Kick and glide
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.
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 cold cloudy day. ⛅
The temperature is 48°F.
Ready to bundle up & play?
Where to go?
Top XC Skiing Spots in South Lake Tahoe
Perfectly spaced tracks, groomed corduroy, and untracked powder. Open meadows and magical forests. Flat trails or rolling hills. The choice is yours. How do you cross-country ski?
More Cross-Country Skiing
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.
Insider Tips
Whether you fancy yourself more snow bunny than winter adventurer, you’ll find winter fun at your speed here. Discover your new favorite activity on our blog.
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