Snow Bound

Sunny and 70 degrees could be the motto for Ventura County, but that shouldn’t stop residents from planning a day or two of snow play in the remaining weeks of winter.

Within the county, ski clubs and city recreation centers offer day and weekend trips for adults, children and families. And for those who want to set out on their own, snow-covered Mount Pinos on the border of Ventura and Kern Counties offers easy access to cross-country skiing and sledding.

Residents who travel on their own should know that state law mandates that drivers carry snow chains during the winter months. And for people who venture onto national forest property, an Adventure Pass is also required.

For updated information on all the county’s winter sports offerings and conditions at most major ski resorts within a few hours’ drive, the Moorpark-based Happenings magazine has a comprehensive Web site that provides daily ski reports and photos. Log on to https://www.happenings.com.

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A great day-trip for families with or without skiers is to Mount Pinos in Los Padres National Forest. To reach the snow, take California 126 east to Interstate 5. Go north on Interstate 5 to the Frazier Park exit and then head west about 20 miles to the top of the mountain.

The drive takes about two hours and, for people who haven’t been to the far reaches of western Ventura

County, the scenery includes a passing view of Pyramid Lake, a glimpse of the Hungry Valley State Recreation Area and plenty of towering pinon pines.

About six miles down the road that leads to the mountain is Mount Pinos Winter Sports & Gym at 7025 Cuddy Valley Road in the community of Lake of the Woods.

The 46-year-old business rents anything a person needs for snow play--right down to mittens and hats.

Three types of cross-country skis are available for $20, $8 or $6 a day. Rental toboggans range from $2 to $6; saucers go for $1 each, overshoes for $1, and hats and mittens 25 cents a set. The shop also sells Adventure Passes.

“I’ve had people from all over the world come through here,” said Robert Gustafson, whose father, Bert, owns the Mount Pinos shop. “We also get a lot of children and families from Ventura, San Luis Obispo and Bakersfield.”

Cross-country skis are also available at Frazier Ski & Pack in Frazier Park at 3416 Mount Pinos Way, 245-3438, and at several places in Ventura County.

“There are 23 miles of cross-country trails, and it’s an open mountain, so you can go just about anywhere it’s not fenced,” Gustafson said.

For those who just want to take a drive and grab a bite, there are a small market and a gas station in Lake of the Woods, or stop by Henry’s hamburger stand.

For more information or snow conditions, call the shop at 245-3760

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At least two recreation centers in and near Ventura County are offering winter sports trips in February and March for youngsters ages 11 to 17.

Just over the county line, the Agoura Hills Recreation Center will offer day trips to Mountain High Ski Resort in Wrightwood on Feb. 15 and 27 and to Bear Mountain Resort in Big Bear City on March 13.

“They are very popular with the kids,” said Ralph Bessard, teen services specialist at the center. “It’s a way for them to have something to do on their days off from school, something positive.”

The cost is $41 for ages 11 to 13 and $49 for 14 to 17. The fee includes transportation and an all-day lift ticket. Participants must bring their own equipment--skis, snowboard or sled. Each trip averages about 90 kids, who travel on two buses that leave from the center.

For more information, call (818) 597-7361.

The Arroyo Vista Recreation Center in Moorpark is also offering a day of play in the snow at Mountain High for children 11 to 17. The cost the Feb. 20 trip is $42, which includes bus fare and a lift ticket. For more information, call 531-9100.

For trips through either rec center, participants should also bring a sack lunch or money to buy a lunch at the lodge.

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For families interested in road-tripping to MountainHigh with other snow lovers, the Ventura-based Los Padres Ski Club has a one-day, midweek trip planned March 10.

Participants will rendezvous at Las Posas Park and Ride in Camarillo and carpool to the resort.

The 140-member club, which started in 1937 for adults only, offers snow and other recreation trips for all ages.

“We have become much more family-oriented,” said club treasurer Irene Peters.

Several weekend escapes for families to Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort have been planned by club members from now through April. For more information, call Peters at 647-8029.

Other ski clubs in the county that offer trips for adults, children and both include Gold Coast Ski Club in Camarillo, 482-8058, and the Conejo Ski & Sports Club in Westlake Village at 493-0756 or online at https://conejoski.org/.

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‘There are 23 miles of cross-country trails, and it’s an open mountain, so you can go just about anywhere it’s not fenced.’

Robert Gustafson