Trail Mix: Sierra resorts, parks brace for more snow
Signs are pointing to some serious snow play this holiday weekend.
The National Weather Service in Hanford forecast eight to 16 inches will fall in the Sierra Nevada, from Yosemite to Kings Canyon. It’s part of a winter storm warning in effect from 4 a.m. Thursday to 4 a.m. Friday.
China Peak is prepping to have as much of the mountain open to riders as possible. Currently, the resort is running five chairs – 1, 2, 4, 6 and 7 – reaching the entire upper and middle of the mountain.
Farther along Highway 168, the U.S. Forest Service is expecting a busy weekend at the five Fresno County Sno-Parks – Balsam Meadows, Tamarack, Coyote, Eastwood and Huntington Lake.
Here are some tips from the USFS on how to stay safe in the cold conditions:
- Pack proper winter clothing and gear, including appropriate footwear
- Include a first-aid kit, map, shovel, whistle, etc.
- Bring water and a food cache
- Carry tire chains in your vehicle and check its anti-freeze level
A reminder that a permit is required to park at any Sno-Park. Day or season permits can be purchased in Fresno at Herb Bauer Sporting Goods, in Shaver Lake at Shaver Lake Sports and Shaver Lake Hardware, and in the Huntington Lake area at China Peak, Lakeshore Resort and Rancheria Enterprises.
Resolution Run – Kick off the new year with a 2- or 4-mile run. The New Year’s Day event costs $25 for the 2-mile run (there’s also a walk option) and $30 for the 4-mile through Dec. 30.
There is a half-mile race for youth ages 8-12 and a quarter-miler for children 7 and younger. Youth entry is $10.
All 2- and 4-mile competitors will receive a race shirt. Finisher awards will be given to the top three males and females, overall and by age group. Youth participants will receive a finisher medal.
Check-in begins at 7:45 a.m.; races start at 9 from the Gazebo Shelter at Woodward Park, just north of Rotary Amphitheater. Register at runsignup.com.
▪ For South Valley runners, the third annual Bank of the Sierra Resolution Run 5K will take place down Visalia’s Main Street on Jan. 1. Proceeds benefit Visalia Rescue Mission. Cost is $30 for adults, with a free mile run for ages 6-12.
Race day starts at 7:30 a.m. with packet pickup and late registration. The youth race is at 9 a.m. and the 5K run/walk at 9:30 a.m., with more information at rockinresolutionrun.com.
Ski and snowboard basics – The REI Outdoor School is hosting a free 90-minute Ski and Snowboard Tuning Basics course at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
The introductory class includes demonstrations on how to properly care for gear heading into winter, but do not bring skis and/or boards.
There also will be free January workshops on snowshoeing, backpacking and hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.
Register or get more details at rei.com/fresno.
This story was originally published December 23, 2015 at 5:59 PM with the headline "Trail Mix: Sierra resorts, parks brace for more snow."