On Sunday, January 24th we trained a fantastic group of 9 new guides! Due to lack of snow, this was our first guide training in 3 years.
The SRSFL third annual summer/fall hiking weekend took place from August
7-10, 2015. In all, ten visually impaired participants, 12 guides and
volunteers and three guide dogs enjoyed the beauty and serenity of Lake
Tahoe and the lovely but very dry Sierra Nevada Mountains.
This year, we welcomed three fabulous new guides, and a couple of visually
impaired folks we haven’t seen in a while. Most participants stayed at the
Lakeview Lodge at the Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center, and we
all agreed that it was truly magical and easier having the entire building
to ourselves. SRSFL guide, Jim Mrazek generously offered tours of the lake
in his 44-foot motorboat; many of the visually impaired folks had a great
time driving it. Some hiked out of Carson Pass up to and beyond Lake
Winnemucca; others explored trails around the Spooner Lake area; while
others swam in the lake and enjoyed some relaxing time at the lodge. One
major highlight was having our own private chef, thanks to Pam Bittner. The
menu included good hardy breakfasts, lasagna, various burgers and a
seemingly endless supply of cookies. Everyone pitched in to help, and we are
all extremely grateful that she has offered to do it again next year. Great
weather, great camaraderie, welcoming and challenging mountains, great food
and amazingly generous guides and volunteers — all the right ingredients
for a magical SRSFL weekend.
Click on the links below to read our summer newsletter! It is linked in both Word and PDF. It will help get you revved up for summer activities and for skiing next winter. If you see Betsy Rowell, thank her for the many hours she put into this newsletter.
Our 2015 Three Day Event was a success despite lack of snow. Special thanks to Royal Gorge for accommodating us at the last minute. Also special thanks to the Snow Gods for sending us some last minute snow.
The start of Tahoe Donner’s Cross Country Trails on February 15th!
Despite lack of snow, we have decided to go ahead with our 3 day event. It looks like it may be a walking and hiking event. Our skiers are anxious to come to the mountains to play!
It is with great regret that I write this post. I believe we have no choice but to cancel our planned February 7th day trip. Tahoe Donner remains closed with almost no snow. The snow conditions and cover at Royal Gorge are far worse than they were January 24th when our last event was canceled. I have poured over the weather forecasts and Sierra weather bloggers. There does not seem to any snow possible in the forecasts for the next 10 days. There is rain predicted for Saturday, February 7th in the ten day forecasts, with a high of 55 or 56 and a low of 38. I don’t think anyone would enjoy skiing in the rain on old icy snow with bare spots and obstacles. It would not be safe or fun! Royal Gorge’s webcam shows almost as much dirt and brown slush as snow. http://www.royalgorge.com/webcamI have lived in Truckee for 20 years and this is the first winter I have ridden my bike more than I have skied. This year’s snow-pack is in far worse shape, so far, than the last 3 dry winters. Most if not all Sierra weather bloggers say if there is a turn around to significant snow storms this winter, it will probably not occur until mid February.
Hopefully it will turn around in time for our 3 day event!! If you pray, pray for snow! If you dance, dance for snow!! Stay tuned regarding the 3 day event and our March 21st day trip.
It is with regret that we have made the decision to cancel all Sierra Regional Ski for Light Events scheduled for the weekend of January 24th and January 25th. Tahoe Donner Cross Country has closed and conditions at Royal Gorge are too marginal for the safety and enjoyment of blind and visually impaired skiers. Hopefully we will get some snow before our next day trip scheduled for February 7th.
With conditions changing rapidly, Cindy Q. and I were out checking conditions at Royal Gorge. We want to keep all options open!
Dave and Walter head out to who knows where.
If you are an experienced cross-country skier, you know how exhilarating a day on the snow can be! Guiding a blind or visually impaired skier is a wonderful way for you to share your skills and love of the outdoors and to give another person the opportunity to develop his or her potential, as well as to just have a fun day on the snow. As an experienced guide, I can tell you the personal rewards gained from guiding are priceless!
Go to our Guide Information and Ski Calendar pages for more information. Questions?? Contact Edie at thelotts@gmail.com.
Six year old Berkeley masters skiing.