Stanislaus National Forest

News Release

Contact: Phyllis Ashmead (209) 965-3434 ext 5343

Free Guided Snowshoe & Cross Country Ski Adventure

Pinecrest, January 6, 2009 - The Forest Service today announced that the Summit Ranger District will offer three guided cross-country ski or snowshoe tours in January and February. Designed for the beginner or intermediate level winter enthusiast, these tours are geared toward families and individuals interested in getting exercise while learning about forest wildlife and winter safety. Tours will last approximately two hours and will be about one to three miles long.

Two programs will be led by the Pinecrest Nordic Ski Patrol emphasizing basic navigation, clothing, survival, snow shelters, and leave no trace ethics. This interactive program will be about one mile, the last stop includes hot chocholate and cookies, then you are on your own to explore! You can also join Summit District wildlife biologist Adam Rich on a guided snowshoe walk discovering winter wildlife. His walk will cover a distance of one to three miles depending on the desire and ability of the group.

Participants must provide their own equipment. Beginners in over-snow travel are welcome to participate with snowshoes. Cross-county skiers should have some experience and should feel comfortable skiing on ungroomed, backcountry ski trails.

Meet at the Crabtree Trailhead in Pinecrest, California, located just off of Dodge Ridger Road (a right turn immediately before the entrance to Dodge Ridge Ski Resort), approximately 30 miles east of Sonora. Programs begin at 10 a.m. so come a little early to allow time for parking and getting "suited up". Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, warm, layered clothing and your skis or snowshoes. Bring a lunch if you wish to continue on the trail beyond the guided portion.

Program Schedule:

• Sunday, January 18 - Winter Adventures - Irene Patton & Pinecrest Nordic Ski Patrol Volunteers
• Saturday, January 24 - Wildlife in Winter - Adam Rich, Wildlife Biologist
• Sunday, February 22 - Winter Adventures - Irene Patton & Pinecrest Nordic Ski Patrol Volunteers

Programs are free of charge. Inclement weather may cancel. To confirm if program is a go or not, call (209) 965-3434 ext 5343 in the morning for a recorded message. For more general information, phone the Summit Ranger District at 965-3434 or visit us on the Stanislaus Forest Homepage at: www.fs.fed.us/r5/stanislaus.

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US Forest Service - Stanislaus National Forest
Last Modified: Thursday, 08 January 2009 at 09:33:32 EST