XC Skiing + Snowshoeing in North Lake Tahoe
Miracle March has arrived! Now that North Lake Tahoe is covered in a thick blanket of white it’s time to break out those XC skis and explore! Did you know Lake Tahoe features the largest concentration of cross country ski areas in North America? Pretty cool, right?
XC skiing is a great activity for the whole family, it’s relatively easy to learn and allows you to access beautiful snowy forests, ski huts for hot chocolate breaks, and expansive views of Lake Tahoe!
Snowshoeing is a great way to experience many of the same areas and trails, especially if you’re not feeling quite ready to put on skis or prefer to make your own trail. Snowshoe rules differ from trail to trail, some locations allow snowshoers on the far right of the trail, others have designated snowshoe trails. Please avoid damaging the groomed trails while walking.
Winter Trail Etiquette
Did you know there is winter trail etiquette for shared trails and all types of winter recreation? Click image to learn more!
Groomed Trails right here in Tahoe Vista!
Did you know there are over 6 miles of groomed XC ski trails in the North Tahoe Regional Park? With easy trail access, you can explore the groomed trails throughout the Park and surrounding public lands. Don’t forget to visit some of the most majestic Incense Cedars on the North Shore via the “Cedar Trail.”
NTPUD’s friendly grooming staff requests that snowshoers and walkers, please stay on the right side of the groomed trails to leave the center of the groomed track for cross-country skiers.Please note that there are no cross-country ski or snowshoe rentals in the North Tahoe Regional Park. Please bring your own equipment.
Want to be the first to know when the trails are freshly groomed? Sign up for text alerts from the North Lake Tahoe Recreation and Parks, click here.
More XC Ski/Snowshoe Areas…
From off piste skiing, to full service amenities, the options vary greatly. Find your next snowy adventure!
Donner Memorial State Park
12593 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161
The park offers cross-country and snowshoe trails for adventurers of all ages, nestled among towering pines, winding along beautiful Donner Lake, and traveling the historic emigrant trails. There are Five color-coded trails range from 1/2 to 5 miles in length. The trailhead for all the trails is located near the Emigrant Trail Museum. Parking for the trails can be found at the museum and near the entrance station. Learn more here
XC ski and snowshoe trails are separated at this park.
Everline Resort + Spa
400 Resort Road, Olympic Valley, CA 96146
The Nordic Center at Everline offers approximately 18 kilometers (400 acres) and eleven trails of meticulously groomed trails that wind through the stunning Olympic Valley meadow and surrounding hillside. Onsite ski rental/repair shop, lessons, six restaurants, heated pools and luxurious spa and health club. Learn more here
There is a designated walking trail for snowshoers here.
Granlibakken
725 Granlibakken Road, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Guests have direct 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 the weather and snow conditions permit. These popular trailheads lead to miles of ungroomed skiing and snowshoeing terrain to experience Tahoe’s backcountry. Cross-country ski rentals are available in the rental shop. Learn more here
Snowshoers and XC skiers share the trail here.
Nevada Nordic (Mt. Rose)
North Lake Tahoe’s newest groomed xc ski trails located near Mt Rose! Thanks to a group called Nevada Nordic, a volunteer organization that owns their own snow grooming equipment. This free ski and snowshoe zone has many options for a great day in the forests below Chickadee Ridge. Bring along some bird seed for your Disney Princess moment with the local Mountain Chickadees. Learn more about the trail here
Snowshoers and XC skiers share the trail here.
Northstar California Cross Country, Telemark, and Snowshoe Center
Visit the mid-mountain center where you can enjoy Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing. Bring your own gear, or rent top-of-the-line equipment and get ready to enjoy the 1,400-square-foot cross country center, staffed with knowledgeable and trained professionals. Cross country skiing is the perfect way to spend your day touring the mountains with impeccably groomed trails and endless high alpine views. Learn more here
Snowshoers and XC skiers share the trail here, but they also offer two dedicated “snowshoe only” trails.
Royal Gorge
9411 Pahatsi Rd, Soda Springs, CA 95728
North America’s largest xc ski area, straddling the Sierra Crest at Donner Summit, Royal Gorge offers 6 distinct trail systems featuring 8 different warming huts across 6,000 acres, seamlessly integrated with the Village at Sugar Bowl. From classic striding to skating and snowshoeing, Royal Gorge offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy scenic winter adventures with some of the finest views in the Sierra. Royal Gorge offers daily group or private xc ski lessons, book your lesson and learn from the best. Learn more here
Snowshoers and XC skiers share the trail here, but they also offer 49.5km of dedicated snowshoe trails.
Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine State Park
7360 W Lake Blvd, Tahoma, CA 96142
Nestled among towering pines, winding through open meadows, following ancient stream paths, and meandering through an historic estate, you will truly enjoy all that Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park has to offer! Explore over 8 miles of groomed xc ski trails on the beautiful West Shore of Lake Tahoe. Ski the same trails that were used for the 1960 Olympics biathlon and xc events! Grooming is intermittent, call the snow line for the latest updates (530) 525-7982. Learn more here
Snowshoers and XC skiers share the trail here.
Tahoe Donner Cross Country
With Alder Creek Adventure Center as your basecamp you’ll explore Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center’s 100km of immaculately groomed trails over more than 2,800 acres of stunning Sierra scenery. Voted as one of the top-three cross country ski areas in North America by USA Today, Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center offers a modern fleet of rental equipment, a large selection of cross country apparel, fresh organic food from the Alder Creek Cafe and an après ski menu at the Trailside Bar. The center’s friendly, helpful staff includes experienced ski technicians, talented ski instructors as well as a professional and national/volunteer ski patrol. Learn more here.
Snowshoers and XC skiers share the trail here, but they also offer 11km of dedicated snowshoe trails.
Tahoe City’s Winter Sports Park
251 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Located in the heart of downtown Tahoe City, the Tahoe City Winter Sports Park is a one of a kind, all-inclusive winter recreation facility. The park offers a safe sledding hill, 4 km of cross country ski and snowshoe trails, and an ice skating rink. Trails are groomed daily with both traditional cross country ski tracks and wide lane for skate skiing. After your day in the snow grab a bite to eat at Cafe Zenon, the onsite restaurant. Learn more here
Snowshoers and XC skiers share the trail here.
Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area
925 Country Club Dr, Tahoe City, CA 96145
For the cross country skier and snowshoer visiting the Tahoe area, Tahoe Cross Country offers a high quality recreation experience for all ability levels. The 65 kilometer trail system is machine groomed daily with state of the art snow groomers. Twenty one separate trails lead skiers and snowshoers through beautiful Ponderosa Pine and White Fir forest, into open meadows, and up to stunning views of Lake Tahoe and its surrounding peaks. 3 trailside warming huts provide ideal locations for getting out of the weather, enjoying a break and a free hot chocolate or tea. 8 kilometers of dog friendly trails allow families to include the entire family during their visit to the snow for healthy outdoor recreation. Learn more here
Snowshoers and XC skiers share the trail here, but they also offer nearly 4km of dedicated snowshoe trails.
