Cross-Country Skiing and

Snowshoeing at Bear Valley Cross

Country in California - PO Box 5120, Bear

Valley CA 95223

Bear Valley Cross County (209/753-2834, www.bearvalleyxc.com) is in Bear Valley, CA on Highway 4, which at 7,000 foot elevation boasts substantial annual snow depths. Bear Valley is on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains in the land of giant Sequoia trees. There are 70 km of trails groomed for classic and skate skiing.

Trail fees are $23 for an adult, $15 for senior (60-69) or Junior (13-17), $15 for child (9-12) and free for 8 and under or 70 and older. There are lower trail fees at 1 PM and 3 PM.

Lessons offered to all ages including Skier Bears (4-8 years old) on weekends. Group instruction ($20 without trail pass) for complete Intro to skiing package ($50), skate skiing package ($55) or private lessons ($45 per hour) available. XC ski, pulk sleds and snowshoe rental equipment are available. Rossignol Demo Center offers try before you buy for equipment including telemark skiing. There is a sledding hill and BVCC sleds are required at $8. XC rentals are $20/day or $15 after 1 PM and snowshoes are $20/day and $15 after 1 PM. Snowshoers need to have a trail pass. Kids rentals are lower priced.

Paul Petersen, Bear Valley's director authored "The Essential Cross Country Skier - A Step by Step Guide" which is can be previewed or ordered at amazon.com

Bear Valley Lodge offers accommodations with 51 rooms, lounge, Grizzly Bar dining room, shops massage and ski storage. CCSAA member

Bear Valley alpine ski resort nearby. The Calaveras Big Trees State Park has two groves of Sequoia trees and a Visitor Center that is a popular attraction any time of year. Other activity info at www.visitcalaveras.org