Trip Information

We’re excited to welcome you on your upcoming Sierra Summit Expeditions snowshoe trip! We wanted to share a few helpful details so you know what to expect and can arrive feeling prepared and ready to enjoy the day. We’ve had a great response to this trip and are expecting a fantastic turnout for this upcoming adventure.

Meeting Location & Time

We’ll send a final confirmation email the day before the trip with current weather conditions and any last-minute updates. Our plan is to meet at the Sierra Discovery Trailhead at 10:00 AM on February 28 (subject to change). We’ll do a quick headcount and accountability check before caravanning a few miles down the road to the actual starting point. Specific location is TBD, depending on how many people are returning from the January 10th trip (we don’t want to do the same route if we get a number of repeats), but the location will be within approximately 2 hours of Sacramento. *IMPORTANT*: Please note that the actual hike location is subject to change depending on weather and snow conditions. 

Meeting Location – Sierra Discovery Trail:
https://share.google/WfCSFCEUEYtUURADX

Trail Overview (likely to change):

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/sse-blue-lake-hike-9241a90?u=i&sh=0kqjqy

Once we arrive at the starting area, we’ll get everyone who needs them outfitted with snowshoes, followed by a brief safety talk before stepping off on our adventure.

We plan to hike just under 4 miles round trip. Nothing too intense, though it’s worth noting that the first half of the hike will be uphill. Once we reach our destination, there will be plenty of time to explore the area, take photos, enjoy snacks and water, and soak in the scenery before heading back.

After the hike, we’ll warm up by the bonfire, enjoy a late lunch, and share plenty of laughs. We plan to provide lunch for the group, but if you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know ahead of time or feel free to bring something you’re comfortable eating.

There’s no hard end time for the day. That will depend on when people need to head back down the hill… or when we run out of firewood. This trip is really just an excuse to get outside, have an adventure, and make some new friends, so we’ll keep the fire going as long as possible.

What’s Included

Your guided snowshoe experience includes:
• Professional, experienced guides
• Snowshoes and poles (for those who reserved them). Please take note that the snowshoes attach to your personal boots or shoes. We do not provide socks or footwear.
• A relaxed, supportive pace with plenty of breaks
• Time to explore, learn, and enjoy the winter landscape
• A warming bonfire to share laughs and stories
• A hot meal after returning from the snowshoe adventure

No prior snowshoe experience is required. Our trips are designed to be approachable and fun for a wide range of fitness levels.

What to Bring

We recommend:
• Waterproof winter boots or shoes (snowshoes attach to your personal footwear)
• Warm layers (base layer, insulating layer, and waterproof outer layer)
• Gloves and a warm hat
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• A small backpack with water and snacks

If you’re unsure about gear or layering, don’t worry. We’re happy to jump on a call and help with recommendations

Pace & Group Experience

Our snowshoe trips are all about enjoying the journey, not racing to the finish. We’ll move at a comfortable pace, adjust for conditions, and make sure everyone feels supported throughout the day.

Weather & Conditions

Weather in the Sierra Nevada can change quickly. If conditions require any adjustments to the plan, we’ll communicate clearly and always prioritize safety while still delivering a great experience. If we determine conditions are not safe, the trip will be postponed, and guests will have the option to join a future trip or receive a refund.

If you have any questions before the trip—about gear, weather, fitness level, or anything else—please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to make sure you have an incredible day out in the snow.

We’re looking forward to exploring the mountains with you!

FAQ

What if I have never snowshoed before?

Then you’ve come to the right place! We are here to help ease you into the activity with a good intro route, and expert help to assist you.

What are snowshoes?

Snowshoes are devices that attached to your boots that allow you to make your way through deep snow, without sinking with every step. They historically look like tennis rackets attached to your feet, but the technology has improved a bit since then.

Can I bring my own gear?

Absolutely. We encourage you to check out your snowshoes before arriving though (especially if rented gear), as we have found (from our own personal experiences) that minor pieces can be broken, and one small broken/non-functioning part of the snowshoe can impact how well they work and might leave you high and dry.

How hard is the hike? Do I have to do the whole thing?

The hike isn’t inherently challenging, however, walking in snowshoes certainly increases the difficulty level. That being said, we’ll have numerous options to turn back if the entire group, or a portion of the group is feeling like they’ve reached their limit. We’ll have multiple guides who can take a group back to the cars if need be.