Join the Land Trust for an XC Ski this Winter
Skiing in Lower Carpenter Valley. Photo by Julie Munger
Gliding on cross country skis over a fresh blanket of snow is a great way to experience Truckee Donner Land Trust lands, and this winter, we’ll be hosting four docent-led cross country ski trips!
Three outings, scheduled January, February and April will go into Lower Carpenter Valley - called the secret garden of the Sierra - with views of the snow-covered meadow and the ridges above. And in March, we’ll ski from Sagehen to Independence Lake, a gorgeous ski that gives the rare opportunity to see Independence Lake in winter. Each trip will be held weather and conditions permitting, and none are suitable for beginner cross country skiers.
Click the links below to sign up - each trip is limited to 10 skiers:
1/19 - Lower Carpenter Valley
2/8 - Lower Carpenter Valley
3/14 - Independence Lake
4/11 - Lower Carpenter Valley
Necessary equipment:
Skiers will need backcountry touring skis, poles and flexible boots for the trip. Depending on height and weight, skis that are 75mm wide underfoot and 185 cm long should be about right. Sturdy three-pin or cable bindings will allow your foot to move forward and back while providing sideways control in the ungroomed terrain on these trips. No snowshoes, skating or striding skis. Telemark or alpine touring (plastic boots) are not recommended.
Bring clothing that can be layered for changing conditions ranging from blowing snow to bright sun. A good-size backpack to carry lunch, layers and water is also recommended.
About the Lower Carpenter Valley Trip:
Skiers will follow Carpenter Valley Road, which may be tracked at times by snowshoers, dog walkers and snowmobilers, but isn’t regularly groomed. The trip will reach the valley 2.5 miles in, opening up spectacular views. Total trip will be less than 10 miles on rolling terrain.
About the Independence Lake Trip:
Skiers will follow snow-covered, unpaved and unplowed county roads five miles to the border of the Independence Lake property, then will ski gently downhill one mile through the forest to the east shore of Independence Lake. The first five miles is a marked snowmobile trail, which will generally be ungroomed, but there may be occasional snowmobile traffic. The tour starts at elevation 6,400 feet, climbs to 7,200 feet, then descends to 6,900 feet over the last mile to the lake. This tour will take all day (plan for eight hours); if we have not reached the lake after using half of the time, we will turn back to the cars.