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Tahoe's Cross-Country Ski Resorts
Tahoe has the highest concentration of cross-country ski resorts and groomed trails in the country, grooved lanes for classic technique and smooth surfaces for skate skiing stretching for hundreds of kilometers. State-of-the-art grooming machines and advances in skate ski equipment and technique have attracted both downhill skiers and older athletes to the sport.
For those wanting to explore forests or mountain meadows off the groomed trails, traditional cross-country skis are often the better choice, the wider classic models providing more buoyancy in fresh snow. “Wax-less” scales make climbing easier. For rental information, call ahead to resorts’ rental departments.
ROYAL GORGE
140 km groomed
The nation’s largest cross-country resort, with trails for all abilities, plus majestic scenery.
TAHOE DONNER
100 km groomed
Both mountain top and valley floor trails, with a large variety of advanced terrain and the West’s best XC lodge.
TAHOE XC
65 km groomed
Formerly Tahoe Cross-Country, this community resort has entertaining trails for all abilities, plus snowshoeing and dog trails.
KIRKWOOD
60 km groomed
This resort’s entertaining trail system and high elevation location near the Sierra Crest often gives it excellent, cold snow conditions.
NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA
39 km groomed
Trails start near the top of the gondola and lead to views of Martis Valley.
SMALLER TRAIL SYSTEMS
Several area lodges and organizations groom public-accessible cross-country trails when snowpack allows. In South Tahoe, head to Lake Tahoe Community College or Camp Richardson; North Tahoe options include Tahoe City Winter Sports Park, Resort at Squaw Creek, Granlibakken Resort, Sugar Pine Point State Park, or public land just south of the summit of Nevada Highway 431.