So, what are you waiting for? You spend countless hours committed to first tracks skiing and snowboarding at your favorite ski areas, or making predawn treks into the back country. But, if you’re never tried cross-country skiing or skating, you haven’t explored all that Tahoe has to offer in the winter.
From hundreds of kilometers of groomed tracks at local cross-country ski areas to endless miles of snow-covered meadows, mountain peaks and forest ripe for ski touring and snowshoeing, there’s no excuse not to give it a try. If you can walk, you can snowshoe. And, local cross-country ski areas offer a range of low-priced or free lessons. To help get you started, here’s some fun, Nordic events to try.
Snowshoe tours > Snowshoe tours are a popular way to explore the region with tours offered through the season with Tahoe Donner, Northstar, Sugar Pine Point State Park, Tahoe Adventure Company among the offerings.
Free demo days > Try some of the latest in cross-country gear during a free Demo Day at Royal Gorge on Jan. 2, with Tahoe Donner Cross Country hosting a free Demo Day on Jan. 3 and 10.
Full moon tour & dinner > Explore Royal Gorge’s trails under the full moon with a guided tour at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner on Jan. 4.
Community biathlon event > Everyone is invited to try biathlon, which combines target shooting and cross-country skiing, in the fun, Citizens Against the Clock event on Jan. 10 at Sugar Pine Point. This event is open to everyone and is free staring at 10 a.m. Participants will ski one lap of the 3km Blue Trail and shoot at a target 30 feet away with a safe, laser rifle at five electronic targets.
Meet near the entrance station in the campground side of the park. There is a parking fee of $10 per vehicle, but the program is free. Bring your own cross-country skis, or rent skis at a local sporting goods shop. Laser rifles and targets will be provided. The program will continue as a run and shoot if there is not enough snow.
Winter Trails Day > National Winter Trails Day on Jan. 10 features two, easy treks to encourage everyone to get out and try cross-country skiing and snowshoeing for free at Tahoe Donner Cross Country between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Enjoy snow safety presentations, gear demonstrations, snow shelter building, avalanche beacon scavenger hunts, snow science activities, snowman building, food, entertainment and more as part of the event. Free, but a $5 donation is suggested to benefit the Truckee High School Nordic Team. Bring your own equipment. RSVP rei.com/stores/sacramento.html.
Laser biathlon clinic > Tahoe Donner Cross Country hosts Laser Biathlon Clinics for ages 7 and older on Jan. 11.
For details on this and other Nordic events throughout the season, see Events and visit TheTahoeWeekly.com.
