tahoe nordic ski guide 2015-16

snowshoeing tubing & sledding night skiing/snowshoeing dog friendly biathlon

nordic ski guidenordic ski guide

Winter 2015-16

Taho

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Presents

he ill-fated Donner Party suffered through the harsh winter of 1846-47 camped around Donner Lake and Truckee. The Donner Memorial State Park’s new 9,400-square-foot Visitor Center provides fascinating information on all those who have lived near or passed through this important transportation corridor.

The park features trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing nestled among towering pines, along historic emigrant trails on Donner Lake, as well as on Schallenberger Ridge, Donner Peak and into Coldstream Canyon. | parks.ca.gov

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lair Tappaan Lodge is located on Old Highway 40 near Donner Summit. Built by Sierra Club volunteers in 1934, the rustic, wood lodge is an inexpensive getaway offering overnight stays in the middle of heavy, snow country. Lodging is bunk/dorm style with family style breakfast and dinner prepared by the staff.

The Lodge grooms 14kms of mostly intermediate terrain for striding only behind the lodge in the area between Donner Ski Ranch and Boreal Resort. Trail

passes are $10, or free if you are staying at the lodge. Snowshoe and ski rentals are available.

Clair Tappaan can also be a starting point for a challenging multi-day trek via the Sierra Club’s back-country huts: Peter Grubb, Benson, Bradley and Ludlow. The four rustic huts form a chain from a few miles north of Donner Summit all the way to Richardson Lake just north of the Desolation Wilderness border. | clairtappaanlodge.com

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clair tappaan

amp Richardson, located between South Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay, has been a year-round resort for more than 100 years providing rentals in the lodge and cabins, as well as camping, boating and an ice cream shop.

Through the resort’s Mountain Sports Center, guests may rent skis or snowshoes to venture out on the 10km of groomed trails. Located on both sides of Highway 89, a portion of the trail network takes skiers

and snowshoers along the shore of Lake Tahoe.

When the day’s skiing is complete, walk out onto the pier, enjoy the lakefront pavilion or stroll along miles of sandy beach. Once you’ve built up an appetite, head to the popular waterfront restaurant, the Beacon Bar and Grill, for fine fare and its signature drink, the Rum Runner. | camprichardson.com

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donner memorial

camp richardson

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ormerly known as The Auburn Ski Club, the ASC Training Center dates back to 1928. It is next to Boreal Ski Resort at the top of Donner Summit, where the region’s deepest and most reliable snowpack can be found. It is a nonprofit, private ski area open for use by its members and for racers attending events.

A primary focus of ASC is training young athletes and it as a race venue for both local schools and adult races. It also is the home of the only year-round, Olympic-distance

biathlon range in the Western United States. In addition to clinics, several biathlon races are held each winter.

ASC has 20kms of groomed trails with short, steep up and downs and some longer, gentle sections. The trails sit in a deep forest, which shelters skiers from the wind, but also provides occasional views of Castle Peak. A season pass and membership is $100 for the year. Membership includes five free night ski passes to Boreal, discounts at a number of other local cross-country ski resorts, and access to a host of training programs for both children and adults.

This year, you can ski under the lights on a 1-km loop through the stadium. To start, the lights will be on Wednesday to Friday nights until 8 p.m. through Feb. 19. | auburnskiclub.org

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asc training

L O D G E

C E N T E R

S T A T E P A R K

Clai

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Lod

ge

Cam

p Ri

char

dson

4060

0NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

% of terrain

kilometers

13

# of trails

7

grooming

13km

warming huts

0

NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

% of terrain

50

2030

kilometers

20

# of trails

10

grooming

20km

warming huts

1

kilometers

16+

# of trails

5

grooming

no

warming huts

0


% of terrain

20

67

13

kilometers

35

# of trails

6+

grooming

10km

warming huts

0

CA

TH

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WA

RD

OVER THE MEADOW AND THROUGH THE WOODS.

200K M T R A I L S Y S T E M T H E M O S T S N O W I N TA H O E 200K M T R A I L S Y S T E M T H E M O S T S N O W I N TA H O E

North America’s largest XC ski resort, Royal Gorge offers 200km of groomed trails across 6,000 acres of pristine terrain on six distinct track systems featuring nine different warming huts, seamlessly integrated with the Village at Sugar Bowl. For more info, visit royalgorge.com

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a ope Valley Outdoors is a

sustainable, off -the-grid, solar-powered yurt off ering rentals, lessons and guided tours for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or back-country skiing. Th ey off er more than 60 miles of marked trails with 20 miles of groomed trails with no trail fee (a $10 donation is recommended). Hope Valley off ers rentals and lessons for cross-country, telemark skiing and snowshoeing, as well as Moonlight Expeditions. Due to the remote location (and lack

of phone service), Hope Valley only accepts cash and checks.

Hope Valley Outdoors is located at Pickett’s Junctions (look for the yurt) at the intersection of Highways 88 and 89, southwest of South Lake Tahoe. Dogs are always welcome on the trails. Th e ski area is just a short drive from Kirkwood Mountain Resort and Grover Hot Springs State Park, and there is lodging available at nearby Sorensen’s Resort. | hopevalleycrosscountry.com

h ranlibakken off ers access

to Page Meadows and other West Shore locations for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on ungroomed trails, including a portion of the Tahoe Rim Trail.

Granlibakken’s warming hut and ski hill is open daily, with cross-country and snowshoe rentals available at the rental shop. Th ere is no fee for trail access, but a ticket is required to

use the lift. Th e cross-country trails are accessible daily, with lift access available Friday through Sunday and on holi-days. After a day of sledding or skiing, check out the après food and drinks in the family friendly Cedar House Pub in the Main Lodge. Th e Pub is only open during the winter season. | granlibakken.com

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hope valleygranlibakkenO U T D O O R S

75

25

0NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED

% of terrain

kilometers

7.5

# of trails

2

grooming

no

warming huts

1

miles

60

grooming

20 miles

warming huts

0

Free Nordic Skiing on 20 Kilometers of Groomed Trails

ED Z'BERG SUGAR PINE POINT STATE PARK

Cross Country Ski Trails(parking fee)

SNOWPHONEfor up-to-date trail information

(530) 525-7982

SierraStateParks.orgParks.ca.gov/?page_id=510

SierraStateParks.orgDonate to Fund the Fun

outh Lake Tahoe’s community college offers up to 7kms of groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing adjacent to the campus. Season passes are $29 per person or $49 for a family, or you can pay a day use

fee of only $5. Cross-country and snowshoe workshops are also available through CONNECT Community Education. | facebook.com/ltccconnect

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lake tahoeC O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E

kilometers

7

# of trails

5

grooming

7km

warming huts

0

irkwood Cross-Country Ski Area is located near Kirk-wood Mountain Resort about 25 miles southwest of South Lake Tahoe. At nearly 8,000 feet in ele- vation, it is best known for the cop- ious quantities of snow it receives.

The trails provide some of the most spectacular mountain views to be found in any cross-country area in the region. There are three trail systems to choose from, each with its own highlights and delights, and three trailside huts to enjoy.

The Caples Creek Trail System is located behind the lodge next to the historic Kirkwood Inn (an ex-cellent spot for an after or before ski meal). Designed to appeal to a variety of ability levels, this trail system provides interesting short loops near Caples Creek and meadow, and passes ancient Juniper trees.

The Meadow Trail System lies across Highway 88 from the lodge. It includes several nearly level loops through the Kirkwood Valley. These trails are perfect for beginners or skate skiers looking to ski some laps.

The Schneider Trail System may be accessed either via the Agony or Ecstasy Trails, or by driving several miles from the main lodge to the trailhead above Caples Lake. It’s all uphill from the trailhead, but these trails are the highlight of the resort, providing spectacular views to the south of Elephant’s Back, Round Top mountain, Caples Lake and Kirkwood Resort. The further you climb toward Coyote Pass, the better the views get.

Kirkwood Cross-Country has Kiddy Kilometer, a 1-km loop lined with life-sized animal cut outs and flip up signs that are designed to keep the kids moving forward. They also provide several kilomet-ers of trails available for those who bring their dogs. Every Sunday, join the Soup and Shoe, a guided snowshoe tour followed by soup at the historic Kirkwood Inn. | kirkwood.com

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kirkwood


% of terrain

60

20 20

kilometers

80

# of trails

24

grooming

80km

warming huts

3

Kirk

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C R O S S - C O U N T R Y S K I A R E A

Aar

on R

osen

| N

orth

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orthstar provides 35km of groomed trails, rentals and lessons. The lodge is located at mid- mountain, where guests will find a fireplace, full wax facilities, and a sunny patio complete with Adirondack chairs and a fire pit.

The trail system includes terrain for all ability levels, meanders through scenic forests and provides great vistas of Martis Valley and Lake Tahoe. The trails access warming huts, which are stocked daily with hot chocolate and tea.

While the nearby downhill trails may be bustling with energy, you can find peace and quiet on the beautifully groomed, but lightly used, Nordic trails. A favorite route is to take the

relatively easy Tahoe trail to a view of Lake Tahoe, then return via the more challenging Timbuktu trail. Snowshoe tours are offered throughout the season, including family afternoon tours, star tours, full moon tours and twilight tours.

The cross-country trail system is accessible by the Big Springs Gondola or the Village Express lift. Those with a season pass and equipment may load the Village Express lift, while others need to purchase a pass at the Season Pass office and ride the Gondola. From the top of the Gondola, the lodge is located 150 yards to the left. | northstarcalifornia.com

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northstarC A L I F O R N I A


% of terrain

3247

21

kilometers

35

# of trails

18

grooming

35km

warming huts

2

he North Tahoe Regional Park, located off National Avenue in Tahoe Vista, offers 11km of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing throughout the winter season. The trails are maintained by the North Tahoe Public Utility District, with grooming based on snow conditions and demand. Generally, the trails are groomed on Fridays and Mondays. To get the latest grooming information,

visit the North Tahoe Regional Park Facebook page.

Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails. Trail maps are available at the North Tahoe Event Center in Kings Beach. Parking is $5 (free for NTPUD residents). Use of the trails is free, although donations are ac-cepted to defray grooming costs. | northtahoeparks.com

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north tahoeR E G I O N A L P A R K


% of terrain

5045

5

kilometers

11

grooming

11km

warming huts

0

Roya

l Gor

ge

oyal Gorge is the largest cross-country ski resort in the United States and has been ranked No. 1 by Snow Country Magazine. The resort offers a tremendous variety of striding, skating, snowshoeing and telemarking opportunities, along with snowkiting.

Royal Gorge provides more than 200km of groomed trails across 6,000 acres on six track systems. There are eight warm-ing huts, as well as the expansive Summit Station Lodge.

Trail highlights include the Snow Mountain Trail with its views of Devil’s Peak; the trail to Point Mariah, where the 360-degree panorama includes the 4,000-foot deep Royal Gorge

itself; and the Razorback Trail, which follows a narrow ridge line atop the crest of the Sierra.

The Truckee Donner Land Trust owns the resort and Sugar Bowl Ski Resort manages it. Food service is available in the Summit Station Lodge and on weekends at the Wildy Cafe, located above the frozen shore of Kilbourn Lake, where the Yuba Trail and Palisade Trail meet.

California’s first resort-based snowkiting school, The Sierra Snowkite Center, operates in the consistent wind and flat conditions at the Van Norden Mea- dow. They provide lessons, rentals and custom snowkite trips. | royalgorge.com

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royal gorge


% of terrain

5032

18

kilometers

200+

# of trails

60

grooming

200km+

warming huts

9

Nic

ole

Ches

lock

ituated at Squaw Meadow, the Resort at Squaw Creek offers 18km of groomed trails spread over 400 acres, just out-side the back door of the resort. The skiing is mostly beginner terrain through the meadows, with a few more challenging trails in the trees. The trails are groomed for both skaters and striders.

The Resort offers group and private lessons daily with equipment rentals available at the Nordic Center Yurt. Guided snowshoe tours are offered, along with horse-drawn sleigh rides and dog sled tours. After skiing, the extensive restaurant and spa offerings of the resort are just steps away. | squawcreek.com

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squaw creekC R O S S - C O U N T R Y

kilometers

18

# of trails

9

grooming

18km

warming huts

1


% of terrain

25

60

15

ASC TRAINING CENTER (530) 426-3313 | auburnskiclub.org

Open 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wed.-Sun. Biathlon range, ski jumping hills.

KIRKWOOD (209) 258-7248 | kirkwood.com

3 trail systems. Two dog-friendly trails.

SQUAW CREEK CROSS COUNTRY (530) 583-6300, x6631 | squawcreek.com

Guided snowshoe tours. Dog sledding & sleigh rides.

TAHOE DONNER CROSS COUNTRY (530) 587-9444, x2 | tahoedonner.com

Open 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Opens at 7 a.m. for passhold-ers Mon.-Fri. (non-storm days only). *Weekends & holidays.

TAHOE CITY WINTER SPORTS PARK (530) 583-1516 | wintersportspark.com

Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri.-Sun. until March 30. Trails open with no rentals all other days. Night skiing every Saturday until 8 p.m. Sledding.

NORTH TAHOE REGIONAL PARK (530) 546-5043 | northtahoeparks.com

Maps available at North Tahoe Event Center, Kings Beach. Sled hill, snow play area.

GRANLIBAKKEN SKI AREA (800) 543-3221 | granlibakken.com

Open Fri.-Sun. & holidays. Tubing area & warming hut open daily.

CLAIR TAPPAAN LODGE (530) 426-3632 | clairtappaanlodge.com

Free shuttle to Soda Springs, Donner Ski Ranch & Sugar Bowl. Overnight wilderness huts.

CAMP RICHARDSON (530) 542-6584 | camprichardson.com

9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Cross-country & snowshoe rentals. Guided ski tours.

BIJOU CROSS-COUNTRY (530) 542-6056

NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA (530) 542-6584 | northstarcalifornia.com

Telemark, track, skating lessons daily. Trail fee includes Gondola. Nordic geocaching. Alpine ticket exchangeable for trail pass.

LAKE TAHOE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (530) 541-4660 x717

Groomed several times a week.

ROYAL GORGE (530) 426-3871 | royalgorge.com

Open 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Day lodge & 3 cafés along trail. Offers snowbiking & snowkiting.

SUGAR PINE POINT (530) 525-7982 | parks.ca.gov

Winter camping (call for availability). Guided cross-country and snowshoe tours offered Jan. to March.

TAHOE CROSS COUNTRY (530) 583-5475 | tahoexc.org

Open 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Free skate lessons Wed., Sat. & Sun.; free beginner cross-country lessons Thurs. $18 Nordic Neighbor pass.

DONNER MEMORIAL STATE PARK (530) 587-7892 | parks.ca.gov

Winter nature trail. Trail guides in museum.

HOPE VALLEY OUTDOORS (530) 694-2266 | hopevalleyoutdoors.com

Snowshoe & cross-country lessons, rentals (cash or check only).

••N/A

Trails 6+

KM 35

Groomed 10 KM

••

Novice 67%

Intermediate 20%

Advanced 13%

Trails 5

KM 16+

Groomed None

•2•

Novice 47%

Intermediate 32%

Advanced 21%

Trails 18

KM 35

Acres 600

Groomed 35 KM

•N/A

Trails 5

KM 7

Groomed 7 KM

••N/A

Trails 5

KM 20

Groomed 13.6 KM

•••9•

Novice 32%

Intermediate 50%

Advanced 18%

Trails 60

KM 200+

Acres 7,500

Groomed 200+ KM

••3•

Novice 20%

Intermediate 50%

Advanced 30%

Trails 23

KM 65

Acres 3,000

Groomed 65 KM

•••N/ATrails 60 miles

Groomed 20 miles

1

Novice 20%

Intermediate 50%

Advanced 30%

Trails 10

KM 20

Acres 500

Groomed 20 KM

N/AKM 4

•

Novice 60%

Intermediate 40%

Advanced 0%

Trails 7

KM 13

Groomed 13 KM

1

Novice 25%

Intermediate 75%

Advanced 0%

Trails 2

KM 7.5

Groomed None

•••3•

Novice 20%

Intermediate 60%

Advanced 20%

Trails 24

KM 80

Acres 4,200

Groomed 80 KM

•

Novice 45%

Intermediate 50%

Advanced 5%

KM 11

Groomed 11 KM

••2•

Novice 60%

Intermediate 25%

Advanced 15%

Trails 9

KM 18

Acres 400

Groomed 18 KM

••N/A

Trails 2

KM 4

Groomed 3 KM

•••5•*

Novice 18%

Intermediate 20%

Advanced 11%

Expert 1%

Trails 56

KM 100+

Acres 4,800

Groomed 100+ KM

*Ski areas open depending on conditions. TRAILS TERRAIN CH

ILDR

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Cross-Country Skiing

ugar Pine Point State Park provides nearly 14km of marked cross-country trails within the park. Guests may ski on the marked Yellow and Orange Trails next to the shore of Lake Tahoe on the east side of Highway 89, or enjoy a more lengthy ski on the groomed Blue and Red trails on the west side of the highway. The red trail loop follows the course of the Nordic events at the 1960 Winter Olympics. Be sure and stop to read the interpretative panels along this section of trail, which provide information

on the park’s Nordic Olympic history. With a few short exceptions, the trails are mostly level and are well suited for beginning cross-country skiers or snowshoers. The groomed trail sections are groomed several times per week.

The park provides a limited number of first-come, first-served campsites during the winter months, when Rangers also offer a variety of guided snowshoe tours. | parks.ca.gov

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sugar pine pointS T A T E P A R K

kilometers

20

# of trails

5

grooming

13.6km

warming huts

0Ca

lifor

nia

Stat

e Pa

rks

Calif

orni

a St

ate

Park

s

ocated on the summer grounds of the Tahoe City Golf Course, the Winter Sports Park provides 4kms of beginner trails groomed for skating and striding, as well as a separate loop for snowshoers and walkers. Since the trails are groomed over grass, the park can provide excellent skiing conditions on just a few inches of snow.

The park is open daily during holiday periods, and Friday through Sunday during the rest of the winter. When the lodge is closed midweek, the trails are

still groomed, and donations are encouraged to defer costs.

Ski rentals and lessons are available when the facility is open. Food service is provided at the Tahoe City Golf Course lodge, where guests will also find a bar and outside fire pit. The fenced sled hill is an additional attraction, with sleds included in the $10 fee. Season passholders at Tahoe Cross-Country Ski Area also get free access to the Winter Sports Park. | tahoexc.org

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tahoe city winterS P O R T S P A R K

kilometers

4

# of trails

2

grooming

3km

warming huts

0

Taho

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KINGS BEACH8299 N. Lake Blvd.

CA 94143530 546-5800

SQUAW VALLEY3039 Highway 89

CA 96146530 583-5665

TRUCKEE10200 Donner Pass Rd.

CA 96160530 582-0900

TAHOE CITY590/600 N. Lake Blvd.

CA 96145530 583-6415

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Taho

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oss

Coun

try

ahoe Cross Country offers a diverse network of trails that lead past spectacular lake views, through deep forests and along the edge of meadows. It’s a popular place among locals because of its friendly, low-key atmosphere and focus on top-notch grooming.

The ski area offers equipment rentals for all levels of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and a variety of lessons. There are free beginner striding lessons on Thursday, free beginner skate skiing lessons on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, and free intermediate level skate ski lessons on Tuesdays. Hungry? Stop at the Free Heel Cafe for paninis, salads and soups. New events

and specials are frequently add-ed to the schedule. Get on the tahoexc.org e-mail list to get the latest updates.

Favorite trails include the Bronze Trail, with it’s fun, curvy downhill, and the Red Trail which winds around Antone Meadows. The Lakeview Trail lives up to its name, climbing to a picnic table overlooking an awesome view of Lake Tahoe. Three trails with 7.5km of skiing allow dogs Monday to Friday all day, and on weekends from 3 to 5 pm. Tahoe XC has three huts, which provide water and hot chocolate. The Silver Hut has a spectacular lake view. | tahoexc.org

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tahoe crossC O U N T R Y

kilometers

65

# of trails

23

grooming

65km

warming huts

3


% of terrain

50

2030

Taho

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onne

r Cro

ss C

ount

ry

ahoe Donner Cross-Country boasts a tremendous diver-sity of trails from long glides through the Euer Valley, to a steep ascent to the summit of Hawks Peak. Skiers can roll through the aspens, or enjoy the mountain views from open ridgelines.

This year, Tahoe Donner has unveiled its new lodge, also known as the Alder Creek Adventure Center, as it will be the location for equestrian and biking activities in the summer. It’s a large mountain-style building with a rock fireplace

and excellent views toward Hawks Peak. It includes a streamlined new rental facility, lockers and showers for season pass holders, a large waxing area and an expanded Alder Creek Cafe with new menu and full bar next to the fireplace.

A trail highlight is the long ski to the Drifter Hut, where top-of-the Sierra views await (and a much-needed chance to catch your breath). Another favorite is the steep ascent up Crabtree Canyon. Ready to take it a bit easier? Enjoy a long, slow glide through the lovely Euer Valley on the Last Round Up Trail. Tahoe Donner has four huts placed throughout the trail system, and the Cookhouse Cafe, located on the trail in the middle of Euer Valley, provides food service on weekends.

Dog lovers may buy a pass to ski with their dogs on 3km of designated trails including Cup of Tea, Piece of Cake and Dogonit. | tahoedonner.com

t

tahoe donnerC R O S S C O U N T R Y

kilometers

100+

# of trails

56

grooming

100km+

warming huts

5

NOVICE | INTERMEDIATE | ADVANCED | EXPERT

% of terrain

20181

11

tahoe nordic ski guide 2015-16

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