Just east of Sacramento are enough venues to quench the ski thrist of winter sports hounds. A trip to Hope Valley on Tuesday, Jan. 24 to check out snow conditions was worth the drive.
The drive was uncrowded, the roads mostly dry, free of snow. The drive up Hwy 50, then over to Hope Valley on SR 89 in Meyers, is generally a decent trip. When the weather conditions are sunny with no storm, it gets even better.
There are several spots on SR 89 to park. CalTrans does a very good job of carving out areas for cross country skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts to safely park.
Hope Valley Outdoors has finally been able to open. Lessons, rentals, advice are available at their yurt just across from the junction of Hwy 88 and SR 89.
There is about 20+ inches of fresh snow on the valley floor. That gives good coverage for the skinny ski set. It is a bit taxing for the person in the lead, on skis or snowshoes, to break the trail as it isn't yet consolidated.
The valley floor is relatively free of tracks as of this writing. Anyone venturing out into the snow here should be prepared to carve their own trail through the snow.
Snowshoe folks will find that snowshoes will sink into this snow. Sharing the lead will a good strategy. The conditions will add to the workout level of day.
Cross country skiers will likewise do well to share the lead. The good news is that you'll be able to head down some of the small hills and have first tracks.
Due to the predicted weather for the next few days, which is cold nights and warmish days, it would be best to get out while there is enough snow to ski on. Conditions are very spring like.
In Tahoe, there is snow at lake level. There isn't quite enough to go cross country on your xc skis though. Stick to snowed over US Forest Service roads and already skied tracks. There's just too much still sticking up through the snow to make it a decent ski anywhere else.
Skiing along the lake shore will be good for a couple of more days, but conditions will decline without a good new snow storm.
Proper dress for the conditions: layers, layers, layers. Gaiters will protect your legs and boots from afternoon slush in sun exposed areas, sunscreen is a must, and carry enough water to stay hydrated.
Get out while the snow is still deep enough to make it worth your time to drive into the high county to cross country ski or snowshoe.
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