Ski With a Ranger

Pinecrest Nordic Ski Patrol and the Stanislaus National Forest Announce dates for the 2002-2003 season "Ski With a Ranger" Program

November 27, 2002 -- Pinecrest Nordic Ski Patrol and the Stanislaus National Forest will be conducting a "Ski With A Ranger" program during the 2002-2003 winter season.

The tours will be conducted by Forest Service employees and volunteers from the Pinecrest Nordic Ski Patrol. Forest Service employees will provide information on forest-related topics. Volunteers from the Nordic Ski Patrol will emphasize basic navigation, clothing, winter survival, and cross-country ski and snowshoe techniques.

Summit Ranger District programs meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Crabtree Trailhead in Pinecrest, CA. These tours are geared towards beginning and intermediate skiers and snowshoers. The tours will last 2 to 3 hours, and cover approximately one mile.

Cookies and hot chocolate will be provided by the Pinecrest Nordic Patrol during the tour. Bring a lunch if you wish to continue on the trail beyond the one-mile guided portion. The program schedule and topics is as follows:

	January 25, 2003
	February 1, 2003
	February 15, 2003
	March 8, 2003

All programs are free of charge. Please dress appropriately for the weather and activity in multiple layers, and bring your own equipment, lunch and/or snacks, sunscreen and plenty of water.

The program schedule is subject to change, depending on weather and snow conditions or other factors. Please contact the appropriate Ranger District to confirm each program prior to the scheduled date. For more information on Summit Ranger District programs, call Joy Barney or Steve Bailey at (209) 965-3434. Up to date program information will also be posted on the Summit Ranger Station's website.

For more information on the "Ski with a Ranger" program or other Pinecrest Nordic Ski Patrol programs contact Nancy Krebs at nkrebs@aol.com or Mariano Caunday at mariano.caunday@sri.com.