Ski & Snowshoe - cross-country tours - Brief Article

Sierra, Jan, 2000

Expand your outdoor fun to winter! Relax by the fireplace or enjoy the luxury of planning your next day's activities from the bubbling warmth of a hot tub or sauna. Whether you want to brush up on your ski-skating or learn to telemark, you'll receive top-notch instruction catered to your skill level. Try a leisurely cross-country tour, or set out by snowshoe to find that perfect photograph.

La Traversee de Charlevoix Crosa-Country Ski Tour, Quebec, Canada. January 30-February 5. Quebec's premier cabin-to-cabin cross-country ski trip in an area known as "the Switzerland of Quebec." We'll stay in cozy woodstove-heated log cabins each separated by 4 to 14 miles of intermediate backcountry skiing with magnificent mountain views. Great food. Gear is moved daily by snowmobile so we only carry daypacks on the trail. Leader: Jeanne Blauner. Price: $995; Dep: $100. [00450A]

Ski the Continental Divide, Arapahoe and San Isabel Forests, Colorado. February 5-12. From our comfortable group accommodations in Frisco, Colorado, we explore the Tennessee Pass, Montezuma Basin, and Shrine Pass areas along the Continental Divide. We'll tour many spectacularly beautiful and exciting trails. Elevations range from 8,000 to 12,000 feet. Previous skiing experience is essential. Van transportation from Frisco and meals are included. Leaders: Barbara Beaumont and Beverly Full. Price: $895; Dep: $100. [00451A]

Winter Wildlife and Hot Springs of Yellowstone Park, Wyoming. February 12-19. Skiers and wildlife lovers will be amazed by the beauty of Yellowstone National Park in winter. Walking and skiing, we'll follow the tracks of elk, bison, bighorn, and wolves! Old Faithful and other geysers are especially dramatic as their hot water hits the cold, clear air. Retire each evening to cozy lodges, hot springs, and educational talks by experts. Leader: Rob White. Price: $1,995; Dep: $200. [00452A]

High Sierra Winter Medley, Clair Tappaan Lodge, California. February 13-18. Enjoy the wonderful Tahoe Sierra in the snowy season. Try out your skills in this week of snowshoeing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country and backcountry skiing. At the end of each day, we'll return to relax and soak in the hot tub, then enjoy good food, camaraderie, and evening programs each night! Leader: Angela White. Price: $535; Dep: $100. [00453A]

High Sierra Skiing, Clair Tappaan Lodge, California. February 27-March 3. Learn cross-country skills--diagonal stride, telemarking, ski-skating. Clair Tappaan Lodge offers camaraderie, warmth, good food, and a hot tub. Leader: Marjorie Richman. Price: $555; Dep: $100. [00454A]

25 With Snowshoes and Camera, Clair Tappaan Lodge, California, March 5-10, Delight in the opportunities snowshoes provide for exploring the Sierra in winter as we learn from nature photographer Paul McKown. Leader: Nancy Felling. Price: $525; Dep: $100. [00455A]

Backcountry Hut-to-Hut Skiing, Clair Tappaan Lodge and Tahoe Forest, California. April 9-14. Above clouds, traverse the airy crest of the Sierra, and ski pristine bowls with certified guides. Ongoing instruction in backcountry skiing techniques, avalanche safety, and snow shelter construction. This trip is designed to establish a foundation for safe backcountry travel. We return to the lodge at least twice for homecooked meals, a warm bed, and the hot tub. Leader: Herb Holden. Price: $495; Dap: $50. [00098A]

Trans-Sierra: Mono Lake to Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Park, California. April 9-16. Ski or snowshoe across the Sierra in winter via historic Tioga Pass. We'll be the only ones in Tuolumne Meadows, camp beside Lake Tenaya, and descend into Yosemite Valley via Snow Creek. Trip fee includes transportation to and from the San Francisco Bay Area, most meals, and lodging when not snowcamping. Previous snowcamping experience necessary. Leader: Bob Berry Price: $795; Dep: $100. [00099A]