On the heels of a spectacular three-day winter storm a few years back, some friends and I traveled out to Hope Valley for a moonlight ski.

Cresting the hill leading to the valley, bits of blue-black sky spattered with stars peeked out from between silvery clouds. Below us, the Carson River meandered like a black ribbon, its surrounding low-lying mist creating a surreal evening treat.

As we started out across the meadow on this chilly night, the only sounds around were from our breathing and the soft shirring of our skis on the snow. Saddling up to the river, the mist swirled up around our knees, and the dogs ran around disappearing and reappearing in its leisurely wake. We the spent next few hours skiing out and around the meadow, winding through the trees and peeking at the constellations through the clouds. Heading back to the bridge, a shining, white half-moon rose, adding fine blue illumination to a charmed evening.

To play, with family, friends, or alone, while reaping the benefits of both exercise and a beautiful locale, are the finest reasons to recreate in a sustainable manner.

What is green recreation?

Green recreation encompasses all types of recreation that are human or green vehicle/equipment powered.

Green winter recreation includes, but is not limited to: Telemark (free-heeling), cross country/skate skiing, split-board, and randonee (free-heeling with lock-down options) backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, ice climbing and romping; sledding and hiking. Winter water sports such as sailing, canoeing, kayaking and out-rigging are also included.

Think about it

If you are thinking about trying one of the aforementioned sports, but do not have the equipment, you may want to rent before you purchase. This will allow you to see if the sport is for you, and it will give you the opportunity to experience different manufacturers' products.

Do it

We are lucky to live in an area where we have paradise waiting as near as our back door. Green recreation can be enjoyed in any season and virtually any time of the day or night.

Equipment for the Environmental Enthusiast

In the Tahoe Region and throughout the Northern Sierras we have hundreds of professional, top-quality equipment specialists, educators, athletes, skiers and boarders.

Looking for equipment? Throughout the region, we have a number of fine local retailers:

In south Lake Tahoe alone, we have the following: Sierra Ski and Cycle Works 530-541-7505, rentals and sales; telemark gear, snowshoes, cross country gear, helmets, skins, Camelbacks and more; they even have machinery to split a snowboard for back country.

Vertical Sports 530-541-9294, rentals and sales; randonee, Telemark /back-country gear, snow shoes, helmets, Camelbacks and more.

Snowshoe Thompson's: 530-544-4783, rentals and sales; snow shoes/blades, cross country gear.

Mountain Mikes: 530-541-2823, rentals and sales; snow shoes/blades, cross-country gear.

Sports LTD 530-542-4000, "Y" location: rentals and sales; cross-country and telemark skis, snowshoes, sleds, clothing, and more. Heavenly Village location: sales; Alpine gear, ice-climbing equipment, cross-country/Telemark skis, snowshoes, sleds.

Tahoe Bike Shop/Tahoe Boot and Ski (530) 542-1388, sales; randonee and Telemark gear.

Shoreline Ski and Sports 775-588-8777, split boards for backcountry.

Rainbow Mountain Sports 530-541-7470, rentals; cross country and snowshoes.

George's Skis and Boards 530-541-7272 rentals; snow shoes.

Rip N Willies 530-541-6366 Rentals and Sales; cross country and snowshoes

You need not look any further than your local directory under “Recreation” for information in your area.

And they're off ...

The Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas are full of gorgeous places to recreate. Most of the shops listed above have maps both for those who wish to purchase one, or you can order one from tahoemaps.com.

If you are a first-timer and you'd like to skate-ski or cross country ski, or snow shoe, Spooner Lake, Mt. Rose, Squaw Valley, Kirkwood Cross Country tract, and the Lake Tahoe Golf Course all offer groomed terrain. Hope Valley Cross Country offers cross county and snowshoe rentals along with guided daytime and moonlight ski trips. Camp Richardson just west of South lake Tahoe offers a nice, flat area and you can view the lake while you travel. Groundbreakers may want to try Donner Summit, Carson Pass, Hope Valley or Luther Pass.

If you intend to go into the backcountry, be sure to cover your educational (Avalanche Awareness, First Aid, Food/Clothing) bases.

Tahoe Back Country Basics

Kirkwoods Back Country is outstanding for clinics and lessons. Other regional Back Country, Freeheelin' basics and clinics can be found at Sierra at Tahoe, Alpine Meadows, Northstar at Tahoe, Squaw Valley, Diamond Peak Donner Lake and more.

Green Recreation: It's good for you, good for your family and good for the environment.