Driving up to the snow his weekend?

I love a good snowboard run any day of the week, and it seems in the winter months a quick drive to Sugar Bowl, Northstar, or Boreal are in order. Only an hour away one would think I’d have no worries. But a few years ago we were hit with a freak snow storm, that turned into a white out, and we were stuck for many hours waiting out the storm. It gave me quite a scare when I realized how cold the car got while we waited. What I really needed was to have planned ahead and prepared a “Winter Car Safety Kit”

So if you’re planning a trip to the snow to enjoy winter activities: snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice skating, sleigh rides, sledding, tobogganing, snow play and of course downhill, telemark and cross-country skiing. Don’t stay home in fear, always go prepared.

Snow can be simple and FREE. The Sno-Park program is a safe, low cost way for the entire family to enjoy Placer County’s great winter wonderland. The program, operated through California Department of Parks and Recreation, offers snow-cleared parking lots providing winter recreationalists direct access to snow play areas, cross-country ski trails, and snowmobile regions.

So here ya go, a list of what I would keep in my car for an emergency in winter:
1. Jumper cables - batteries tend to lose their charge as the temperature drops
2. Road side flares - in case you do get stuck, this will help oncoming motorist to see you through the storm
3. A few pieces of cardboard or newspapers to help with traction for your tires
4. A small travel blanket - you don't know how long you will be out there (I keep a travel pillow too)
5. An extra pair of gloves - cold hands make it hard to work
6. Lock deicer - can't get home if you can't get into your car
7. Window ice scraper - can't get home if you can't see where you are going
8. A bag of sand - to help get the car unstuck from that patch of ice
9. Emergency tire chains - in case you MUST drive in a blizzard (see car owners manual)
10. A coffee can and some matches and candles - the heat of a candle will keep you from freezing
11. Some heat pads made for hunting - to put inside your gloves or shoes or coat
12. Some sort of cell phone, CB, or emergency calling device
13. Flash light with fresh batteries
14. A book to help you keep your sanity while waiting for help.

What would you add to this list?

For fun order your survival kit in a can $9.95 from http://store.komando.com/p-428-survival-kit-in-watertight-can.aspx

Some of my favorite snow spots in Northern CA:

Great shopping, dining and activities for those in the group that do not snowboard or ski:
Northstar at Tahoe Resort
www.northstarattahoe.com

Nighttime Skiing and kids park with tubing area:
Boreal Mountain Resort
www.rideboreal.com

Best place to take the kids:
Soda Springs
www.skisodasprings.com

Best place to hang at the Lodge:
Home of the Olympic Museum
Squaw Valley USA
www.squaw.com

Best Advanced runs:
Don’t miss the dogsled tours driven by beautiful and friendly Husky’s
Sugar Bowl Ski Resort
www.sugarbowl.com