Camp Richardson Ski Center: 35 kms of groomed trails on the beach and other marked trails into Desolation Wilderness. Lodging/cross-country ski packages, lessons and rentals. Off Hwy. 89 on the way to Emerald Bay, South Lake Tahoe. 530-541-1801
Eagle Mountain Cross-Country Ski: One of the best-kept secrets in the Sierras. The most technically advanced rental system in the world with a trail system to match. Views of unspoiled wilderness. Twenty-nine groomed trails of 86 kms on privately owned land. Their café serves cappuccinos and lattes. Located off I-80, one hour from Sacramento at the Yuba Gap exit. 530-389-2254 or 800-391-2254
Hope Valley XC: 25 kms of groomed trails and 75 kms of marked trails past mountain peaks. Children enjoy “Troll Tracks,” a mini-ski area. Full-moon guided tours, wildlife tours and back-country skills seminars. No trail fees charged, but they rely on donations. Lessons and rentals. Take SR 89 south from South Lake Tahoe, left on SR 88. 800-423-9949 or 530-694-2203
Kirkwood XC: 80 kms of groomed track, double set for diagonal striding with skating lanes. Kids love the entertaining and educational Kiddie Kilometer. Lessons, rentals, guided tours. Take Hwy. 50 to SR 89 south from South Lake Tahoe, right on SR 88 West. 209-258-7248
North Tahoe Regional Park: 11 kms of informal trails wind through the snow-covered pines and past views of Lake Tahoe. Off Hwy. 28 in Kings Beach. 530-546-5043
Royal Gorge: Largest cross-country resort in the nation. Eighty-eight trails on 328 kms of machine-groomed track. Snowmaking for constant coverage. Four surface lifts carry skiers to challenging terrain. Enroll children 4-9 years in the Pee Wee Snow School. Lessons, rentals, guided tours. Take I-80 to Soda Springs exit. 530-426-3871
Spooner Lake: 21 trails on 91 kms of machine-groomed track. Try the “Tour of the Carson Range,” a 19-km backcountry loop trail. Rentals and lessons. On Hwy. 28,1/2 mile north of Hwy. 50. 775-749-5349 or 775-887-8844 |
