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Cross-Country at Tahoe

Here are the cross-country ski areas of the Tahoe region, from Norden (Royal Gorge), and along Interstate 80, to the ski areas around the lake, including Tahoe City, plus Hope Valley and Kirkwood which are both south of Lake Tahoe via highways 89 and 88.

 

Around the Lake

The ski area is located 2.5 miles east of Tahoe City, on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe via Highway 28. With 65 km of groomed trails and spectacular lake views, Tahoe Cross Country has some of the best cross country skiing on the lake. Snowshoeing is also popular on the 3.5km snowshoe-only trail that leads to one of the ski area's trail warming huts. Also available are lessons, rentals, a day lodge, and snacks. Season Passes: Click here for a printable application, or call 530-583-5475.

Website

 

This extensive system of trails is found along Nevada Route 28, 12 miles south of Incline Village. In the summer, Spooner Lake offers miles of hiking trails. This is a great area for Nordic skiing, with 91 KM of groomed lanes (track and skating), for skiers of all levels. Part of the system runs along the ridges of the Carson Mountains. A day lodge, rentals, and lessons are available. Info: (775) 887-8844

Website

A beach resort in summer, Camp Richardson offers 35 KM of groomed trails. More backcountry trails lead into the beautiful Desolation Wilderness, in the mountains behind the lake. Cross-country ski packages are available, as well as group lessons and ski rentals. It's located on Highway 89, between South Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay, on the west shore of Lake Tahoe. Adult Fee: $10. Children & Seniors: free. Info: (530) 542-6584

Southwest of Lake Tahoe:

 

Hope Valley Outdoor Center (Sorenson's)

This is one of the most beautiful places in all of the Sierra Nevada, located on California Route 88, reached from Lake Tahoe by taking Highway 89 from Myers, and then turning east onto Hwy. 88. It is adjacent to the famed Sorenson's Resort which has an excellent redstaurant and lodgings.

The ski center offers 96 km of trails. 10km are groomed with the rest fanning out across the forests and meadows. There's a special area for kids, and the staff provide a range of activities including lessons, ski rentals, moonlit ski tours, and sessions on backcountry Nordic skiing.

This is a nonprofit operation. No trail fees are charged, but voluntary donations are suggested. Lessons and rentals of skis ands snowshoes are available.

Info: (530) 694-2266 -- Website

 

The skiing operation at Kirkwood offers 80 km of groomed lanes, suitable for a range of expertise. Lessons and guided tours are available, and the center has a day lodge. There are two trailhead facilities with parking lots. The network of three interconnected trails is double tracked with skating lanes, suitable for all styles of Nordic skiing. Three warming huts are located along the trails. Lessons are available at 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. daily

Terrain: 20% beginner, 60% intermediate, 20% advanced There's a rental shop with retail sales. Buy an Avid Skier card and you get a free day's skiing after four days. Kirkwood is located off California Route 88, southwest of Tahoe via Highway 89. Info: (209) 258-3000

Providing 4 KM of groomed trails plus 18 km of ungroomed trails, this ski area is located beside the Truckee River, on Highway 50, at Myers. Look for the Agricultural Inspection Station, and you'll find the ski center across the highway. Lessons, rentals, and guided tours are available. Info: (530) 577-2940

Truckee/I-80 Area:

115 km of trails are located on 49 acres, north of Truckee. Operated by the Tahoe Donner Association, the ski area boasts a new day lodge with restaurant, plus a warming hut -- a 1 1/2 km ski from the lodge -- that becomes a weekend place to get snacks (soup, sandwiches, baked goods) and relax. This is the only cross-country ski are in the region that has night skiing under lights -- on Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m. December 28 - February 22. Snowshoers can explore two shoeshoe-only trails -- 2.5 km and 1.5 km. Info: (530) 587-9484

Website

This is one of the prime Nordic ski areas in the state - located just off I-80, west of Truckee, where the snow is fine throughout the winter. The cross-country ski center here grooms many miles of trails, and the trail system links Royal Gorge with Rainbow Lodge, where you can stay and eat. Info: (530) 426-3871

Website

Also at South Lake Tahoe:

You'll find this cross-country center on Highway 50, just west of the Tahoe Airport, between Myers and South Lake Tahoe. The groomed trails lead through the pine forest, and are fine for beginning and intermediate skiers. Info: (530) 541-9001

Bijou Community Park, on Al Tahoe Boulevard, offers trails which lead across the park. This is a do-it-yourself ski area, with no facilities other than the trails. Info: (530) 542-6056

For downhill ski areas, go to the Skiing Page.

 

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