SNOW TRAILS

SKI TOURING, SNOWSHOEING & SNOWMOBILING

Cisco Grove

RATTLESNAKE

Easy to advanced Steep canyon and side slopes at lower end of trail with 7 miles of groomed access. Upper elevations feature ridges and bowls. Route follows Rattlesnake Road to Magonigal Summit. Trailhead at Cisco Grove exit north off Interstate 80.*

Lost Sierra

YUBA PASS

Easy to advanced | fs.usda.gov

Hank de Vré

Hank has become an expert skier by necessity – in order to follow the above-mentioned skiers along with many others such as Aaron McGovern, Chuck Patterson, Daron Rahlves and Jeff Engerbretson, to name a few. And then again, Hank is thankful to his wife Meg for her years of support and help in his photo business and, of course, in raising their two great boys.

He also voiced his appreciation for the support of Scott Gaffney and Matchstick Productions, for without them he wouldn’t have been flown by helicopter to remote Alaskan mountain faces to get pictures of the people he loves being around. Like all ski photographers, he earns what little pay he gets and ultimately is here for the camaraderie among skiers and the shared experiences that he feels have enriched his life so fully.

Hank says, “The lifestyle is the payoff.” The energy and stoke that he brings to skiing is palpable. He has inspired local filmmaker and legend Tom Day in many ways. He describes Hank as persistent, always looking for the shot and the light and “one of the hardest working and most passionate photographers I know.”

Years ago, Hank started a photo show for locals along with the late writer Robert Frohlich. They called it “In the Mood” and would prepare the show by taking submissions from local photographers to create a slideshow that would get people excited for the upcoming ski season.

Hank wants to see that kind of energy live on here at Tahoe and other ski towns and remain an important part of ski culture. And guess what? He would be thankful if that happens.

Thank you, Hank, for stoking us up with your great pics.

In the next edition, I’ll talk with Hank’s brother Raymond de Vré, a Tahoe coaching legend. n

The route north from Yuba Pass off Highway 49 is popular for snowmobilers, and shares the trail system with Nordic skiers for the first mile before branching off. For skiers and snowshoers, the route goes north for 2 miles with views of the Sierra Valley, then leads west for 1 mile and rejoins the snowmobile trail. For a short loop, go south (a left) on the snowmobile route back to Yuba Pass. Alternately, you can continue west through a meadow for 1.5 miles, then head south (a left) onto the Lunch Creek Ski Trail 1.25 miles, then north (a left) on 3 Knobs Trail for 1.5 miles. 3 Knobs Trail ends back at the snowmobile trail. Snowmobilers can head north from the branch 1 mile in and travel through Gold Lake Highway. Then, head south to Bassett’s or north to Gold Lake. This route offers a variety of terrain and beautiful views of the Sierra Buttes and the Lakes Basin. More than 100 miles of trails. Take Highway 89 north of Truckee, and then take Highway 49 to Yuba Pass. Trailhead parking is 6 miles east of Bassett’s Station.*

North Shore

BROCKWAY SUMMIT & MARTIS PEAK

Easy to advanced Brockway Summit off Highway 267 offers an abundance of areas to ski with turnouts on both sides of the highway where Nordic skiers and snowshoers can follow logging and utility roads. For snowmobilers, the best access and limited parking about one-quarter mile north of Brockway Summit below the top of Highway 267 on the Truckee side. No groomed trails, but many old lumber roads exist. Take a good map, as it’s easy to become turned around.

Page Meadows

Easy to moderate Ski or snowshoe along an old road that meanders through a forest and into a cluster of meadows. Take Highway 89 south from Tahoe City, then turn right on Pine Avenue and right on Tahoe Park Heights Road. At the crest of the hill, take the middle fork, which becomes Big Pine Road, then take a left on Silver Tip. The parking area is at the top of the road.

TAHOE MEADOWS

Easy to advanced On Mount Rose high above Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Meadows offers an expansive area where skiers can stretch their legs. Head up Highway 431 from Incline Village until you reach the meadows before the summit. South side designated for skiers and snowshoers, while the north side is designated for snowmobilers. Heavy weekend use.

South Lake Tahoe

HOPE VALLEY

Easy to moderate Sno-park on the south side of Highway 88 at Blue Lakes Road. Much of Hope Valley is open to snowmobiling, but some areas are not; stay in designated areas. Ungroomed routes to Willow Creek (8.5 miles) and Tamarack Lake (1 mile) and groomed routes to Blue Lakes (11.5 miles) and Forestdale (3.5 miles). Stage from Hope Valley Sno-Park.*

TAYLOR CREEK

Easy | (530) 573-2600 or fs.usda.gov

Developed for beginners, this well-marked series of trails allows skiers to explore the area. Terrain is mostly flat and is good for the entire family. Take Highway 89 to Cathedral Road and park in the Sno-Park. Marked trails start at the parking lot with three trails near Fallen Leaf Lake. On the lake side of Highway 89, follow the road to access the Tallac Historic Trail.*

Truckee

CABIN CREEK TRAIL

Easy to moderate

Marked route follows old logging roads and Cabin Creek Road for 3 to 6 miles. The terrain has gentle, rolling slopes. Cabin Creek Road south of Truckee on Highway 89. The unmarked trailhead is 1 mile from the highway. Limited parking is available in a road cut, when plowed.

DONNER MEMORIAL STATE PARK

Easy | (530) 582-7892 or parks.ca.gov

The park is mostly flat and open year-round. Skiers can enjoy the forests and boulder fields, glide down to the lake and meander through the park. Unmarked, 9.6-km, skierpacked trail starting near the Emigrant Trail Museum. For the more adventuresome, glide over the hills into Coldstream Canyon. Parking fee. TART

LITTLE TRUCKEE SUMMIT

Easy to advanced | (530) 994-3401 or fs.usda.gov

Marked routes with 110 miles of groomed trails follow roads to Webber Lake and Yuba Pass, Rim and Ridge Loops, Bald Ridge Loop and Treasure Mountain, Pass Creek Loop, Independence Lake Loop, Meadow Lake Loop and Jackson Meadow. Trailhead at Jackson Meadow Road, 14 miles north of Truckee on Highway 89. Overnight camping OK in parking area. Heavy use.*

PETER GRUBB HUT & CASTLE PEAK

Moderate to advanced | clairtappaanlodge.com

A marked Nordic ski trail begins at the Castle Peak/Boreal interchange on Donner Summit off Interstate 80, west of Truckee. Take the Castle Peak exit and follow it for onequarter mile to the intersection for the trailhead to the north. Follow unmarked trail to Peter Grubb Hut. Overnight parking available at the Sno-Park*. For overnight stays at the hut, call (530) 426-3632 for reservations.

Creek Trail System

POLE

Easy to strenuous

Unmarked trails follow roads along Pole Creek and Silver Creek Drainages. Trailhead 6 miles south of Truckee on Highway 89. Some parking on west side of highway.

SAGEHEN

Summit

Easy to moderate

An unmarked route follows the road to the creek bottom. Lateral roads offer many side trips. Trailhead at Sagehen Summit on the west side of Highway 89, 8 miles north of Truckee. Limited parking.

West Shore

BLACKWOOD CANYON

Easy to advanced

The meadows in Blackwood Canyon offer a great place to get into the wilderness off Highway 89 on the West Shore. Follow Highway 89 south from Tahoe City and park at the Kaspian Recreation Area. Skiers can glide along the road (not plowed) or through the meadows. Snow-mobilers should follow the road about 2.5 miles, then take a left across the bridge and continue up Barker Pass Road to large open areas, steep bowls and many roads. Limited parking.*

Meeks Meadows

Easy | fs.usda.gov

Meeks Meadows on the West Shore off Highway 89 offers a vast area to ski. The trailhead is across from the Meeks Bay Fire Station; look for the log cabin with red trim. Follow the U.S. Forest Service road or meander through the meadow and down to Meeks Creek.

Pine Point State Park

SUGAR

Easy to moderate | (530) 525-7982 or parks.ca.gov

The Ed Z’berg/Sugar Pine Point State Park is a spectacular spot to cross-country ski or snowshoe among the dense forests of the West Shore or along Lake Tahoe’s shores.

The park offers more than 18 km of marked ski trails. Three groomed trails begin at the campground, 9 miles south of Tahoe City, with two skier-packed trails on the lake side of the park, accessed from the Day Use entrance. Winter camping available. Guided tours and programs. Parking fee. TART *Sno-Park permit required; (916) 324-1222 or ohv.parks.ca.gov/snoparks.

SUNDAY, JAN. 29 CONT’D

Donner Snowshoe Historical Tours

Donner Memorial State Park, Truckee, 11 a.m., (530) 583-9911, sierrastateparks.org

MONDAY, JAN. 30

Sock Drive: Share, Care & Give a Pair

Inside Incline, Incline Village, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., (775) 354-9745, insideincline.com

Crawl Space

El Dorado County Community Hub 5, South Lake Tahoe, 10 a.m., eldoradocommunityhubs.com/hub-5

TUESDAY, JAN. 31

North Tahoe Toddler & Me

North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach, 10 a.m., (530) 546-7249, northtahoeevents.com

Family Storytime

Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 10:30 a.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us/libraries

Preschool Storytime (Kings Beach)

Kings Beach Library, Kings Beach, 10:30 a.m., (530) 546-2021, placer.ca.gov/2093/Library

North Tahoe Golden Hour

North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach, 11:30 a.m., (530) 546-7249, northtahoeevents.com

Reading Furends

Zephyr Cove Library, Zephyr Cove, 3:30 p.m., (775) 588-6411, library.douglascountynv.gov

Teen Tuesday

Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 4 p.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us/libraries

Play & Learn Program

El Dorado County Community Hub 5, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m., eldoradocommunityhubs.com/hub-5

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1

RUFF (Read up for Fun)

Truckee Library, Truckee, 10:30-11 a.m., (530) 5827846, nevadacountyca.gov/336/Truckee-Library

Storytime

Zephyr Cove Library, Zephyr Cove, 11 a.m., (775) 588-6411, library.douglascountynv.gov

IV Quad

Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 3 p.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us/libraries

Weird Science Wednesdays

Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 4 p.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us/libraries

THURSDAY, FEB. 2

Tahoe Winter Exploration Series Nordic Tour

Tahoe Meadows South Trailhead, New Washoe City, 9-11 a.m., (775) 298-4485, tahoerimtrail.org

Family Storytime

Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 10:30 a.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us/libraries

Preschool Storytime (Tahoe City)

Tahoe City Library, Tahoe City, 10:30 a.m., (530) 5462021, placer.ca.gov/2093/Library

FRIDAY, FEB. 3

Ski with a Ranger

Heavenly Mountain, South Lake Tahoe, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m., (530) 543-2790

Interpretive Mountain Tours

Diamond Peak Ski Resort, Incline Village, 10:30 a.m., (775) 832-1177, diamondpeak.com

Ullr Fest Parade & Community Party

Diamond Peak Ski Resort, Incline Village, 4 p.m., (775) 832-1176, dpsef.org

SATURDAY, FEB. 4

Snow Camping 101

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Stateline, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., (775) 298-4485, tahoerimtrail.org

Coffee With a Cop

Donner Memorial State Park, Truckee, 10:30 a.m., (530) 583-9911, sierrastateparks.org

Interpreter-Guided Snowshoe Tours

Sugar Pine Point State Park, Tahoma, 11 a.m., (530) 583-9911, sierrastateparks.org

Donner Snowshoe Historical Tours

Donner Memorial State Park, Truckee, 11 a.m., (530) 583-9911, sierrastateparks.org

Aloha, Hawaii: Presentation on the 2022 Pacific Cup

Tahoe Yacht Club, Tahoe City, 6-8 p.m., (530) 5814700, tahoeyc.com

SUNDAY, FEB. 5

Snow Camping 101

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Stateline, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., (775) 298-4485, tahoerimtrail.org

Interpreter-Guided Snowshoe Tours

Sugar Pine Point State Park, Tahoma, 11 a.m., (530) 583-9911, sierrastateparks.org

Donner Snowshoe Historical Tours

Donner Memorial State Park, Truckee, 11 a.m., (530) 583-9911, sierrastateparks.org

MONDAY, FEB. 6

Crawl Space

El Dorado County Community Hub 5, South Lake Tahoe, 10 a.m., eldoradocommunityhubs.com/hub-5

TUESDAY, FEB. 7

North Tahoe Toddler & Me

North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach, 10 a.m., (530) 546-7249, northtahoeevents.com

Family Storytime

Incline Village Library, Incline Village, 10:30 a.m., (775) 832-4130, washoecountylibrary.us/libraries

Preschool Storytime (Kings Beach)

Kings Beach Library, Kings Beach, 10:30 a.m., (530) 546-2021, placer.ca.gov/2093/Library

Bilingual Songs With Brooke Chabot

KidZone Museum, Truckee, 11:30 a.m., (530) 5875437, kidzonemuseum.org

North Tahoe Golden Hour

North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach, 11:30 a.m., (530) 546-7249, northtahoeevents.com

Reading Furends

Zephyr Cove Library, Zephyr Cove, 3:30 p.m., (775) 588-6411, library.douglascountynv.gov

Skin Track Chats | Truckee Public House

Alibi Ale Works, Truckee, 6 p.m., (530) 536-5029, alibialeworks.com

Play & Learn Program

El Dorado County Community Hub 5, South Lake Tahoe, 9 p.m., eldoradocommunityhubs.com/hub-5

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8

RUFF (Read up for Fun)

Truckee Library, Truckee, 10:30-11 a.m., (530) 5827846, nevadacountyca.gov/336/Truckee-Library

Storytime

Zephyr Cove Library, Zephyr Cove, 11 a.m., (775) 588-6411, library.douglascountynv.gov

The Giving Fund Winter Speaker Series

The Lodge Restaurant & Pub, Truckee, 5 p.m., (530) 587-9400, tahoedonner.com

Financial Literacy Seminar

SLT Library Meeting Room, South Lake Tahoe, 5-7 p.m., saintjosephclt.org

Paved Multiuse Trails

CHECK CONDITIONS AT TAHOEBIKE.ORG

• Keep dogs leashed

• Pedestrians must yield to bikes

• Don’t stop on the trail; move to the side

• E-bikes allowed on most paths; check in advance

• Cyclists call out when passing pedestrians

• Limited service in winter. Pack out all trash, including dog waste bags.

EAST SHORE

EAST SHORE TRAIL

Easy-moderate | 6 miles RT | tahoefund.org Runs along Lake Tahoe and connects to Hwy. 28 from south end of Incline Village, Nev., to Sand Harbor State Park. Parking near Ponderosa Ranch Road. Electric assist OK. Paid parking. TART

NORTH SHORE

INCLINE VILLAGE Easy | 7.4 miles RT | washoecounty.us Walking path runs along Hwy. 28 through Incline Village. Access to shopping and parks. Paved between both intersections of Southwood Blvd. Boot packed between east intersection of Southwood Blvd. and Country Club Drive. TART

LAKESHORE BOULEVARD

Easy | 5 miles RT | washoecounty.us Runs along Lake Tahoe Boulevard and connects to Hwy. 28 at each end of Incline Village. Park at Preston Field on Hwy. 28. Electric assist OK. TART

NATIONAL AVENUE Easy | 1.8 miles RT Starts on shore of Lake Tahoe at Tahoe Vista Recreation Area and continues up National Avenue past Grey Lane. Parking at Tahoe Vista Recreation Area. TART

PINE DROP TRAIL

Easy | 3 miles RT | northtahoeparks.com Located at North Tahoe Regional Park the trail connects to Pinedrop Lane off Highway 267. Parking fee.

TAHOE CITY TO CARNELIAN BAY Easy-moderate | 8+ miles RT | tcpud.org First 2.5 miles mostly level with a half-mile climb up Dollar Hill. Cross Highway 28 to access 2.2-mile section to Fulton Crescent above Carnelian Bay. Public parking at 64 Acres, Commons Beach, Jackpine and Grove Streets, and Dollar Hill. Electric assist OK. Section from Dollar Hill to Fulton Crescent boot-packed only. TART

TRUCKEE RIVER CANYON

Easy | 9+ miles RT | tcpud.org 4.5 miles from the Tahoe City wye to Alpine Meadows Road, with trails continuing to Olympic Valley. The trail is scenic, separate from the highway, and is mostly flat terrain with a few short, gentle grades with trout fishing, river rafting and picnicking along the way. Connects with Olympic Valley Road or continue to Truckee. Public parking at 64 Acres and Olympic Valley Park at Olympic Valley Road. Electric assist OK. TART

OLYMPIC VALLEY

OLYMPIC VALLEY

Easy | 4 miles RT | tcpud.org

A 2-mile trail runs beside Olympic Valley Road to the ski area with views of the meadow and surrounding peaks. Public parking at Olympic Valley Park or Village at Palisades Tahoe. Electric assist OK. TART

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

AL TAHOE BOULEVARD

Easy | 3.2 miles RT Connections Lake Tahoe Boulevard (Highway 50) and Pioneer Trail with access to Lake Tahoe Community College.

CAMP RICHARDSON BIKE PATH

Easy | 6 miles RT The trail parallels State Route 89 (Emerald Bay Road) for more than 3 miles, offering access to a number of local historic and recreational amenities. Limited parking.

SAWMILL TO MEYERS

Easy | 7 miles RT Section cleared along Sawmill Road starting at Lake Tahoe Boulevard then connects to run along Highway 89 to Meyers ending at Luther Pass Road.

SIERRA BOULEVARD

Easy | 1.2 miles RT Connects from Lake Tahoe Boulevard to Barbara Ave.

SKI RUN BOULEVARD

Easy | 1.2 miles RT Connects from Lake Tahoe Boulevard to Pioneer Trail.

SOUTH SHORE BIKE PATH Easy | 7 miles RT | cityofslt.us

Follow the bike trail along South Shore, with sections along Lakeview Commons, Reagan Beach and playgrounds. Public parking at Parks and Recreation lot on Rufus Allen Boulevard.

TRUCKEE

DONNER PASS ROAD

Easy | 5.4 miles RT Runs through the heart of the town of Truckee from the west end to historic downtown Truckee.

DONNER PASS RD. TO MOUSEHOLE Easy | 1.8 miles RT Runs along Highway 89 connecting Donner Pass Road to the Mousehole.

JOEGER DRIVE

Easy | 1.2 miles RT Connects from Soaring Way and runs along Joeger Drive to River View Sports Park.

STEVENS LANE TO ALDER DRIVE

Easy | 2 miles RT Runs from Stevens Lane along Donner Pass Road, turns down Rue Ivy to connect to Alder Drive. Park at U.S. Forest Service office on Stevens Lane.

TROUT CREEK TRAIL

Moderate | 3 miles RT

Wooded path from Trout Creek Park (paid parking) in downtown Truckee to Northwoods Blvd. (parking free).

TRUCKEE LEGACY TRAIL

Easy | 10 miles RT | tdrpd.org

Stretches from downtown Truckee to Truckee River Regional Park, River View Sports Park and Glenshire. Park at either park or East River Street. Electric assist OK. TART

WEST SHORE

TAHOE CITY TO MEEKS BAY

Moderate | 25+ miles RT | tcpud.org

Mostly separate from the highway, the trail includes a few miles of highway shoulder and residential streets.

Terrain is varied with a few steep sections. Access to picnicking, beaches and playgrounds. Public parking at 64 Acres. Electric assist OK. TART

Transit

North Tahoe & Truckee | laketahoetransit.com

South Tahoe | tahoetransportation.org

BY MICHAEL O’CONNOR SUNSTARASTROLOGY.COM

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

An expansive and social mood should be evident by now. Yet, practical considerations are still strongly influencing your focus. As well, an inclination towards retreat is also present. How will you harmonize all three impulses? Perhaps give each their time and aim for synthesis.

Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20)

You want to be seen, heard, and heeded. If this is not naturally forthcoming, you may resort to leverage tactics such as increased diplomacy, charm, or the sharing of grand visions and elaborate strategies. Any and all such measures are a good idea along with reminding others of prior efforts and of your worth.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21)

Aquarius time is one during which you tend to wax philosophically. Intellectual ventures are also more likely. These could manifest as desires to explore new places by way of travel. If you can’t go literally, a good book might do the trick. Narrow the gap between dreams and reality.

Cancer (Jun 22 – Jul 22)

A process of deep changes and transformations, even veritably amounting to some kind of metamorphosis has shifted into high gear. The larger feature of this process has already been underway for the past 2-3 years yet has arrived at it final and perhaps deeper stages. Tune in and cooperate.

Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 23)

A growing commitment to solidify foundations for the sake of public and professional success is getting a big boost now. The Aquarius impulse is synchronizing with meeting new people and engaging in new modes of communication. Make your mark on the world with precision.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sep 22)

Shifts and changes in your overall lifestyle continue. Positively, you are consciously aware of these inclinations and are following through with deliberate action. This is your invitation to enter into a whole new level of higher-quality living and health. What can you do to embrace this opportunity?

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Fun, play, and creativity are floating on your airwaves. Given other, more sobering realities, these could be combined to come up with new ideas, methods, and strategies to adjust to changing circumstances. You probably know that meaningful changes are required so get down to business with the fun.

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You are coming to a clearer realization of who you are and are not, who you love and do not, and what you want and need and do not. This process of turning on the lights in the core of your being could manifest as important changes on relationship fronts as well, including both beginnings and endings.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Many new realizations are coming to your awareness. This process will continue for a few more weeks especially and could amount to you seeing yourself and the world, and yourself in the world in new ways. Be willing to take note of the incoming realizations with intentions to elaborate upon them.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

This time of year is one during which building upon new foundations is important. This can include increasing your network of friends and key people in positions of power and authority. Yet, it can also be a good time to let go of associations with people who seem to be a negative influence.

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 19)

A pioneering impulse is leading you to be more assertive. This can manifest as an increase in social activity. Yet, it also indicates that some changes close to home are part of the plot as well. A reassessment of your values and priorities is likely with spiritual ideals on one hand countered by practical realities.

Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

A busy time behind the scenes is extra likely now. It includes the formulation of new concepts and approaches. The time is right to prepare the ground for bigger projects yet to begin. To this end, focus on getting as organized as you can, tying up loose ends, and focusing mentally and emotionally to enter the zone.