Lolo Pass Visitor Center Opens for Winter Season (Idaho)
United States – Department of Agriculture – Forest Service
Clearwater National Forest
Contact: Molly Puchlerz
(208) 942-3113
Powell, ID- The Lolo Pass Visitor Center, located on the Idaho-Montana state line along U.S. Highway 12, is open for the winter season. Winter hours of operation are Thursday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Pacific Standard Time.
Snowmobile trail grooming will begin on Tuesday, December 15, and cross-country ski trail grooming will begin on Saturday, December 19. There is approximately two feet of snow at the pass. Dogs are not allowed on the groomed trails. For updates on current snow conditions at Lolo Pass and trail grooming, call the visitor information line at (208) 942-1234 or visit http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/snotel/ and http://www.snowtana.com/.
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Categories: Access Tags: clearwater national forest, cross-country ski, forest service, idaho, lolo hot springs, lolo pass, montana, powell, snowmobile, snowshoe, us highway 12, winter season
Experience Winter Adventures on Snowshoes (Washington)
Contacts:
Snoqualmie Pass Kim Larned, 509-852-1062 klarned@fs.fed.us
Stevens Pass Nan Lammers, 360-677-2414 nlammers@fs.fed.us
Children race through the snow, kicking up clouds of snow and playing on their snowshoes. Sometimes they get to meet Smokey the Bear. Guides lead walkers through winding forest trails, teaching safety and winter ecology, while advanced snowshoers muscle through the backcountry, navigating the Commonwealth Basin. In the snow covered Cascades, outdoor enthusiasts enjoy their favorite trails on snowshoes.
Starting the first week of January, the Forest Service offers classes through March at Snoqualmie Pass off I-90 and Stevens Pass on US 2. “Nearly anyone can slap snowshoes on and start walking in the forest,” said Kim Larned, snowshoe guide on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
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Categories: Press Releases Tags: backcountry, cascades, commonwealth basin, forest service, mt baker, mt baker snoqualmie national forest, snoqualmie, snoqualmie pass, snowshoe, snowshoers, snowshoes, stevens pass, washington, winter
Idaho City Park N’ Ski Area Special Event Ski / Snowshoe For Free: Saturday, January 9, 2010
Idaho City, ID – Come enjoy the winter season at the Idaho City Park N’ Ski area on Saturday, January 9th. Nordic ski and snowshoe clinics will be offered onsite. Classes are limited. Registration is required for snowshoe clinics.
The Park N’ Ski parking permit fee will be waived that day, to encourage participants to test out their new skis and snowshoes, or perfect their skills.
The Southern Idaho Regional (SIR) Nordic Ski Patrol will offer free ski tips from 11:00 am. to 2:00 pm., at the Gold Fork Park N’ Ski parking lot for beginners. For those anxious to learn new snowshoe skills, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) will be offering free snowshoe clinics (registration required).
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Categories: Events Tags: idaho, idaho city, idaho department of parks and recreation, idpr, nordic ski, ski, ski trails, skiing, skis, snowshoe, snowshoeing, snowshoes, winter
Winter Driving on Forest Service Roads (Oregon)
Media Contact: Jennifer O’Leary (503) 854-4210; Cell (503) 298-8190
Springfield, OR – Visitors to the Willamette National Forest will encounter a wide range of driving conditions over the next few months. An important reminder at this time of year is that Forest Service roads are not maintained for winter travel. Many roads, especially those in higher elevations, become impassable due to ice and snow.
The following tips can help you prepare for a safe visit:
- Plan for the unexpected
- Check the latest road and weather conditions
- Let someone know where you’re going
- Carry an emergency kit in your vehicle
“Winter is a wonderful time to explore the forest, especially if you like to snowmobile, ski, or snowshoe. We want to ensure that visitors are aware of the important safety tips that will help them enjoy their visit,” says Stacey Forson, Assistant Recreation Staff Officer for the Willamette National Forest.
Weather can change quickly, particularly in high elevations. Good snow tires, a 4-wheel drive vehicle, and chains are advised when driving in winter conditions. Don’t forget to fuel up at the beginning of the trip.
Travelers should be prepared to spend long periods of time in the car. Blankets or sleeping bags, warm clothes, a snow shovel, water, food and other necessities are recommended as part of a complete vehicle emergency kit.
Many Forest Service roads are single-lane, winding, gravel roads with limited visibility. These and popular double-lane, paved roads such as Forest Road 19, Forest Road 21, and Forest Road 46 are not plowed for winter travel. Even a few inches of snow can obscure ice and soft shoulders; always adjust your speed to the current conditions. As a general rule, drive at speeds that allow you to stop in half the visible road distance ahead of you.
Although GPS systems are useful tools for navigating forest roads, they cannot always be relied on to provide the safest routes based on current conditions. Keep in mind that cell phones and GPS systems may not work in remote areas.
Visit or call your local Ranger District office for the latest updates regarding weather, including snow levels, and road conditions. Current conditions are also provided on the Willamette National Forest website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette/general/conditions/index.html.
For regular updates regarding road and weather conditions on state highways that serve as mountain passes visit Tripcheck, offered by Oregon Department of Transportation, at www.tripcheck.com.
For more information please contact the closest Ranger District office.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette/newsandevents/news/2009newsarchives/091120winter-driving.html
Categories: Access Tags: forest service, national forest, oregon, ski, snowmobile, snowshoe, willamette, willamette national forest, winter travel
