All systems firing.
The presence of greatness is here for you, go ahead, make it your own—carve your signature on these slopes, this canvas. It’s your moment.
Events
Dec. 29 | Holiday Biathlon Race
Dec. 31 | NYE Night Skate Race
Jan. 14 | MLK Biathlon
Feb. 16 | Truckee Sprints
Feb. 17 | President’s Cup Skiathlon
Feb. 25 | 10th Mt. Division Biathlon
March 17 | Chuck Lyda Biathlon
March 23 | Nordic Skier X March 25 | Nordic Skier X Skate
April 7 | Glenn’s Gallop Biathlon
ASC Training Center on Donner Summit, run by Auburn Ski Club, one of the oldest ski clubs in the West, continues its innovations for Nordic skiers well into its 100th year with its night-skiing facilities.
The Club was founded in 1928.
The nonprofit winter sports facility is one of the few training centers in the country to offer alpine, Nordic, biathlon and snowboard programs. Its
athletes range from first-time skiers and riders to Olympic-level and U.S. Team professionals.
Night skiing | Following the installation of LED lights last season on a 1.5km loop trail, ASC is eyeing Phase 2 of its night skiing project with an additional 2km of trails to be lit in 2024. Night skiing will be offered Wednesday, Friday and Saturday until 7:30 p.m. throughout the season. Donations are being accepted for the light program at donorbox.org/ascdonate.
Museum closed | The Western SkiSport Museum founded by Auburn Ski Club remains closed this season while its collections are being archived to become part of the future SNOW Sports Museum that will be built in Olympic Valley. In the meantime, the SNOW Sports Museum has a temporary exhibit open daily in Tahoe City. | thesnowmuseum.org n
WINTER WONDERS
DISCOVER TAHOE’S NATURAL WORLD
BY KAYLA ANDERSON
CAMP RICHARDSON
Visitors can enjoy 10km of groomed and marked trails for every level that meander through the forests or follow the shoreline of Lake Tahoe when visiting Camp Richardson in the winter.
Several trails head out from Camp Richardson 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.
Trail passes start for less than $10 and snowshoe and ski rentals are available.
Tahoe Tallac | While visiting Camp Richardson, visit the nearby grounds of Tallac Historic Site. The property is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and the grounds were once part of the Valhalla, Pope and Baldwin estates.n
Ona cold March morning last season, a decently sized group of people gathered at the Diamond Peak Base Lodge in Incline Village, Nev., strapped on snowshoes and headed uphill to the Crystal Express chair. We were led by Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) outreach director Sarah Hockensmith who is well-versed in the flora and fauna in the Tahoe Basin.
During the hour-long event, held well before skiers and snowboarders arrived, Hockensmith shared some of the activity that goes on behind the scenes, under the snow and in the trees.
On the TINS Winter Wildlife walks, attendees learn about trees, habitats and fascinating survival tactics that critters use to protect themselves and survive long periods of freezing temps. TINS’ guides share common misconceptions about cold temperatures and hibernation (it’s really photoperiodism that determines how wintering animals plan their days) and the habits of Tahoe’s most beloved birds and mammals.
“It’s pretty wild all the stuff that happens around us that we’re unaware of,” Hockensmith says.
People came from as far away as Carson City, Nev., to learn about the birds, bats, zombie frogs, mule deer, snowshoe hares and more.
I don’t want to give everything away
CLAIR TAPPAAN
In February 1934, members of the Sierra Club hired a bus for a two-day excursion to Soda Springs and Norden where they enjoyed a weekend of excellent skiing. The round-trip bus fare from the San Francisco Bay Area was only $3.50 per person and food costs were also inexpensive. There were commercial hotels in operation on the summit, but prices were too expensive for these young adults.
At its next meeting the club determined that it needed its own ski lodge. Architect Walter Ratcliff offered his services to design one and construction of Clair Tappaan Memorial Lodge was underway by that summer, according to Tahoe Guide historian Mark McLaughlin in his series on Donner Summit’s historic ski clubs. The lodge remains in operation today and offers low-cost accommodations and
meals to everyone, along with access to Nordic ski and snowshoe trails outside its doors.
Today, Clair Tappaan is one of the lodges operated by the Sierra Club, which includes the nearby Hutchinson Lodge built in 1924 and four back-country huts –Bradley, Benson, Ludlow and Peter Grubb. All open for lodging by reservation only on a first-come, first-served basis online. Trail systems | Clair Tappaan also offers a winter trail system that can be enjoyed by its guests and the public for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with 14 km of groomed trails, an onsite rental shop and free trail access for guests. The trail system offers a variety of challenges for all abilities. Also, Royal Gorge Cross Country, the largest cross-country center in North America, is located a few miles away. n
that takes place on a Winter Wildlife hike, but it is worth putting on your calendar as you are bound to learn something new about the Tahoe area and its indigenous and interesting creatures.
“[At TINS] we feel it’s good to know about the environment here because if you connect to it then you’re more likely to take care of it and we can all be better land managers,” Hockensmith says.
TINS hosts winter outings from snowshoe treks to Nordic ski adventures along with its Bald Eagle Count and the popular Tahoe Big Year.
BALD EAGLE COUNT
Each January, TINS coordinates the bald eagle survey in the Tahoe Basin, which includes observing and recording the majestic birds.
Always held from 9 a.m. to noon on the second Friday in January, no matter the weather, volunteers are paired and placed at 26 vantage points primarily around the Lake Tahoe shoreline. Birders of all abilities are matched with experts, and they tally, track and communicate with each other about which birds have been spotted.
In the early years of the bald eagle survey that started in 1979, only one or two bald eagles were seen, said Hockensmith. TINS has since recorded 40
bald eagles locally. TINS is holding a virtual Bald Eagle Count Talk on Jan. 11, and the official boots-on-the-ground bald eagle count takes place Jan. 12.
THE TAHOE BIG YEAR
Starting Jan. 1, bird enthusiasts will scour the Tahoe Sierra to count as many bird species as possible in this nationwide Tahoe Big Year competition that is free and open to everyone with youth and adult categories.
Participating bird enthusiasts, both local and visiting, will attempt to find as many bird species as they can within the boundaries (essentially the Lake Tahoe basin and north through the remaining portion of the Truckee River watershed on the California side) and submit any records of new species.
While the competition is open to everyone, TINS members will be able to join monthly guided tours and are eligible for prizes, other benefits and special events. | tinsweb.org. n
WINTER WILDLIFE HIKES
Jan. 1 | Tahoe Big Year kick off Jan. 12 | Bald Eagle Count
Jan. 19 | Sierra Valley Raptor Outing
Jan. 23 | Nordic in Nature at Spooner Lake Feb. 2 | Carson Valley Raptor Outing TBA | Winter Wildlife Snowshoe
DESOLATION HOTEL
Desolation Hotel based in South Lake Tahoe took over ownership and operation of the former Sorenson’s Resort last June renaming the resort Desolation Hotel Hope Valley. The resort, which originally opened in 1926, features 27 cabins nestled in a forested seating, all of which were restored a few years ago by the previous owners, Wylder Hotels.
Guests and visitors can enjoy free access to 11 trails including trails leaving from the resort, as well as along Highways 88 and 89 including trails to Burnside, Grass and Winnemucca lakes. Trails maps are available at The Ski Shop and online.
The historic property still features the popular Sorenson’s Restaurant and the nearby General Store and Café. Ski lessons | Cross-country ski lessons
Attendees learn about trees, habitats and fascinating survival tactics that critters use to protect themselves and survive long periods of freezing temps.
DONNER MEMORIAL
are offered every Saturday and Sunday.
Rentals available | Stop by Desolation Hotel Hope Valley’s General Store to rent cross-country skis or snowshoes. Rentals are complimentary for hotel guests. Parking permits | Trail access is free but most of the trailheads are in the Hope Valley Wildlife Area and require a California Department of Fish & Wildlife Lands Pass, which is available online and from participating vendors. There are no permits available at the trailheads. | (800) 565-1458, wildlife.ca.gov
Winnemucca Lake access | The Winnemucca Lake Trail requires a California Sno-Park parking pass available for purchase online or from participating vendors. Permits are not available at the trailhead. | (916) 324-1222, ohv.parks. ca.gov n
Jan. 1 | First Day Snowshoe
Jan. 6-March 30 (select days) | Cross Country Ski Tour
Jan. 6-March 30 (Sat.) | Snowshoe Tour
Donner Memorial State Park is one of many local state parks that offers free Nordic ski and snowshoe trail access in the region. While there is no charge to access the trail system, there is a $5 parking fee through April 30. Trail maps are available in the Visitor Center.
Guided ski tours | Join a free ski tour of the park at 10 a.m. on Jan. 6 and 20; Feb. 3 and 17; and March 2, 16 and 30. Walk-ins welcome if space allows. Bring your own gear. | Register bit.ly/donner_xc
Guided snowshoe tours | Join a free snowshoe tour at 1 p.m. on Saturdays from Jan. 6 to March 30 to explore the park with a historian to learn about local natural and cultural history. The tour is 1.5 miles and lasts around 75 minutes. Bring your own gear. | Register bit.ly/ donner_tours
Visitor center | Learn about regional history including local Native Americans, the Donner Party and the Transcontinental Railroad in this fantastic local museum, which also boasts one of the best selections of books on local history. Pioneer Monument | No visit is complete without checking out the Pioneer Monument completed in 1918 to commemorate the early pioneers that crossed the Sierra.
Fundraising for gear | Sierra State Parks Foundation is raising funds for 30 pairs of snowshoes, poles and storage bags to make recreation more accessible. Donations are being accepted at mtyc.co/ fbtczf. | sierrastateparks.org n
OPPOSITE: A Winter Wildlife snowshoe hike in Tahoe Meadows. | Tahoe Institute for Natural Sciences. TOP RIGHT: A Mountain chickadee perches on an icicle. | Tahoe Institute for Natural Sciences. BOTTOM RIGHT: Ptarmigan | Will Richardson, Tahoe Institute for Natural Sciences
EVERLINE RESORT
SNOW TRAILS
Select dates | Cross-country & snowshoe
Dec. 28 | Bike Tour & Theme Skate Night
Dec. 28 | Locals Night Ice Skating
Dec. 29 | Sled Races, Broomball & Theme Skate Night
Everline Resort in Olympic Valley is home to an on-site Nordic Ski Center that offers breathtaking views of the valley and the surrounding peaks of Palisades Tahoe. The resort provides more than 10km of groomed trails for Nordic skiing, with cross-country and snowshoe rentals available onsite.
The trails are just outside the resort to enjoy between spa appointments, a visit to the pool or dining at one of the on-site restaurants.
In March 2023, the resort rebranded to Everline Resort & Spa, in collaboration
with the Washo Tribe out of respect for their history in the region and heritage, according to the resort’s general manager in a press release.
Ski-in, ski-out | In addition to its Nordic options, Everline offers ski-in, ski-out access to its guests with access to Palisades Tahoe right out its back door through the Resort Chair. The resort also offers a free shuttle to the Village at Palisades to access beginner terrain.
Ice skating & sledding | The resort offers an outdoor ice skating rink, with ice and hockey skate rentals available. There is also a dedicated sledding hill beyond the Resort Chair lift, with sled rentals available.
Guided tours | The resort provides guided cross-country and snowshoe tours led by a nature guide and takes guests through the trail system on select dates.n
GRANLIBAKKEN TAHOE
Events
Dec. 31 | NYE Sledding Party
Until Jan. 14 (select dates) | Night Sledding
Granlibakken Tahoe’s historic 74-acre alpine property offers plenty of scenic Sierra terrain to explore year-round. During the winter, access miles of trails and backcountry surrounded by a stunning, snow-covered backdrop. Trail system | Enjoy access to a 1.5-mile trail around the property and a groomed access trail (flat-groomed, without stride-skiing tracks) to Paige Meadows loop when weather and snow conditions permit. These popular trailheads lead to miles of ungroomed skiing and snowshoeing terrain to experience Tahoe’s backcountry. None of the trails at or from Granlibakken are patrolled, so be sure to let others know your planned route and be responsible in the forest.
Tubing | The resort offers popular tubing lanes served by snowmaking systems along with the Benny the Bear snow play area.
Night sledding | Granlibakken continues its night sledding this season with offerings on select dates through Jan. 14 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Enjoy sledding with laser lights, music and glowsticks. Complimentary hot mulled wine for adults and hot chocolate for kids are included with every ticket. Offered Dec. 30 and 31; Jan. 6, 7, 13 and 14.
Kids sled free | Kids younger than 3 sled for free.
Treetop park | The Tahoe City Treetop Park located at the resort offers aerial adventures for ages 5 and older.
Ski hill | The resort also offers ski hill access and a ski school open Friday to Monday and daily during holidays.n
SKI TOURING, SNOWSHOEING & SNOWMOBILING
LOST SIERRA
PLUMAS-EUREKA STATE PARK
Easy to advanced
Enjoy 12km of groomed trails, including snowshoe trails. Free trails access; parking fee.
EAST SHORE
SPOONER SUMMIT
Easy to advanced | parks.nv.gov Nevada Nordic grooms 8km of trails when conditions permit. Parking fee. Trail info & grooming updates at nevadanordic.org.
NORTH SHORE
BROCKWAY SUMMIT & MARTIS PEAK
Easy to advanced
Brockway Summit o Highway 267 o ers 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.
NORTH TAHOE REGIONAL PARK
Easy to advanced
O ers 10km groomed cross-country trails with snowshoe trails next to groomed trails. Groomed as sta ng permits; check Facebook for updates. Free trail access; parking fee.
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.
TAHOE MEADOWS
Easy to advanced
On Mount Rose high above Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Meadows o ers 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.
Groomed trails | Nevada Nordic grooms 17km of trails along Highway 431 before the meadows. Donations suggested. Trail info & grooming updates at nevadanordic.org.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
BIJOU COMMUNITY PARK
Easy | cityofslt.us City of South Lake Tahoe o ers 4km of marked trails (not groomed). Free access.
GROVER HOT SPRINGS STATE PARK
Easy to advanced | parks.ca.gov
Enjoy access to ungroomed trails in the park. Hot springs have reopened. Winter camping available. Snowshoe to Grover Falls. Dogs OK on leash. Free trails access; parking fee.
HOPE VALLEY
Easy to moderate
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.*
TAYLOR CREEK & TAHOE TALLAC
Easy | (530) 573-2600 or fs.usda.gov
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
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.*
TRUCKEE
CABIN CREEK TRAIL
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.
DONNER MEMORIAL STATE PARK
Easy-Advanced | (530) 582-7892 or parks.ca.gov
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, skierpacked trail starting near the Emigrant Trail Museum. For the more adventuresome, glide over the hills into Coldstream Canyon. Trails groomed if funds allow. Parking fee.
PETER GRUBB HUT & CASTLE PEAK
Moderate to advanced | clairtappaanlodge.com
A marked Nordic ski trail begins at the Castle Peak/Boreal interchange on Donner Summit o Interstate 80, west of Truckee. Take the Castle Peak exit and follow it for onequarter 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.
POLE CREEK TRAIL SYSTEM
Easy to strenuous
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.
SAGEHEN SUMMIT
Easy to moderate
An unmarked route follows the road to the creek bottom. Lateral roads o er many side trips. Trailhead at Sagehen Summit on the west side of Highway 89, 8 miles north of Truckee. Limited parking.
WEST SHORE
BLACKWOOD CANYON
Easy to advanced
The meadows in Blackwood Canyon o er a great place to get into the wilderness o 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 o Highway 89 o ers 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 o ers 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.
NORDIC SKI GUIDE
Explore all 20 cross-country ski areas in our annual Nordic Ski Guide available at YourTahoeGuide.com/xc.
*Sno-Park permit required; (916) 324-1222 or ohv.parks.ca.gov/snoparks. Sno-Parks may be closed for extended periods after heavy snow; check conditions in advance. TRANSIT: North Tahoe & Truckee | laketahoetransit.com, South Tahoe | tahoetransportation.org
Granlibakken
Tahoe
Road and park in the Sno-Park. Marked
GROVER HOT SPRINGS
The hot springs have reopened at Grover Hot Springs State Park outside Markleeville after being closed for more than two years following damage from the Tamarack Fire that destroyed part of the park in July 2021.
Visitors may enjoy free Nordic skiing and snowshoeing in the park. There are no groomed ski trails in the park but snowshoeing to Grover Falls is a popular outing. While trail access is free, there is an $8 parking fee.
Pools access | The hot springs and cold pools have both now reopened. The pools are open starting at 9:30 a.m. Thursday to Sunday and advance tickets
are required. Call (530) 694-2248 for details. Access is limited and likely to sell out, so check in advance before visiting. Winter camping | Winter camping is available at the park on a first-come, first-served basis for tents and RVs with access to water and restrooms.
Support the park | The Friends of Grover Hot Springs, which is part of the nonprofit Bodie Foundation, supports restoration work and repairs in the park.
To donate to help rebuild the park, visit visitgroverhotsprings.org.
Dogs OK | Dogs are allowed on leash in the park.n
The Kirkwood Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe Center has reopened its Schneider Camp trail system for the 202324 season offering 28km of advanced terrain across six trails. The trail system has been closed for the last two seasons due to damage from the 2021 Caldor Fire.
Kirkwood’s Nordic offerings include classic and skating skiing, snowshoeing and fat tire biking across three trail systems.
Kirkwood Meadow | Skiers of all levels will enjoy the tranquil Kirkwood Meadow trail system offering a 9km
Fun
network of mellow trails along with options for more advanced skiers and snowshoers all while enjoying panoramic views of the Cirque, Red Cliffs and Little Round Top.
Caples Creek | The 24km Caples Creek trail system reopened last winter following damage from the 2021 Caldor Fire offering intermediate to advanced terrain.
Historic eats | No trip to Kirkwood is complete without a stop at the historic Kirkwood Inn located near the Cross County Center for a bite to eat. The Inn dates back to 1864.
Kids ski free | Kids ages 5 & younger ski free. n
Enjoy views of Freel Peak and Job’s Sister on the trail system at Lake Tahoe Community College’s Nordic Center in South Lake Tahoe. The Nordic Center offers 5 to 7 kilometers of groomed classic and skate skiing trails. Grooming is done two to three times a week and grooming reports are posted on the website. There are three access points to the trail system located at the west side of the Fitness Education Building and near the Duke Theater on campus, and at the South Tahoe Public Utility District.
Dogs OK | Dogs are allowed on the trails but must be on leash at trailheads and in parking areas. Trail users must
clean up after their dogs. Keep dogs off groomed tracks.
Trail access | The Nordic Ski Center offers season and day use passes, along with Family, Couple and local student passes available through the website only. Sales support the continuation and growth of the Nordic Ski Center. Check with the CONNECT Community Education program at the college for cross-country and snowshoe workshops. n
NEVADA NORDIC
Nevada Nordic offers free, groomed trail access at two locations in Northern Nevada. The volunteer-run nonprofit grooms trails in the Mount Rose area off Highway 431 outside Incline Village, Nev., and at Spooner Lake State Park on the East Shore.
Donations from trail users support the group’s efforts and may be made at nevadanordic.networkforgood.com. Trail maps and grooming reports are available online and through the Nordic Pulse app. Mount Rose | Trails are operated at Tahoe Meadows near the Mount Rose summit off Highway 431 with 20km of groomed skating and striding trails, including grooming up to Chickadee Ridge.
The Lower Loops are closed in February to protect Goshawk breeding area. There are three free parking areas available for trail users along Highway 431. View the trail map online to see parking areas and instructions. Dogs are allowed on the trails, but owners must pack out all dog waste.
Spooner Lake | Volunteers also groom 8km of trails at Spooner Lake State Park when conditions permit. Trail access is free but there is a $10 parking fee for Nevada residents and $15 for nonresidents. Dogs are allowed on leash. n
CALIFORNIA
| Music in the Village & S’more Fun
Sat. | Snowshoe & Nordic Tours
Until Dec. 31 | Winter Wonders
Dec. 31 | New Year’s Eve Celebrations & Drone Show
Jan. 28 | Tahoe Rim Tour & Race
Nordic skiers can enjoy more than 30km of trails at Northstar California’s Cross Country Center, located at mid-mountain of the downhill area near the base of the Vista chair lift. As well, downhill passholders receive free access to the Cross Country Center. Dogs are welcome on the trails on leash.
Nordic & Snowshoe Tours | Enjoy a Nordic ski or snowshoe tour every Saturday through mid-March. The tours will meander through the pine tree-lined forest and end in The Village at Northstar where participants will enjoy s’mores and hot chocolate.
| Northstar has implemented a reservation-based paid parking program at Village View and Lower Village Preferred Paid lots on weekends and during peak periods, while the Castle Peak lot will remain free daily, with no reservations required. Vehicles with four or more passengers can park for free. Read details in the parking feature in this edition
Telemark skiers welcome | Northstar is one of the few resorts offering a full line of downhill telemark equipment and instruction through the Cross Country Center. Kids ski free | Kids 4 and younger ski free.
Treetop Adventure Park | The adventure park offers a treetop rope, platform and zip line tour with nine courses for all abilities for ages 5 and older. | tahoetreetop.com
The North Tahoe Regional Park offers 10km of groomed trails for skating and classic skiers with free access operated by the North Tahoe Public Utility District. The trail system also includes trails for snowshoeing and all the trails are open to dogs.
Sledding | Sledding and snow play is allowed throughout the park. Both the main larger sled hill near the soccer field and the smaller children’s sled hill near the entrance are available for public use. Sled rentals are not available.
Snowshoe
Free access | Access is free, but parking is $5 or visitors must have a NTPUD Resident Sticker or Park Supporter Sticker.
Plowed walking path | The Pam Emmerich Memorial Trail, also known as the Pinedrop Trail, is plowed throughout the winter to offer access to walkers. The trail is 3 miles roundtrip.
Grooming updates | The trails are groomed three times each week as conditions permit. Visit North Tahoe Recreation & Parks on Facebook and Instagram for weekly grooming updates. n
and star tours. | tahoeadventurecompany.com
PLUMAS EUREKA
StAtE PARK
Events
Jan. 20, Feb. 17 & March 16 | Longboard Revival Races
The breathtaking scenery of the Lost Sierra becomes a winter wonderland with Nordic ski and snowshoe trails offered at Plumas-Eureka State Park. There are also backcountry trails and many like to try their hand at the historic Johnsville Ski Area. The Nordic trail system is managed by volunteers with the Plumas-Eureka State Park Association volunteers and trail maps are available at each trailhead. State Park staff occasionally offer guided tours during the winter. Follow the park on Facebook @Plumas Eureka State Park for upcoming events.
Free trail access | The use of the trails is free, but donations are requested to maintain the trails for $5 per day or $20 for the season. Donations may be made at plumas-eureka.org.
Longboard Races | The Plumas Ski Club hosts the Historic Longboard Revival Races each year at the Johnsville Ski Bowl, located within the park. The races are open to everyone and are great fun to watch. Contestants wear 1860s attire and race downhill on 9- to 16-foot wooden skis, many of which are handmade. Parking is limited, so be sure to arrive early and take the shuttle. | plumasskiclub.org n
parks.ca.gov, plumas-eureka.org,
Events
Feb. 11 | Double Sprint & Relays
March 16 | 10K Classic March 17 | California Gold Rush
Explore 6,000 acres at Royal Gorge Cross Country, North America’s largest crosscountry ski area featuring 92 miles of trails meandering through towering pines and wide-open meadows with sweeping views of the Sierra Crest. Find the latest updates by following Royal Gorge on Facebook @Royal Gorge Cross Country and on Instagram @royalgorge_xc.
Grooming upgrades | Royal Gorge has invested in its
for the 2023-24
and added a
Plumas-Eureka State Park
SUGAR PINE POINT
Events
Jan. 1 | First Day Snowshoe Sat. | Guided Snowshoe Tours
Visitors to the Sugar Pine Point State Park will enjoy skiing on some of the historic trails that follow the path of the Nordic events of the 1960 Winter Olympics. Starting at the Blue Trailhead, located at the day use parking on the campground (west) side of Highway 89, visitors will come across a series of interpretive panels that share the park’s Olympic and Nordic skiing history. The park offers 20km of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails to enjoy in the winter; about 10km are groomed for skiing. Snowshoers are asked to not use the ski trails and dogs are not allowed on the trails.
There is no charge for trail access, only
a $5 parking fee (cash or check only). Free trail maps are available at the park entrance stations.
Snowshoe tours | The park will offer guided snowshoe tours every Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. along the Blue Trail through General Creek Campground, where the 1960 Winter Olympic Nordic Events were held. Bring your own gear. | RSVP bit.ly/sugarpineevents
Fundraising for gear | Sierra State Parks Foundation is raising funds for 30 pairs of snowshoes, poles and storage bags to make recreation more accessible. Donations are being accepted at mtyc.co/ fbtczf. | sierrastateparks.org
Winter camping | Sugar Pine Point is one of the only winter campgrounds open year-round in the Tahoe area, offering 16 campsites on a first-come, first-served basis. n
Dec. 31 | NYE Snowshoe Tour &
Jan. 13 | Wax Clinic
21 |
Tahoe Donner Cross Country is the only cross-country resort in the region with dedicated snow-making capabilities on 3km of trails, which ensures a longer season. Tahoe Donner spans more than 2,800 acres and features more than 100km of cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails that wind through breathtaking meadows, by meandering creeks and up to stunning alpine views.
The resort also uses state-of-the-art grooming machines and, this season,
TAHOE CITY
Feb. 9 | Teen Night
Enjoy ice skating, sledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the heart of Tahoe City at the Tahoe City Winter Sports Park.
The park provides 4km for both skating and striding, as well as a snowshoe loop/walking trail. Dogs are allowed on the trail system. Reservations are recommended for all activities and may not be available for walk-ups.
Local kids ski free | Kids 14 and younger who are residents receive free access to the trail system for skiing and snowshoeing.
Webcam | Check out the webcam of the action on the ice rink at tcpud.org/winterwebcam. n
visitors will enjoy the resort’s new demo fleet for skating and striding. Learn with the pros | Tahoe Donner offers a number of clinics and programs for kids and adults and features with cross-country professionals and former Olympians among its many offerings. New this year, enjoy Saturday Morning PopUp Clinics starting Jan. 20 with Martin Benes. Biathlon | Try your hand at biathlon – skiing and shooting a laser rifle at a target – with a clinic on Jan. 21 led by professional athlete Gyongyver Ridenour, Jr. National Biathlon and Cross Country Ski Champion of Romania.n
Jan. 13-15 | Old Skool Klassic
Jan. 20-21 | Season Passholder Appreciation Weekend
Jan. 27 | Wax Clinic w/ Roger Chaney
Jan. 28 | Tahoe Rim Tour
Feb. 8 | Red Lips, Wine Sips & Waxing Tips
Feb. 10 | Wax Clinic w/ Roger Chaney
Feb. 11 | She Bowl Laser Biathlon Relay
Feb. 14 | Share the Love Scavenger Hunt
Feb. 25 | Alpenglow 10K & 20K
March 3 | Great Ski Race
Tahoe Cross Country is the place to go for a community-based, cross-country ski and snowshoe experience with spectacular views of Lake Tahoe. Dogs are welcome on designated trails. Fat bikes are not allowed.
Clinics | This year Skiing with Grace returns, incorporating mindfulness and
cross-country skiing technique along the creek-side routes and towering pines of Burton Creek State Park.
New base lodge | A capital fundraising campaign is underway for Tahoe XC new base lodge, which will be relocated next to the North Tahoe High School. The Lodge Project will need to secure fundraising commitments equal to 80 percent of the $13 million construction budget before beginning construction, according to the Tahoe Cross Country Lodge Project website. If the fundraising goal is met as planned, groundbreaking could occur in summer or fall 2024. This means the earliest the new Lodge may be open is the for the 2025-26 ski season. | tahoexclodgeproject.com
Free skiing | Free trail access is offered to those 19 years of age and younger and those 70 and older. n