Snowshoe demo family fun in sun

Folding shade structures in a wide, snowy meadow were the base of operations during Saturday's snowshoe demonstration in Hope Valley, Calif.

Under brilliant blue skies, folks in every direction walked with the contraptions strapped to their feet. Some played croquet while others hit softballs -- making the familiar ring of aluminum bats echo across the snow. On the edge of the meadow families came in and out of the pines.

"It's been really fun -- we got to try a lot of shoes," said electrician Jeremy Kerns, a five-year Carson City resident.

Representatives from two snowshoe companies -- Tubbs and Atlas -- were there providing shoes and poles for people to try out. Tom Lane of Tubbs, figured about 250 spectators had shown up for the annual event, held for the first time in Hope Valley at the junction of highways 88 and 89.

"It's a very good turnout considering it's the first time," he said. The event was held for years at Camp Richardson on the south shore of Lake Tahoe and then last year at Eagle Mountain Resort, Lane said.

He said snowshoeing is easy to learn and economical.

"It's a good option compared to a $60 lift ticket," he said, referring to skiing and snowboarding at resorts with lifts.

Tom Shores was at the event representing Atlas Snowshoe Company.

He explained how Atlas was selected by the government to be used for troops in Afghanistan. "There was a selection process and they landed on our 10 series," he said. "That's our bomb-proof, back-country shoe."

Having worked at previous snowshoe demonstrations, Shores was happy with the new site.

"We're excited about the location," he said. "I think it's the perfect spot."

Joyce Coker from Hope Valley Outdoor Center hosted the event. Her staff provided croquet and softball equipment, and made a trail around the meadow and a scavenger hunt.

After the event, they returned to their building at the Hope Valley Resort where they held a raffle. Prizes included a pair of Tubbs snowshoes, a night stay in the Woodford's Inn and T-shirts by Budweiser. After nightfall, Coker and her crew held a full-moon snowshoe walk through the meadows, then returned to the lodge for home-made deserts.

INFORMATION

Hope Valley Outdoor Center: (530) 694-2266

Tubbs Snowshoes: WWW. tubbssnowshoes.com

Atlas Snowshoes Company:www.atlassnowshoe.com