Snowshoe Trek Takes the Classroom Outside

By Avery Sigarroa & Edric Alvarez

This week, over 100 South Tahoe eighth-graders participated in a snowshoe field trip at the top of Heavenly Ski Resort. It is a unique opportunity for local students to take their learning outside and become immersed in nature. This program is made possible by staff and volunteers from the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Heavenly Mountain Resort, Heavenly Vehicle Maintenance, Tahoe Institute for Natural Science, Sierra Avalanche Center, Sugar Pine Foundation, U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, and South Tahoe Public Utility District.

A group of eighth graders posing at the top of Heavenly Mountain with SPF instructors Avery & Edric. Everyone is wearing their snowshoes and holding their fists up triumphantly. Lake Tahoe stretches true and blue into the background with snow-capped mountains surrounding it.

This marks the 11th year these organizations rally to provide this experience, and we hope it remains a popular alternative form of education for students and teachers in the Lake Tahoe Unified School District. “It’s really nice to learn outside and in our environment, breathing fresh Tahoe air,” says Jonah E., one of the participating students. Over the course of two days, every South Tahoe Middle School eighth grader rides the Heavenly aerial tram to the top of the mountain, where they split into groups and rotate between four interactive stations. For both days, we had clear blue skies that we are so often blessed with in Tahoe.

The first station is with the Tahoe Institute of Natural Science, where students learn about winter animal adaptations and get to touch different animal pelts collected around the basin. The second station is with the Sugar Pine Foundation, where they learn how to identify the common tree species around them and then determine their volume by measuring their height and circumference. The aim for these activities, especially, is to foster a personal connection between the students, animals, and trees in the Tahoe area and increase their understanding of why different species and biodiversity are important. This in turn offers an opportunity to get them thinking about conservation and promotes interest in environmental careers including non-profit project manager, operations manager, forestry technician, etc. 

Mr. Clark, one of the two eighth-grade science teachers, says, "All of the kids don't often get the opportunity to come outside and learn about their beautiful home, especially the chance to come to Heavenly."

The last two stations are led by Heavenly Ski patrol, Heavenly Vehicle Maintenance, and Sierra Avalanche Center. Students are taught about the grooming machines, followed by a demo on avalanche rescue with Asher the puppy, and finish with an exciting transceiver rescue exercise. By learning the basics of snow safety and rescue in avalanche terrain, students are encouraged to expand their thinking about snow science and situational awareness. Mr. Clark is also quoted saying, “This is a great way for these guys to apply the skills they use in the classroom to a real-world setting.”

Another group of eighth graders listening to the instructors from Sierra Avalanche Center at the snow safety and rescue station. An instructor is standing in a rectangular snow pit to the right with students gathered on the left of the snow pile. Trees in snow cover Heavenly Mountain in the back.

By providing the means to practice their analytical, critical thinking, and assessment skills in practical situations, it fosters a deeper curiosity and respect for the natural world around them. We are so glad to have the opportunity to provide this experience again for students in the basin, and we are excited to see how this collaboration grows and evolves in the future.

Learn more about the programs offered through STEEC at laketahoeinfo.org.