Winter Activities 2012

Dave Clark

Ranger leading SnowSchool

Date: December 2, 2011
Contact: Visitor Center staff, 208-527-1335

Winter 2012 may be the best season ever for exploring the wonderful winter world of Craters of the Moon! The forecast is looking favorable for snow and starting this year park staff will be using a new snow grooming machine to prepare the 7 mile snow trail for cross-country skiing.

·Don't have any equipment? You can borrow snowshoes for one of our Ranger guided walks or rent them from the bookstore.

·Is your group or club looking for a special adventure? Contact us to inquire about group tours.

Join us for the following activities this winter:

Visitor Center: Daily from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., except for federal holidays (Dec. 25-26, Jan. 1-2, January 16, Feb. 20)

View exhibits and audio-visual presentations to learn more about your national monument. Check out the bookstore for unique gifts or snowshoe rentals. Visit the Craters of the Moon Natural History Association website for more details:http://www.cratersofthemoonnha.org/

Cross-country Skiing/ Snowshoeing: Mid-December thru February

The 7 mile loop road is groomed for skiing as snow pack allows and there are no entry or user fees. Most of the snow trail follows relatively level terrain and can be completed in 2-4 hours. There are also excellent opportunities for snowshoeing throughout the park including our 1.5 mile snowshoe loop. Please note that dogs are not permitted on the snow trail.

Visit the website for maps and current conditions: http://www.nps.gov/crmo/planyourvisit/winter-activities.htm

Winter Snowshoe Adventures: 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturdays; Jan. 7, 21, 28 and Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25

Explore a cooler side of Craters of the Moon on a Ranger guided Winter Snowshoe Adventure. The day begins with a 30 minute classroom session followed by several hours out in the park on snowshoes. Look for tracks and climb a volcano on this 2-4 mile trek. Bring a lunch. Snowshoes are available for complementary use (donations accepted).Reservations are required and participants need to be at least 10 years of age for this moderately strenuous walk.Call or email ([e-mail]) early to sign up for these popular excursions at 208-527-1335.

Snowshoe Walks: 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. on Fridays; January 6, 13, 20, 27; February 3, 10, 17, 24
Snowshoe with a Ranger on our 1.5 mile Snowshoe Loop Trail. Snowshoes are available for use and there is no charge for these events.No experience or reservations are required but participants should be at least 8 years old and walks are limited to 25 people. Meet at the visitor center and be prepared to spend an hour and ½ outdoors with warm waterproof boots and clothing.

SnowSchool: Tuesday through Friday in January and February

Bring your students to Craters for an unforgettable and educational snowshoe trek. Snowshoe with a Ranger and learn about how wildlife adapts to winter conditions. We have enough snowshoes for about 30 students and the walks are suitable for third graders and up. Contact our Education Specialist at [phone] for more information, schedule a field trip or inquire about transportation assistance.After registering for a SnowSchool visit we will provide you with detailed information on what to wear and bring.

SnowSchool Teacher's Workshop: Saturday and Sunday; January 14 & 15

This 2-day workshop will provide educators with a variety of curriculum-based tools that can be used with students in the classroom and in the field to introduce winter ecology concepts and/or to prepare for a field trip to the park. College credit is available. Contact our Education Specialist at 208-527-1331.