Sonora, CA…Winter conditions on the Stanislaus National Forest mean skiing, sledding and snowmobiling are popular during the holiday season. Forest officials want to share our efforts to provide safe recreation opportunities and encourage visitors to think safety and be a good neighbor during winter fun.

Winter conditions have provided enough snow on the ground, so snow grooming has begun for winter trails on Calaveras and Summit Ranger districts. Snow grooming began in mid-December for Highway 4 on Calaveras Ranger District, while grooming began Dec. 30 for snow trails on Summit Ranger District. The typical grooming season runs through March and grooming will continue as long as snow conditions allow. The forest conducts the grooming in partnership with the state of California.

“We recognize how important snowmobiling is as a recreational opportunity on the forest. A system of groomed trails is vital to providing that opportunity, in a safe and sustainable way,” said Beth Martinez, deputy forest supervisor for the Stanislaus National Forest.

“During the holidays, we receive a lot of visitors wanting to enjoy the winter conditions, and we’re happy they enjoy recreating on the forest,” Martinez said. “But it’s important for visitors to park safely and be responsible. That includes being good neighbors to your fellow winter recreationists.

“Trash is a constant concern at high-volume locations like Pinecrest and our SNO-PARKS. Trash is not only unsightly, it can cause health concerns and damage habitat and wildlife. During winter recreation, visitors must plan on packing your trash out,” Martinez added.

For your own safety and that of other visitors, please follow the guidelines outlined by the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation department for SNO-PARKS. A SNO-PARK permit is required for each vehicle parked at a SNO-PARK site from November 1 through May 30 of each year. Permits are sold as day permits or seasonal permits. Day permits are sold for $5 and are valid for a single day. Visitors can purchase SNO-PARK permits online or from specified vendors. For more information visit the SNO-PARK permit web page at https://go.usa.gov/xpMZ2.

Visitors are also cautioned that bodies of water may not be frozen enough to carry a person’s weight, which could lead to someone falling through the ice. Pinecrest Lake is very popular during winter, but visitors are reminded that as a supply reservoir, lake levels and temperatures can fluctuate, causing ice to be unstable.

“We know sledding and snow play on the shores of Lake Pinecrest are very popular ways to enjoy winter fun,” said Sarah LaPlante, Summit and Mi-Wok District ranger. “Please do not attempt to skate or sled on the ice. It is a dangerous activity that can end with serious injury. If you walk out on the lake bed, be vigilant about dangers that are usually covered by water, like rocks, stumps, and submerged trash. Enjoy your national forest safely.”

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