Kick and glide

Cross-Country Skiing at Lake Tahoe

Cross-country skiing here dates back to the mid-1850s when famed skier Snowshoe Thompson carried mail across the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Over 160 years later, cross-country skiing still thrives in South Lake Tahoe.

Winter trails at South Lake Tahoe Cross Country Skiing Lake Tahoe

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It’s a different pace on cross-country skis. One that lets you get up close and personal with Lake Tahoe’s forested trails, untrammeled meadows, and snowy shores. If you’re looking for a new kind of adventure, give cross-country skiing a try.

While you’ll find groomed trails at select resorts like Kirkwood and Hope Valley, most trails are on public lands and are ungroomed, best suited for classic striding cross-country. It’s not unusual to find established tracks, as these spots are popular. 

Discover another side of Lake Tahoe on cross-country skis.

Cross-country skiing is great if you live in a small country.

Steven Wright

It’s a sunny spring day.
The temperature is 63°F.
Ready to enjoy the mountains?

Have fun, be safe

Lake Tahoe is in the mountains and at elevation and cross-country skiing is highly aerobic, so be prepared for an adventure and a workout. Even the easy trails can be strenuous! With that in mind, you’ll want to bring water, snacks, and extra layers. And while most of these areas are dog-friendly, please respect leash laws and pick up after your pooch. When you recreate responsibly, not only does it ensure you have a memorable cross-country ski adventure, but it means that others can, too.

cross country skiing south lake tahoe
Cross country skiing along Baldwin Beach in South Lake Tahoe, CA | Photo by Jared Manninen

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