Winter Sports

Winter is a beautiful time to explore the Sierra National Forest.

There are many forms of winter recreation, including:

• Cross-Country Skiing
• Cross-Country Skiing on the High Sierra Ranger District
• Snowmobiling
• Downhill skiing and Snowboarding
• SNO-PARK Areas

Come Join In! The Forest Service Volunteer Program

Many clubs and individuals volunteer time and energy to your National Forest. This commitment helps insure quality recreation opportunities. Volunteer activities include trail maintenance and construction, resource rehabilitation, and trail patrol. Anyone who wants to become involved may apply. Contact the volunteer coordinator at the High Sierra Ranger District at (559) 855-5360. The volunteer program offers you an opportunity to promote your recreation activity and helps insure the future of your sport.

Sierra Snowmobile Patrol / Pineridge Nordic Ski Patrol

The Sierra Snowmobile Association and the Pineridge Nordic Ski Patrol are an intricate part of our Winter Recreation Program. They provide many volunteer hours to maintain and patrol the trails on the High Sierra Ranger District. Patrol members are available to provide information concerning locations of trail routes, length of routes, points of interest, permissible activities, and guidelines for each area, Look for them wearing Forest Service green windbreakers with volunteer patches. If you have questions concerning the winter recreation areas, please take the time to contact them. If you are interested in the volunteer program, please contact the district office at (559) 855-5355.

Winter Travel Safety

Be aware of the hazards of winter travel. Harsh conditions of wind, cold, snow or whiteout can turn an outing into a tragedy. Knowledge of the area, weather, route and limitations of your body and equipment, plus a little common sense can insure a safe and enjoyable trip.  more

Wildlife Watch

There are several types of wildlife out and about during the winter months. Not all wildlife hibernate or migrate in the Sierra mountains during winter.  more

Skiing/Snowboarding

Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding

Located within the Sierra National Forest and operating under a special use permit, is the China Peak Mountain Resort. The resort is 65 miles northeast of Fresno at Huntington Lake. China Peak offers excellent downhill and snowboarding opportunities for the beginner, intermediate and advanced skier or snowboarder.  Rental equipment is available. For more information on snow and road conditions contact them at (559) 233-3330 or visit the China Peak website.

Also located nearby is Badger Pass Ski Resort. The resort is 75 miles north of Fresno via Hwy 41 in Yosemite National Park. Badger Pass, California's first ski area, offers excellent downhill and snowboarding opportunities for beginner, intermediate and advanced skier or snowboarder.

Facilities

5 chair lifts
2 handle tows
1 T-bar
Freestyle parks
Halfpipe
Family Fun zones

Terrain Ratings

Beginner-11%
Low Intermediate-28%
Intermediate-33%
Advanced-28%

Located in Yosemite National Park is Badger Pass Ski Resort. The resort is 75 miles north of Fresno via Hwy 41. Badger Pass, California's first ski area, offers excellent downhill and snowboarding opportunities for beginner, intermediate and advanced skier or snowboarder. Rental equipment is available. For more information on snow conditions and road conditions contact at (209) 372-8430 or visit the Badger Pass Resort website.

Facilities

10 runs
5 lifts: 1 triple-chair, 3 double-chair, 1 cable tow
Tubing
Snowboarding
Cross-country trails
Snowshoeing

Terrain Ratings

35% beginner
50% intermediate
15% advanced

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling

In the Sierra National Forest there are over 180 miles of designated snowmobile routes. The routes are located near Shaver and Huntington Lakes on Hwy 168. 155 miles of the designated routes are groomed and maintained throughout the winter season. Grooming efforts are sponsored through the California State Off-Highway Vehicle Program.

These trails are maintained for snowmobile use, both ATV’s and Nordic skiers are welcome. Grooming of routes and trails are provided by The Sierra Snowmobile Association and the US Forest Service.

The following is a description of the snowmobile routes and trails:

Huntington Lake Trailhead
Kaiser Pass Trailhead
Tamarack Ridge Trailhead
Whiskey Trail

Snowmobiling and ATV Guidelines and Requirements

Snowmobilers will find 209 miles of groomed and maintained trails around Huntington Lake, Tamarack Ridge and the High Sierra Area. There are trails for all levels of experience from easiest to most difficult. Come and enjoy a day of winter fun.

Snowmobiles are not allowed in wilderness areas or on trails designated for cross-country skiing only.

All All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and snowmobiles are required to have a "Green Sticker" affixed to the vehicle. Snowmobiles may travel cross-country, except in snowplay areas, along major highways, within major developed recreation areas, and in popular cross-country ski areas.

•All snowmobile routes are open to skiers, snowshoers and licensed ATV's.
•All ATV's are restricted to designated trails.
•ATV operators must wear an approved helmet.
•All routes are closed to all other vehicles.
•Be alert to STOP AHEAD and STOP SIGNS before highway crossings.
•Look out for vehicle traffic and use a spotter to assist at snowmobile crossings.
•Stay on designated routes near dams. Trails do not cross dams. Be alert at stream crossings, not all crossings have bridges constructed.
•Trails may be natural, track packed or groomed depending on grooming schedule.
•Know the locations of marked trails, and proximity of wilderness boundaries.
All All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and snowmobiles are required to have a "Green Sticker" affixed to the vehicle. Snowmobiles may travel cross-country, except in snowplay areas, along major highways, within major developed recreation areas, and in popular cross-country ski areas.

•All snowmobile routes are open to skiers, snowshoers and licensed ATV's.
•All ATV's are restricted to designated trails.
•ATV operators must wear an approved helmet.
•All routes are closed to all other vehicles.
•Be alert to STOP AHEAD and STOP SIGNS before highway crossings.
•Look out for vehicle traffic and use a spotter to assist at snowmobile crossings.
•Stay on designated routes near dams. Trails do not cross dams. Be alert at stream crossings, not all crossings have bridges constructed.
•Trails may be natural, track packed or groomed depending on grooming schedule.
•Know the locations of marked trails, and proximity of wilderness boundaries.

ATV REQUIREMENTS
 
In order to legally operate an ATV on public land:

• All riders under the age of 18 are required to have a State ATV Safety Certificate of completion to operate and ATV or be under the direct supervision of an adult who has proof of completing the safety course.
• Direct supervision of a parent or guardian is required for all rider of ATV's under the age of 14 in addition to the above safety course requirement.
• All riders are required to wear an approved safety helmet while operating an ATV on public lands. No helmet = no ride.
• Its illegal to carry passengers on an ATV.

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing (also known as Nordic skiing or ski touring) is the fastest growing winter sport in California. It requires less commercial investment and fewer beginning skills. Most importantly, any area with snow cover and relatively flat ground can be the playground of the Nordic skier. While any snow-covered forest road or trail can be used, the Sierra National Forest has also developed several marked ski trails along Highway 168. Most of the trails are between the 7,000 and 7,500 elevation. They range in length and difficulty from a one mile beginner trail at Huntington Lake to six mile advanced trail near Highway 168 and Tamarack Ridge.

There are 234 miles of designated snowmobile routes that are available for cross country skiers to utilize. 209 miles of these routes are groomed and maintained through the California State Off-Highway Vehicle Program. 33 miles are designated ungroomed cross-country ski trails. Motorized vehicle use is not allowed on these trails.

All trails are marked with blue diamond markers.

Coyote Nordic Trailhead

1 "Eagle Trail" (easiest) 5.0 miles

The trail follows the road to Shaver Lake Overlook where there is a panoramic view of the Shaver Lake Basin. On a clear day, skiers may view the Coast Range across the San Joaquin Valley. The trail follows the same route back to the trailhead.

2 "Marmot Loop to Trailhead" (more difficult) 2.2 miles

The trail follows a road system most of its length, but does allow the skier to do some cross country for part of the route. This trail is rated more difficult as there are some steeper grades to negotiate.

3 "Coyote Loop to Trailhead" (most difficult) 6.0 miles

The trail follows road and trail systems around the Tamarack Mountain area. There are several scenic vistas along the way, providing views of Red Mountain, Huntington Lake, Kaiser Ridge and Shaver Lake areas. The trail is rated most difficult due to the length and steeper grades.

4 "Grizzly Loop to Trailhead" (most difficult) 5.7 miles

The trail follows road and trail systems to the east of Tamarack Mountain. The trail crosses the Coyote Trail after about 3 miles. At this point, skiers may elect to ski to the trailhead by other routes. The trail is rated most difficult due to the length and steeper grades.

Tamarack Ridge Snowmobile Trailhead

5 "Porcupine Loop to Trailhead" (more difficult) 4.0 miles

The trail follows road and trail systems near the South Fork of Tamarack Creek area. The trail passes a scenic vista of the Kaiser Ridge area. The trail is rated more difficult due to the length and steeper grades.

6 "Raccoon Loop to Trailhead" (more difficult) 4.0 miles

The trail follows road and trail systems near the South Fork of Tamarack Creek area. The trail loops within 200 feet of South Fork of Tamarack Creek and is rated more difficult due to the length and steeper grades. Be on the lookout for wildlife tracks.

7 "Raven Loop to Trailhead" (most difficult) 4.4 miles

The trail follows road and trail systems to the Southwest of the trailhead. The trail passes a scenic vista of Shaver Lake. The trail is rated most difficult due to the length and steeper grades.

Kaiser Pass Trailhead

8 "Rancheria Loop" (easiest) 1.5 miles

The trail is located in the Huntington Lake area near the Kaiser Pass Trailhead within the Rancheria Campground. The trail follows the road and trail system in the campground. The trail provides access to the lake. Skiers should beware of thin ice on the lake.

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