Story Ideas
THE KERN RIVER VALLEY’S WINTERTIME SECRET: SNOW FUN FOR ALL AGES!
Known for its spring and summertime river rafting, fishing and recreation on Isabella Lake, the Kern River Valley hides a secret stash of winter sports fun, too.
Rising above the foggy Central Valley, wintertime visitors are amazed by the Kern River Valley’s sunny blue skies and its vast network of winter sports trails. Between the Western Divide, the Kern Plateau, and the Greenhorn Mountains, the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument feature hundreds of miles of above-snowline trails and logging roads that make sweet ski and snowshoe trails. All snowmobile trails in the Greenhorn and Kern Plateau districts are open to cross-country skiers, plus there are trails designated for cross-country skiing only. And these snow sports aren’t just physically stimulating. They’re stunning visually and psychologically refreshing, as well. Trekking across untracked snow makes you feel as if you’ve got a clean slate, and the crisp air invigorates as you shoosh along.
Contact Kernville’s Mountain & River Adventures for guided ski and snowshoe tours and classes, and even custom trips for backcountry skiers, boarders, and shoers. MRA rents snowshoes, cross country skis, boots and poles, and can give directions to good spots for that day.
Contact the U.S. Forest Service district offices for information about the Greenhorn system as well as more than 100 miles of Kern Plateau oversnow vehicle trails, including one snow hut that is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
And for those who need a lift, or two, Shirley Meadows Ski Area operates two chairs, rents all the equipment an alpine skier or snowboarder needs, and serves up some mean chili fries and cocoa in classic old school style. The family-friendly day resort sits at 7,051 feet above sea level, in the Sequoia National Forest, in the Greenhorn Mountains, approximately 50 miles east of Bakersfield and about 15 minutes from Wofford Heights. With its modest 660 vertical feet and 80 acres of terrain, the area opens Friday through Monday and all holidays while there ski-worthy snow covers the ground. A full-day lift ticket is $28, while a half-day costs $20. Seniors and children pay less, and the area offers a 20-percent discount for military personnel and college students with current ID. Season passes are available. Check the Shirley Meadows web cams (http://shirleymeadows.com/webcams.asp) for real-time photos of conditions on the mountain.
All the locals know, "Once you've skied at Shirley, you are always skiing with friends."
Mountain & River Adventures, (760) 376-6553, (800) 861-6553; www.mtnriver.com
U.S. Forest Service, Kern Plateau, Cannell Meadow Ranger District office, (760) 376-3781.
U.S. Forest Service, Greenhorn Ranger District office, (760) 379-5646.
Shirley Meadows, 56700 Rancheria Road, Wofford Heights, CA 93285; (760) 376-4186; www.shirleymeadows.com
