It’s time to gear up for winter sports

Dec. 11, 2012 — Winter is upon us, and although we’re saturated with rain at the moment, the snow will be coming down before we know it. For some, winter is their favorite time to be outdoors. The air is crisp and cool, and snow has a way of making everything seem cleaner and quieter.

There’s nothing in the world like a bright moon, white snow and no other sound in the world except for snow dropping from branches.

Coppervale Ski area and Willard Hill are within easy driving distance and Lassen County also has great options for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. And, of course, there’s Willard Hill for sledding. In Susanville, trails such as the Bizz Johnson or those at The Susanville Ranch Park offer a quick escape for city residents.

A short drive into the mountains will bring you to even more pristine landscapes to explore, but travel responsibly. It’s easy to get lost in the snow, so keep to marked trails and roads designated for snowshoeing or cross country skiing.

Buddying up with others is also recommended.

The website treadlightly.org has a good list of travel tips and suggestions when traveling into snowy mountains.

Some of the basic considerations are don’t damage existing ski tracks if traveling by foot or snowshoe. Keep to the right and yield to downhill traffic.

Dressing in layers is a good idea. Invest in quality socks and use protective headgear.

Winter sports can be enjoyed with others. Consider hooking up with a group or organization such as Lassen Land and Trails Trust (LLTT).

LLTT will be offering an adventure outing January 26. The excursions are tailored to the speed and stamina of the participants, either a daylong 13-mile cross country ski trip to Butte Lake or a half-day easy snowshoe hike. The hike will end with some of LLTT’s hearty homemade soup and some great bread.

Local Bureau of Land Management and National Forest information offices are good resources for maps and trail information.

So this winter, pull out your snowshoes and cross country skis and get ready to enjoy our beautiful outdoors.

Recently posted articles

Add comment

The Lassen County Times encourages civil discussion on news stories that are important to our community. We do ask that commenters follow certain rules of conduct. Keep your comments on the topic at hand. Threats, insults, lies, and inappropriate language are prohibited. Just as with our letters to the editor we want you to be accountable for your comments so we ask that you use your full real name. Anonymous comments are not allowed.
The Lassen County Times reserves the right to delete any comments that do not comply with these rules of conduct. Commenters who repeatedly do not comply will be prohibited from posting further comments.
Comments are limited to 300 characters. If you would like to post a longer message, please submit a letter to the editor.

JComments

Move

Sports Headlines

Top Headline

Other Headlines

Lassen High School Football Boosters plan to raise funds for Arnold Field

May 15 — The Lassen High School Football Boosters have come up with several fun and creative ways to raise funds for the renovation of Arnold Field. The boosters are offering students, athletes, alumni, local businesses and community organizations a way to permanently make their mark at Lassen High...

Grizzliette Show is a huge success

The Lassen High School drill team hits its final pose at the end of a routine during the annual Grizzliette Show Friday, May 3. The show featured routines the Grizzliettes have performed throughout the year. Photo by Maddie Musante May 14 — The Lassen High School drill team...

Lady Grizzlies win league championship

The Lassen High School varsity softball team stands together after winning the first game of its three-game series against Yreka High School. The Lady Grizzlies went on to beat Yreka in away game Thursday, May 9, clinching the league championship. Photo by Scott Nordstrom May 10...