One of the top runs at this event was the Klondike trail. It was through unlimited snow depths for high clearance 4WDs with winching expected and special equipment required. This run started out on a trail a few miles north of the medium-level snow trails and proceeded from there, straight up and into the deep snow. The snow depth ranged from 6 feet to past 8 feet on this run, with the winches seeing quite a bit of use from the trail midpoint to the end. We decided that we would run this trail this year. After hitting the trail the fun began. The trailhead was covered in about 4 inches of snow, and as we traveled up the run it got deeper from there. After traveling in the snow for about two hours, we reached the temporary base camp for the run. This is the camp where the crew set up staging for the snow-addicted wheelers. From here, everyone went out in the snow and made their own trails as they pleased.
The plan was to blaze new trails in the powder snow until 4 p.m. and then group up for the run back to the main camp. The powder was deep in places, and we blazed a few trails. The best part was the hillclimb in the snow located at the staging area. Everyone had to try to follow the trail up to the top that Scott from Extreme Gear Off-Road had blazed with his custom-built Jeep Scrambler. After playing on the hill and in the area for a few hours, we all headed back to the base camp for the head count and then traveled back to the main camp at the Nevada County Fairgrounds for dinner and nighttime festivities. When the wheelers made it back to the main camp area, you could tell that they had had a blast playing in the snow all day. If you enjoy heavy snow runs and have your rig built for the rough country like these rigs, then this is the run for you to hit next year.
Along with all of this at the event, there were also family games going on for everyone's entertainment. The evening events at the camp were held just after the fantastic dinner. These events included music, dancing, and a raffle on Saturday night. With the support of national companies like Warn Industries and ARB and local companies like J&W Auto Wreckers, there were over 200 items to give away for the raffle with prizes ranging from Hi-Lift jacks to full winch systems. This drew the crowd to the edge of their seats, looking at their tickets, each time a number was called.
Of all the winter events that we've attended, this is one of the best family events ever. With all the events going on during the weekend there were things for the whole family to do.
For more information on next year's event contact The California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs at (916) 381-8300 or log on to its website, www.cal4wheel.com. We hope to see you at the Winter Fun Festival next year!