Volunteers needed for LTBMU Ski With A Ranger and Winter Trek programs

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is looking for volunteers to assist with winter programs at Heavenly Mountain Resort, beginning January 28 and going through March 28, 2025, conditions and weather permitting.

Winter Trek

Winter Trek is a three-hour environmental education program. Forest Service rangers lead fifth-grade students through the forest to learn snowshoe skills, discover winter-adapting animals, and explore the winter ecology of the Lake Tahoe Basin. This is a wonderful volunteer opportunity for individuals who wish to gain experience in the environmental education field and have a strong desire to work outdoors and give back to their community.

The ideal applicant should have experience working with children, good communication skills, an outgoing and friendly personality, and the ability to commit to a minimum of three to four hours, one day a week on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays beginning January 17 through the end of March.

The Forest Service will provide a uniform, training, and snowshoes, if needed. Volunteers should provide their own winter gear including snowpants and boots.

For more information about becoming a Winter Trek volunteer, contact Adilene De La Torre at adilene.delatorre@usda.gov.

Ski With A Ranger

Ski With a Ranger offers members of the public skiing or snowboarding at Heavenly Village an opportunity to join a one-hour, on-mountain tour to learn about the mission and role of the Forest Service in ski area management and improve environmental literacy and stewardship.

Volunteers are expected to help lead tours and encourage participation through on-mountain roving before tours begin. Tours are scheduled to take place every Friday starting January 31 through the end of March, conditions and weather permitting.

Interested volunteers must be intermediate-level skiers or snowboarders with their own working equipment (snowboards, skis, boots, helmets, etc.) A skills test is required for approved volunteers.

For more information about becoming a Ski With A Ranger volunteer, contact Lannette Rangel at lannette.rangel@usda.gov.

To sign up online, fill out the questionnaire at Forest Service Winter Program Volunteer Form.