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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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