Winter 2009-10 Cross Country Lake Tahoe Skiing
Seven Resorts Offer Nordic Skiing Through Winter Wonderland
Oct 20, 2009
The Tahoe Basin’s seven cross-country ski resorts range from small operations with less than 20 trails to Royal Gorge and Spooner Lake cross country ski areas, each with 9,000 acres of terrain. The cross country ski places are different as far wayside sights are concerned, too, with mountain peaks, three lakes, a number of creeks, forests of aspen and pine on the scenic bill of fare.
Kirkwood Cross Country & Snowshoe Center
Nestled in Alpine Valley, one-fifth of a mile from Kirkwood Downhill Ski Resort, the Cross Country Center features 80 kilometers of machine groomed trails, 60 percent of which are for intermediate skiers. There are three different interconnected trail systems, all of which have both snowshoe and skating lanes. Kirkwood Meadow consists of two five-kilometer loops, which can be accessed from both the north and south. Sierra Vista is part of an old favorite, the Schneider trail system which heads toward the area Snowshoe Thompson crossed 150 years ago. Caples Creek trail system consists of eight trails in an area inhabited by beaver, birds of prey, ducks, heron and small fur-bearing creatures.
Northstar-at-Tahoe Cross Country Ski Center
The 1,500-acre Nordic center at Northstar contains 50 kilometers of groomed, scenic trails, with viewpoints including vistas of Lake Tahoe and the Martis Valley. Lessons in all styles of cross-country skiing – Telemark, striding and skating – are conducted by PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) certified instructors. The facility’s three warming huts offer not only a place to get warm, but also free water and hot drinks. The cross-country ski and snowshoe center at Northstar is located at mid-mountain just past the ski and snowshoe schools.
Resort at Squaw Creek
With 18 groomed kilometers at 6,200 feet, Resort at Squaw Creek is an especially good place for skiers new to cross country. In fact, 60 percent of the trails are classified as beginners. The longest of the 14 trails is three kilometers. Mountain Buddies is the fully supervised activities camp for children four to 12. Full moon snowshoe and cross-country ski tours are Squaw Creek’s special attractions.
Royal Gorge
North America’s largest cross-country ski resort, Royal Gorge offers more than 9,000 acres if skiing terrain, eight warming huts, three trailside cafes and two overnight lodges. Longest of the 62 trails – half of which are classified as intermediate – has a five- kilometer run. The bonuses at this resort are spectacular views. To the west of the Point Mariah trail viewpoint is the 4,417-foot-deep Royal Gorge. The snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada Crest lie north and east.
Spooner Lake Cross Country Ski Area
Spooner Laek is the closest cross-country ski area to South Lake Tahoe. Located on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, it’s 12 miles from the Stateline casinos. More than 80 kilometers of groomed trails on 9,000 acres are almost equally divided according to ability levels. Amenities include a day lodge with fireplace and two overnight Scandinavian-style wilderness cabins. The Spooner Lake trails wind through aspen groves and along creeks. Trails near Marlette Lake offer views of Lake Tahoe and Nevada’s Washoe Valley.
Tahoe Cross Country
One of the smallest of the cross-country operations, Tahoe has 65 groomed km Located on Lake Tahoe's North Shore, amenities include a day lodge and café. Weekend and holiday lessons are available for youngsters five to nine years old. The resort is known for its special events, which include an annual ski swap in November and gourmet ski tour in March. Tahoe Cross Country is also the starting point of the Great Ski Race. The race (to be held for the 33rd year on March 7, 2010) is a 30 kilometer cross-country dash to Truckee, which benefits Tahoe Nordic Ski and Rescue.
Tahoe Donner Cross-Country
With a projected opening on Thanksgiving Day (November 26),theTahoe Donner Cross Country Center – like the Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Area -- is operated by the Tahoe Donner Association. The cross-country resort features 104 groomed kilometers and 51 trails. Among special events are an orienteering session and three night skiing races in January.
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