Tank of Gas
From January 2007
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Climbing, Fishing, Sculpting, Hockey
Ice, rime, frost, chill, frigidity … the best part of being a Californian, for the bulk of its natives, is that winter’s bone-crushing cold is a choice, not a requirement. And while snow gets the bulk of the focus when it comes to winter wonderlands, January is a good month to discover some unusual ways to interact with ice.
Ice Climbing
Interest in climbing frozen waterfalls and glacial icefalls is hitting an all-time high. The most popular and consistent ice-climbing area in California forms in the spectacular Eastern Sierra, near the tiny towns of Lee Vining and June Lake off Highway 395. That’s where Yvon Chouinard — world-class alpinist, Patagonia founder and a former blacksmith — developed the climbing tools that launched modern ice climbing.
Good winter ice-climbing conditions are harder to find near Lake Tahoe. Without snow, it’s not cold enough for ice. When snow dumps, it’s hard to reach icefalls. “Ice climbing is a hit-or-miss thing,” says Tony Peterson, Alpine Skills International’s office manager.
Eastern Sierra ice-climbing classes (intro, advanced and mixed) are offered by June Lake-based Sierra Mountain Guides and Bishop-based Sierra Mountain Center. One Tahoe-area class and privately guided trips are provided by Truckee’s Alpine Skills International.
Ice Fishing
Anglers who fish for trout in the High Sierra’s frozen lakes rave about the experience, especially when they bring like-minded friends.
“It’s like kicking back in your living room, but out on the ice. It’s gorgeous,” notes Doug Busey, who writes a fishing column for the Tahoe Daily Tribune and the Record-Courier in Gardnerville, Nev.
South of Lake Tahoe, Caples and Silver lakes (off Highway 88 near Carson Pass and Kirkwood) are two of the state’s most popular ice-fishing destinations. Nearby, Red Lake is another great spot. Ice-fishing spots north of Tahoe include Boca, Stampede and Prosser reservoirs.
Ice fishing usually gets going in January. Anglers often have to drill just 12 inches to reach the water. Later, they may have to drill three to four feet. Busey recommends calling him or a local resident or store to check ice conditions before heading onto any ice-covered lake.
“You always want to make sure it’s safe to go out,” he says. “Never go out by yourself.” Each year, he invites anyone interested to come try the sport with him. Last January, about 50 people showed up to give fresh-frozen sport a shot.
To check conditions, contact Busey at (775) 267-9722, The Sportsman in South Lake Tahoe at (530) 542-3474, or Mountain Hardware & Sports in Truckee at (530) 587-4844.
Ice Hockey
If the lack of contact in ice skating is a turn off, try adding a stick and a puck to pump up the volume. There are tons of options for youth and adult hockey leagues and instruction in Northern California, including Sacramento Iceland, Roseville’s Skatetown, South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena, and Stockton Oak Park Ice Arena.
Ice Sculpting
If you found yourself drawn to the ice sculpture centerpiece of those swans at your friend’s cousin’s wedding, here’s some good news: You, too, can become a competent ice carver, and perhaps discover a new career, to boot.
Building on the popularity of decorative ice sculptures in cuisines, especially Asian, Fresno-based Academy of Ice Sculpting and Design, founded by professional sculptor Paul Germain, offers classes year-round. Should you find yourself in an ice-carving crisis, there’s even a one-day “emergency” carving class for $1,495.
And while ice is nice, if you’re going to indulge in its outdoor varietals, check weather and road conditions in advance. That way you’ll spend less time battling dangerous roads and miserable traffic and more time just being cool.
Ice, Ice, Baby
By Suzanne HurtIce, rime, frost, chill, frigidity … the best part of being a Californian, for the bulk of its natives, is that winter’s bone-crushing cold is a choice, not a requirement. And while snow gets the bulk of the focus when it comes to winter wonderlands, January is a good month to discover some unusual ways to interact with ice.
Ice Climbing
Interest in climbing frozen waterfalls and glacial icefalls is hitting an all-time high. The most popular and consistent ice-climbing area in California forms in the spectacular Eastern Sierra, near the tiny towns of Lee Vining and June Lake off Highway 395. That’s where Yvon Chouinard — world-class alpinist, Patagonia founder and a former blacksmith — developed the climbing tools that launched modern ice climbing.
Good winter ice-climbing conditions are harder to find near Lake Tahoe. Without snow, it’s not cold enough for ice. When snow dumps, it’s hard to reach icefalls. “Ice climbing is a hit-or-miss thing,” says Tony Peterson, Alpine Skills International’s office manager.
Eastern Sierra ice-climbing classes (intro, advanced and mixed) are offered by June Lake-based Sierra Mountain Guides and Bishop-based Sierra Mountain Center. One Tahoe-area class and privately guided trips are provided by Truckee’s Alpine Skills International.
Ice Fishing
Anglers who fish for trout in the High Sierra’s frozen lakes rave about the experience, especially when they bring like-minded friends.
“It’s like kicking back in your living room, but out on the ice. It’s gorgeous,” notes Doug Busey, who writes a fishing column for the Tahoe Daily Tribune and the Record-Courier in Gardnerville, Nev.
South of Lake Tahoe, Caples and Silver lakes (off Highway 88 near Carson Pass and Kirkwood) are two of the state’s most popular ice-fishing destinations. Nearby, Red Lake is another great spot. Ice-fishing spots north of Tahoe include Boca, Stampede and Prosser reservoirs.
Ice fishing usually gets going in January. Anglers often have to drill just 12 inches to reach the water. Later, they may have to drill three to four feet. Busey recommends calling him or a local resident or store to check ice conditions before heading onto any ice-covered lake.
“You always want to make sure it’s safe to go out,” he says. “Never go out by yourself.” Each year, he invites anyone interested to come try the sport with him. Last January, about 50 people showed up to give fresh-frozen sport a shot.
To check conditions, contact Busey at (775) 267-9722, The Sportsman in South Lake Tahoe at (530) 542-3474, or Mountain Hardware & Sports in Truckee at (530) 587-4844.
Ice Hockey
If the lack of contact in ice skating is a turn off, try adding a stick and a puck to pump up the volume. There are tons of options for youth and adult hockey leagues and instruction in Northern California, including Sacramento Iceland, Roseville’s Skatetown, South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena, and Stockton Oak Park Ice Arena.
Ice Sculpting
If you found yourself drawn to the ice sculpture centerpiece of those swans at your friend’s cousin’s wedding, here’s some good news: You, too, can become a competent ice carver, and perhaps discover a new career, to boot.
Building on the popularity of decorative ice sculptures in cuisines, especially Asian, Fresno-based Academy of Ice Sculpting and Design, founded by professional sculptor Paul Germain, offers classes year-round. Should you find yourself in an ice-carving crisis, there’s even a one-day “emergency” carving class for $1,495.
And while ice is nice, if you’re going to indulge in its outdoor varietals, check weather and road conditions in advance. That way you’ll spend less time battling dangerous roads and miserable traffic and more time just being cool.
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