When it comes to cross country skiing, Truckee sits at another level. Home to a plethora of award winning nordic centers and a vast network of backcountry trails to explore, it can be argued as one of the best places on the planet to strap on a pair of skis and glide away. If you’re tired of the fast paced flow of downhill skiing, cross country skiing in Tahoe - Truckee or even snowshoeing is the perfect antidote. Think of it as winter’s version of hiking… but better.

Types of XC in Truckee-Tahoe: Skate, Classic, Backcountry

Before we jump into where to go, let’s talk about three different cross country skiing styles. They differ mostly in specific technique and the type of equipment you need.

Start off with Classic. This technique is very similar to walking, just with skis on your feet and poles in your hands. Typically done on a groomed trail, this is where you’ll see the two parallel tracks next to each other. Out of the three styles, this is the most natural movement on skis and the perfect option for first timers.

Speed up with Skate style. Also called “free technique”, think of it as a cousin to rollerblading or ice skating. The key to the skating technique is the v-style: you create speed by pressing the edge of your ski into the snow, pushing hard against it. With proper technique, pros can get up to 20 mph on flat terrain.

Venture into the unknown in the Backcountry. As the name alludes, out of the three Truckee cross country styles, this where you leave the confines of groomed terrain. This is the most original form of Nordic Skiing and especially popular in Scandinavia. The “real cross country skiing”: simply stepping out your door, crossing fields, valleys, and woods!

Truckee XC Ski Centers

Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort

Season Passes

Ski the largest cross country ski resort in North America. Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort offers more than 140 kilometers of groomed ski trails and 6,000 acres of exhilarating terrain. Its eight distinct trail systems are known for their sweeping views of the Northern Sierra.

Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center

Season Passes

Tahoe Donner’s Cross Country Ski Center, located at Alder Creek Adventure Center, spans over 2,800 acres in the beautiful Sierra Nevada. When fully open, it offers more than 100 km of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails that wind through meadows, across creeks, and up to stunning alpine views. Each day, state-of-the-art grooming machines prepare the trails for classic and skate skiing, while dedicated snowshoe trails are marked and packed as conditions allow.

Northstar California

Glide off into the sunset at America’s best mid-mountain nordic center. Northstar’s nordic center is situated at 7,000 feet above sea level where you’ll find 35 kilometers of scenic trails perfect for cross country skiing in Tahoe, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, and more. Their easy and approachable terrain is perfect for all ages and ability levels so you and your family can enjoy the mountain together.

Everline Resort & Spa - Olympic Valley

Enjoy the world class slopes in the heart of Olympic Valley and then strap on a pair of nordic skis. The Everline Resort & Spa offers ski-in/ski-out access to Palisades Tahoe, sledding, and kilometers of groomed trails for beginners to expert nordic skiers.

North Lake Tahoe XC Ski Centers

Lake Tahoe is home to the greatest concentration of cross country ski centers in North America. Besides the ones listed above, there are a host of others on the north shore of Lake Tahoe. In Tahoe City, you'll find the Tahoe XC with 50+ km of groomed trails along with Tahoe City’s Winter Sports Park and Granlibakken resort. You also have the award winning nordic alpine club in Soda Springs - Auburn Ski Club Training Center.

Noteworthy Trails for Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Sometimes you have to go where there are no roads… or better yet, trails that are a bit more wild. Here’s a sampling of our favorites. Be it on a pair of skis or snowshoes, these are the epitome of the saying “the journey IS the reward.”

Donner Memorial State Park

Cross Country Ski Trail Map and Winter Activity Guide

No matter which trail you choose, they all begin (and end) at the Visitor Center within Donner Memorial State Park. First timers and those looking for a nice stroll in the woods will love the Lake Loop Trail (2.5 miles round trip). For a longer excursion, try venturing out along the Coldstream Trail and Upper Coldstream Trail and follow the route of the pioneers on the California Trail. Be aware that some trails are designated for cross country skiing and others for snowshoeing. Even so, snowshoers are allowed to walk along the side of ski trails.

Tahoe National Forest

For a bit wilder experience, step into the Tahoe National Forest. Right at your doorstep, you’ll find miles of roads and trails within the forest that offer excellent cross country skiing and snowshoeing. This is the wilderness which means most routes are not groomed and are not marked or signed. You are responsible for your own safety. The Tahoe National Forest winter recreation guide is a good resource to start with.

Experts can venture up to Donner Summit Sno-Park. An assortment of trails can be accessed from here. Options include routes such as a relatively flat 3-mile round trip journey to Azalea and Flora Lakes or spend a full day exploring the Castle Valley situated below Castle Peak and Andesite Peak. Beware this is a true mountain landscape which means avalanche danger could impact any of these routes and make them unsafe for travel. Be sure to check the day’s avalanche forecast on the Sierra Avalanche Center before venturing out. In addition, you must purchase a Sno-Park permit to visit.

Where To Buy or Rent Gear

Don’t own a pair of cross country skis or snowshoes? No problem. Truckee has a vast array of outdoor gear shops with premium gear and knowledgeable local service. Check out our Ski Shops & Outdoor Gear Stores page.

Featured Experience

The Great Ski Race^®

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Held annually the first weekend in March, this is one of the largest Nordic ski races west of the Mississippi. Inspired by the route Jack Starratt of Tahoe City took decades ago to deliver the mail when Tahoe was cut off from civilization by heavy snow. The course is a loop that starts and ends at the Tahoe Cross Country Center on machine-groomed trails with skating lanes and double tracks the entire 26 kilometers (~16.2 miles).

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