Nevada Nordic has something that every other cross-country skiing venue around Lake Tahoe doesn’t have: A base elevation of 8,200 feet, which is where the snow really comes down. Other Tahoe region cross-country ski areas are all located at least 1,000 feet lower, which given Tahoe’s weather patterns means a lot less snow.
The Nevada Nordic operates two trails systems. The primary one is situated just below Tahoe Meadows on the Mt. Rose Highway above Incline Village and have been regularly groomed since late November. I’ve skied up there several times as of this writing and found the trails provide an awesome skiing experience. They also operate a trail system at Spooner Lake State Park on the East Shore.
The Mt. Rose trail system, groomed for both skating and striding, heads up the Old Mt. Rose Highway, a decommissioned road that parallels the current Mt. Rose Highway. It’s about a kilometer and a half of steady uphill to the top but will feel longer since the air is pretty dang thin at 8,000 feet. I’m still in search of one of my lungs that I left on the trail. Give those lungs a break and stop along the way to look over the lodgepole pines to the north, toward Relay Peak, which is the highest point on the entire Tahoe Rim Trail. You can also get another breather at an opening that dishes out a nice glimpse of Lake Tahoe to the southwest.
About two-thirds of the way up the hill, you reach a loop to your right. It’s a fun trail that provides a pretty steep up and down that is suited to intermediate and above skiers. I prefer saving this trail for the end, once you’ve already conquered the biggest climb, so I keep plodding up the main trail to an open area where you meet a junction and a chance to relax. Here you find a series of four small loop trails that wind through the recently thinned forest. They are all pretty similar, less than a kilometer each, and suitable to most skiers: a bit of uphill followed by a bit of downhill. It’s beautiful and sunny in the scattered forest with occasional glimpses of the surrounding peaks.
On a recent outing, I skied all of the trails, including those little loops twice, and came in at 12.5 kilometers of skiing. Certainly, a long enough ski for an early season romp for a strong skate skier and a tiring morning for a beginner.
There is no lodge at Nevada Nordic. The ski area is operated through the nonprofit Nevada Nordic organization on a donation basis. The trails are groomed several times a week. Get the latest updates on grooming on the website or Facebook page. You can make a donation at nevadanordic.org. I’m guessing that the more folks donate, the more often they can afford to groom.
“We’re hoping to add more loops this winter as conditions permit,” said Nevada Nordic Board Member Peter Hanson. Nevada Nordic also has ambitious long-range hopes to build a cross-country ski lodge with off-highway parking near where the current trail system is operating.
“If, no when, that happens, we’d groom daily and require a trail pass,” said Hanson.
Since Spooner Lake Cross Country Ski Area closed nine years ago there has not been a true cross-country ski area in Nevada. Nevada Nordic would like to change that sad reality by building a lodge, as well as instituting programs for elementary and high school kids that would support both Incline Village and Reno-area schools.
To get to the Nevada Nordic trail system, take the Mt. Rose Highway (Highway 431), about 5 miles from Incline Village going toward Reno. Just past the 8,000-foot elevation sign you will see a pull out to the right, which is just before the road takes a right turn. Park here and walk along the road about 100 yards to the trailhead on your right behind the grooming machine. Looking to avoid that big climb? You can keep driving to just before reaching Tahoe Meadows and park along the road on the right. Then head into the forest to the south and soon you will reach the trail network.
The trails at Mt. Rose are open to snowshoers, fat bikes and leashed dogs; please stay off the tracks. Pack out all trash.
Spooner Lake trails
Nevada Nordic also recently started grooming the trails at Spooner Lake Tahoe Park on the East Shore.
The 5 km system of meandering trails wind through dense forest, across an open meadow and along the banks of Spooner Lake. The trail system is made possible by a partnership between Nevada State Parks and Nevada Nordic.
The scenic, intermediate trail includes varied flat and rolling terrain, which makes it great for both families and experienced skiers.
There is a $10 parking fee to use the trails at Spooner Lake State Park. Dogs are allowed on leash only but should stay off the groomed trails.
For updates on grooming at Mt. Rose and Spooner Lake, visit the website or Facebook. | InclineMeadowsXC on Facebook, nevadanordic.org
