Plenty of sales this weekend

While most hiking trails around Carson City will be thronged this Labor Day weekend, thre's a good chance the Nevada Cathedral Gorge State Park at Panace in easten Nevada is going to be uncrowded.

There's some 1,600 acres to the park with all facilities and there is hiking along a trail that winds through three sections of the Gorge. It's a long drive of some 400 miles, but that's what a new convertible is for. Lots of dust, of course.

Meanwhile, around the lake there are winter sporting goods sales aplenty. Check them out for good prices, often for skis and snowboards that are last year's models with the only change in this year's models is in the cosmetics. A caution: used demo skis may look like bargains, but you never know kind of abuse they've suffered. And every run breaks some of the longitudinal fibers inside. The old flex test won't tell you much unless you're a truly experienced repair ship techie. Still, some bargains to be had.

• Heavenly is offering low prices on winter gear and apparel at the resort's 18th annual Labor Day Ski & Snowboard Sale Saturday through Monday. The three-day parking lot sale at Heavenly's California Lodge gives snowsport enthusiasts the opportunity to get a jump on their winter needs and take advantage of the resort's $299 Season Pass offer.

Sale highlights include Salomon Xtra Hot Pilot skis with bindings for $599.99 (MSRP, $1,149) and Lib Tech Dark Series snowboards for $249.99 (MSRP, $489). Additionally, K2 3500 IBC skis with bindings are $249 (MSRP, $575) while children's skis are marked at $69.99.

New apparel is 50 to 70 percent off. Heavenly season passes will also be sold for $299. Limited-time season pass offer.

The sale features a Glen Plake look-alike contest on Sunday at 2 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places for those people most resembling Plake with his signature mohawk look. There will also be an ongoing prize drawing held throughout the weekend.

Heavenly's sale will be held at the California Lodge instead of the Cresent V sparkng lot. Hours are Saturday 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.; and Monday 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Food and beverages will be available. Call (775) 586-7000.

Northstar-at-Tahoe is also holding a sale but no details available. Call (530) 562-2281.

• Northstar-at-Tahoe's nature hikes are one way for those wishing to learn more about the local Sierra flora and fauna while getting some exercise. New this summer, Northstar offers gondola access to its network of hiking trails, which whisks guests from the Northstar Village to mid-mountain in approximately seven minutes. From there, hikers can meander along scenic ridgelines and through dense forest on scenic hiking trails and service roads throughout the Northstar property.

For those interested in taking their dogs, Northstar now allows guests to take pets with them on the gondola in the summer. The charge for pets riding the gondola is $10.

Hikers are provided with an informative brochure that lists details about the trees, plants and animals that are native to Northstar and the Sierra Nevada.

Northstar is open daily for self-guided hikes until Sept. 6 when it will commence weekend operations, and the gondola costs $15 for adults and $10 for children and seniors. The cost includes a single gondola and chairlift ride.

• Downhill mountain bikers can join Northstar's Downhill Mountain Bike Race Series with a fast-paced course prepared for the final race of the series on Sept. 19.

Mountain bikers of all levels are invited to enter the final race. Classes are divided into men's and women's divisions and beginner through open classes. The race fee is $25 ($35 for open class) and discounted lift tickets are available for $20.

Call (800) GO-NORTH for details.

Sam Bauman is a Nevada Appeal Staff Writer. Contact him at sbauman@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1236.