Shasta snow fun - Mount Shasta, California

Sunset, Dec, 1989

Shasta snow fun In winter, Mount Shasta exchanges its three-season snow cap for a floor-length white cloak, a stunning fall of almost 2 miles from the 14,162-foot summit. It takes a lot of snow to cover the most massive mountain in the U.S. outside of Alaska. Now there are a lot of ways to play in all that snow.

Admittedly, accomplished downhill skiers won't have enough lift-served terrain here to keep them busy for more than a day or two. And you won't find luxurious slopeside condos on this mountain, either.

What you will find is a low-key, family-oriented area with one of nature's more awe-inspiring wonders at its center--a place where you can conveniently sample a variety of winter sports. Downhill skiers and snowboarders can slalom down Mount Shasta's flank at California's newest ski area. Nordic skiers have a choice of striding in machine-set tracks, skating on groomed trails, or meandering through untracked meadows ringed by majestic Shasta red fir. For those who prefer their winter recreation closer to the ground, open slopes invite sledding and tobogganing.

Unlike the situation at Tahoe and other ski meccas, reserving affordable accommodations on short notice is rearely a problem in the small towns near Shasta, even during holidays. But since none of the ski or snow-play areas we describe has on-site lodging, you'll need to use your car. Though roads are usually cleared quickly after storms, snow chains or four-wheel drive vehicles with snow tires are sometimes necessary. All telephone numbers are area code 916.

Ski on one board or two

at California's newest spot

Eleven years ago, Mount Shasta lost its only alpine ski area when an avalanche destroyed a chair lift at Mount Shasta Ski Bowl, located mostly above timberline on the mountain's south slope. Life-served skiing returned to the mountain in late 1985, when Mount Shasta Ski Park opened on a lower and more sheltered south-side site.

Two triple chairs carry skiers from the day lodge at 5,500 feet to ski slopes at 6,150 and 6,600 feet. The Marmot Ridge lift provides access to wide and gentle beginner runs; steeper runs branch off through the trees from the top of the Douglas Butte lift. Besides the daily 9 to 4 hours of operation, the Marmot Ridge lift runs until 10 P.M. Wednesday through Saturdays for skiing on lighted runs.

Skiers looking for new ways to get down the mountain (and skateboarding teens who'd like a new challenge) should check into the ski park's snowboard center, which ofers both lessons and rental equipment. A few tumbles are inevitable at first, but before long you'll be "shredding" the slopes with ease. Confident snowboarders can graduate to the park's new halfpipe (a snow-lined, steep-walled trough for executing stunts).

Full-day lift tickets cost $23 for adults, $16 for ages 8 through 12 and seniors, and $3 for ages 7 and under. half-day (afternoon) and night tickets cost $16, $11, and $3. Skis, boots, and poles are $16 a day; snowboards and boots rent for $25. One-hour private lessons are $25; group lessons are $18. For snow conditions, call 926-8686.

Last year, the U.S. Forest Service approved a proposal by a local developer to build another new ski area at the site of the old Ski Bowl. Appeals were subsequently filed by opponents of the proposed ski area, including major environmental groups and the state attorney general's office. At our press time, Forest Service officials in Washington were still reviewing the appeals, though a decision was expected soon. For more information, call 926-4511.

Skate or stride a revived X-C area

After lying dormant for two years, Castle Lake Cross Country Ski Area opened again last year under new management. Its 52 kilometers of trails wind through forest in the Eddys range, across the Strawberry Valley from Mount Shasta. Clearings allow for spectacular views of the snow-covered volcano.

All trails here have both machine-set tracks for traditional diagonal striding and wide, groomed lanes for skaters. Beginner trails loop around the area near the small day lodge. Intermediate trails continue to the north (these offer the best views of Shasta) and up the ridge across Castle Lake Creek. The most challenging trails travers the ridgetop.

Trails are well marked; with the help of an area map, you should have no trouble plotting loop routes ranging from 1/2 kilometer to more than 11 kilometers in length. This year, in addition to skating lanes for skiers, the area will have a rink for ice-skating. Cost is $5.50 all day, $3.50 half-day; skate rentals are $4. Also new this year are three 500-foot-long luge runs (beginner, intermediate, and advanced); $1 per run, including luge rental. Hours are 9 to 5 daily, with evenying skiing, skating, and luge runs Wednesdays through Saturdays. A full-day pass is $10 for adults, $9 for ages 8 through 12 and seniors. Ski rental packages are available for $10. Introductory group lessons cost $10 for a 1 1/2-hour session. Call 926-3445 for trail conditions.