Tragic Sandwich

And sometimes we fall down.

That’s okay, though, because we’re on the snow, and it’s pretty soft.

Snowshoeing is a tremendously awesome sport. It’s fun, it’s cheap (if you buy stuff off of eBay), and anyone can do it.

Last winter we made numerous trips to Mt. Pinos. Most recently, we spent a week at Lake Tahoe. I’d never been before, and it more than lived up to the hype. The whole area is spectacularly beautiful. Actually, I think snowshoeing (and, by extension, cross-country skiiing, although we have yet to try that) is probably one of the best ways to see that area. Why? Because unlike hiking, snowshoeing does not require you to stay on the trail. In fact, there is no trail. Just snow. The result is that you get to see areas that you would never see during warmer times of the year, and you don’t have to feel bad about spoiling the backcountry.

Additionally, it is not necessary to limit yourself to resorts like Kirkwood (which, like some other downhill resorts in the area, does offer groomed trails for snowshoeing and XC skiing). For example, a SnoPark permit lets you park in a number of maintained parking lots, which even have toilets.

It’s cold. You’re going to want the toilet.

At any rate, the SnoPark permit is $5 per day, or $25 for the season, which lasts from November to April or so. And then there are the free places to park, like the turn-out at Grass Lake.

So go snowshoeing. Just remember to take lots of water, and wear layers. Oh, and don’t forget your compass. It’s no good if you die out there.