Photo: Claudia Hilligoss Spring Snowshoe, Ski, and Photography, Tahoe National
Forest, California Highlights:
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Trip Number: 08095A Price: $595 Deposit: $100 Capacity: 18 Leader:
The Trip  Photo: Claudia Hilligoss The area surrounding Clair Tappaan Lodge has the highest average snowfall of the entire Sierra Nevada range, making it a favorite with winter sports enthusiasts who glide down the groomed trails. After some group lessons, we’ll snowshoe or ski near the lodge or at Royal Gorge. We’ll also get off the beaten path and into the Tahoe National Forest. To accommodate participants of various physical abilities, we may split into slower/faster groups for some of our activities. The group will have the option of a guided three-mile trek along the Pacific Crest Trail to the Peter Grubb Hut for an overnight stay. We’ll also have ample time to learn about the enchanting history of this part of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and current conservation issues. We’ll have time during most evenings at the lodge to learn about digital photography, and to relax by the cozy fireplace, enjoy videos, games, cards, or catch up on reading in the library.
If you fly, you should plan to arrive in Reno, Nevada, as early as possible on day one. We will shuttle to Clair Tappaan Lodge, located about 10 miles west of Truckee, and about 45 miles west of Reno. If you want to make alternate transportation arrangements, the area is served by both Amtrack and Greyhound. To get to the lodge on your own, you can either rent a car in Reno or take a taxi from Truckee (approximate cost is $35). Driving instructions will be provided on request. The trip begins with an informal gathering at 2 p.m. in the lodge living room, followed by dinner at 6 p.m. If you arrive early, you can unpack, and try out some snowshoes in the backyard. Day 1: After transportation to the lodge, orientation and acclimitization, we'll have a snowshoe lesson. Day 2: We'll trek 3.5 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail, and stay overnight at the Sierra Club’s Peter Grubb Hut near Castle Peak. Day 3: This will be our free day. Explore nearby Sugar Bowl with a ride on the gondola or make your own ski day (note: anyone wishing to downhill ski or snowboard must do so at their own risk by signing off the trip during the duration of this activity). The evening will feature an educational program on digital photography. Day 4:: We'll have a group cross-country ski lesson at Clair Tappaan Lodge and practice in the backyard and on groomed trails. Day 5: We will ski Royal Gorge, the world’s largest cross-country ski resort (half day). This will also be our conservation night. The trip ends April 6, after breakfast when we’ll begin transporting folks back to the Reno airport.
In 1934, Sierra Club volunteers built Clair Tappaan as a rustic retreat for hikers, skiers, and mountain climbers. The lodge has a special rustic charm with its spacious living room, enormous fireplace, and cozy library. Guests assist with daily kitchen chores such as meal preparation and serving, setting tables or dishwashing. These chores require about a half-hour each day. A hearty breakfast and dinner are prepared by the professional kitchen staff and served in the lodge’s large, communal dining room. Brown bag lunch provisions are available to take with you. A vegetarian meal option is always available. Participants with other dietary restrictions can usually be accommodated, if you inform the trip leader in advance. No smoking is allowed, either in the building or on the surrounding trails. All accommodations are in bunk beds, so please bring your own sleeping bag or bedding. The lodge can be cold, so be sure to bring plenty of warm layers of clothing for both the day and night. The rooms are small and you must carry your own gear up a rather steep path and inside stairs, so it’s wise to limit your gear to what you can easily manage. Accommodations are assigned in advance by the lodge manager. Doors do not lock, however there are lockers and locks may be rented. Recently remodeled restroom and shower facilities are shared (bring your own towel). The lodge also has a hot tub, so be sure to bring your bathing suit! A coin-operated washer and dryer are available. Those who wish to stay additional nights at the lodge before or after the trip may make arrangements directly with the lodge on their website, or by calling (530) 426-3632. The lodge permits guests to bring their own alcoholic beverages. However, it is important that participants use alcohol in moderation as it can affect physical performance at this altitude, creating unnecessary risks for the entire group.
Our snowshoe and ski activities will accommodate beginners; however, this trip is considered moderately strenuous because of the 7,000 foot elevation. Hydration is the most important tool to prevent altitude sickness that can happen to anyone regardless of physical conditioning. You are advised to bring at least two quart-sized water containers. If you haven’t been exercising regularly, now is a good time to start. Safety is the primary concern on all our lodge outings. Weather on Donner Summit is unpredictable, and it will be a major factor influencing this trip! Therefore, we strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance, including medical and evacuation insurance. For more information we suggest you contact Travel Insurance Services directly at 1-800-937-1387.
The leader will provide a detailed equipment list when participants have been screened by the leader and they are accepted on the trip.
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Conservation: One evening will be devoted to learning about conservation issues on Donner Summit, and we will hold a discussion about participants' local conservation issues.
See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy. The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.
General Notes About Sierra Club Trips
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Claudia Hilligoss has been a Sierra Club Outings participant, cook, and service trip leader since she joined the club in 1992, exploring destinations in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and the Midwest. She recently relocated to the Donner Summit area where she enjoys her favorite pasttimes: hiking, cross-country skiing, photography, and watercolors. In the past she has volunteered as a local group chair in Northern Kentucky, and for the fundraising committee of the Cumberland Chapter. Having worked at Clair Tappaan Lodge during the winter of 2004, she now serves as a member of the Clair Tappaan Lodge Committee.