Rim Trail is offering training to help hikers

It's trail time around Lake Tahoe, and the TRPA has some interesting offers.

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association has partnered with Leave No Trace's Traveling Trainers to present a Leave No Trace Trainer Course May 25-26. The two-day course will cover hands-on training in no trace skills and ethics and how to apply them in the backcountry. Participants will learn techniques for spreading these low impact skills.

The course is designed for educators, guides, agency employees and outdoor professionals and enthusiasts. Successful graduates of the Trainer Course gain the skills to teach Leave No Trace techniques and ethics to their clients, friends and family. Participants learn the concepts of Leave No Trace and prepare to teach Leave No Trace curriculum.

The course is $65 which includes a one-month membership to LNT nonprofit, certification, educational materials, and cool outdoor merchandise schwag, plus two meals. There will an indoor and outdoor class setting, hiking and camping out one night. Space is limited. Contact at Alexiso@tahoerimtrail.org or call (775) 298-0231.

TRPA SEEKING HELP

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association is seeking hike leaders, trail ambassador volunteers for the summer. To volunteer for the TRTA, you have to take the training. The Hike Leader and Trail Ambassador training will be June 9-10 at the Donald W. Reynolds Nonprofit Center. Cost is $20 which, includes CPR and first aid certification through the American Red Cross. To register, call the numbers above.

Who are trail ambassadors? They promote safe, responsible and enjoyable use of the TRT system with an emphasis on informing, assisting and educating, recording/logging trail use, trail etiquette, mechanical assistance, trail maintenance, emergency assistance to injured/missing persons and having a good time on the TRT.

Who are hike leaders? The program teaches and trains volunteers how to lead guided hikes on the TRT. Hike leaders promote trail etiquette, Leave No Trace ethics and promote responsible use of the TRT.

SQUAW VALLEY ACTION

At Squaw Valley USA, the action continues despite the lack of snow. Squaw 's Olympic Ski Slopes transform into some of the best hiking terrain in the country and a magnificent setting for outdoor summer leisure. (The hike down from High Camp can be a real challenge; did it a couple of years ago and the bad knee complained bitterly.)

High Camp Bath & Tennis Club at 8,200 feet is at the center of summer activity. A Summer Pass is a way to enjoy mountaintop adventure with breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe. Summer operations officially begin on June 16, 2007 and summer pass are on sale now.

Spring Skiing - still

Mammoth is currently the only ski area open in California or Nevada. Chairlifts run out of Main Lodge on spring hours (7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.) daily. Skier services are available at Main Lodge, including rentals, private lessons, cafeteria, and it wouldn't be spring without the bar open on the sundeck.

Mammoth is open from top to bottom with 3,100 vertical feet of skiable terrain.

Beat the heat this Memorial Day with a Scenic Gondola Ride to the new Top of the Sierra Interpretive Center.

Contact Sam Bauman at 881-11236 or Sbauman@nevadaappeal.com.