2006-2007 FAST FACTS

CROSS COUNTRY AND SNOWSHOE CENTER

Contact: Weidinger Public Relations
775.588.2412

With a base elevation of 7,800 feet and 80 kilometers of machine-groomed trails, Kirkwood Cross Country and Snowshoe Center offers spectacular scenery and some of the most exciting terrain in the west. Operated by World Master Champion Debbi Waldear, the instruction and trails are maintained at a world-class level. As skiers climb the higher trails to 9,000 feet, they have a sensation of being atop the Sierra. Huge 10,000-foot peaks looming in the distance provide a true Alpine experience, sure to linger in one’s mind. Flanked by several protected Wilderness areas, the natural wonders of the mountain have remained untouched by man; yet the luxury of machine groomed trails offer easy, safe skiing into the backcountry.

Kirkwood’s 80 kilometers of diverse terrain provide excellent skiing for all abilities. Skiers can climb ridge tops, glide along the base of impressive lava cliffs and roll along creeks through picturesque meadows.
The Cross Country and Snowshoe Center Day Lodge houses a ski school and ski shop, as well as a rental shop fully stocked with standard and skate ski gear, as well as snowshoe equipment. During breaks from skiing, guests can sip hot drinks by a wood burning stove in the cozy day lodge or warm-up in one of the trailside warming huts.

Kirkwood Cross Country and Snowshoe Center’s trail system is divided into three different systems. The Meadow System, which is located across the highway from the center, connects the cross country center to the Kirkwood Village. The meadow system has two five kilometer loops - the outside loop is dog friendly, the inner loop is for skiers only.

The Caples Creek system is directly adjacent to the center. The trail begins with a roller coaster ride descent to a peaceful meadow full of wildlife, lovely forest and a clear blue creek. Once in the meadow one can relax, stretch out and glide along the trail as it winds with the flow of the creek. This core section of the trail is the ultimate meadow experience in a winter environment.

The Schneider Trail System is located at a higher elevation, climbing to over 9,000 feet and providing phenomenal views of the surrounding Wilderness areas. The elaborate trail system crosses open bowls, winds through the forest and climbs along ridges. These trails are accessible by parking at Schneider Camp for those who wish to avoid the steep terrain of “Agony and Ecstasy" that connect the system to Caples Creek trails.

GROOMING

A new dedicated cross country grooming machine has been added to the Kirkwood fleet, which means more that one trail system can be groomed at the same time. Early season and during lean snowfall years, it's been impossible to groom the Schneider Trail system, as the connecting trail requires five feet of snow coverage. Now, one snow cat will be located at the Schneider trailhead, allowing this system to be groomed as soon as there is a foot of snow on the ground. Trails all the way to the top of Coyote Pass will be groomed daily. All trail systems will be groomed for skiing in the early season, often by Thanksgiving.

RENTAL AND DEMO CENTER

The center features Rossignol ski, boots and poles for rental and retail. The standard waxless packages are the new innovative Evo ski. The shorter length of the Evo ski makes skiing fun, easy and reduces the learning curve. Evo skis are available in the traditional and ski skate models. Top of the line skate skis and boots are also offered in the rental and retail department. A full size range of Rossignol lightweight backcountry skis and boots is available. This equipment features state of the art metal edge skis and NNN boots for ski touring off or on track.

INSTRUCTION

Kirkwood's Cross Country Director and seven-time World Masters Champion, Debbi Waldear, oversees the Cross Country Ski School. The school offers instruction in diagonal stride, skating, and touring skills as well as snowshoe instruction. The expansive Kirkwood Meadow offers some of the best learning terrain in the Sierra; miles of trails wind through the meadow with flat to rolling terrain for beginners of all ages.

The Cross Country and Snowshoe Center has expanded its lesson program to include a skilled staff of instructors with expertise in a variety of cross country skiing disciplines including the traditional kick and glide, skating, and turning. The SKI SKILLS AND TOUR teaches a variety of techniques while ski touring with an instructor. Skate lessons and clinics are scheduled on a regular basis. The new ECHO TO KIRKWOOD CLINIC prepares participants for the unique and rugged terrain of the annual Echo to Kirkwood Tour and Race.

SNOWSHOEING

Snowshoeing is a great alternative for those who want a low impact snow sport. Those who can walk can snowshoe, without the learning process necessary on skis. One can climb steep hillsides without the worry of sliding backwards and travel comfortably down hills for a relaxing on-snow adventure. Several models of high-tech snowshoes are available for rent at the Cross Country Center. A daily SNOWSHOE SKILLS AND GUIDED TOUR is offered noon. This introduction class covers equipment use, technique as well as hiking on the trails with a guide.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS