Fun runs, and snow still good

Not a lot but enough snow to hit the slopes, chilly as they may be. Mt. Rose on Friday was not a lot of fun, as I got up on the hill to find gale-like winds, blowing snow and whiteouts. Two runs, and I hung it up. The Slide Mountain side and Chutes are still not open. Saturday at Diamond Peak was fine, no big crowds (it's not a destination resort, of course) and decent snow. Runs from the Waterfall chair were short but fast; from the top of the mountain the trail was hard-pack and wide open. Most of the black diamonds at the top were closed because of a lack of snow.

SNOWSHOE TREKS

Folks aged 55 plus of all abilities are welcome to participate in a light-moderate social snowshoe trek through the Tahoe Meadows section of the Tahoe Rim Trail.

Join IVGID, TRTA and Project MANA for a Heart Healthy Snowshoe Feb. 1 under a full moon. Enjoy a social atmosphere, scenery and hot soup provided by the Washoe County-sponsored IVGID/Project MANA Senior Nutrition Program.

Time is 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., meet at 980 Incline Way. Fee for Incline residents is $6, nonresidents $8. Sign up at the Recreation Desk at the Rec Center or by calling (775) 832-1310. Deadline is 5 p.m. on Jan. 29. Round-trip transportation to the Tahoe Meadows trail is provided. Call (775) 832-1310.

Go on a guided snowshoe hike with the Tahoe Rim Trail Association Jan. 27 at Martis Peak. Qualified leaders will guide a hike on the TRT of approximately 8 miles round trip. Destination is Martis Peak fire lookout.

This trek is moderate to strenuous. Reservations are required. See www.tahoerimtrail.org and go to the calendar of events. Space is limited; dogs allowed. Contact Alexis at (775) 298-0231 or alexiso@tahoe rimtrail.org for reservations.

SQUAW VALLEY CHALLENGE

Salomon is bringing the excitement of all-mountain skiing with a new series, the Saab/Salomon X Wing Rally, on Feb. 3. This all-mountain event offers skiers a chance to win a trip to Europe.

The Squaw Valley USA X Wing Rally is one of five based in the U.S. this winter. At each event, 50 teams of two explore terrain and use scavenger hunt tactics to seek out check points. The top three teams will be entered into a lottery to win a trip to Europe. To register go to www.xwingrally.com. A noncompetitive rally will give families a chance to explore the mountain. Salomon prizes will be awarded. No registration necessary, just stop by the Salomon tent.

BOREAL SUPERPIPE

Boreal Mountain Resort's marquee terrain park feature, the superpipe, has opened for skiing and snowboarding on Race Course Run and accessible via the Accelerator High Speed Quad chairlift, Boreal offers California's only superpipe.

GAY WEEK

The South Lake Tahoe's Gay and Lesbian Ski Week, Jan. 24-28, is a celebration with entertainment both on and off the slopes. Call (800) 455-4770 and ask for offer code "LTVA."

AVALANCHE CENTER BENEFIT

The Sierra Avalanche Center is a nonprofit that advises and educates backcountry travelers in the Tahoe region. On Sunday, skiers and boarders can purchase a benefit, all-day lift ticket to Kirkwood for $40. Visit www.sierraavalanchecenter.org or call (530) 587-2158.