Cross-country skiing is one of Lake Tahoe’s biggest attractions. The region offers some of the most concentrated areas of groomed trails and snowshoe terrain in North America. In addition to most of Lake Tahoe’s large downhill ski areas offer Nordic or snowshoe options, there are also lots of backcountry trails, X-C equipment rentals and tour companies in North Lake Tahoe.[cfixbtn_button]
Auburn Ski Club has 20 kilometers of groomed trails and offers a masters training (weekly training group) and citizen races designed for skiers to test their technique and fitness. See www.auburnskiclub. com/nordic.[cfixbtn_button]
Northstar has more than 35 kilometers of scenic groomed trails, and their Cross Country, Telemark, and Snowshoe Center offers rental equipment, daily lessons, and snowshoe tours. Lesson, rental, and trail pass packages start at $79 for adults ($49 for kids). For more information, see www.northstarcalifornia.co.[cfixbtn_button]
Sugar Pine Point State Park offers 11 miles of cross country ski and snowshoe trails that was the path of the Nordic events in the 1960 Winter Olympics. There is a series of interpretive panels that share Olympic and Nordic skiing history. See www.parks.ca.gov.[cfixbtn_button]
Royal Gorge Cross Country Resort has 200 kilometers of groomed trails spread across 6,000 acres of varied terrain. Packages with rentals, lessons, and passes start at $65 for adults. Demo packages are available for $29 and lessons are offered daily. See www.royalgorge.com.[cfixbtn_button]
Tahoe Cross Country in Tahoe City, this popular spot offers free beginning skate ski lessons Saturday and Sunday mornings and Wednesdays; free beginning cross-country ski lessons Thursdays at 10:30 and 1:30; and free intermediate skate ski lessons on Tuesday mornings. See www.tahoexc.org.[cfixbtn_button]
Tahoe Donner offers a learn-to-ski program for seniors 65 years and older on February 4, 11, 18, and 25. The classes meet from 1:30 to 3 p.m. and costs $81. Custom coaching packages are also available and designed for groups of any size. See www.tahoedonner.com/cross-country.[cfixbtn_button]
Granlibakken Resort, located just off the northwestern shores of Lake Tahoe, is home to 74 acres of trails and accesses the basin’s many ungroomed backcountry trails, including the popular nearby Paige Meadows. The property also has on-site rentals and warming hut. See www.granlibakken.com/ski_snowplay.php.[cfixbtn_button]
Tahoe Adventure Company is a group of well-trained mountain enthusiasts who lead snowshoe tours around Lake Tahoe’s vast terrain ranging from leisurely walks to a more strenuous ascent of a nearby peak, guides offer fascinating natural and human history along the way along with complete instruction and safety information. Guided treks also include snowshoeing under the stars with a professional astronomer and full moon tours complete with snacks and hot chocolate. More information at tahoeadventurecompany.com.[cfixbtn_button]
Spooner Lake Cross Country Ski Area offers groomed cross country ski trails spread out over 9,000 acres of easy trails, back country, day-long trails, and even an overnight wilderness cabin for a romantic ski destination.[cfixbtn_button]
The Cross Country Center at Kirkwood offers cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals and 50 miles of machine-groomed trails with skating and snowshoe lanes.[cfixbtn_button] The historic Camp Richardson Resort, right on the south shore of Lake Tahoe, has 10 kilometers of groomed cross-country skiing.[cfixbtn_button] Hope Valley is also very popular for many locals. The drive is only 20 miles outside of South Lake Tahoe and well worth the trip. It has 60 miles of trails, with approximately 10 miles of groomed cross-country trails in the meadow areas and forest. Hope Valley Outdoors has 25 miles of machine groomed trails for cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing, and snowshoeing.[cfixbtn_button] Resort at Squaw Creek boasts 18 kilometers of groomed cross-country trails. Daily group and private lessons are available. See www.squawcreek.com.
