Winter Sports
SNOWBOARD/SKIING
Sierra Summit Mountain Resort
Discover Central California’s premier winter playground, 65 miles northeast of Fresno on Highway 168. Forty-plus trails including three freestyle parks serviced by seven chair lifts, four surface lifts. On-site facilities include Snowsports School, rental and sport shop, hotel and RV hookups. Call 233-2500 or visit www.sierrasummit.com.
Cross-Country Skiing
Information regarding marked cross-country trails and snowmobiling in the Sierra National Forest is available by calling 297-0706. Rent skis, poles or snowshoes in the Grant Grove Market, 335-5500, for a half or full day. Park rangers may also offer snowshoe nature walks, naturalist and evening programs during this time. Montecito Sequoia XC Ski and Winter Sports Center, 565-3388, offers 85 kilometers of groomed trails; rentals and lessons for all levels and are offered daily.
Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park offers cross-country skiing and snowshoe equipment rentals with easy ski-in/ski-out access to miles of forest trails. Just minutes from the lodge, the Wolverton Snow Play Area boasts a gently sloping meadow for sledding, tubing and snow play. Call (888) 252-5757 for reservations and questions or visit www.VisitSequoia.com.
Sign up with the Yosemite Cross Country Ski School and explore Yosemite’s wilderness starting with your first lesson. Enjoy 90 miles of marked trails and nearly 25 miles of groomed track originating at Badger Pass. For information, call (209) 372-8444.
Ice Skating
Try an outdoor rink at Curry Village in Yosemite National Park, November through March, (209) 372-8341.
Sequioa Kings Canyon National Parks:
Foothills Ranger-Led Programs
Sequioa & Kings Canyon National Parks has something for everyone! - Programs offered daily, Friday - Sudnay. Meet at the Foothills Visitor Center.
- Investigation Station 10am-11am - Drop in for this hands-on experience to learn more about live in the park.
- Ranger's Choice, 2pm - Subjects will vary. Check with the visitors center staff for details. Program is 15 minutes long.
- Evening Campfire Programs - 30-45 minute programs take place on Saturday eventings at the Potwisha Campground Ampitheater. Meet at 7pm for an evening of family fun!
Grant Grove Ranger Programs (All programs are FREE and open to the public!)
- Snowshow Walk (reservations required) - Saturday at 2pm or Sunday at 10am. NO experience necessary! We provide the snowshoes; you bring the warm layered clothing, snow boots or waterproof boots, gloves, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water and a snack. Appropriate for children 9yrs and older. 2 hours, 1 mile.
- Evening Programs (7:30pm) - Wanted: Home for Peregrine Falcons. In the 1970's, peregrine falcons were on the edge of extinction, with only 2 pairs nesting in Callifornia; by 2002, that number had risen to over 200. Park ranger/naturalist, Cathy Purchis, was one of the hundreds of volunteers who helped reintroduce peregriens into the wild. She will share her stories in this FREE 1-hour talk and slide show in the lobby of the John Muir Lodge.