Off the ski slopes but still getting around

What do you do when a pair of broken ribs keep you off the slopes? You take a look at the lower slopes and put on hiking boots. This week I took East Lake Boulevard to the trailed for Dead Man's Creek hiking trail. I've trod this trail many times over the years up to the rebuilt gazebo at the ridge overlooking Washoe Lake. It's an easy run, about a mile in length with perhaps 200 feet of vertical. The parking area is opposite Washoe Lake State Park, marked by a tall old dead tree.

The trail starts out to the left of the parking area and quickly heads uphill. Don't try to cut switchbacks; rangers have posted "Not a trail" signs along the way. Despite the recent snow, the first leg of the hike was pretty dry last weekend, with some snow patches and wet dirt. The creek itself is actually trickling along, more water than I've ever seen there.

Halfway up, the trail splits, with the left fork heading up to a wildlife viewing area and access to the mountain roads that run along the crest. The right fork switches back uphill toward the gazebo. More snow here and mud, but nothing you can't get around. At the gazebo the view of the Washoe Lake and Slide Mountain is fine, although the gazebo is showing signs of wear and leans a bit.

Not a great deal to see in the way of green but the Mormon Tea is fresh looking.

Not exactly spring-skiing, but a nice change of pace until next week when Doc Yamamoto says I can ski again.

MORE ON SENIOR CLINICS

In case you've been wondering what the new PSIA seniors clinics are like, here's a summary of how they happen, thanks to Bob Haas who runs the senior program at Heavenly, as well as teaching racing at Mt. Rose. The entire program is markedly different than his usual clinics, Haas says, with an emphasis on bringing seniors into contemporary skiing techniques.

The instructor will gather personal skiers' information at the beginning of the class, including injuries or physical problems. He (or she) will take into account what's "bugging" you and meet your needs.

He will suggest new equipment when your gear is last century stuff and explain how the new gear makes skiing easier. You'll do some stretches and then take easy runs with many stops on the hill. He'll watch for signs of fatigue and call a break when he thinks it's needed. He'll also be watching for signs of sexism, particularly from older men.

He'll go over the virtues of the new equipment, point out how seniors can still enjoy six hours on the hill, thanks to energy-saving shaped skis and the contemporary technique involved in using them. He'll also let you know that it'll take time to change the habits of a lifetime of skiing and he'll go over one or two elements of the contemporary style that will life ski life more fun.

If you've taken a regular ski lesson lately, you can easily see how this clinic is different and much better for seniors. I may take one myself as soon as I've mended.

SPRING FIESTA AT

SIERRA-AT-TAHOE

With fine mid-winter storms ensuring spring skiing and riding through the rest of the season, Sierra Resort is launching into the rest of the '08-'09 winter season with a line-up of Spring Fiesta events and specials that skiers and riders will want to jump on.

College Weeks, March 16-22, March 23-28 and April 6-12, 2009

College students can refresh their souls before heading into exams this spring with a $51 lift ticket.

Women's Camps, March 22-24, 2009

Grab your girl posse and head for the mountains! Taught for women, by women, the Sierra Resort Women's Camp is a great way to get out in the sun and the snow and improve confidence and skills on the slopes.

Madrona Vineyards Wine Tasting Lunch, March 18, 2009

Hosted by local El Dorado County winery Madrona Vineyards, this lunch is held at the top of the mountain and pairs several wines with tasty entrees from the 360-degree Smokehouse BBQ. Just $15.95 and open to guests 21 and over. Call (530)659.7453 x265.

Come and snowsport for $49 a day with the Sierra 3-Pak. Plus, get extra grub with the Food & Beverage Card.

Round up your buddies and ski/ride for just $51 with a valid college I.D. March 16 - 20.

DIAMOND PEAK

COST CUTTING

Diamond Peak is celebrating the first day of spring and "The Boss" by offering a $1 lift ticket to all people named Bruce on "Bruce Spring Skiing" Day. If your name is Bruce, bring your ID to Guest Services to redeem your $1 lift ticket. Enjoy live music on the base-lodge deck.

Diamond Peak has extended a personal invitation to Bruce Springsteen and his family to attend "Bruce Spring Skiing" Day but as of press time has no response.

Enjoy spring skiing and snowboarding all month long at Diamond Peak! Check out events including the 4th Annual Vertical Challenge, the 3rd Annual Uphill Race, the 9th Annual Dummy Downhill, the Diamond Peak Jiblet, Community Appreciation Day and more.

The Spring Season Pass Sale starts March 16. Purchase your '09/'10 season pass at the early bird rate and ski the rest of the '08/'09 season for free. A non-resident Adult full season pass starts at $454 and a non-resident adult mid-week season pass starts at $363. Purchase your '09/'10 Diamond Peak season pass online by visiting www.diamondpeak.com, mailing or faxing in your application or in person by visiting the Diamond Peak Guest Services window. Call (775) 832-1177.

Diamond Peak is hosting a Community Appreciation Day March 17. Anyone within a 50-mile radius can purchase an adult daily lift ticket for only $20 on St. Patrick's Day. Enjoy a lucky day of skiing and the new Base Lodge during St. Patrick's Day (Must show proof of residency to purchase $20 lift ticket).

SQUAW VALLEY DEAL

Squaw Valley's current season snowfall total is 398 inches " with 80 inches falling in the first week of March alone. Spring at Squaw features powder days, fine grooming, the Monster Park at Riviera, lively events (like the Cushing Classic) and mountaintop pool parties at the Lagoon & Spa at High Camp. With Squaw's Spring Pass, skiers and riders can take on North America's Spring Skiing Capital for only $179. The Spring Pass is valid seven days a week starting March 29, and is on sale now at Squaw Valley's Special Tickets office.

Spring Passholders get far more than their $179 worth as Squaw offers expansive, diverse and high-quality spring terrain, and free use of the Swimming Lagoon and Spa at High Camp. The cost of a spring pass is only a little more than two adult full day lift tickets, so a spring pass is paid for in less than three days of skiing or riding. Squaw Valley is scheduled to remain open into May, conditions permitting. Spring Passes are on sale now at Squaw Valley's Special Tickets office. Passes may be purchased any time between now and the end of the season. Call (530)452-7123.

- Contact Sam Bauman at sambauman@att.net or 841-7818.