Nordic Ski Guide | Winter 2018

nordic ski guide | WINTER 2018-19

EXPLORE NORDIC ADVENTURES I N T H E TA H O E S I E R R A

Courtesy Hope Valley Outdoors

Click on the Winter tab under the Out & About menu.

tubing & sledding

fat bike

snowshoeing

dog friendly

night skiing/ snowshoeing

back-country access

ice skating

ropes course

biathlon

ski jumping

See the map in Lake Tahoe Facts in any issue of Tahoe Weekly for ski venue locations.

dog sledding

auburn ski club

TRAILS

ASC TRAINING CENTER Courtesy Auburn Ski Club

TRAINING CENTER

50 30

20

KM 25

Open 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wed.-Sun. Biathlon range, ski jumping hills.

Acres 500

BIJOU CROSS-COUNTRY (530) 542-6056

CAMP RICHARDSON (530) 542-6584 | camprichardson.com 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Cross-country & snowshoe rentals. Guided ski tours.

NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

% of terrain

CLAIR TAPPAAN LODGE

25 # of trails

10 grooming

25km warming huts

1

a

uburn Ski Club Training Center is located on north-facing slopes at the top of Donner Summit. The area often is the first of the Nordic ski resorts to open and the last to close. ASC has an active focus on a variety of ski training and racing programs and a regular venue for school races including several Junior Nationals.

ASC Training Center offers a 6,000 square-foot lodge, a 2,000 square-foot fitness center, a 25km cross-country trail system and Nordic competition venue, and a dedicated Alpine race arena at Boreal.

All winter programs and the cross-country trail system are

open to the public with inexpensive day use rates and crosscountry season pass prices ranging from $45 to $129, which includes five free nights of downhill skiing or riding at Boreal.

ASC’s Alpine skiing and snowboard programs have been introducing children to the joy and excitement of winter sports for decades with programs for every discipline. And, it’s the site of the only Olympic-distance, year-round biathlon range in the West and hosts clinics and a variety of biathlon races throughout the year, directed by former Olympian Glenn Jobe. | auburnskiclub.com

DONNER MEMORIAL STATE PARK

Trails 5

Novice 67%

(530) 587-7892 | parks.ca.gov

KM 16+

Intermediate 20%

Winter nature trail. Trail guides in museum.

Groomed None

Advanced 13%

GRANLIBAKKEN SKI AREA

Trails 2

Novice 25%

KM 7.5

Intermediate 75%

Groomed None

Advanced 0%

HOPE VALLEY OUTDOORS (530) 721-2015 | hopevalleyoutdoors.com

Trails 60 miles

Snowshoe & cross-country lessons, rentals (cash or check only).

Groomed 20 miles

KIRKWOOD (209) 258-7248 | kirkwood.com 3 trail systems. Two dog-friendly trails.

LAKE TAHOE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (530) 541-4660 x717 ltccnordiccenter.weebly.com

(775) 720-9355 | nevadanordic.org

0

•

•

•

Trails 24 KM 80 Acres 4,200 Groomed 80 KM

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

N/A

•

•

N/A

•

•

•

1

N/A

•

Novice 20% Intermediate 60%

•

3

Advanced 20%

Trails 5 KM 5-7 Groomed 5-7 KM

Groomed 10 KM

At Spooner Lake State Park, Tahoe Meadows & Incline Village Mountain Golf Course.

NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA

Trails 18

(530) 542-3270 | northstarcalifornia.com

KM 35

Telemark, track, skating lessons daily. Alpine ticket exchangeable for trail pass.

Acres 600 Groomed 35 KM

(530) 546-5043 | northtahoeparks.com

KM 11

Maps available at North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach. Sled hill, snow play area.

Groomed 11 KM

SQUAW CREEK CROSS COUNTRY

warming huts

•

NEVADA NORDIC

Open 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Day lodge & 3 cafés along trail.

c

N/A

Groomed 10 KM

Advanced 0%

(530) 426-3871 | royalgorge.com

entrally located in South Lake Tahoe, Bijou features 4km of marked trails that is mostly flat and great for beginners.

The cross-country trail is part of Bijou Community Park, which also offers a historic railroad exhibit, skateboard park and fenced dog park. There is no trail fee for skiing or snowshoeing. No rentals or lessons are available; bring your own equipment. | (530) 542-6056

KM 35

Intermediate 40%

ROYAL GORGE

4

Trails 6+

Groomed 14 KM

Open Fri.-Sun. & holidays. Tubing area & warming hut open daily.

•

N/A

Shuttle to Soda Springs, Donner Ski Ranch & Sugar Bowl. Overnight wilderness huts.

(800) 543-3221 | granlibakken.com

1

Advanced 30%

Novice 60%

NORTH TAHOE REGIONAL PARK

kilometers

KM 4

Intermediate 50%

KM 14

Groomed several times a week.

bijou cross country

Groomed 25 KM

Novice 20%

Trails 7

(530) 426-3632 | clairtappaanlodge.com kilometers

Trails 10

(530) 426-3313 | auburnskiclub.org

TERRAIN

GUIDED TOURS FAT TIRE BIKING TRAILS

Cross-Country Skiing

DOGS OK

TheTahoeWeekly.com

CHILDREN’S SCHOOL WARMING HUTS SNOWSHOE TRAILS

NORDIC SKI GUIDE

Trails 60 KM 200+ Acres 7,500 Groomed 200+ KM Trails 9

(530) 583-6300, x6631 | squawcreek.com

KM 18

Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Guided snowshoe tours.

Dog sledding.

Acres 400

SUGAR PINE POINT (530) 525-7982 | parks.ca.gov

Groomed 18 KM

KM 20 Groomed none

TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK

Trails 2

(530) 583-1516 | wintersportspark.com

KM 4

Sledding, ice skating, and fat tire biking.

Groomed 4 KM

TAHOE CROSS COUNTRY

Trails 23

(530) 583-5475 | tahoexc.org

KM 65

Open 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Free skate & cross-country lessons on select days.

Acres 3,000

(530) 587-9484 | tahoedonner.com Open 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. *Weekends & holidays.

Intermediate 32%

•

2

•

Advanced 21%

Novice 45% Intermediate 50%

•

•

•

•

•

Advanced 5%

Novice 32% Intermediate 50%

•

9

•

•

2

•

•

N/A

•

•

N/A

•

•

Advanced 18%

Novice 60% Intermediate 25% Advanced 15%

Trails 5

Winter camping (call for availability). Guided crosscountry and snowshoe tours offered Jan. to March.

TAHOE DONNER CROSS COUNTRY

Novice 47%

Groomed 65 KM

•

Novice 20% Intermediate 50%

•

3

•

•

•*

5

•

•

Advanced 30%

Trails 58

Novice 27%

KM 100+

Intermediate 44%

Acres 4,800

Advanced 25%

Groomed 100+ KM

Expert 4%

•

•

NORDIC SKI GUIDE

camp richardson

clair tappaan

LODGE

60

40 0

NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

% of terrain kilometers

kilometers

14

# of trails

6+ grooming

10km

Tom Zikas | Camp Richardson

35

c

amp Richardson’s Mountain Sports Center provides 10km of groomed and marked trails for beginners to experts. Several trails head out from the center looping through the open forest to the shores of Fallen Leaf Lake. Two other shorter trails meander through the grounds of the resort and along the shores of Lake Tahoe.

Join the fun with the Snowshoe Cocktail Races. Think

warming huts

0

# of trails

7

t

his rustic Sierra Club lodge is located near the top of Donner Summit, often buried in snow. There are 14 km of trails heading out from the back door of the lodge and up to the area near the back of Boreal Ski Resort. Skiing is free for lodge guests and rentals are available.

Clair Tappaan Lodge operates four back-country huts – Benson, Bradley, Ludlow and Peter Grubb – in the Tahoe Sierra for year-round recreational use. Each hut provides rustic accommodations for about 15

grooming

14km

you have what it takes to run with a full cocktail tray in hand through obstacles up and down the beach at The Beacon Bar & Grill while wearing snowshoes?

There are prizes for the fastest (and cleanest) at the obstacle course finish line. Offered Jan. 19, Feb. 16, and March 16 and 30. | camprichardson.com

donner memorial

S TAT E PA R K

warming huts

0

people and includes a sleeping loft, wood stove and outhouse.

These huts give ambitious skiers, snowshoers and snowmobilers a chance to explore the mountains without needing to build an igloo or pitch a tent. Each hut can be reached in one day or less from the nearest road by an average group with good weather. Reservations fill up fast and all huts may be difficult to locate in heavy snow years. | clairtappaanlodge.com

granlibakken 75

67 20

25

13

NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

% of terrain

% of terrain

kilometers

kilometers

16+

7.5

# of trails

# of trails

5

2

grooming

grooming

no

no

warming huts

0

d

onner Memorial State Park has more than 16km of trails throughout the park.

Although the trails are not groomed, visitors can make his or her own route to Schallenberger Ridge, Coldstream Canyon or along the shores of Donner Lake.

Be sure to check out the new Visitor Center built a few years ago featuring local history and

an amazing bookstore with something for all ages. Check for upcoming events by visiting sierrastateparks.org Access to the trails is free; parking is $5. Dogs are welcome but must be on leash. | parks.ca.gov

warming huts

1

Courtesy Granlibakken

0 NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

g

ranlibakken Resort has a small downhill ski hill that began offering wintertime activities in 1922, and in 1932 was home to the National Championships in ski jumping. Skiers can explore the historic resort’s 72 acres or follow mark-ed trails to Page Meadows to experience Tahoe’s back country.

Granlibakken has expanded its online-purchasing options for guests this year and

expanded its food offerings.

Cedar House Pub will be open Thursday to Sunday, with Rusty’s Kitchen serving authentic Mexican fare Friday to Monday. Gran Spot Coffee Cart and Gran Spot Barbecue area also open Friday to Monday. Food offerings are also open daily during holiday periods. | granlibakken.com

TheTahoeWeekly.com

hope valley

kirkwood

CROSS-COUNTRY & SNOWSHOE CENTER

OUTDOORS

Courtesy Kirkwood

NORDIC SKI GUIDE

60 20

Courtesy Hope Valley Outdoors

20

kilometers

60 grooming

30km warming huts

0

h

ope Valley Outdoors, or Hope Valley Cross Country, is a sustainable, off-the-grid, small winter resort operating out of a yurt at Pickett’s Junction in Hope Valley offering guests great outdoor winter recreational opportunities.

Owner Joyce Coker launched the yurt to offer her crosscountry skills and back-country knowledge to help visitors explore the outdoors and improve his or her skills.

Hope Valley Outdoors offers cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, rentals and guided tours.

Coker’s focus and expertise is on true back-country cross-country, traditional kick and glide skiing.

Hope Valley maintains a limited

amount of trails around the Yurt. Trails are skier packed and easily accessed, along with limited grooming for classic cross-country skiing.

Enjoy moonlight tours through February featuring the stunning beauty of moonlight in Hope Valley, Star Light Star Bright Winter Tours on Jan. 5 and Feb. 2, Winter Photography on snowshoes on March 5, and learn about Animals in Hope Valley in winter during a snowshoe tour on Feb. 23. Look for avalanche awareness classes to be offered this season, as well. Services provided by check or cash only, and trail passes are by donation. | hopevalleycrosscountry.com

NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

% of terrain kilometers

60 # of trails

18 grooming

60km warming huts

3

k

irkwood Cross Country offers 60km of machinegroomed trails with skating and snowshoe lanes over three interconnected trail systems.

Many trails feature interpretive signs providing for a more enlightening and meaningful visit. The Kiddy Kilometer loop is sure to keep the youngest skiers engaged with life-sized animal cutouts and flip up signs along the trail.

Dogs are allowed on the High Trail located behind the Kirkwood Inn and the Outer Loop on the meadow.

Sip on hot chocolate beside the wood-burning stove in

the day lodge or warm up in one of three trailside warming huts. Finish the day with a scrumptious meal at the historic Kirkwood Inn, opened in 1864.

January is Learn to Ski month, a national event with the goal to expose the public to crosscountry skiing. Kirkwood will be offering ski rentals, instructions and trail passes at half price (participants must pre-register).

Enjoy a Moon Light Snowshoe Trek on Jan. 19 and 20 and Feb. 16 and 17, or the Sunset Snowshoe Treks on March 2 and 9. | kirkwood.com

Courtesy LTCC

ltcc nordic center

Spend the day by Lake Tahoe at NORTH LAKE TAHOE’S ONLY ALL-INCLUSIVE WINTER RECREATION FACILITY

kilometers

5-7 # of trails

5 grooming

5-7km warming huts

0

t

he Nordic Center on the campus of Lake Tahoe Community College provides up to 7km of trails for classic and skate skiing. The trails provide views of Freel Peak and Job’s Sister.

The center is operated by volunteers, and trails are groomed several times a week.

Dogs are welcome; dogs must be leashed at trailheads and in parking lots.

The center offers a variety of day and season passes, including interchangeable passes to South Lake Tahoe businesses and a student pass. | ltccnordiccenter. weebly.com

Full Service Bar & Restaurant SLEDDING /// XC SKIING /// ICE SKATING /// SNOWSHOEING

W INTER S PORTS P ARK . COM | 530-583-1516

Courtesy Tim Hauserman

NORDIC SKI GUIDE

Favorite Tahoe

SNOWSHOE OUTINGS

SNOWSHOEING IS A GREAT ACTIVITY for every age and ability, and

treks are offered through the sea-

snowmobiles, so expect to see them, and appreciate the packed snow they provide.

A Sno-Park lot is located at the bottom of Blackwood Canyon Road, 4.4 miles south of Tahoe City on Highway 89, just across the highway from Lake Tahoe. Parking here requires a Sno-Park permit.

son. But you don’t need a guide

DONNER LAKE

to explore the beauty of a Tahoe

Take a magical snowshoe trek through Donner Memorial State Park, following the Lakeside Interpretive Trail that meanders past Donner Creek, through forest and along the shorelines of Donner Lake with expansive views of Donner Ridge.

There is a parking fee.

it’s almost as easy as walking.

Most local outfitters rent snowshoes for kids and adults, and many local guided snowshoe

winter’s day. Here’s some of our favorite snowshoe treks to enjoy.

BLACKWOOD CANYON For 2 nearly level miles, follow the road to Barker Pass to where it crosses Blackwood Creek. Ready for more? Climb the steeper portion of the road toward Barker Pass at 7 miles from the trailhead. Views of Twin Peaks and Blackwood Canyon abound. The road is heavily used by

GROVER FALLS & HOT SPRINGS Grover Hot Springs is the perfect place to rejuvenate. The 533-acre state park is situated in an alpine meadow of snowmen and sagebrush flanked by snowy Sierra peaks that stretch to more than 10,000 feet.

Trek to the frozen wonders at Grover Falls, about 3 miles from the hot springs.

This is an easy to moderate hike that can be done with children. The trail and creek meander through Hot Springs Valley and slowly gains elevation. You should reach the partially frozen falls within an hour.

At noon, the sun peaks over the eastern Sierra and lights the icy falls.

PAGE MEADOWS One of the easiest places to go snowshoeing is Page Meadows, especially on a full moon night. The series of open meadows are located just a short distance from where you park at the end of Silver Tip Drive in Talmont Estates. (Drive 2.5 miles south of Tahoe City on Highway 89, then drive 1 mile through the development via a steep road to parking). Walk westward from the parking lot along the old road as it winds for about 100 yards, then make your way to the first meadow.

Tromp through four meadows while enjoying the moon and stars.

POLE CREEK

MAKE TRACKS TO TAHOE XC THIS

HOLIDAY SEASON...

•FREE SKIING FOR YOUTH

UNDER

19

AND ADULTS

70+

•PROFESSIONAL LESSONS •FRIENDLY STAFF

The gentle-to-moderate ascent through the forest offers a beautiful stillness. There are many options on this trail for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.

It’s a 2-mile journey up to Pole Creek where you can turn around and head back. Depending on your cadence, it will take about an hour or so. The Pole Creek trail is on Highway 89 7 miles south of Truckee or 2.5 miles north of Squaw Valley Road.

For more information on where 925 C OUNTRY C LUB D R , T AHOE C IT Y

T AHOE XC . ORG | 530-583-5475

to purchase a Sno-Park permit, visit ohv.parks.ca.gov.

TAHOE DONNER There’s a little-known trail in the Tahoe National Forest with a lovely snowshoe hike amidst the Jeffrey Pines that hosts beautiful views of Donner Lake and Tinker Knob in a 3-mile roundtrip. Keep left when the trail forks to reach the amazing views. The trail starts at Ski Slope Way and Bermgarten just off Northwoods Boulevard in Tahoe Donner. There is room to park at the U.S. Forest Service gate (do not block the gate).

E X C L U S I V E C O N T E N T AT

TheTahoeWeekly.com Mike White on the winter fun at Tahoe Meadows Enjoy guided snowshoe treks.

Read the Event Calendar in this edition or online.

Explore more snowshoe adventures.

Click on Winter under the Out & About Tab

Read the Nordic guide in this edition for more snowshoe trails

TAHOE MEADOWS Perhaps the North Tahoe areas most popular spot to snowshoe, Tahoe Meadows gives something for everyone.

Read the feature in this edition or at TheTahoeWeekly.com. 

TheTahoeWeekly.com

northstar

nevada nordic

CROSS COUNTRY TELEMARK & SNOWSHOE CENTER

47

32

21

Courtesy Northstar California

NORDIC SKI GUIDE

NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

% of terrain kilometers

32.5

kilometers

2+

# of trails

18

Courtesy Tim Hauserman

# of trails

2+ grooming

2km+

grooming

23.7km

n

evada Nordic is a nonprofit organization attempting to bring a groomed cross-country ski presence back to the state of Nevada. Trails are offered at several locations in the region and are groomed and open depending on conditions.

Trails are operated at the Incline Village Mountain Golf Course (skate and classic), on Tahoe Meadows near the

warming huts

1

Mount Rose summit with 2km of groomed skate trails (plans are in the works for classic trails), and at Spooner State Park on the East Shore of Lake Tahoe. Future plans are for a trail to be offered in the Incline Meadows area.

Check for updates and grooming reports at facebook.com/ inclinemeadowsxc. | nevadanordic.com

warming huts

2

n

orthstar provides 30 km of groomed trails through a trail network that includes views of Lake Tahoe and a variety of terrain. Its midmountain location makes it the perfect spot for a family with divided interests — all can go their own way and meet up later for lunch at the lodge. Enjoy snowshoeing and fat tire biking, as well.

Join a Stargazing Snowshoe Tours this winter for a unique experience on Dec. 29, Jan. 5 and 26, and Feb. 9 and 23, or a guided Twilight or Family Snowshoe Tour this season. | northstarcalifornia.com

Let the

Good Times Snow

north tahoe

at Granlibakken

R E G I O N A L PA R K Daphne Hougard | NTPUD

45

Best in Snow

50

Family fun is right outside your door at Granlibakken Tahoe.

Affordable skiing, snowboarding, and sledding in Tahoe City.

Lessons & Rentals available.

Lodging guests receive half-priced sledding passes and full-day lift tickets.

5 NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

2 for 1

% of terrain

EntrÄ—es

kilometers

11

Cedar House Pub Open Thursday-Sunday 5-9 PM

grooming

11km warming huts

0

t

he North Tahoe Regional Park offers a variety of activities for the whole family including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, a sled hill, ropes course and snowmobiling on a loop track. The park also offers an all-weather soccer field cleared of snow in the winter and guided snowshoe tours through Tahoe Adventure Company. Bring your own equipment for the sled hill.

The park is operated by the North Tahoe Public Utility

Open daily during holiday periods.

2-for-1 entrees every Thursday & Sunday*

District, which grooms trails three times a week (there is no set schedule). Check facebook.com/northtahoeregionalpark every Friday for updates on conditions. Trail access is free; parking is $5. | northtahoeparks.com

Excludes holiday periods

530-583-4242 | Granlibakken.com

NORDIC SKI GUIDE

Courtesy Resort at Squaw Creek

70 10

32

50 18

NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

% of terrain

% of terrain

kilometers

kilometers

18

140+

# of trails

# of trails

8

92

grooming

grooming

18km

v

enture onto the 18 km of groomed trails at Resort at Squaw Creek for a quiet refuge from the crowds of Olympic Valley where the views of the mountains are spectacular.

The trails are just outside the door of the resort to enjoy between spa appointments, a visit to the skating rink and dining at one of the restaurants.

warming huts

1

Dog sledding is also a popular activity on the Resort at Squaw Creek trails. You can join in the fun behind the huskies or watch them fly by when you are skiing. | squawcreek.com

sugar pine point

# of trails

5 warming huts

0

9

Feb. 19, or try your skills at Ski Orienteering on Feb. 10.

Nine warming huts offer respite from the elements and a chance to take a break and soak in the peaceful tranquility of the mountains. Royal Gorge has a lot of offer from towering pines and expansive meadows to stunning vistas and majestic peaks, but one of the most breathtaking experiences in the Tahoe Sierra is skiing to The Royal Gorge. The Gorge is one of the natural wonders of the Sierra – a 4,417-foot deep gorge that is the namesake for the ski area.

tahoe city winter

S P O R T S PA R K

kilometers

4 # of trails

kilometers

20

warming huts

he largest cross-country ski area in North America, Royal Gorge is known for its sweeping views of the Northern Sierra and eight distinct trail systems. Featuring 92 trails with more than 140km of groomed, tracked trails for humanpowered outdoor recreation spread across 6,000 acres, guests of all ages and ability levels are invited to try classic crosscountry skiing, skate skiing and snowshoeing.

The resort offers 11.7km of dog trails and the popular DressUp-Your Dog Contest on Feb. 3, with the Dog Races on March 30. Enjoy a Full Moon Snowshoe Tour on Jan. 21 and

Courtesy California State Parks

California State Parks

S TAT E PA R K

140km+

t

t

he Ed Z’berg/Sugar Pine Point State Park is a spectacular spot to cross-country ski and snowshoe along the dense forests of the West Shore or along Lake Tahoe’s shores. The park offers more than 20km of marked cross-country ski trails for all levels.

Follow the path of the Nordic events of the 1960 Winter Olympics in what is now Sugar Pine Point State Park. Starting at the Blue Trailhead, visitors will come across a series of interpretive panels that share the region’s Olympic and Nordic skiing history found at the park.

Courtesy TCPUD

20

Courtesy Royal Gorge

squaw creek royal gorge

R E S O R T AT

2 Sugar Pine Point also is one of the only winter campgrounds that is open year-round in the Tahoe region, offering 16 campsites on a first-come, firstserved basis.

Rangers offer a variety of programs from January to March, including guided Full Moon Snowshoe Tours on Jan. 19, Feb. 16 and March 16. Use of the trails is free; it is $5 to park. No dogs are allowed. For trail conditions, call the snow phone at (530) 525-9528. | parks.ca.gov

grooming

4km warming huts

0

t

he Tahoe City Winter Sports Park offers ice skating, sledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing and is a great spot for family fun.

Enjoy the on-site restaurant Café Zenon for a bite to eat or a warm drink. The park provides 4km for both skating and striding, as well as a snowshoe loop/walking trail.

The Sports Park is operated by the Tahoe City Public Utility District and offers youth

hockey clinics and an adult Broomball League. The park is an inexpensive way to entertain the kids and enjoy family time together. Spring for all-access season passes for the entire family; it’s inexpensive and great fun. | wintersportspark.com

NORDIC SKI GUIDE

TheTahoeWeekly.com

Snow Trails

tahoe cross 50 20

Scott Rokis | Tahoe Cross Country

COUNTRY SKI AREA

30

CABIN CREEK TRAIL

% of terrain

Easy to moderate

Marked route follows old logging roads and Cabin Creek Road for 3 to 6 miles. The terrain has gentle, rolling slopes.

Cabin Creek Road south of Truckee on Highway 89. The unmarked trailhead is 1 mile from the highway. Limited parking is available in a road cut, when plowed.

kilometers

65

DONNER MEMORIAL STATE PARK

# of trails

Easy | (530) 582-7892 or parks.ca.gov

21 grooming

65km warming huts

3

s

tunning lake views along the trails at Tahoe Cross Country make it one of the area’s best spots for crosscountry skiing. The ski area offers lessons and equipment rentals for cross-country, skate skis and demos. And, if you’re new to Nordic skiing, try the free cross-county lessons on Mondays with free skate skiing lessons every Wednesday.

Tahoe Cross Country hosts some of the region’s premier cross-country events including the start of the Tahoe Rim Tour

on Jan. 27, the Alpenglow 20km on Feb. 24 and the 42nd Annual Great Ski Race on March 3.

And, don’t miss the fun New Year’s Day Pancake Breakfast on Jan. 1.

The ski center also offers 8km of dog trails. Leashes are required in the parking lot and at trailheads. | tahoexc.org

NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED | EXPERT

% of terrain

Easy to strenuous

grooming

100km+

Unmarked trails follow roads along Pole Creek and Silver Creek Drainages. Trailhead 6 miles south of Truckee on Highway 89. Some parking on west side of highway.

t

On Mount Rose high above Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Meadows offers an expansive area where skiers can stretch their legs. Head up Highway 431 from Incline Village until you reach the meadows before the summit. South side designated for skiers and snowshoers, while the north side is designated for snowmobilers. Heavy weekend use.

WEST SHORE

BLACKWOOD CANYON Easy to advanced

The meadows in Blackwood Canyon offer a great place to get into the wilderness off Highway 89 on the West Shore. Follow Highway 89 south from Tahoe City and park at the Kaspian Recreation Area. Skiers can glide along the road (not plowed) or through the meadows. Snowmobilers should follow the road about 2.5 miles, then take a left across the bridge and continue up Barker Pass Road to large open areas, steep bowls and many roads.

Limited parking.*

MEEKS MEADOWS Easy | fs.usda.gov

Meeks Meadows on the West Shore off Highway 89 offers a vast area to ski. The trailhead is across from the Meeks Bay Fire Station; look for the log cabin with red trim. Follow the U.S. Forest Service road or meander through the meadow and down to Meeks Creek.

SUGAR PINE POINT STATE PARK

Easy to moderate | (530) 525-7982 or parks.ca.gov The Ed Z’berg/Sugar Pine Point State Park is a spectacular spot to cross-country ski or snowshoe among the dense forests of the West Shore or along Lake Tahoe’s shores.

The park offers more than 18 km of marked ski trails. Three groomed trails begin at the campground, 9 miles south of Tahoe City, with two skier-packed trails on the lake side of the park, accessed from the Day Use entrance. Winter camping available. Guided tours and programs. Parking fee. TART

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE

An unmarked route follows the road to the creek bottom.

Lateral roads offer many side trips. Trailhead at Sagehen Summit on the west side of Highway 89, 8 miles north of Truckee. Limited parking.

Sno-park on the south side of Highway 88 at Blue Lakes Road. Much of Hope Valley is open to snowmobiling, but some areas are not; stay in designated areas. Ungroomed routes to Willow Creek (8.5 miles) and Tamarack Lake (1 mile) and groomed routes to Blue Lakes (11.5 miles) and Forestdale (3.5 miles). Stage from Hope Valley Sno-Park.*

Easy to moderate

CISCO GROVE

Easy to moderate

RATTLESNAKE

TAYLOR CREEK

Steep canyon and side slopes at lower end of trail with 7 miles of groomed access. Upper elevations feature ridges and bowls. Route follows Rattlesnake Road to Magonigal Summit. Trailhead at Cisco Grove exit north off Interstate 80.*

Developed for beginners, this well-marked series of trails allows skiers to explore the area. Terrain is mostly flat and is good for the entire family. Take Highway 89 to Cathedral Road and park in the Sno-Park. Marked trails start at the parking lot with three trails near Fallen Leaf Lake. On the lake side of Highway 89, follow the road to access the Tallac Historic Trail.*

Easy to advanced

Easy to advanced

as part of National Learn to Ski or Snowboard Month.

Cross-country skiers, fat tire bikers and snowshoers will find new wayfinding signage throughout the ski center’s 100+ kilometers of skiable trails, including improved directional signs and trail names to better assist skiing passholders and visitors in exploring the ski center’s vast and diverse trail system. | tahoedonner.com

Easy to advanced

HOPE VALLEY

BROCKWAY SUMMIT & MARTIS PEAK ahoe Donner Cross Country is committed to providing the best cross-country ski conditions in Tahoe, and a new PistenBully 100 snowcat further enhances its grooming abilities. The smaller and lighter grooming machine will allow for more precise grooming in challenging conditions, as well as help open trails more efficiently after snow storms.

Enjoy a guided Full Moon Snowshoe Tour on Jan. 19.

As well, special Learn to Ski packages will be offered from Jan. 14 to 17 and Jan. 21 to 24

TAHOE MEADOWS

SAGEHEN SUMMIT

NORTH SHORE

100+ 58

Marked routes with 110 miles of groomed trails follow roads to Webber Lake and Yuba Pass, Rim and Ridge Loops, Bald Ridge Loop and Treasure Mountain, Pass Creek Loop, Independence Lake Loop, Meadow Lake Loop and Jackson Meadow. Trailhead at Jackson Meadow Road, 14 miles north of Truckee on Highway 89. Overnight camping OK in parking area. Heavy use.*

POLE CREEK TRAIL SYSTEM

kilometers

# of trails

Easy to advanced | (530) 994-3401 or fs.usda.gov

A marked Nordic ski trail begins at the Castle Peak/Boreal interchange on Donner Summit off Interstate 80, west of Truckee. Take the Castle Peak exit and follow it for one-quarter mile to the intersection for the trailhead to the north. Follow unmarked trail to Peter Grubb Hut. Overnight parking available at the Sno-Park*. For overnight stays at the hut, call (530) 426-3632 for reservations.

Daphne Hougard | Tahoe Donner Cross Country

1

LITTLE TRUCKEE SUMMIT

Moderate to advanced | clairtappaanlodge.com

CROSS COUNTRY SKI CENTER

18 20 11

The park is mostly flat and open year-round. Skiers can enjoy the forests and boulder fields, glide down to the lake and meander through the park. Unmarked, 9.6-km, skier-packed trail starting near the Emigrant Trail Museum.

For the more adventuresome, glide over the hills into Coldstream Canyon. Parking fee. TART

PETER GRUBB HUT & CASTLE PEAK

tahoe donner

5

Explore more snow trails at TheTahoeWeekly.com. Click on the Winter tab under the Out & About menu. See the Events calendar for guided snowshoe treks.

TRUCKEE

NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

warming huts

SKI TOURING, SNOWSHOEING & SNOWMOBILING

Brockway Summit off Highway 267 offers an abundance of areas to ski with turnouts on both sides of the highway where Nordic skiers and snowshoers can follow logging and utility roads. For snowmobilers, the best access and limited parking about one-quarter mile north of Brockway Summit below the top of Highway 267 on the Truckee side.

No groomed trails, but many old lumber roads exist. Take a good map, as it’s easy to become turned around.

PAGE MEADOWS Easy to moderate

Ski or snowshoe along an old road that meanders through a forest and into a cluster of meadows. Take Highway 89 south from Tahoe City, then turn right on Pine Avenue and right on Tahoe Park Heights Road. At the crest of the hill, take the middle fork, which becomes Big Pine Road, then take a left on Silver Tip. The parking area is at the top of the road.

Easy | (530) 573-2600 or fs.usda.gov

LOST SIERRA

YUBA PASS

Easy to advanced | fs.usda.gov The route north from Yuba Pass off Highway 49 is popular for snowmobilers, and shares the trail system with Nordic skiers for the first mile before branching off. For skiers and snowshoers, the route goes north for 2 miles with views of the Sierra Valley, then leads west for 1 mile and rejoins the snowmobile trail. For a short loop, go south (a left) on the snowmobile route back to Yuba Pass.

Alternately, you can continue west through a meadow for 1.5 miles, then head south (a left) onto the Lunch Creek Ski Trail 1.25 miles, then north (a left) on 3 Knobs Trail for 1.5 miles. 3 Knobs Trail ends back at the snowmobile trail. Snowmobilers can head north from the branch 1 mile in and travel through Gold Lake Highway. Then, head south to Bassett’s or north to Gold Lake. This route offers a variety of terrain and beautiful views of the Sierra Buttes and the Lakes Basin. More than 100 miles of trails. Take Highway 89 north of Truckee, and then take Highway 49 to Yuba Pass. Trailhead parking is 6 miles east of Bassett’s Station.*

* SNO-PARK PERMIT REQUIRED; (916) 324-1222 OR OHV.PARKS.CA.GOV/SNOPARKS.