The cycle of seasons is constant, and the month of March this year arrives with snow on the ground, plenty of sunshine, and all the ingredients of a classic Sierra Nevada spring ski and snowshoe season. The Bear Valley Adventure Company welcomes this change, all the while knowing that the weather can change and flip back to winter or forward to summer. Therefore, now is the time to get on the groomed trails and enjoy the Bear Valley trail system's splendors that provide flowing trails through the meadow and challenging climbs and exhilarating descents on the hills.

Looking back at February, there were some very warm days, which at times threatened to limit the ski season if something didn't change. Right in the middle of the heatwave, the 49th Annual Bjornloppet XC Ski Race happened on February 13th with 64 participants. Despite above-normal temperatures, our stubborn snowcat drivers manicured the course to provide an excellent racing surface across this iconic course that attracts the top racers from both California and Nevada. The first 10-kilometer lap was fast in the morning chill, but the snow softened during the second and final lap and tested the racers' grit and determination. This year, a 5K course was popular with the less experienced racers and will be part of future races. Afterward, everybody gathered at the Meadow Café deck for a social lunch and awards ceremony. Since the Bjornloppet, temperatures returned to normal, and we even got an end-of-the-month winter storm, which rejuvenated the trails and brought Bear Valley back to winter. Plus, it looks like more storms are headed our way during March; fingers crossed!

Looking ahead: