Stanislaus National Forest

Recreational Activities

Winter Recreation

Calaveras | Summit

Winter provides a whole new realm of recreation opportunities on the Stanislaus National Forest. Whether your idea of winter fun is skiing, snow play or, snowmobiling, the Stanislaus National Forest has many areas for winter sports. Two ski areas operate under special use permits on the Forest: Bear Valley via Highway 4; and, Dodge Ridge via Highway 108. Both resorts offer downhill ski rentals, lessons, and restaurants. Lodging is available nearby. Snow play occurs at areas where parking is available along Highways 4 and 108.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Plan your winter recreation trip before you leave home. Have an idea of where you want to go, know how to get there, and carry a good map and compass. It's easier than you think to lose your sense of direction out in the woods. Also, the middle of your journey isn't the best time to discover you didn't wear the right kind of gloves, you forgot a hat, or didn't pack enough food. Make a checklist.

Remember, weather changes can be sudden during winter, so tell your travel plans to someone back home. Before you leave, check area road conditions (Highways 4, 108, 120) by phoning 1-800-427-7623. This number features up-to-date road condition messages produced by the California Department of Transportation. Carry tire chains, ice scrapers and be sure your car has enough anti-freeze (protected to 0ºF). Dress for warmth. The best way is to wear light weight layers that can be added to or taken off to adjust for temperature changes and that "extra warm" feeling you get when exercising vigorously. Wool clothing is a good choice because it keeps you warmer than most fabrics, even when damp. Pack some high energy food (cheese, dried fruit, and nuts are good examples) and water. Snack often to keep your energy level high. Also drink plenty of fluids (water, fruit juices) because your body can lose as much as two to four quarts of fluid per day during strenuous exercise.

WINTER SANITATION

When recreating in snow, special sanitation measures are necessary to ensure that you don't leave behind undesirable evidence of your presence. Of particular concern is proper disposal of human waste. Although restrooms are maintained at a few locations many miles of roads and trails have no sanitation facilities available. When nature calls, please keep the following in mind:

1. Dispose of human waste responsibly. Proper disposal of human waste prevents pollution of water sources, the spread of dangerous organisms such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, and aesthetic consequences to those who come after you.
2. Bury all waste in a "cathole." Snow cover on the ground presents special challenges, since waste buried in the snow cannot decompose as it can in dirt, and is visible when the snow melts. When terrain is snow-covered, seek bare ground near trees in which to dig your "cathole." If no soil is visible, pick a site in the "well" under a tree where falling needles will help cover the waste. If the area is treeless, select a remote location away from summertime use zones. Your cathole should be 4-8 inches deep, and at least 200 feet from water courses, trails, campsites and other high-use areas. Remember that anything deposited on or in the snow during the winter will be resting on bare ground come spring.
3. Treat toilet paper like litter; it should be packed out or burned, rather than buried.

SHARING TRAILS

Many winter travel routes are open to snowmobilers as well as cross country skiers and snowshoers. When sharing routes, consideration for others is necessary for maximum enjoyment and safety of all users. The following suggestions will provide safe routes for everyone:

• Operate OSVs at minimum speed near skiers and snowshoers. Maintain low speeds until well beyond those on foot.
• Limit speed to 5 MPH or less in or around designated Sno-Parks.
• On shared corridors, skiers should ski single file, keep far to the right, and keep poles and arms out of the way of passing OSVs.
• Do not operate OSVs on designated ski trails.
• Use courtesy and respect so that all trail users can safely enjoy their winter travel.