Adventure

[caption id="attachment_9532" align="alignnone" width="650"] This Way, picking up a pair of Black Diamond Trekking Poles at Granite Chief.[/caption] This Way - More than a direction "This way, this way", a hiker up the trail called out.  The young dentist from Korea adjusted his direction, gave a blushing smile, and thanked the other hiker.  "That would not have been a good start...

Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers are facing deep snow packs and raging waters Our well documented 2016-17 winter brought many benefits to California, but Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers are finding that the snow pack is dramatically impacting their efforts in the Sierra.  The tremendous amount of snow that fell months ago still has mountain passes packed deep.  High elevation...

[caption id="attachment_9385" align="alignright" width="523"] Thru-hiking the PCT - hiker Hamlet restocks at Granite Chief, in Truckee, CA.[/caption] Planning, Determination, and Good Will For those who go the route of thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, neither wind, nor rain, or in our case this summer, a deep defrosting snow pack, will stop the determined hiker. Hamlet, his trail name, stopped into Granite...

Ultra Endurance Record Holder Zach Bitter and the Altra Shoes Crew visit Granite Chief Ski & Mtn Shop [caption id="attachment_9367" align="alignleft" width="701"] You couldn't miss the Altra van parked in front of Granite Chief Ski & Mountain Shop.[/caption] Zach Bitter and the Altra Running shoes crew stopped by Granite Chief Ski & Moutain Shop yesterday.  A huge Granite Chief thanks...

[caption id="attachment_9347" align="alignright" width="560"] Celebrating its 10 year anniversary of community service, Johnny is back in his favorite location, at the parking base of Snowshed Wall, Donner Summit.[/caption] Donner Summit News Flash The Granite Chief Ski and Mountain Shop outhouse, more affectionately known as “Johnny”, returns for the 10th year at Donner Summit. “Spring scents are in the air, and...

Pacific Crest Trail Thru Hikers - 'tis the season for those who started on the southern tip of the iconic trail, to be making their way into Tahoe / Truckee. [caption id="attachment_9355" align="alignleft" width="700"] Pacific Crest Trail Thru Hiker Saunter stops into Granite Chief Ski and Mtn Shop for a map check and conversation.[/caption] One such hiker, "Saunter", stopped...

Granite Chief Ski & Mountain Shop When:  June 21st, Wednesday, @ 5:30pm Where:  Martis Creek Trailhead & Granite Chief Ski & Mountain Shop What:  5k Martis Creek Loop Trail Run (5:30pm)  &  Ultra Endurance Runner Zach Bitter Talk, Tacos, Beer, Wine, and Raffle Prizes at Granite Chief Ski & Mountain Shop (7:00pm-8:15pm) Details and...

Big Horn sheep in California, have you seen them? Wildlife believers say these horned mountaineers are super stealth, and very elusive. The nay sayers, however, believe the surefooted sheep simply cannot be seen any more, and call into question their presence in the California mountains. One thing is for certain, if you see one, you are among the very fortunate, and fall into a...

Spring Skiing [caption id="attachment_9267" align="alignleft" width="700"] Alpine - Sherwood offering up tasty corn before calling it a season on May 14th. Photo: John Clausen[/caption] Just like any addiction (not limited to spring skiing), I would tell myself, “OK, just one more”, and then it became one more, and one more after that, until even seasoned ski legs could...

Gear - check, group food – check, transportation - check.  It was go time for a mini getaway, a four day ski trip to a yurt at Virginia Lakes, just off of highway 395, north west of Mono Lake.  The backcountry accommodation we were headed to is part of the High Sierra Snowcat and Yurt program, which currently offers two...