Planning Tips for Ski or Snowboarding Trips

Travel and Dates

Driving up Friday evening to a nearby location such as Arnold (for Bear Valley) makes for a low-stress Saturday, don't leave too early Friday evening if going via Hwy. 92, and do check the radio traffic reports before departing, to avoid getting stuck in traffic on the San Mateo Bridge if going that route. Another reason to not leave too soon, is that if the scouts are staying in a hall the scouts will stay up late anyway!

Possible Activities

Skiing, snowboarding, constructing snow shelters (trench and quinzee), firebuilding in snow, snow-shoeing, snow-ball fights, sled practice for Klondike Derby A good place for snow activities is at the trailhead area of the Lake Alpine Sno-Park, at the turnoff to Bear Valley Alpine Ski Area. BUY sno-park parking permits at the gas station at the Bear Valley Cross Country Ski Area

Safety

One thing to do is at noontime muster and evening muster (before ANY departures) is ask all scouts if they had any injury that required consulting with an adult , especially a Ski Patrol person. If YES, send scout home Saturday evening if a parent is going home, as is typically the case. Writs injuries are very common in snowboarding, and may not become swollen or sore until the next day.

Briefing Topics

Buddy System (ski in 2 or more), falling is the simplest way of stopping if losing control, stay in ski area boundaries, courtesy (look upslope before turning), fasten ticket to clothing that will NOT be shed if it gets too hot, edging for control on ice, muster at noon (head count difficult at this time), count heads before leaving ski area. Be sure to instruct parents to NOT leave before end-of-day muster on the sun deck or parking lot Advise snowboarders to wear wrist guards.

Accomodations

For Bear Valley: Friday night at Arnold, in Independence Hall.

Independence Hall in Arnold for Bear Valley

An old school house in a new use, with an excellent commercial kitchen and all necessary serving equipment (a bit short on drink glasses, but they may have been locked up). Location is on the left about a mile down Blagen Road (35 degree left after the Texaco Station). This is an excellent resource, we should try to do some non-winter trips using this as a base. It is heated. BRING big and medium garbage bags, paper towels, Mr. Coffee filters, and food and beverages. Location is about 40 minutes from Bear Valley, in good conditions, usually below the snow line. Mail inquiries to Cliff Betts, P.O. Box 2025, Arnold, CA 95223 phone 209-795-5495. In 1999 rate was $75/night for scouts. Stayed there in 1998 and 1999). Do not lets scouts take food anywhere except kitchen or dining room - its more mess to clean up. Ask curator to turn temperature down at night - say 55-60 deg F.

Miscellaneous>

Bring cards for adults to play bridge etc - dining area has suitable tables

Return to Index Page