Hike entire TRT this summer

The Tahoe Rim Trail is the gem of the Sierra, and the association which keeps the trail in fine shape is always finding ways for more people to enjoy the trek and the incredible views. As one who has hiked many sections of the trail, the next item is one that caught my imagination. The 165-mile program with the Tahoe Rim Trail Association will allow you to hike and finish the entire Tahoe Rim Trail in one summer. Hikers will be guided by a trained volunteer leader for all eight segments and provided with a shuttle ride to the starting trailhead.

After finishing the entire 165 miles of the TRT, participants can become members of the 165 Miler Club. The participant needs to be a TRT Association member and dedicated and physically capable of doing the eight segments.

The program will take place on Saturdays starting June 23. Each segment will be covered on Saturdays, except for the Echo Lake to Barker Pass part which is 32 miles long and will include overnight camping in Desolation Wilderness.

Some segments may change depending on the snow melt and trail conditions. To sign up, contact alexiso@tahoerimtrail.org or at (775) 298-0231, spaces are limited.

SQUAW VALLEY CAMP

Squaw Valley USA will host its second annual Western Campfire barbeque and overnight campout at High Camp on June 30. This offers families the opportunity to spend an evening on top of Squaw Valley, complete with an authentic western feast, marshmallow roasting and music, poetry, and story telling with cowboy lyricist Larry Maurice. Nestled amid Squaw's majestic peaks, families have the option of camping out under the stars.

On the evening, families can upload the Cable Car between 5 to 6:30 p.m. At High Camp, guests have the option of starting off the evening with a hike around Squaw's upper mountain before enjoying barbecued ribs at 6:30 p.m.. Following dinner, Maurice, will entertain with western poetry, stories, and music by the campfire. From 9:20 to 9:40 non-campers download the Cable Car while overnight campers settle down for a mountain top night. In the morning campers will have a continental breakfast before downloading the Cable Car.

Reservations are required, both for overnighters and the Campfire Show. Registrants will receive a detailed information packet along with confirmation. Call (530) 452-7100. On Father's Day Squaw offers $10 off Dad's Adult Cable Car rides, ice skating and swimming packages, when accompanied by a son or daughter purchasing a ticket.

NORTHSTAR UPGRADE

Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort's Lookout Mountain ski slopes will be extended into the luxury residential community of Martis Camp, the community's developer announced. Chris Ryman said the extension of Lookout Mountain's ski trails to Martis Camp is "a natural extension of Lookout Mountain's lift and trails, which will allow Northstar guests to enjoy an enhanced skiing experience."

Plans call for the lift extension to Martis Camp to be accompanied by the extension of four Lookout Mountain trails and the addition of a new intermediate trail to the east of the Lookout Mountain lift. The length of the lift will increase from 3,200 feet to 4,800 feet, and the project will add 46 acres of ski trails and 35 acres of snowmaking coverage.

This access will come via a Doppelmayr-built detachable quad chair lift and will be supported by a base facility where lift tickets can be purchased.

Contact Sam Bauman at 881-12136 or Sb auman@nevadaappeal.com

the Village will host clinics starting at 10:30 a.m. that will focus on an outdoor skill such as Geocaching or using a Global Positioning System. There is no charge to participate, clinics are open to all ages, and will meet at The North Face. Hikes will take place on beginner terrain. Call (530) 562-3663.

• Every Saturday through Sept. 29, guests can wet their palates at a wine tasting from 3 to 5 p.m. at Grapes + Grounds, a coffee and wine bar inside True North.

• Northstar 's 9,000-square-foot-skating rink is open daily from 1 to 8 p.m. at no charge. Guests can bring their own skates or pay $5 to rent a pair.

• The resort will offer free scenic chairlift rides for guests interested in sightseeing and hiking. Leashed dogs are welcome on the Gondola Express, in the cabins on the Tahoe Zephyr Express lift and on hiking trails. Call (800) GO-NORTH or see NorthstarAtTahoe.com.

Contact Sam Bauman at 881-1236 or Sbauman@nevadaappeal.com.