Ski Trips For Every Level (Beginers Welcome) - and Even Snow-Lovers Who Don't Ski

Leader Scott Meek and his friend, Koala, on a back-country ski tour in Mammoth. photo Donna Specht/OCSS

So you’re an experienced hiker who loves to explore the backcountry. From spring through fall, you’re entrenched in climbing the next ridge, the highest peak, the most difficult pass. But what about those winter months when the Sierras and the local mountains are covered by snow?

For those who never learned to downhill ski or avoid the sport because of crowds and costs, going back-country skiing and snowshoeing will open up a whole new white wilderness that promises opportunities for exploration and adventure. Orange County Sierra Singles offers activities that include weekend trips and day outings for everyone, from experienced crosscountry skiers to novices, and snowshoers. Downhill skiers and snowboarders who want to carve up the slopes also are welcome on trips to Mammoth as well. Nonskiers and newcomers welcome!

Experienced I-rated leaders plan routes in the Sierra and local mountains that vary in length and difficulty. Day trips include areas such as San Jacinto, Snow Valley, and Frazier Park. On weekend trips, the group heads to Mammoth for back-country tours in areas such as Inyo Craters, the Obsidian Dome, the San Joaquin Ridge and Mammoth Lakes. Most weekend trips include easy and intermediate ski tour options. Beginners who have never been on cross-country skis can take lessons during an upcoming trip to Mammoth in January.

For a complete list of winter season trips, go online. In the meantime, check out these cool upcoming trips.

Ski trips

Winter Sports in Mammoth Lake Bus Trip, Jan. 27-29: O and I-rated. Downhill ski, snowboard Mammoth Mountain; beginner/intermediate back-country ski lessons and backcountry ski and snowshoe touring. This trip has it all: Learn to ski back-country with certified instructors (check experience requirements online), back-country ski and snowshoe with leaders or ski on your own at Tamarack Nordic Ski Center and Mammoth Mountain. Non-skiers and back-country ski lesson grads welcome. Quality Inn lodging, (two persons, two beds with private bath and more), free shuttles. Price includes bus, lodging, breakfast, Saturday night happy hour, bus refreshments, Sunday dinner. Cost is $295 per person for Sierra Club members; $310 per person for non-members. Sponsored by OC Sierra Singles. Contact: Reservations/Asst/Ski Leader Carol Tucker, 3166 S. Sepulveda #14, Los Angeles, 90034 or e-mail Donna Specht at donnaspecht@juno.com

Snow Valley Back-Country Ski Tour, Feb. 11: I-rated. Moderate 4-plus mile day ski in the San Bernardino Mountains. Beginners who have had at least a couple days prior ski experience welcome! We’ll break trail on a route that will depend on participants skill level. Metal-edged, backcountry skis and back-country boots highly recommended. Bring winter clothing, water, lunch. Sponsored by Orange County Sierra Singles and Wilderness Adventures. Contact: Leader Mark Mitchell (markm@lacma.org) and Keith Martin.

Winter Survival Skills Field Workshop, Feb. 25: I-rated. Learn snow skills, such as how to build an emergency shelter, fire building, signaling and survival strategies. Travel over snow with snowshoes or crosscountry skis about 3 miles round-trip, 300 feet gain, at Mt. Pinos. Limit 15. Sponsored by Orange County Sierra Singles. Contact: Leader Virgil Talbott (virgil_talbott@roadrunner.com) and Gwen Sharp.

Winter Sports and Sightsee in Mammoth Lakes, March 2-4: I-rated. Winter bus trip to Mammoth Lakes for downhill skiing and snowboarding on Mammoth Mountain, daily guided back-country ski tours and snowshoe tours. Newcomers, non-skiers and cross-country lesson grads welcome. Quality Inn lodging, (two persons, two beds with private bath and more), free shuttles. Price includes bus, lodging, continental breakfast, happy hour, Sunday dinner. Cost is $295 per person for Sierra Club members. Sponsored by Orange County Sierra Singles and Palos Verdes South Bay. Contact: Reservationist Dick Clement, 1023 East Van Bibber, Orange, 92866.

Winter Sports and Sightseeing in Mammoth Lakes, March 23-25: I-rated. Winter carpool to Mammoth Lakes for daily guided back-country ski tours for participants with at least low to intermediate skills and daily guided snowshoe tours; non-skiers welcome. Ski downhill or snowboard Mammoth Mountain. Quality Inn (two persons, two beds with private bath and more), free shuttles. Price includes lodging, continental breakfast, happy hour. Cost is $195 per person for Sierra Club members and $210 per person for non-members. Sponsored by Orange County Sierra Singles and Wilderness Adventues. Contact: Carol Tucker at hikergirl50@yahoo.com