a.m.onNewYear’sEveand duringWinterWonderGrass.Thedogfriendly,9-passengervansare equippedwithskiandsnowboard racksandcanberequestedthrough theMountaineerapp.Inter-valley transporta�onwillbeprovided betweenthetwoPalisadesTahoebase areasbythenewBasetoBase Gondola,scheduledtooperatedaily from9a.m.to4p.m.thiswinter.
MtRose OnlyAtRose
AsKirkwoodandNorthstarcelebrate 50yearsMtRoseisgoingon90years ofwinterskiing.Rangingbacktothe early1930'sMtRosehasdrawnthe interestoftravelingandlocalskiers.
AblossomingiconoftheReno/Tahoe region,Mt.Roseanditshallmark dis�nguishingfeaturesmakeitacut abovetherest,andanexcellent choiceforyoursnowadventure.
OnlyAtRose- Mt.RoseoffersLake Tahoe'sclosestskiingand snowboardingtoReno(only22miles and11fromNorthLakeTahoe),soyou canspendless�meontheroadand more�meontheslopes.
Withabaseeleva�onof8,260' complimentedbymostlynorthernand eastern-facingruns,Mt.Roseoffers supremesnowcondi�onsevenonthe warmestofspringdays.
Ourconvenientslope-sideparkinglots areincrediblyclosetotheli�s.Soskip theexhaus�vehikesthroughvillages andmandatoryshu�lerides.
OuridealproximitytoReno&North LakeTahoe,combinedwithexcellent terrainandsnowcondi�ons,brings togetherauniqueblendofindividuals givingMt.Roseagenuinelocalvibe
andanalways-welcomingspirit.
Fromsomeofthebestbeginner terrainintheareatothethrillofthe world-renownedChutes,Mt.Rose offerssomethingforeverylevelof skier&snowboarder.
Whenthekidshavefun–it'sagreat dayforeveryone.Mt.Roseprides itselfonourkid'slessonprograms, highlightedbylocalinstructorswho genuinelyenjoysharingtheirloveof theslopeswithkidsnewtothe sport.
WhatisNewin22-23atRose
ExpandedLakeviewAccess.MtRose isexcitedtoberevampingthe
Lakeviewexpressli�in22-23and willopenearlyintheseasonthe newLakeviewexpressli�.
Thenewli�,whichrepresentsthe mostsignificantimprovement investmenteverbytheresort,will beacrucialpieceofMt.Rose's effortstoenhancetheoverall experienceinthe"LakeviewZone." Theplanincludestrailaddi�ons, exis�ngrunimprovements,andnew skiertrafficpa�erns.Theexpansion isexpectedtobecompleteaheadof the2022-23winterseason.When completed,theLakeviewzonewill offerevengreateraccessto beginner,intermediateand advancedterrainexperience.
DiamondPeak
DiamondPeakSkiResortisLake Tahoe'sTahoe'shiddengem.Located aboveInclineVillage,thingsare differenthere.Thisisacommunityownedresortwithbreathtaking viewsofLakeTahoe;milesof welcoming,uncrowdedruns;easy accessfromtheparkinglottothe slopes;adedicatedChildSkiCenter fortheli�lestskiersand snowboarders;andagreatSki& SnowboardSchoolforolderskiers/ riders.Allofthisandaffordableli� �cketandseasonpasspricesmakes DiamondPeakTahoe'sTahoe'sbest value,yeara�eryear.Learnmore aboutDiamondPeakandmake planstojoinusthiswinter.Opening Dayiscurrentlyscheduledfor Thursday,Dec.8,condi�ons permi�ng.
NewThisSeasonatDiamond Peak: Installa�onofRFIDaccessgates:
DiamondPeakisexcitedtoannounce theinstalla�onofnewRadioFrequency Iden�fica�on(RFID)accessgatesatthe Lodgepole,Lakeview,SchoolHouse, andCrystalExpresschairli�sthis winter.Providinghand-free/touch-free convenienceforseasonpassandli� �cketholders.
"Wai�nginli�lines,whilerareat DiamondPeak,isneverfun.Thenew RFIDaccessgatesshouldspeedupthe loadingprocess,allowingforgreater efficiencyandshorterwait�mes,"said MikeBandelin,generalmanagerof DiamondPeak."Overthepastfew seasons,RFIDli�accesstechnologyhas trulybecomeanindustrystandardat otherhigh-endskiresorts,andwe're happytobeabletorolloutthis convenientnewwaytorideourli�s thisseason."
ThenewRFIDtechnologywillmakeit easierfortheresorttointroducenew li�accessproductsthatwillmake skiingandsnowboardingeveneasier forourInclineVillageandCrystalBay residents.
Reloca�onofVillageTerrainPark:
Themedium-andlarge-sized featuresinDiamondPeak'sVillage TerrainPark(VTP)aremovingto theSpillwayrunforthe2022-23 skiseason,openinguptheskiruns knownasPenguinand Dusty'sDusty'sfortradi�onal groomedskiingandridingthis winter.SmallerVTPjumpsand featureswills�llbelocatednear thebo�omoftheWigglerun(in thesamezonetheywerelocated inlastseason).Atthesame�me, theJumpStartParkforfirst-�me terrainparkuserswillremainin thesameloca�onaslastseason–thebo�omofthePopulartrail.
TheSpillwayloca�onfortheVTP's mediumandlargefeaturesisa returntotheterrainpark's loca�onbeforethe2018-19ski season,sotheparkcrewisvery familiarwiththepoten�alforthis loca�on.Withitswideopenlayout andconsistentgrade,Spillway allowstheparkcrewtobuild
featuresthatflowsmoothlyfromonetothenext, ensuringridershavetherightspeedtohiteachelement inthepark.
Skiersandriderslookingforaddi�onalgroomedop�ons onthelowermountainwillbeexcitedtoexplorethe PenguinandDusty'sDusty'sgroomers,accessibleviathe LakeviewQuad,RedFoxdouble,andCrystalExpress chairs.
Newsurfaceli�forChildSki&RideCenter: Parentsof
DiamondPeak'sPeak'syoungestskiersandriderswillbe happytoseeabrand-newmagiccarpetstylesurfaceli� inthededicatedlearningzonethatisexclusivetokids ages3to6enrolledinChildSki&RideCenterlesson programs.AsoneofDiamondPeak'sPeak'ssignature lessonprograms,theChildSki&RideCenterhasa dedicatedlearningareathatofferstheperfectgentle slopeforchildrenjustlearninghowtousetheir equipment,stop,andmaketheirfirstturns.Thenew surfaceli�willmakethatprocessmoreefficientand reliableforyearstocome.
Newlynamedgladezones: DiamondPeak'sgladded
treeskiingzonesaretheplacetobeonstormdays.This advancedterrainisaplaygroundforexpertswithnatural obstacleslikepillows,rockdrops,andmore.Diamond Peakoffers655skiableacres,andalmost500acresof thatisgladdedtreeruns.
AM I OKAY TO DRIVE?
BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING
HomewoodLakeTahoe
LocatedonthemagicalWestShoreofLakeTahoe, HomewoodMountainResorthasbeenofferingafamilyfriendlywinterexperiencesince1961.Winnerofthe 2013Na�onalSkiAreasAssocia�onGoldenEagleaward forenvironmentalstewardshipandthe2013California Governor'sEnvironmentalandEconomicLeadership Award,Homewoodcon�nuestoofferpremierwinter skiingandsnowboardingwithafocusonguestservice anduniquevaca�onpackages.
SkiingHomewoodinLakeTahoeBoastsone-of-a-kind, breathtakingviewsofLakeTahoeandtrailsthatareeasy tonavigate;HomewoodMountainResortisafavorite amonglocalsandtravelerswhoappreciateits accessibilityandsimplicity.Homewood'sspectacular lakesideloca�ongivesskiersandsnowboardersarare, unobstructedviewofLakeTahoe,makingthelakelook likeaninfinitypoolfromtheli�sandtrails.TheResort's recentpartnershipwiththeHomewoodHigh&Dry Marinafurthercementsitscommitmenttobecominga year-rounddes�na�onofferingincredibleviews, excep�onalguestservice,andrecrea�onalopportuni�es thatspanfromEllisPeaktotheshoreofLakeTahoe. Learnmoreatskihomewood.com.
•Backcountryterrainver�cal=1,840 feet
•AverageAnnualSnowfall=450 inches
•TypicalSkiSeason=December–April,condi�onspermi�ng
WEATHER
SkiersisenjoyingtheBluebirdSkyat HomeWoodResort.PhotoCourtesy ofHomewood
Withanaveragesnowfallofaround 450inchesperseasonanda whopping300daysofsunshineper year,it'snowonderthatSKIMagazine rankedHomewoodamongtheTop10 resortsinCaliforniaandNevadain 2012.Homewoodisknownforits hiddenpowderstashes,windprotectedchairsandshelteredtree runs.
WhereisHomewoodSkiResort
LocatedontheWestsideofLake TahoeoffHWY89,Homewoodisabit secludedfromthehubofac�vity aroundthelake.However,withits pris�necondi�ons,excep�onal lodgingop�ons,anddiningtreats, Homewoodisadoredbymany.
1hourwestofReno-Tahoe Interna�onalAirport
2hourseastofSacramento Interna�onalAirport
3.75hourseastofSanFrancisco Interna�onalAirport
3.75hourseastofOakland Interna�onal
BearValley
Thebestkeptsecretinthe sierra!
NestledhalfwaybetweenLake TahoeandYosemiteinthehigh Sierra,BearValleyisaparadox ofsorts—avastalpinebasin filledwithallthemeansto explorefourseasonswhile beingsosmallitfeelslikea privateescapetogranite-filled solitude.Thecommunityhas embracedPuremountainFun!
Winter’ssnowbrings unhindered-by-linesaccessto skiingandsnowboarding amidst360-degreeviewsof theSierra.MokelumnePeak, theshiningstarofthe MokelumneWildernessand theStanislausNa�onalForest, playsastheimmediate backdroptoadaymaking turnsatBearValleyResort.
Butthis�nyvalleyoffersup muchmorewinterfun,asBear ValleyAdventureCompany,or “thegassta�on”asthelocals callit,offersacresoffully servicedcrosscountryskitrails (andsnowshoeing)inthe area’ssizeablemeadow. Snowmobilerentalsoffermore vastaccesstobackcountry areasaswellastocabinsin town.Mostresidencesinthe Villageareaccessedonlyby snowmobileinthewinter,and oncehere,carsarean a�erthought.
•Snowmobiling
•Tubing
•Sledding
•Backcountrysnowsports
•Si�ngbythefire
BearValleyoffersatotalof9 li�sand75+trailsacross 1680ski-ableacresanda 1900ʹver�caldropforan amazingamountofvariety forallabili�es.OurLi�s includeahigh-speed6pack,ahigh-speedquad, onetriplechair,fourdouble chairs,andtwoconveyor carpetli�swithonecarpet exclusivelydedicatedtothe CubClubChildren’s LearningCenter.
TheterrainatBearValleyis accessibleforbeginners, seasonedpros,and everyoneinbetween.
•25%ofourtrailsare beginner-friendly
•40%areintermediate •35%areadvancedorexpert
SugarBowl Resort
powder.Becauseofitsloca�onnear donnersummit,Sugarbowlgets,on average,over500inchesofsnow. makingforexcep�onalskiinginmost winters.ThisyearSugarbowlwill openonNov25forthe22-23ski season.
withtheforestservice,so Backcountryskiingisaccessible throughseveralgatesonthe mountain.
GuidedBackcountrySkiing
PerchedatopDonnerSummit,Sugar BowlResorthasbeenfamilyowned sincethebeginningin1939.It featuresfourpeaksand103trailson its1600skiableacresofdeepsierra
With5High-speedexpressquads andsevenaddi�onalli�s,Sugarbowl cankeepyouonthemountainall daywithoutthelines.Sugarbowl doesmaintainanopenborderpolicy
Lookingtogetintothebackcountry forthefirst�me,brushuponyour skillsorhaveaguidetotaketonew territory?SugarBowlhaspartnered withInterna�onalAlpineGuides/ AlpineSkillsInterna�onal,America's
originalall-condi�ons,all-terrain rockandalpineclimbingandski mountaineeringprogram!Forover 40years,IAG/ASIhascommi�edto blendthebestfromAmerican outdooreduca�onalvalueswith progressiveclimbingandhighmountainskiingtechniquesthatthe mostaccomplishedalpinistsprac�ce throughouttheworld.Skithebest li�-accessedbackcountryterrainin CaliforniawithIAG/ASI
FeaturesEventsAtSugarBowlin 2023include:
BankedSlalom-Feb25,2023, Saturday@9:00am-4:00pm
TheSugarBowlUphiller:Apr1, 2023,Saturday@7:30am-4:30pm
TikiPondSkimApr8,2023,Saturday @11:00am-2:30pm
Whilevisi�ngSugarBowl,muchof thehistoriccharmiss�llmaintained withinthemodernresort.Touches ofAustriancharacterandBavarian stylingprovideaglimpseinto HannesSchroll'sandotherfounders' visionforthisuniquemountain.
RoyalGorgeCross Country
NorthAmerica'slargestXCresort, RoyalGorge,offerssixdis�ncttrail systemsfeaturingeightwarming hutsacross6,000acres,seamlessly integratedwiththeVillageatSugar Bowl.FromclassicstridingtoXC ska�ng,snowshoeing,andeventrails youcanenjoywithyourdog,Royal Gorgeoffersabeau�fulopportunity toenjoyscenicwinteradventures withsomeofthefinestviewsinthe Sierra.
AtRoyalGorge,classiccross-country skiingallowsyoutoglidethrougha pris�newinterwonderlandunder
yourpower.Enjoytheserenityofthe wildernessonmilesofgroomed, trackedtrailswhilege�nga phenomenalaerobicworkout. Tradi�onalorclassiccross-country skiingisperformedbothon ungroomedterrainandontrailsthat havebeengroomedandtracked withparallelgroovescutintothe snow.Thismethodpusheseachski forwardindependentlyfromthe otherinastridingmo�on, alterna�ngfoottofoot.Skiersuse polestoassistthem,withpoles plantedoppositetheforwardstridingfoot.
Dog-friendlytrails
AboutSkateSkiingatRoyalGorge
RoyalGorgeisknownforits extensive,seeminglyendlesstrail networkthatofferssomethingfor everyone—glidingaroundtheVan NordenMeadoworchallenging climbstothePointMariahlookout. Performedonfirm,smoothsnow surfaces,skateskiingrequires pushingalterna�ngskisawayfrom eachotherinamo�onsimilartoice ska�ng.Skiersusepolesandtheir upperbodystrengthtohelp generatemomentum,resul�ngina full-bodyworkout.Thismethodof skiinghasbecomepopularwith thosewhoenjoyendurancesports orwhoarelookingforachallenging winterac�vitythatrequiresstamina andagreaterleveloftechniquethan classicXC.
RoyalGorgeoffers:
State-of-the-artequipmentrentals
Dailygrouplessonswithexperienced instructors
Specialtyclinicsdesignedtorefine technique
Terrainforallabilitylevels,from
first-�mersthroughadvanced
skaters
Dog-friendlytrailsatVanNorden trailheads
Snowshoeingat RoyalGorge
Withavasttrailnetworkexclusively forsnowshoers,RoyalGorge's dedicatedsnowshoetrailsoffera peacefulopportunitytomeander throughold-growthtrees,inandout ofsnowyravines,anduptosomeof themostspectacularviewsinTahoe.
Likehiking,snowshoeingoffersan incredibleopportunityforwinter exerciseatyourownpace.Oneof theeasiestwaystoenjoythebeauty andserenityofthewilderness, snowshoeingthroughtheexpansive trailnetworkatRoyalGorge,issure tobuildanapprecia�onfornature andthegreatoutdoors.
RoyalGorgeoffers:
•54.5kmofdedicatedsnowshoe trails
•State-of-the-artequipmentrentals
•Terrainforallabilitylevels
•Dog-friendlytrailsatVanNorden trailheads
LearntoCrossCountrySki
Professionalinstructorscanhelpyou learnandgetyouonthetrailquickly andsafely.Grouplessonsare availableforguestsseekingtolearn cross-countryskiingorhopingto improvetheirskills.Snowshoe lessonsarenotoffered,butour friendlystaffcanprovideafew�ps togetyouonthetrailinaflash.
CALIFORNIA'SFAMILY MOUNTAIN
JuneMountainislocatedon StateRoute158inthetownof JuneLake,CA.Wewelcome skiersandsnowboardersofall agesandabili�es,offering7 li�s,41trails,and1,500acres ofuncrowdedslopesand beginner-friendlyterrain.When you'renotonthehill,thereare avarietyofac�vi�es,shopping anddiningop�onsavailableat theresortandinthetown.
PlannedOpeningDate December17th
KIDSSKI&RIDEFREE
Allchildren12andunder ski/rideFREE*atJune Mountain.Besuretopickup yourchild'sfreeseasonpassat the�cketofficebeforeheading uptoTheChalet.
Eleva�on(Base):7,545�/2,300m
Eleva�on(Summit):10,090�/3,089m
SkiableTerrain:1,500ac
Ver�calRise:2,590�/789m
Advanced:45%
Intermediate:40%
Beginner:15%
SNOW
AverageSnowfall:250inches
LengthofSeason:December–April
LIFTSYSTEM
NumberofLi�s:6
Quads:2
Doubles:4 Carpets:1
UphillCapacity:10,000ridesperhour TRAILSYSTEM
Trails:41namedtrails
LongestRun:2miles(Silverado)
Junehasalwaysbeenafavorite spotforfamilieswithourwide opentrailsandbeginnerfriendlyterrain.Evenour terrainparkshavebeencreated withthefamilyinmindso everyonefromli�legromsto raddadsandmomscanhave somefreestylefun.
ImagetoRight:Mammoth
MountainSnowboarder.Courtesyof MammothMountainMedia
UnboundMammothMountain
UnleashAwesomeatMammothMountain
MammothMountain3500 Acresofpuremountainjoy.25 li�sand175trailscoverthe mountainfromtoptobo�om.
Theworldclassresortand skiingcondi�onsa�rackboth worldclassskiersweekend warriors.Mammouthexudes funonthemountain.
MammothMountainis California’shighestli�-served four-seasonresortand playgroundwithasummitat 11,053�.With300daysof sunshineannually,theEastern Sierraoffersinfiniterecrea�on andscenicbeautyallyearlong.
WinterinMammothtypically runsfromearlyNovemberinto May.Nestledontheborderof YosemiteNa�onalPark, MammothMountainoffers endlessoutdoorplay.
UNBOUNDTERRAINPARKS
With10uniqueparks,2 halfpipes,100+jibsandupto 50jumpsonanygivenday coveringover100acresof terrain,Unboundisameccafor funandprogression.
SCENICGONDOLARIDES
Takeanaerialridetothe
summitfor360°viewsofthe surroundingpeaksandalpine lakes.Snapaselfieatthe summitsignandenjoylunchat theEleven53Café.Loadthe PanoramaGondolaacrossfrom theMainLodgewestentrance. CheckLi�&TrailStatusonline orontheMammothApp beforehandtoavoidweather holds UPHILLSKINNING& SPLITBOARDING
Eightuphillroutesare accessiblefromeachofour base
lodgesduringopera�nghours (seetrailmaponreverseside). Aspecialuphillpassisrequired –IkonPassHolderscangeta freeuphillpass.Skinsor climbingscalesarerequiredfor skisandsplitboardswhile ascending.Alwaysbesureto checkthetrailstatusand condi�onsreportsonlineoron theMammothAppbefore headingup.Goto MammothMountain.com/ Uphillformoreinfo.
SkiingBadgerPass Yosemite
BadgerPassSkiAreahasitall, andmakesiteasy—from ge�ngheretoren�ng equipmenttotakinglessons. You'llfindgroomedtrails perfectforcross-country skiers,chairli�sthattake Alpineskierstothetopofthe runsinminutes,achallenging terrainparkforsnowboarders andskierstotesttheirlimits, andatubingareawherethe wholefamilycanexperience thethrillstogether.You’llfind 90milesofmarkedtrailsand 25milesofgroomedtrack— includingthebelovedcrosscountrytrackfromBadgerPass Skiarea.
GlacierPoint BackcountrySkiHut
A�er10.5mileguidedskitrip alongYosemite'smost gorgeousgroomedtrail,you'll findyourselfattheGlacier PointSkiHut—arus�cand charmingstoneandlog building.Onceinside,you'llbe greetedwithrus�c accommoda�onsthatincludea diningroomwithdelicious meals,comfortablesofas,a woodstove,restrooms—anda largebunkbedareathatsleeps upto20skiers.
DodgeRidge
TheclosestSkiresorttoSan Francisco,thisWesternslope familyskizoneislocatedoff Highway108nearPincrest.
With860skableacresand 1600feeetofver�caldrop familieshavebeenenjoying Dodgeridgeforover70years.
Dodgeridgefeatures67runs andisserviceby12li�splusit includes3terrainparks.
DodgeRidgedidopenthispast weekandexpectstoopenall servicesatthelodgethisweek thankstotheearlyseason snowstorm.
Agoodplacetostartisour Interac�vePCTMap—where youcangetanideaofwhat passesareclosesttoyou.
IntheSierra,thefollowing loca�onsarethemost accessibleaccesspointstothe PCTinwinter:EchoSummitin LakeTahoe,CarsonPasson HWY88,Interstate80near BorealSkiResort,TheYuba PassScenicByway,justnorthof SierraCityandfurtherNorth thePCTcrossesHWY89near LassenVolcanicNa�onalPark justoutsideofChesterCa.The mostaccessibleaccesspointon theSouthSideoftheSierrais WalkerPassPassalongthe IsabellaWalkerpasshighway.
Obviously,snowlevelsand condi�onsvaryenormously acrossthetrail,soyou'llwant toknowasmuchaspossible aboutsnowdepthwhereyou plantogo.ThePCTWinter recrea�onandsnow informa�onpageincludes manyonlinelinkstoreal-�me snowinforma�onsources.
Snowfall:Climatechange notwithstanding,partsofthe Sierra(suchastheLakeTahoe region)canbepronetogigan�c amountsofsnowinashort
period.Whilethisistrue everywhereintheWestern mountains,itcanbeextremein theSierras—soagain,being awareoftheweatherforecast beforeyougoisessen�al.
HereisaShortListofour FavoritePCTWinterAccess Hikes
CarsonPassHighway88near Kirkwood
Thisexcep�onalloca�onis plowedandmaintainedall winterlong.Itgivesyoumiles ofPCTtrailthatleadstolocal favorites,including WinnemuccaLakeand backcountryskiareaslikereds Peak.
EchoSummit
TheEchosummitaccesslotis largeandallowstravelerstogo NorthorSouthonthePCT. Beau�fulEchoLakeandthe Desola�onWildernesstothe North,andthetrailleadsdown intoMeissCountytothesouth.
LassenVolcanicNa�onalPark
ThetrailthroughLassenisso wildandunique.Unfortunately, theDixieFireof2021
destroyedmuchoftheforest areaaroundthePCTandun�l theall-clearfromtheForest Service,travelersshouldcheck toverifyitissafetotravel.As thissec�onofthetrail recovers,however,thePCT withviewsofLassenPeakisa greatwinterac�vityinthe park.
Studythetrailandtheterrain aheadof�me,andbringamap
Onceyou'vefoundsafeaccess tothePCT,takethe�meto studymapsofthetrailwhere youintendtogo.Foryourfirst winterou�ngs,distancewon't beanissue;youcanhavea wonderful�mejustgoinga mileortwoalongthetrail,then return.Asyougainexperience inwinter,youcanpushyour distance.Onegoodop�on,if it'saccessible,istopickapart ofthetrailyou'realready familiarwithfromyour summerandfallhiking.
Mostimportantiseleva�on gainorloss:foryourfirst ou�ngs,you'llbehappierand saferonsec�onsofthetrail thataren'tverysteep.Levelor rollingterrainisbest,followed bylong,gentleslopes.Un�l yougainexperienceand
knowledge,learnaboutavalanche safety,andhowtoavoidterrainthat putsyouatriskofavalanchedanger.
Andbesuretobringadetailedmap ofthetrailwithyouonthetrail. Na�onalGeographic'snewPCTtrail mapsareagreatresource—theyare madeinpartnershipwithPCTA,and 4%ofthepurchasepricesupports thePCTA.Keepinmindthatplaces you'refamiliarwithinthesummer maylookverydifferentwhen blanketedwithsnow,andifnoone elsehasle�tracksbeforeyou,some trailsmaybedifficulttofind.
Snowshoes:agreatfirstwayto experiencethePCTinwinter
Ifyouhavenopreviousexperiencein travelingoversnow,snowshoesare theeasiestandmostaccessibleway totraveloversnow.Whiletheymay appearbulkyandcomplicated, travelingonsnowshoesisn'tmuch moredifficultthanwalking—and somewouldsayalotmorefun! Snowshoeskeepyoufromsinking intothesnowbyspreadingyour weightoverawiderarea.Another bigbenefitistheyalsoserveas cleats—givingyoumoretrac�onin slipperyareasthroughserrated metalteethonthebo�oms.
Therearemanydifferenttypesof snowshoes.However,thegeneral ruleisthatlargersnowshoesare designedforheavierpeopleand deeper,so�ersnow,whereassmaller snowshoesareforlighterpeopleand morefirmorpackedsnowandice. (Smallersnowshoesarealso some�mesusedbythosewhoenjoy runninginthesnow.)Comparedto skis,snowshoesareinexpensiveand manyoutdoorandskishopswillrent themtoyouforasli�leas$10-20/ day.
Asidefromsnowshoes,you'llneeda pairofpoles.Whilenotessen�alfor snowshoeing,polesgiveyouanextra levelofstabilityandcanhelpwith balanceonslopingterrain.Most populararetrekkingpoles(thesame kindyou'duseinsummer)withthe addi�onofscrew-on"baskets,"the
discsjustabovethe�pof thepolethatpreventthem frompenetra�ngtoofarinto thesnow.Ofcourse,ski poleswillalsoworkifthey areshortenough.
Snowshoescan accommodateawidevariety offootwear—mostlikely, whateverwinterorsnow bootsyoualreadyhavewill workwellenoughforyour firstou�ngs.Themore waterproofandwarmthe boots,thebe�er.
Finally,foryourfirstou�ngs insnow,figureonmoving moreslowlythanyouwould onasummerhike:50-75% ofyournormalpaceisa goodballparkfores�ma�ng �meanddistanceonthe trail.Yourspeedwilldepend onyourcondi�oningaswell asthesnow.Loose,deep snowwillslowyoudown andrequiremoreeffort— andifyou'reonawelltraveledpartofthetrail whereothershavepacked thesnow,you'llfindthe goingeasierandfaster.
Cross-countryskis:going fasterandfarther
Whiletheyrequiremore experienceandskilltolearn,
cross-countryskis (commonlyabbreviatedas XCskis)areaveryefficient waytocoverdistancesover snow.Ifyou'rean experiencedcross-country skierbutpreviouslyhave onlyskiedongroomedtrails ataNordiccenter,you'llfind skiingonthePCTtobea li�le"wilder."Ifyou'renew toXCskiing,youmight considermakingyourfirst ou�ngataNordiccenteror ongroomedtrailsjusttoget afeelfortheskis.Sno-Parks areo�engoodplacesto learn,asmanywillhave trailsonrela�velylevel terrain.
Findinglevelorgentlyrolling terrain(orlong,gradual eleva�onchangesthataren't toosteep)ismorecri�calfor XCskiingthansnowshoeing. Whenthetrailbeginsrising orfallingatmorethana gentleslope,yourdaycan quicklybecomefrustra�ng anddifficultifyouaren't experienced.Studyingmaps ofthetrailthatshow eleva�oncontoursor profilescanmakeyour ou�ngalotmoreenjoyable (andenableyoutoeliminate anyloca�onswithsteep terrainstar�ngnearthe trailhead).
O�enwhenXCskiingonthetrail,someoneelse willhavegonebeforeyou—andyou'llfindanice pairofskitracksinthesnowtofollow.But, some�mes,you'llbethefirstoneonthetrail a�erafreshsnowfall,andyou'llbebreakingthe trail.Thiscanbeincrediblybeau�fuland rewardingbutismoredemandingasyou'llwork harderandhavetheaddedtaskofnaviga�ngand ensuringyouremainonthetrail.(Andknowthat whereveryouski,otherswillfollowinyour tracks.)
TherearemanytypesofXCskisandwecouldn't coverthemallhere.Butgenerally,thebestskisto useonthePCT(andbackcountrytrailsgenerally) willbeshorterandbroaderthanskisusedon groomedtrails.They'llalsohavemetaledgesto aidinturningandgrippingthesnowonslopes. Thesearesome�mesreferredtoas"backcountry touring"or"backcountryNordic"skis.
Withknowledgeandpreparedness,youcanenjoy thespectacularwinterexperienceonthePCT.
Despitethehazards,winterrecrea�ononthePCT canbespectacularandrewarding.Formany, beingonthetrailinthesnowisevenmorefun thaninsummer.Underthesnow,thePCT becomesatruewonderland—likebeinginsidea vastsnowglobewhereeverydetailsparkles, colorsaremorevibrantandtheairfeelsfresher andcleaner.(Andnobugs!)
Bestofall,ge�ngknowledgeableand experiencedatwintertravelinthebackcountry extendsyour"season"foroutdoorplaytomore eachyear.
Eleva�on:becausetheSierrasareo�enhigher
thantheCascades,temperaturescanbelower andwindsmoresubstan�al—andthe consequencesofstormscanbepoten�allyworse. Exposurecanbegreaterathighereleva�ons(e.g. abovetreeline),soallthismustbeconsidered whenchoosingaplacetogo,clothing,and gear.Sodoyourresearch,learnaboutthe hazards,thengetoutthereandenjoy!
Source:BySco�WilkinsonPCTACommunica�on directorBlogPostDecember23,2020"Winter offersaspectacularnewwaytoexperiencethe PacificCrestTrail"
Author:Sco�Wilkinson
Sco�WilkinsonisthePCTA'sContent DevelopmentDirector.Aformerprofessional musician,Sco�has20+yearsofexperiencein almosteverymarke�ngrole.Beforejoiningthe PCTAhewasamarke�ng/crea�vedirectorat WestVirginiaUniversityandtheUniversityof Oregon.Aseriousoutdooraddict,Sco�isan experiencedwhitewaterpaddler,hangglider pilot,flyfisher,mountainbiker,and(ofcourse) hikerandbackpacker.
THETAHOE BACKCOUNTRY AVOICEFOR
In 2015-16inLakeTahoe,theregionwasgoingthrough aplanforthecorridornearEmeraldBayforwinter travel.Intheprocess,theregionalplannershadplanned tocloseoffaccesstoanareathatBackcountryskiers hadusedforyearstoJakesPeak.Duringthis�me,a VoicefortheBackcountryaroseinTahoefromagroup ofpassionatelocalstohelpeducatetheregional authori�esabouttheusageandneededaccesspoints forourdoorrecrea�onintheTahoeBackcountry.
Thissmall,passionatevoicehelpedbringawareness and,intheprocess,begantheworkofasmallgroupof volunteerrecrea�onistsinassis�ngregionalauthori�es withloca�ngandprotec�nglocalaccessand opportuni�esforbackcountryadventure.ButaVoice nowsoughtoutbyauthori�esallacrossCaliforniaand Nevadaasmanagementofresourcesat�mesclashes withopportunityforaccesstotheoutdoors.
TahoeBackcountryAlliance
TheTahoeBackcountryAlliancestartedofficiallyin2016 andisthevoiceforthehuman-poweredwinter backcountrycommunityintheLakeTahoearea, advoca�ngforandinformingourcommunityabout cri�calissuesaffec�ngwinterbackcountryrecrea�onin andaroundTahoe.
Fastforwardtotodayandthisoncesmallgroupof passionateadvocatesforbackcountryrecrea�onhas nowdevelopedintoasignificantnon-profitassocia�on intheTahoeEco-system.Hiringtheirfirstpart-�me Employee,AnthonyCupaiuolo–Anthonyisalong-�me splitboarder,SouthTahoelocal,andpassionate advocateforpubliclandsaccess.Addi�onally,Anthony isaphotographerandfilmmakeratFirstTracks Produc�onswhennotadvoca�ngforbackcountry accessinTahoe.
THETAHOE BACKCOUNTRY
In2022,TheTahoeBackcountryAlliancebeganitsfirst campaignasanassocia�onformembershipandsupport fromfellowbackcountryenthusiasts.
ServicesTahoeBackcountryAllianceProvides
In2021theTahoeBackcountryAlliancebegana MicrotransitSystemfortheNorthLakeTahoeregion. Thisserviceallowedbackcountryrecrea�oniststoget droppedoffatatrailheadandevenpickedupata differentoneiftheydesired.
SpeakingwithAnthony,hetoldusthatin2023theyare workingonaddingaTrialserviceforfourweekendsfor theSouthLakeTahoesideaswell.“Wefeelthistypeof transporta�ondrop-off,andpick-upisarealneedfor recrea�onalopportuni�esinLakeTahoe.Notonlyinthe
Winterbutyear-round.Wehopetoshowtheneedand successofsuchaprogramandsomeday,theen�re regionmightbeabletofundsuchaservice.”~Anthony Cupaiuolo–Execu�veDirector
Wealsoin2000workedwiththecityofTruckeeon publicaccessnearthewestsideofDonnerlake.We foundthattherewererisingconflictswiththeprivate propertyownersintheareabecauseofparkingissues arisingfromskierstryingtogetaccesstothearea.A�er discussionsandli�leresearch,wefoundasmallparking areaavailable,butthecityneededmoreresourcesto maintainitintheWinter.SotheAllianceandits volunteersstartedplowingandmaintainingthelotthat held20cars.WithhelpfromtheVisitTruckeeAuthority thisyear,weraisedsomefundsandexpandedparking to60cars,andtheTBAiscommi�edtoplowingand maintainingthespace.
AM I OKAY TO DRIVE?
SpeakingwithAnthony,itisclearthattheagency’s posi�oninthecommunityasanac�vevoicefor backcountryrecrea�onhasgrownintoavoiceofreason forbothsides.“Alargepartofwhatwenowdoisto helpsolveconflictsandcommunica�onproblemswith thepublicusingthelandandtheprivateinterestsof thosewholivenearby.Educa�ngskiers,forinstance,on theimportanceofleavingnotraceeffortswherethey parkanddoingtheirpartinnotdisturbingthe residence,forexample,withloudmusicblaringfrom theirradiosat6am.”
Withthehelpofoursupportersthisyear,wealsoare reachingoutandsuppor�ngotheragenciesthatare educa�ngandprovidingaccesstogroupsthatmaynot havehadtheopportunitytoexperiencethe Backcountry.TheWashoetribe,forexample,runsan outdoorprogram,helpingchildrengetexposureand accesstotheWilderness.Butunfortunately,wefound outtheydidn’thavesnowshoesfortheirwinter program.Sothisyear,weraisedfundsandareproviding thetribewithsnowshoesfortheirprogramssotheycan con�nuethecri�calmissionofgivingaccesstothenext genera�on.
HowCanyouSupporttheEfforts?
TheTahoeBackcountryAlliancenowoffers membershipsforanyonewillingtosupportgrowing accessandprotec�onoftheTahoeBackcountry.”We haveacoupleofprogramswithbenefitslistedonour website,saysAnthony.However,wealsohavea“give
whatyoulike”policy.Wearealwayslookingfor volunteerstohelpusexpandservicestotheregion.We lovethemodelthattheTahoeRimTrailandDesola�on Wildernesshavedeveloped,withVolunteersproviding much-neededsupporttolocalagenciesimprovinguser experiences.”
Whyshouldyoujoin?
Newtrailheadsareexpensive,andit’svitalforusto havefundsonhandwhenprojectsbecomeshovelready.Yourmembershiphelpsfundourcurrentprojects andfutureprojects.
TheTahoeBackcountryAllianceisworkingonexpanding themeaningofthewordaccess.Accesswillalways involvesafeandlegalparkingtoenjoyourpubliclands, butaccessalsomeans“who”cangetoutthere.TheTBA supportsBlackbirdGuidesandtheirBIPOCAvalanche Educa�onScholarship–and,newthisyear,TBAis launchingaprogramthatwillallowforkidsfromthe WashoeTribeopportuni�estocross-countryskiand snowshoe.
Manydecisionsaffec�ngbackcountryusecomefrom landmanagersandagencies,andyoursupportallows theTahoeBackcountryAlliancetohaveaseatatthe table.TheTBApar�cipatesinmee�ngsthroughoutthe yeartoworkonshort–andlong-rangesolu�ons.
Imagesby:AnthonyCupaiuolo-FirstTracksStudioWe Help You Help.
When you help care for a loved one, you take care of everything. But are you taking care of yourself?
AARP can help with information and useful tips on how you can maintain a healthy life balance, care for your own physical and mental well-being, and manage the challenges of caring for a loved one.
Get help from others. Ask family and friends for assistance. Seek advice from other people caring for their loved ones.
Care for yourself. Don’t forget about your own needs. It’s just as important to make a plan to take care of yourself as it is to create a caregiving plan for your loved one.
Tap into AARP’s resources. AARP.org/caregiving has a wide array of information, including legal and financial guidance.
You’re there for them. We’re here for you.
Find free Care Guides to support you and your loved one at AARP.org/caregiving
3Essential TipsforHiking intheWinter Season
ByKaylaBeirneHikingisagreatac�vityandhobbythatwillkeepyou ac�veallyearround.However,it’snecessarytotakethe properstepstopreparefortheweather,especiallyifyou areplanningahikeinthewinter�me.Herearethree essen�al�psforhikinginthewinterseason.
DressinMul�pleLayers
Dressinginmul�plelayersisthefirstessen�al�pfor winterhikers.Dependingonyourloca�on,hikingin winterweathercanbecoldandbrutal.Therefore,you wanttoensureyoudressappropriatelysothatyoucan staywarmandprotectedfromtheelements.Onelayer ofclothingprobablyisn’tgoingtodothetrickinthis typeofweather,soyou’llwanttodressinmul�ple layers.It’sagoodideatohaveanunderlayerlike thermallongjohnstostart.Thenyouwanttohavea thicktoplayertokeepyourheatfromescapingduring thehike.Addinganinsulatedjacketorcoatontopofthe otherlayersisgoingtohelpyoustayaswarmas possible.Youmayalsowanttowearhatsandglovesto protectyourself.
ChooseAppropriateFootwear
It’salsoimportanttochooseappropriatefootwearwhen hikinginthewintermonths.Nowthatyousortedyour clothes,youwillalsoneedtopickagoodpairofshoes foryourtrek.Ifyou’rehikinginthewinter,chancesare thattherewillbesnowandiceontheground,especially athigheral�tudes.Notalltypesoffootwearworkwell inthesnow,soyou’llwanttopickakindthatcan withstandthesecondi�ons.Propertrac�oniskeywhen selec�ngwinterhikingbootstohelpyounavigatethe terrain.Youshouldalsoconsidercomfort,durability,and insula�onwhenchoosingyourfootwearforwinter hikes.
FollowProperSafetyPrecau�ons
Followingpropersafetyprecau�onsisalsonecessary whengoingonawinterhike.Oneofthetop�psfor hikingsafelyinthewinterisfollowingappropriatesafety proceduresandguidelines.Snowandicecanbe hazardous,especiallywhenhikinginthemountains. Therefore,youshouldtaketheproperstepstoavoid accidentsandinjuries.Makesurethatyouknowwhat trailyouwillhike,andensurethatthetrailisopentothe publicduringthewinterseason.Sometrailswillclose duetoinclementweathercondi�ons.Youshouldalso knowwhat�mesofdayarebestforyourhike,asyou don’twanttohikeduringthedarkestorcoldestpartsof theday.It’salsohelpfultocarryafirstaidkitwithyou justincaseofemergencies.
Asyouplanyournextwinterhike,keepthesebeneficial �psforwinterweatherhikinginmind.Youwantto prepareaheadsothatyoucanstaysafeandwarm duringyourtrek.
Reborn Luxury
DiscoverThe National Exchange Hotelin NevadaCity
LookingforyournextLuxurygetawaywithallthecharmofa hallmarkmovie?HeadWest.Tothewesternfoothillsofthe SierraNevadaandNevadaCitytoexperienceoneoftwo stunningrenovationstoCalifornia'shistorythathavetobe experienced.
TheNationalExchangeHotelbuiltin1856,onceconsidered thebeaconforsophisticationforwesternhotels,hasbeen restoredandreinvigoratedwithafewmoderntouches.Now providingvisitorstoNevadaCitywithanopulenthoteland diningexperiencethatmatchesthespiritedhistoryofthe streetsandhillsofNevadaCity.
NevadaCity,Californiahashistoricallybeenacenterofthe state'sinfluenceregardingwealthandpower.NevadaCity inthelate1800sandearly1900s,housedsomeofthe world'smostrenownedgoldcapitalistsandaspiritofthe wildwestthatwasenticing.
Thestreetswerelitteredwithgold,butthelegendofNevada Citywasoftenbestcapturedatthelocalbarsandhotels,as guestswouldfileinforentertainmentandhopesofriches. FatherTime,however,hasoftennottakenkindlytotheold relicsofthepast.Decayingbuildingsandhobbled infrastructurecanoftendecimateanoldhistorictown.
In1973,TheNationalExchangehotelwaslistedinthe NationalRegisterofHistoricPlaces.Evenbythen,theold bonesbuilttolastinNevadaCity'sdowntownwerestarting toshowtheirage.Butin2018,TheNationalExchange HotelandtheHolbrookeHotelafewmilesdowntheroad,
wererescuedbytheAcmeHospitalitygroupout ofSantaBarbara.Threeyearsago,theystarted adetailedprocesstorestoreandgivetheHotel anewleaseonlife.Afteranextensive,threeyear,floor-to-raftersrenovation,guestsarenow welcomedtoaplacefullofrichcolorsand patterns,opulentfurnishings,andlovingly restoredoriginalfeatures,withwhispersof storiestobediscoveredaroundeveryturn.
Todaytheestablishmentnotonlyprovidesits guestswithbeautifullydesignedsuiteswith Blackbeautyrestmattressesandwalk-in showerswithgoldaccentsbutahostofextra amenitiesuniquetothepropertiesandhistoryof theseoldwalls.
ReserveYourSuiteand haveRestfulNights
Sleep
DecoratedwithaVictorianflairofluxury,eachof our38guestroomsatTheNationalExchange hasitsownuniquestorytotell.Curatedvintage furnitureandlightfixturescomplementmodern amenitiesforanidealstay,aswellas: •BeautyrestBlackLabelmattresses
toTell
GueststotheHotelorthecityarealso welcomedatthenewNationalBarorLola DiningExperience.Eachhasaunique placeandstorytotellasaprominentpart ofthelegendoftheExchange.
TheNationalBar,reimaginedinthe renovation,wasrecreatedusingtheold radiatorheatersfromthehotelrooms.Its darkdécorinvitesyoutositbackandtake inthemoment.Seekingalocalstoryof theancienttimes,askabouttheimages hangingthroughoutasthestoriesofthe NationalBars'pastrundeepinNevada City.
TheNationalExchangeBariswellstockedwithallthegoodthings: numerousbeersontap,caskales,wellmadecocktails,carefullychosenwines andspirits,splendidsmallplatesto devour…andadark,seductivedécorto enhanceeverysip.
TakeadvantageofavisittoLoladuring
yourstay.InspiredbywesternlegendLola Montez,reservationsandanappetiteyouwill wanttobring.NotonlyisLolalocallyinspired, butitsplateisalsoaslargeasthestoriesofthis Hotel.ThecuisineatLolaishigh-spiritedand modern,sparkedbythegreatwildwestanda shineofEuropeanfinesse.
Icouldtellyouaboutthedouble-cutPorkChops thatmeltinyourmouthwithfallflavorsofmaple, pear,sage,anddandelionthatareintoxicating. OrthesharedplatesuchasSteakTartare (RecommendedtousbyaguestattheBar)or roastedBrusselssprouts,someofthebestI haveevereaten,butthemenuisadedicationto beautifulingredients,locallysourced, sustainable,andseasonallyinspired.Youmay findacompletelydifferentmenuifyougolater.I canassureyouthattheLoladiningexperience isexceptional.Theportionsarelarge,the flavorswellcrafted,andtheoptionsaresureto pleaseyourentireparty.
AdventureAwaitsin NevadaCity
VacationinginNevadaCitycouldbefilledwith artandculture.Thiswouldbeanexcellent recommendation,withplacesliketheNevada Theatrejustdownthestreetandmanylocally ownedartandculturalshopswithinwalking distanceofthehoteldoors.
However,NevadaCitytodayisanoutdoor meccaofoutdooradventure.Trails,rivers,and mountainsineverydirectiongiveoutdoor adventuretravelersafullpalateofgreatoptions. Afteragreatnight'ssleep,wakeupearlyand headdowntotheSouthYubariverandHoyts Crossingforafantasticmorningdiportakeyour poleandfishforabitofsunrisetroutfishing. FromtheHotel,unloadthebikeorlaceupthe runningshoesbeforeheadingoutofdowntown downtodeercreekandexperienceagreat suspensionbridgeandtrailsthatcarvethe mountainsidealongthecreekformiles.
Seekingalittlelessadventureandaleisurely afternoonoreveningstrollamongthetrees. CheckouttheCanaltrailabout2.5milesfrom theHotelupBannerMountain.Thepathiswide andflat,plusitwillleadyouintoaregionwitha WoodpeckerPreserveandagreatviewof DownTownofNevadaCityfromthehillside.
WhentoVisitNevadaCityandtheNational ExchangeHotel
Isthereeverreallyabadtimeforanexceptional vacationstay?No?Hereareafewtimesoftheyear thattheHallmarkDowntownareaofNevadaCity mightbringextrajoytoyourvisit.
TheNationalBarfeaturesweeklylocalentertainment andconstantlychangingeventstokeepthevibe freshandfunforvisitorsandlocals.Entertainment includedGrammyAward-winningmusicianTommy CosteronPianoeverySaturdayandCelticsessions everyThursday,asanexample.
TheCaliforniaArtsCouncilhasformallyrecognized thedowntownareaasaCulturalDistrict,honoring theevolutionfromaroughgold-miningcamptoan artsandmusicmagnetandahavenforoutdoor adventures.Wheregold-hungryminersoncetoiled, culturenowthrives.EachnewdayinNevadaCityis fullofadventureswaitingtobeexplored.OnGoing featuredEventsinNevadaCity NevadaCityFallColors-OctoberandNovember-
NightsinNevadaCitycelebration,anoutdoorart andmusicfestival,willbeheldonthreeWednesday eveningsinJuly.ThebestFREEentertainmentfor theentirefamily
NevadaCityFilmFestival-August-Topindependent cinemainthefoothillsofNorthernCalifornia.Stellar programmingofshortandfull-lengthfilms,great audiences,andatrulyfestiveenvironmentmakes NevadaCityFilmFestivaloneofthemost innovative,exciting,andfuneventsonthewest coast.
The Legendary Holbrooke Brushesoff FatherTime
ATravelDesigna�onFilled withAdventureandStory Telling-TheHolbrookeand GrassValleyDelight
Visitors
GrassValleyCA.-Bornina�meof Californiawhereyoungmenofcornish decentwererifledacrosstheseasto workTheEmpireMine.TheHolbrooke HotelwouldbecomeastapleofGrass Valleyandtheregion'shistory.However, itwouldfirstberecognizedasamuddy tentthatwelcomedminersa�erashi�to astrongbeverageorthree.
"Beforetherewasahotel,therewasa saloon.In1852,thousandsofthirsty prospectorsfilledtheirglassesatthe originalGoldenGateSaloon.A�erGrass Valleywasdestroyedbyafirein1855, theownersquicklyadaptedandsold whiskeyandbeertoloyalcustomersfrom atentamongtherubblethenextday."
Itsgrowingpopularitywiththeminers andtheeventualwindfallattheempire minehelpedtheHolbrookebecomejust whattheregionneeded.A slaughterhouseofglu�onyand debauchery.Rumorsares�lltoldtodayof youngmentyingthemselvestothebar becausethebarrulesweresimple."If youcouldsitatthebar,youcouldhave anotherdrink."Asaresult,manypatrons ofthe�mesweredrugtothebasement oncetheypassedoutfromaneveningat theHolbrooke.
WhatwasonceoldisNew Again
TodayvisitorstoGrassValleycans�ll revelinthesizeoffortunesrecovered fromtheEmpireMine.Then,however, theywouldhavedifficultyrealizingthe HolbrookeHotelwasoncesuchafilthy place.
"SERVINGASTHEBACKDROPFOR GENERATIONSOFTHEAREA'SMOST ICONICMOMENTS,THEHOLBROOKEHAS MANYATALETOTELL"
Servingthewildwestalongside presiden�alvisits,theHolbrooke certainlyisastoryteller'sdream.But
whatwasoldandtradi�onalisnownew againandreadyforvisitors.
A�erame�culousrestora�on,this CaliforniaLandmarkpropertycelebrates itsstoriedpastwithamindformodern comfortsandagraciousapproachto hospitality.
AnhourfromSacramentoandnestledin theSierraNevadaFoothills,GrassValley isapostcardtownrichinhistoryand outdooradventure.Wewereexcitedto getachancetovisitthishistoricalplace andsampleitsoutdooradventure.
TheHolbrooke,uponarrival,provideda quaintrus�cfeelasyouparkedinthe backandfirstno�ceditsblackandwhite exteriorwitholdfashionbalconyonthe secondstorywhereroomguestscouldsit outsidetheirroomsandenjoyanevening read.Thepa�osetuphadguests enjoyingfoodanddrinkwithpa�ointhe shadeofthebuilding.
Theenergyofthisplaceonceyouopen thedoorisinfec�ous;thenewdesignis cleanyetauthen�callywestern.The OrginalBarhasbeencleanedupandwas alreadyapopularplaceintheearly evening,makingthefirstimpressionof theHolbrooke,exci�ng.
A�ercheckinginandmovingupstairsto ourroomIwastakenbackatthehand drawnartonthewallbylocalartsit. ";ff;ds�f"Simpleforestdrawingsthat simplywereinspiringtosee.Ourroom waslargeenoughforaleathersofa, queensizeplushbed,andagoodsize bathroomwithaclawfoottub/shower combina�onthatmadeyoufeellike historywouldbegoodtoyouatthe Holbrooke.Nodetailswerele�undonein themakeover.TheHolbrookewas designedforcomfortandsettoimpress.
Witharestaurantandtwobarson-site, youscarcelyneedtoleavetheproperty, butifyoudo,therearenumerousrivers, lakesandtrailstoexplorenearby.Or, havearelaxingwanderthroughcharming downtownGrassValleyenjoyingwine tas�ngandperusinglocalshops.
Beforedinner,takeatripdowntown GrassvalleyforaquickbrewattheGrass Valleydis�lleryandalocalPastyfromthe GrassValleyPastycompany.Thefamilyat thePastyshoparegoodpeople,andthe
whatwasoldandtradi�onalisnownew againandreadyforvisitors.
A�erame�culousrestora�on,this CaliforniaLandmarkpropertycelebrates itsstoriedpastwithamindformodern comfortsandagraciousapproachto
AnhourfromSacramentoandnestledin theSierraNevadaFoothills,GrassValley isapostcardtownrichinhistoryand outdooradventure.Wewereexcitedto getachancetovisitthishistoricalplace andsampleitsoutdooradventure.
TheHolbrooke,uponarrival,provideda quaintrus�cfeelasyouparkedinthe backandfirstno�ceditsblackandwhite exteriorwitholdfashionbalconyonthe secondstorywhereroomguestscouldsit outsidetheirroomsandenjoyanevening read.Thepa�osetuphadguests enjoyingfoodanddrinkwithpa�ointhe shadeofthebuilding.
Theenergyofthisplaceonceyouopen thedoorisinfec�ous;thenewdesignis cleanyetauthen�callywestern.The OrginalBarhasbeencleanedupandwas alreadyapopularplaceintheearly evening,makingthefirstimpressionof theHolbrooke,exci�ng.
A�ercheckinginandmovingupstairsto ourroomIwastakenbackatthehand drawnartonthewallbylocalartsit. ";ff;ds�f"Simpleforestdrawingsthat simplywereinspiringtosee.Ourroom waslargeenoughforaleathersofa, queensizeplushbed,andagoodsize bathroomwithaclawfoottub/shower combina�onthatmadeyoufeellike historywouldbegoodtoyouatthe Holbrooke.Nodetailswerele�undonein themakeover.TheHolbrookewas designedforcomfortandsettoimpress.
Witharestaurantandtwobarson-site, youscarcelyneedtoleavetheproperty, butifyoudo,therearenumerousrivers, lakesandtrailstoexplorenearby.Or, havearelaxingwanderthroughcharming downtownGrassValleyenjoyingwine tas�ngandperusinglocalshops.
Beforedinner,takeatripdowntown GrassvalleyforaquickbrewattheGrass Valleydis�lleryandalocalPastyfromthe GrassValleyPastycompany.Thefamilyat thePastyshoparegoodpeople,andthe
tradi�onalcornishminerfoodisa healthy,good-tas�ngmeal.However,I willneedtoholdoffondinnerabit. That'sok;thereareplentyofwalking stopsintownandhillstoclimbtowalkof theearlycuisine.
TheGoldenGateSaloon
A�erafewhoursofenjoyingGrassValley, wereturnedtoHolbrookeforourfirst sampleattheHolbrookeGoldenGate saloon.Oneofthelongest-opera�ng barroomswestoftheMississippiRiver WitharefurbishedoriginalBartopolder thanallthepatronswhonowvisit.
Abusyli�lespotat4pm,theenergyfrom earlyhasonlyincreasedaslocalsmixed withtravelers,andconversa�onsand laughterrangthroughoutthehotel'sfirst floor.Thedrinkswerefantas�c,aspicy Jalapeno-infuseddrinkwasmineof choice.IfIlivedlocally,Iwouldreturn regularlyforthisflavorofchoice.
Returningtoourroombeforedinner allowedmetorelaxcomfortablyonthe leathersofa.AsIsatthere,Istartedto chuckleatthethoughtandrumorsofthis oldhotelbeinghaunted.Itwassucha peacefulroomfilledwithluxury,butthe kindofplaceacowboymights�llkickoff hisbootsandlongefortheevening.
Dinner�meusheredintheeveningatthe Holbrooke,andtonosurprise,the GoldenGatesaloonwass�llahappening loca�on.Si�ngindoorsallowedthebar's energytoaddtoourdiningexperience. Withacontemporarymenuwiththe freshflavorsofCaliforniaandadashof Mexico,TheGoldenGateu�lizesthe bountyofourlocalandorganicfarms.
Ourcrewwasupforali�leindulgence thisevening.Ourtablewasfilledwith deliciousfoodthatwassharedfromfried BrusselSprouts,smokedchickenwings, andMul�plesaladsforappe�zers.
FollowedbyBeefCheek,Porkspareribs, andaPorkchiliVerdeandfollowedby severalsharabledesserts,includingatodie-forChurodessertthatjustcappedoff theevening.
SostuffedIdecidedtotakeanevening walkinthecity.ItisHalloweenseason hereinGrassValley,andasyoucan imagine,withsuchastoriedpast, holidayssuchasHalloweenarealotof
funinGrassValley.
ImadeafinalpitstopattheIrongatebar foranightcapandali�lelive entertainmentbeforereturningtomy room.IronDoor-rumoredtohavebeen bothaspeakeasyandabrothelinits150 yearhistory,thismoodysubterraneanbar isnowhometolocalmusic,comedy,dj's andacocktaillistfeaturingacrea�vemix ofbeer,wineandcra�cocktails!
NoGhostsHere
Noghostshere,asIsleptverywellonthe plushbedwithverycomfortablelinens. ThefollowingdayIwassurprisedtofinda potablecoffeecartdownthehallforthe hotel'sguests,filledwithcoffeeand severalitemstocustomizemydrink.This wassomethinguniquethatIhaveyetto seeatnewerhotels.Itwasenjoyableto grabmycoffeeandperusetheartwork onthewallsasIwalkedaroundthehotel. Suchastoriedpastandyetanewnessto theHolbrookethatmademefeellikeI hadsteppedintoaplaceofprominence.
MyFriendsonthistripwerenotso confidentofthenonightlyvisitors. Instead,theyseemedtobeawakened thatnightbysomeques�onablenoises fromthisoldbuilding.Nevertheless,it providedplentyoflaughteraswesat aroundbreakfastatthegoldensaloon.So lovelyhavinggreatfoodatthehotel,so wedidn'tneedtoventureoutforour meals.
Notonetomissalltheadventureofthis trip,afriendsuggestedaquickdriveout oftownforapolarplungeintheYuba River.APerfectwaytostartanotherday ontheWesternSierraFront.Wemade ourwaydowntotheSouthYubafora quickandicydipinthecanyons.
Laterthatday,wewouldalsodriveoutto theWoodCoveredBridgeattheYuba StatePark.Itisafantas�cloca�onthat hasbeenrebuiltandlookslikeitwasbuilt yesterdaya�erithasalsobeen refurbishedrecently.
IfyouareplanningatriptoGrass Valleyandwanttoincludean adventureortwoonyourjourney, hereisalocals'listoffavoritetrails forhikersandbikesthatmight comeinhandy.Asforus,wewillbe returninginthefuturetotryafew ofthesetrailsandtostayatthe Holbrooke.
HIKE
DeerCreekTributeTrail-Walkfrom theNa�onalExchangeHotel throughcharmingneighborhoods andconnectwiththeTributeTrail. Thetrailfeaturesabeau�ful suspensionbridgeoverDeerCreek andarguablythebestvistafor enjoyingseasonalfoliageinspring andfall.
SugarloafMountainTrail-aquick onemileoutandbacktrailprovides abirdseyeviewofdowntown NevadaCity-aperfectplacefora sunsetpicnic!
Bu�ermilkBendTrail-ascenic15 minutedrivebringsyoutoSouth YubaRiverStatePark,with accessibleparking($5)anda historiccoveredbridge.The Bu�ermilkBendtrailskimstheYuba Riverandprovidesunparalleled wildflowerblissinthespringand earlysummer!
SouthYubaTrail-Walkasfarasyou likeenjoyingvistasoftheYubaRiver below,ortacklethefull19.8mile pointtopointhikeifyou'refeeling
ambi�ous!
InsiderTip:Theforestsand woodlandssurroundingNevadaCity arefullofawe-inspiringhiking, bikingandequestriantrails.From righthereinthedowntowndistrict tothefarmountainpeaks,theBear YubaLandTrusthelpsinformour recrea�onneedswiththeironline TrailsPortal—fullofinterac�veand downloadablemapsandin-depth descrip�onsofourcommuni�es' mostbeau�fultrails—allwhile protec�ngourlocalmeadows, watersheds,forests,trailsand parks.www.bylt.org
BIKE
PioneerTrailapopular24miletrail forMountainBiking-a3,400foot eleva�ongainmakesthefulltrail challengingforbeginners.Buteven themostinexperiencedbikerscan parkjustnorthofthehistoricFive MileHouseandexploreshorter rides.
HootTraila4milesidetrail(offof themainPioneerTrail)theHoot Trailisasuperfunridefullofjumps andberms.Suitableformoredaring noviceriderswithloadsoffunaddonsformoreexperiencedbikers!
Sco�sFlatTraila7miletrailfor HikingorMountainBikingtakesyou totheshoresofSco�sFlatLake.A lovelyshadyridethroughthe ponderosapinesinthequietofthe
InsiderTip:Don'thaveabike,but wanttotrysomeofthelocalroads andtrails?RentabikeatTourof NevadaCityh�ps:// www.tourofnevadacity.com/ rentals/
RIVERS,CREEKS+LAKES
Recreatelikealocal-askthefront deskforahandyguidetosafe, respec�ulenjoymentofour outdoorspaces!Themore adventuroustravelerwillfindno shortageoflakesandstreams; here'sagoodplacetostart!
SouthYubaRiveratBridgeport:The BridgeportCoveredBridgeisthe longestsingle-spanwooden coveredbridges�llinexistencein theUS.Learnmoreaboutthe wagonsthatcrossedit,panforgold, escapetohiddenswimmingholes androamthetrailsalongour preciousYubaRiver!
Sco�sFlatLake-Ninemileseastof NevadaCityisalovelylakewithday useareasuitableforswimming, fishing,sunning,boa�ng,water skiing,sailing,kayakingandstanduppaddleboarding.
DeerCreekascenicyear-round creekthatrunsthroughtownwith trailsthatareaccessiblefrom DowntownNevadaCity.
CHRISTMASONTHECOMSTOCK
ISABOUTTRADITION.
Andyouwon’tfindabe�erplacethatbringshistoryand thatwarm,Christmasvibetogetherforonemagical experiencethaninVirginiaCity.
ChristmasontheComstockgoesalloutinDecember.This Victorian-styleholidaycelebra�onfeaturesanofficialtree ligh�ng,asalooncrawl,ourBelieveAgainChristmas Giveaway,theV&TCandyCaneExpress,theTrainO’Lights andmuchmore.Prepareforthistobeyournewfavorite holidaytradi�on.
OnevisittoVirginiaCitywillhaveyoubelievingagain. #VCFindYourSpirit
Belowaresomeoftheeventsthatwillbetakingplace duringChristmasontheComstockwithmoredetailstobe addedaseventsareconfirmed.
SIGNATUREEVENTS
BelieveAgain–AChristmasGiveawayDec.1–18
Makingitfuntosupportlocalbusinesses.Moredetailsto come.
HolidayDecora�ngContestDec.2–18
VirginiaCity’sshopsdon’tjustdecorateforChristmas, theygofullClarkGriswold.Withlightsbrightenoughfor SantaClaustoseefromtheNorthPole,comeseewhat
makesthissmall-townChristmassospecial.Andyouget toselectyourfavorites.Vo�ngtakesplaceonlinefrom Dec.2–18.Lookforthevo�nglinkstar�ngDec.2.
TheGrinchMadeMeDoItSaloonCrawlDec.3,11AM–5PM
HavesomefunduringtheGrinchMadeMeDoItSaloon Crawlwithfes�valspecialtyholidaydrinksatfeatured loca�ons.Thesalooncrawlstartsat11a.m.,withcheck-in star�ngat10a.m.Ticketsonsalehere.
ParadeofLights-Dec.3andDec.10,5PM
SeethespiritofChristmastravelthroughourhistoric townasChristmascheerlightsupthestreetswithour annualParadeofLightsheldontwoweekends–Saturday, Dec.3andSaturday,Dec.10at5p.m.Everyoneis welcometopar�cipate!Bringtheen�refamilyandjoinin thefun.Sipsomehotcocoaandenjoysweettreatsfrom ourlocalshopsasyoutakeinthewarmthofthe Christmasspirit.Line-upstartsat4:30p.m.atFourth WardSchool.Lightupyourvehicle,addsomemusicand joininthefes�vi�es!
MagicalChristmasFireworksShowDec.3andDec.10,6 PM
Nothingsaysholidaymagiclikefireworksduringthe holidays.It’sjustthatextrasparkleneededtomakeyour familytrulybelieveinthespiritofChristmasonceagain. Joinusforaspecialholidayfireworkshowtakingplace Saturday,Dec.3andSaturday,Dec.10at6p.m.The fireworkstakeplacefollowingtheParadeofLights.Thanks
totheSilverlandInn&SuitesandForeverChristmasfor generouslysuppor�ngthisevent.
COMMUNITYEVENTS
V&TCandyCaneExpressandTrainO’Lights
Nov.25-26,Dec.2-4,Dec.9-11andDec.16-18
Addali�lemagictotheseasonandbringyourfamilyto VirginiaCitytoridetheV&TCandyCaneExpress.Steeped inholidayspirit,thiswhimsicaltrainhasbecomea cherishedlocaltradi�onforfamiliesofallages.Orchoose theTrainO’Lights–aneveningtrainthatlightsupthesky withthousandsofLEDlights,crea�ngamagicalChristmas memorythatwilllastforever.Trainsdepartfromthe VirginiaCitydepotandthenarrated,round-tripridelasts about40minutes.Reserveyourseatsinadvancehere.
OfficialChristmasTreeLigh�ng-Dec.2,6PM
Joinusasweringintheholidayseasonwithourofficial VirginiaCityChristmasTreeLigh�ng,takingplaceatthe BucketofBloodparkinglotlocatedatthecornerofCand Unionstreets.
St.Mary’sArtCenter8thannualHolidayFaire
PhotoCreditMelodyHoover.
Dec.3,10AMto4PMandDec.4,10AMto3PM
St.Mary’sArtCenteroffersatrulyfes�veholiday shoppingexperiencewithover20localandregional ar�stsandmakerssharingandsellingtheircrea�onsina decorated,music-filledspace.Thisistheperfectshopping opportunitytogivetrulyone-of-a-kindgi�swhilealso suppor�ngar�stsandar�sans.Freeadmission.Learn morehere.
HomeforChristmasConcertfeaturingGlenandMollyof LadyantheTrampsDec.3,7PM
LacyJDaltonandDalePounecelebratetheholiday seasonwiththeirannualRedDogSaloonChristmasShow. Ticketsonsalenow.
CHRISTMAS2022
Sundays–Dec4,11,&18from1:30–6pm
Wednesdays–Dec7&14from5–9pm
Thearomaofroastedchestnutsfilltheair,along withcriesofstreetvendorshawkingtheirwaresand lamp-litstreetsfilledwithChristmastreasures..It’s theone&onlyVictorianChristmas.
WelcometheholidayseasoninNevadaCity.It’sa magicalse�ngofhillystreetswithauthen�cgas lamps,wanderingcarolersdressedinVictorian a�re,andvisitorssharingholidaycheerandgood �dings.
Thisannual,familytradi�ontakesplacetwo WednesdayeveningsandthreeSundaya�ernoons inDecember.Thereareholidayac�vi�esforallages includingliveentertainment,yule�detreatsand liba�ons,andFatherChristmas!
Getintotheholidayspiritwithspeciala�rac�ons throughouttheevent:
Ar�sanVendors&Bou�queShops –walkthrough theVictorianstreetswhilebrowsingthe100+ ar�sanvendorsorpopintooneofthemany bou�queshopsthatstayopenlatefortheevent.
FreeHotRoastedChestnuts –Stepbackin�meand experiencethesweetflavorandaromasof chestnutsroastedonanopenfire!Stopbythefire pitlocatedintheFoodCourttowatchthewhole processandtryachestnutyourself.
SeetheDepartment56DickensVillageDisplay
TheNevadaCityChamberofCommercewasgi�ed anextensivecollec�onofDickensVillagecollec�ble townmodels.Thesemodelswillbedisplayedinthe windowsoftheAlphaBuilding,locatedat210Broad Street.
VisitSanta –KidscanvisitwithSantaandgettheir picturetaken
SeethefamousWalkingChristmasTree&Toy Soldier–Lookforthemwanderingthroughoutthe eventandstopforaphoto.FindFatherChristmas–
FatherChristmasisaSantareminiscentofyesteryears.Findhim walkingthestreetsspreadingholidaycheer(Sundaysonly).
SeetheTownChristmasTree –The20+footfirtreeislocally sourcedandasighttosee.Decoratedintradi�onalstylewithred bowsandfrostedpinecones.LocatedinRobinsonPlazaat132 MainSt.
No�cetheTownDecora�ons –Theen�redowntownis decoratedwithwarmglowingstringlights;everygaslamp(yes–theyares�lltradi�onalgaslamps!)isadornedwithfreshand locallysourcedPonderosaPineswags(madebylocalBoyScout Troup#24),bowsandflags;andnearly400feetoffreshcedar garlandisstrungfrombalconiesallthroughouttown.
Mandarinfes�val
November18-20
Bright,juicy,sweetSatsuma MandarinsawaitattheMountain MandarinFes�val,November18-20.
MarkingtheofficialstartofPlacer County’smandarinseason,the celebra�onfeatureslocalmandarin growers,mandarincooking demonstra�ons,foodvendors,live musicand,ofcourse,thousandsof tastymandarins!Withabellyfullof fruit,takeabreaktosavorsome cultureatthePlacerAr�stsStudios Tour.TobeheldNovember11-13 andNovember18-20,thiseventis knowntobethelargestandlongeststandingvisualartstudiostourinthe northernSierraFoothillsregion.
GrassValley
CornishChristmas
FridaysNov25th,Dec2nd,Dec9th, Dec16th&23rd
CornishChristmasinvitesyoutomill arounddowntown,strollwithmulled wine,andvisitaWinterfes�valof holidaymuralsalongsidetheCornish Christmasfavoritesyouknowand love.Shopour“Downtown Promenade”andMainStreetwith extendedHolidayHours.
DowntownGrassValleywillbefilled withthesightsandsoundsofanoldfashionedChristmas;carolers, musicians,andafirepittowarm yourhands. h�ps://downtowngrassvalley.com/ gvda-events/cornish-christmas/
TahoeFilmFest-12/1/20225:30pm
TahoeFilmFestwilltakeplaceDecember1-4,2022,attheInclineVillage Cinema,theVillageCinemasatNorthstar,andCrystalBayCasinoCrown Room.All(100%)ofthe�cketsalesbenefitUCDavisTahoeEnvironmental ResearchCenter.Forfilmdescrip�ons,�ckets,filmfestpassesandfurther informa�on,pleasevisitourwebsiteath�ps://tahoefilmfest.com.
14Highway28CrystalBay,NV
WinterSports&Programs12/5/202210:00am
Trekkersofallabili�esarewelcometojoinIVGIDSeniorProgramson Tuesdaysforlighttomoderatelevelsnowshoeou�ngsatvariousloca�ons throughoutthebeau�fulSierra.Followingthehike,relaxandenjoya deliciouslunchatanInclineVillageeatery!View2022detailsonthe55+ SnowshoeHikespage.-InclineVillage,NV
HangtownChristmasParade-12/4/20221:00pm
HangtownChristmasParadeAlocalfavoritefor40+years,thisbigparadeis fullofsmall-townfun.TheHangtownChristmasParadewindsitswaydown BroadwaythenontoMainStreetbeginningat1pm.Spectatorscanenjoy everythingfromfineequinesdeckedoutintheirbesttacktohighschool bandsinbrightuniformsandthealwaysstunningandeagerlyawaited specialfloatsthatgracetheHangtownChristmasParade.Thisyear’stheme isVictorian,ACharlesDickensChristmas,andtheParadeGrandMarshalis AlbertFausel.Learnmore>>Placerville,CA
2023MyBestYearRunWalkChallenge-1/1/2023
YearChallengethatmo�vatespar�cipantstobeac�ve.RunWalk,Bike, Swim,oranyforward-movingac�vity.RegisterToday!YOURCHOICEReno, NV
ACloserLookGuidedTour-11/25/20221:00pm
AMuseumvolunteerdocentwillleadyouthroughcurrentexhibi�onsto exploreaspecifictopicmoreclosely.ACloserLookisofferedeveryFridayat 1pm.Reserva�onsarerecommended.FREEwithadmission160WLiberty StReno,NV
DesertFarmingIni�a�veMonthlyTours-11/24/202212:00pm
WeattheDesertFarmingIni�a�velovesharingthefarmwithour community.WeoffermonthlytoursonthelastThursdayofeachmonth (generally12pm-1pm).Onthetourwe'lllookatDFI'snursery,fields,hoop houses,andpackinghouseanddiscussDFI'snumerousprograms.Whilethe tourisopentoallages,thecontentisgeardmoretowardadults.Thetour typicallyinvolvesjustunderamileofwalking.Ifyou'dlikeaccommoda�ons formobility,pleasecall(775)682-9782.Pleaseregistertoa�end.
920ValleyRoadReno,NV
PacificSwimming14/UnderWinter Championships(akaJO's) 12/2/2022
ThisFall-winterourchampionship trailsandfinalscompe��onfor RENO14/underathleteswillbethe 2023PacificSwimmingWinter Championship(MeetInforma�on SheetReno,NV
RSICCommunityIceSka�ng12/22/20226:30pm15500Wedge PkwyReno,NV
ChristmasBirdCount-12/14/2022 12:00amWednesday,December14, 202212:00AM1:00AMThe ChristmasBirdCount(CBC)is widelyregardedasthelargestand oldestci�zenscienceprojectinthe world.Eachyear,from14 Decemberthrough5January,tens ofthousandsofvolunteershead outintothewinterlandscapeto countbirdsforadayAmapofthe countcirclecanbefoundbyclicking HERE.SouthLakeTahoe,CA
Na�veAmericanHeritageDay 11/25/2022-ObservanceTohide observances,gotoGoogleCalendar Se�ngs>HolidaysinUnitedStates SouthLakeTahoe,C
HumanNatureNewYear'sEve DinnerShow12/31/2022
Venue:GrandBallroomTimes: Doors6:30pm|Dinner7pm|Show 8pmTickets:Tier1Seats-$135Tier 2Seats-$110Tier3Seats-$95 Showis21+Ticketpricesexclude taxesandfees.HUMANNATURE haveearnedtheirplaceasoneof theworld'sfinestpop-vocalgroups ofthemodernera..TheNugget CasinoResortisnotresponsiblefor theac�onsofthear�storany contentsoftheshow.Subjectto changeorcancella�on.
Managementreservesallrights. 1100NuggetAve.Sparks,NV
FullMoonSnowshoeTour 12/6/20223:30pm
Lookingforagreatwaytoenhance yourtriptoLakeTahoethiswinter? JoinTahoeAdventureCompanyfor oneofourveryspecialFullMoon SnowshoeTreks.Takeinthebrisk mountainairasyousnowshoe underthemoonandlearnabout theHighSierra.A�ermee�ngthe groupandpreviewingthetrip,�me willbespentfi�nggearanda comprehensivelessonwillbe covered.Youwilltrekonoureasyto usesnowshoesthroughTahoe's peaceful,wintryforest.Aswetravel bymoonlight,ourknowledgeable guideswilldiscussnaturalhistory andastronomytopicsaswellas fascina�ngfactsaboutourmoon. Wewillalsostopalongthewayto takeinthebeau�fulviewsand enjoysnacksandhotdrinks.This tourispopularwithallabilitylevels andages(8+)!Thereisa4person minimumtorunthetour.Single travelersarewelcome,calloremail ustoseeifthereisagroupyoucan join.Allsnowshoetoursare dependentonsnowcondi�ons.If thesnowlevelistoolow,thetour willproceedasaFullMoonHike. 7010N.LakeBlvdTahoeVista,CA
AvalancheEduca�onSeries 12/6/20226:00pm
Joinusatourfirstofthreeevents andlearnthebasicsofbackcountry traveling.10/18:Gowiththeflow 11/15:Tripplanning&airbags12/6: Avalancherescue,beacons&beers Thisisagreatintrototheseasonas welearnhowtoplanfora successfuldayinthemountains fromourresidentexpertsofSierra AvalancheCenter.10069BridgeSt
Truckee,CA DailySunsetSnowshoeTours 11/25/20222:30pm
Watchthesuncastapurple alpenglowontotheSierraswhile trekkingthroughTahoe'speaceful forest.Experiencethesolitudeof winteratthisspecial�meofday whilelearninglocalnaturaland humanhistory.Offereddaily, November-Aprilorbycustom arrangement.Noexperience necessary.Trailheadsarebasedon snowpackandthegroup'sac�vity level.Tripincludes:Snowshoes, trekkingpoles,hotdrinks,trail snacks,knowledgeableguides, naturalhistorydiscussions,and permitfees
Truckee.Exactloca�onisbasedon snowcondi�onsandlevelTruckee, CA
TruckeeRoundhouseMakerspace PublicTour-Saturdays11/26/2022 1:00pm
ComeCheckOutTruckee's Makerspace!Ifyouareinterestedin takingclassesattheSpace,orjust wanttoknowwhatwehaveand whatwedo,pleasejoinusforour publictour.Wewillshowyouwant wehavetoofferandwhatyoucan doatTruckeeRoundhouse
CommunityMakerspace!Thetour takesabout40minutes.Youmust reserveyourspaceinadvanceat ourwebsite: www.truckeeroundhouse.org/ schedule.Searchbytourdateto makeyourreserva�on.Masks required.12116ChandelleWay, SuiteE3attheTruckee AirportTruckee,CA
Infuse Holiday Gatherings with Fresh Grape Flavor
FAMILY FEATURES
The elegance of the holidays starts at the table with meals, desserts and drinks shared among loved ones. This year, let grapes add easy elegance to seasonal recipes as a signature ingredient perfect for special occasions.
As a highly versatile addition to appetizers, snacks, main courses, sides and desserts, grapes are an essential ingredient to keep on hand. Thanks to their delicate sweetness and juicy texture, Grapes from California can be the star at the center of the meal in unique and tasty Braised Pork Chops with Spiced Honey and Grapes served with Spiked Grape Cider for a cozy adult beverage.
Finish the celebration by sharing Grape Basque-Style Cheesecake, where delicious, fresh grape juice is used in the cheesecake batter to lend natural sweetness and enhance flavor. Decorate the top with fresh, juicy grapes for a final festive touch.
Find more sweet ideas to celebrate the holidays at GrapesfromCalifornia.com.
Braised Pork Chops with Spiced Honey and Grapes
Servings: 4
4 thick pork chops (about 3 pounds)
4 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted 1 1/2 cups whole red or black Grapes from California
1/3 cup honey
2 small cinnamon sticks, broken
3-5 whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon dried ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional)
Preheat oven to 325 F.
Heat heavy, lidded saute pan or casserole dish over medium-high heat. Dust pork chops with flour and brown slowly in melted butter. Do not let flour burn.
Remove pan from heat and add grapes, honey, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, salt and pepper. Cover and place in oven. Braise slowly 50-60 minutes, or until pork is tender. Remove pork from pan and keep warm. Skim pan sauce of excess fat. Arrange pork chops on serving platter, spoon with sauce and sprinkle with chopped mint, if desired.
Nutritional information per serving: 569 calories; 54 g protein; 41 g carbohydrates; 21 g fat (33% calories from fat); 9 g saturated fat (14% calories from saturated fat); 33% calories from fat; 165 mg cholesterol; 407 mg sodium; 1.6 g fiber.
A Sweet Party Starter
Set the stage for a delicious get-together by serving an easy, attractive appetizer like this Grape Party Tray with fresh grapes, prosciutto, cheeses, pistachios and more holiday favorites. Grapes are easy to include as they offer variety –different colors, shapes, sizes and textures – which makes them an ideal healthy snack or ingredient in tasty recipes.
Grape Basque-Style Cheesecake
Prep time: 15 minutes, plus cooling and chilling Bake time: 40 minutes Servings: 12
2 cups green Grapes from California, divided 1/4 cup, plus 2/3 cup, granulated sugar, divided 2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 large pinches kosher salt
21 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup cold heavy cream
4 large eggs, at room temperature
Hot Spiked Grape Cider
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: about 1 hour
Servings: 4
5 cups red Grapes from California, plus additional for garnish, divided
3 cups water
1 tablespoon honey
1 cinnamon stick
2 star anise (optional)
1 large navel orange
6 ounces amber rum
In large saucepan, combine 5 cups grapes with water, honey, cinnamon and star anise, if desired. Bring mixture to boil over medium-high heat, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until grapes are tender, 50-60 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes.
Lay medium mesh strainer over bowl and pour grape mixture through. Gently press on solids to remove juice from fruit for about 2 cups grape cider.
With peeler, peel off large strip orange zest and add to warm juice. Let cool, cover and refrigerate.
When ready to serve, gently warm cider over medium heat. Pour 1/2 cup cider into each cup. Add 1 1/2 ounces rum and garnish with twist of orange and small skewer of grapes.
Nutritional information per serving: 170 calories; 0 g protein; 18 g carbohydrates; 0 g fat (0% calories from fat); 0 g saturated fat (0% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cho lesterol; 5 mg sodium; 0 g fiber.
2 tablespoons orangeflavored liqueur (optional)
Heat oven to 425 F with rack in center. Use 12-by-16-inch sheet of parchment paper to line 9-inch springform pan in center. Press paper into bottom edge of pan and flatten creases around sides. Place pan on shallow baking sheet.
In mini blender or food processor, blend 1 cup grapes, 1/4 cup sugar, cornstarch and salt on high until smooth, about 1 minute.
In bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle, beat cream cheese and remaining sugar until fluffy, 1-2 minutes. With mixer on medium speed, gradually pour in heavy cream; scrape down and beat on high speed until mixture resembles soft whipped cream, about 1 minute. Beat in eggs, one at a time, scraping down between
additions. At medium speed, gradually add grape puree mixture; scrape and mix until well blended, 1 minute.
Pour batter into prepared pan, transfer to oven and bake 38-40 minutes until cake is puffed and top is caramel brown. Cracks will appear around edges and cake will be wobbly when touched gently with finger. Set cake pan on baking sheet on rack to cool. Cake will sink to half its height. Cool to room temperature, 1-2 hours, then refrigerate uncovered. Do not unmold cake from pan until well chilled, at least 5 hours or overnight.
Slice remaining grapes in halves or rounds. In small bowl, combine grapes with orange liqueur, if desired, and set aside
When ready to serve, remove side of pan. Carefully pull creased parchment away from side of cheesecake then transfer to serving platter by peeling parchment away from bottom of cake and underneath pan while gently tugging cake toward platter and off parchment.
Garnish top of cheesecake with grape-liqueur mixture, if desired, or fresh grapes. Cut cake into wedges with thin, sharp knife.
Note: Cheesecake can be made up to 2 days ahead. Once cake is well chilled, cover pan with plastic wrap until ready to serve.
Nutritional information per serving: 350 calories; 6 g pro tein; 25 g carbohydrates; 26 g fat (67% calories from fat); 15 g saturated fat (39% calories from saturated fat); 135 mg cholesterol; 200 mg sodium; 0 g fiber.
Grape Basque-Style Cheesecake Hot Spiked Grape Cider