Cross-Country Skiing in Lake Tahoe
There are many ways to experience the snow in Reno Tahoe beyond the ski resorts surrounding our region, and there is virtually no end in sight to Reno and Lake Tahoe winter activities. A pair of cross country skis can launch you into a winter wonderland you couldn't even imagine.
Cross country skiing in Tahoe has many roads and trails that are perfect for a winter adventure. There are numerous trails through thickets of snow, and guided tours are offered, if desired. Guided tours are popular for families – it’s something even the kids will enjoy. And when you’ve worked up an appetite from all that outdoor exploration, you can recharge at one of many Reno Tahoe restaurants and bars.
What Is Cross-Country Skiing?
Cross-country skiing is sometimes referred to as Nordic skiing and XC skiing. Unlike downhill skiing, cross-country skiing does not rely on gravity to get you from point A to point B. A great workout that will leave you feeling accomplished when you are finished, cross-country skiing requires your own locomotion to move you across snowy terrain. For the beginners out there, your best bet is to ski on groomed trails at one of Reno Tahoe’s many Nordic skiing resorts.
Where Can I Cross-Country Ski in Lake Tahoe?
For those who crave adventure and some good aerobic exercise, options are seemingly endless when it comes to Lake Tahoe XC ski areas. The Reno Tahoe area is home to America’s largest cross-country ski resort, Royal Gorge. This resort offers 19 cross-country ski trails and 6,000 acres of terrain. America’s largest Nordic skiing resort also connects to Sugar Bowl Resort.
Tahoe Donner was voted as one of the top three cross-country ski areas in North America by USA Today. They provide around 100 km of immaculately groomed trails and as a bonus, they also have some of the best food in the Truckee area. Don’t have equipment? No problem. Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center has everything you need to rent for a day of skate skiing through snowy terrain.
Cross-country trails can also be found on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. Nevada Nordic supports the grooming and maintenance of the cross-country trails at Tahoe Meadows and Spooner Lake State Park. These trails are free to access and offer miles of stunning landscapes to explore.
Find More Cross-Country Skiing in Truckee, Tahoe and Beyond
Located in North Lake Tahoe, the Cross Country, Telemark and Snowshoe Center at Northstar California Resort offers 35 kilometers of well-groomed trails that are perfect for cross-country skiing. Northstar’s trails are also great for snowshoeing in the winter and mountain biking during the summer and fall.
Tahoe XC, located in Dollar Point, has 21 groomed trails through the forest and meadows of Lake Tahoe. Many of their trails are dog-friendly, are outfitted with trailside warming huts, and lead you to stunning views of the lake.
In addition, Kirkwood Ski Resort offers 80 km of groomed trails in some of the most spectacular scenery and exciting cross-country terrain in the West. Bring your dog and explore their diverse terrain that offers something for all levels. Other cross-country skiing areas include Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area and Hope Valley Cross Country.
Where to Find Cross-Country Gear
In search of the right gear for your cross-country skiing adventure? There are a few Reno Tahoe shops that can get you outfitted with everything you need to hit the trails. REI and Scheels are great one-stop shops. BoBos Ski and Board shop is a local business that specializes in winter gear and rentals, perfect for out-of-town skiers.
If you are seeking something a little more exhilarating and removed from the crowds, Reno Tahoe has a variety of backcountry cross-country and Nordic trails to explore. Finding the perfect backcountry trail for Nordic skiing is an adventure on its own, but please always bring a buddy, tell someone where you are going and wear the proper equipment when venturing out into the wonderful unknown.
In addition to cross-country skiing, the Reno Tahoe area offers a variety of other winter activities, including snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sledding, ice skating and more. And once you've had your fill of outdoor adventures, hit up one (or many) of Reno's bars, restaurants, and coffee shops for an evening of apres-ski relaxation.