Tahoe XC Cross-Country Ski Area
Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area, located in North Lake Tahoe, California, is conveniently situated just 2.5 miles from downtown Tahoe City. For 25 years the 65km Tahoe XC trail system has been a favorite among Nordic skiers, wandering through dense forests and open meadows, and up to spectacular panoramic views of Lake Tahoe.
Main Mountain Trail Map
| Skiing | |
|---|---|
| Lifts |
0 |
| Acres |
3500 |
| Vertical drop |
750 |
| Summit el. |
7300 |
| Base el. |
6550 |
| Longest trail |
15 km |
| Avg snowfall |
300" |
| Machine-made snowfall |
No |
| Terrain | |
| % Beginner |
20 |
| % Intermediate |
40 |
| % Adv/expert |
40 |
| Cross-Country | |
| Trails | 20 |
| Km of trails | 65 |
| Km groomed |
65 |
| Skating lanes |
Yes |
| Side tracks |
Yes |
Activities
For more information about activities at Alpine Meadows, see our directory or visit Tahoe XC .
Day Lodge, Cafe, Rentals
The day lodge at 6,550 feet is the starting point of a wonderful skiing experience. Comfortable furniture surrounds the wood burning stove, a perfect place for relaxing by the fire and enjoying an espresso from the cafe. Sandwiches, snacks and drinks are available all day. Visitors are welcome to bring their own lunch and enjoy the dining area or the sun deck. The day lodge also houses the Fischer/Salomon Rental Center, with equipment for all ages and abilities. The Fischer Demo Center allows skiers to sample the latest in cross country ski technology and performance. Choose from skate skis, diagonal stride skis, snowshoes, and pull behind sleds that allow skiers to tow their children behind them so they can be a part of the day tour. Rentals are available from 8:30-4:00 daily.
Ski School
The Ski School at Tahoe XC has something for everyone, ages 5 to 75+. For first timers, the adult Learn-to-Ski packages include ski equipment, trail pass and lesson for only $44.00. Tahoe XC instructors, trained through the Professional Ski Instructors Association, will take you to the next level in skate skiing and diagonal stride, even downhill skills and Telemark skiing. Group lessons are scheduled at 10:30 and 1:00. Private lessons are also available.
Trails and Warming Huts
Tahoe XC's trail system is known for being "user friendly" and great for all skiing abilities. Bombardier's state-of-the-art grooming machinery produces the best possible skiing conditions each day. The trails start in open, flat meadows, perfect for getting accustomed to the sport. As skiers work their way out, the terrain rolls and wanders up and down, for exhilarating downhills and challenging climbs that reward skiers and snowshoers with superb views of Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in the United States. The two trail side warming huts are perfect for having lunch, taking a break and making a complimentary cup of hot chocolate or tea.
Ski With Your Dog
Dogs are welcome at Tahoe XC Monday through Friday 8:30-5:00, and weekends and holidays 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. We offer two dog friendly trails, Blue Trail and Special Green Trail, totaling 8km or 5 miles. Dog passes are $3.00 per dog, two dogs per party maximum. Poop bags are provided, always pick up after your dog. Remember, your dog's behavior is your responsibility. Leashes are required at the trailhead and parking lot. Skijoring is not allowed at Tahoe Cross Country.
Special Events
Full moon ski tours, skijoring clinics, races, barbecues and more, Tahoe XC offers a season full of special events. Don't miss the Great Ski Race in March, the biggest cross country race west of the Mississippi! Over 800 racers and not-so-serious skiers take the 18 mile race/tour from Tahoe XC to Truckee, for a great meal and band at the end. An annual Tahoe event that should not be missed.
Logistics
Hours
Tahoe XC is open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing seven days a week from 8:30-5:00.
Trail Passes
Available daily, afternoon rates available after 12:30pm. Special rates on 10-packs of tickets.
Information
(530) 583-5475
Equipment Rental
Available daily at the day lodge
Physical Address
Lake Tahoe XC
925 Country Club Drive
Tahoe City, CA 96145
Directions
By Plane
Frequent commercial service by most major and regional carriers to Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
All-Weather Highway Access
From Reno to South Lake Tahoe:
SR 395 south to U.S. HWY 50 west
58 miles, 1.25 hours
From South Lake Tahoe:
SR 89 north, SR 28 north to Tahoe City, two miles east of downtown Tahoe City exit at Dollar Hill, turn onto Fabian Way at the 7-Eleven, right on Village Drive, left on Country Club Drive.
29 miles, .45 hours
From San Francisco:
I-80 east, SR 89 south to Tahoe City, two miles east of downtown Tahoe City exit at Dollar Hill, turn onto Fabian Way at the 7-Eleven, right on Village Drive, left on Country Club Drive.
180 miles, 3.0 hours
From Sacramento:
I-80 east, SR 89 south to Tahoe City, two miles east of downtown Tahoe City exit at Dollar Hill, turn onto Fabian Way at the 7-Eleven, right on Village Drive, left on Country Club Drive.
100 miles, 2.0 hours
