FOR A FULL LIST OF STATS AND AMENITIES OFFERED BY EACH RESORT OR AREA, PLEASE SEE THE DIGITAL EDITION.
NOTE: As of press time, Camp Richardson Resort, Hope Valley Outdoors, Lake Tahoe Community College trails and Resort at Squaw Creek were not operating. Follow us @TheTahoeWeekly on Facebook and Instagram for updates on winter operations for these areas.
Auburn Ski Club Training Center
Events
an. 23 | Biathlon Challenge
Feb. 14-15 | Chuck Lyda Race
Feb. 20-21 | Nordic Races
The trails are open to the general public with the 25km trail system groomed nightly to competition standards providing an always-perfect snow surface. Its wide, overlapping loops for all abilities keeps skiers no more than 5km from the lodge with lots of terrain options. At 7,200 feet elevation, its season is the longest in the Sierra.
ASCTC is a national level training and racing venue hosting the XC Junior National Championships in 1971, 2005, 2009, 2015 and 2020. It offers youth programs in alpine, snowboard, cross-county and biathlon. Auburn Ski Club is one of the oldest winter sports organizations, founded in 1928.
Lodge limitations | The lodge will be closed, and guests will need to use their vehicles to put on gear and eat. As well, there will be no lockers. Portable toilets will be available at the Green Building.
Passholder access | Trail passes will be color-coded this year, and staff will perform routine checks to ensure all skiers are passholders. There will be times when blue-colored passes are blacked out and unusable, mostly during weekend mornings and race days. Too many skiers or limited groomed runs may also trigger trail closures.
Day passes & equipment | Only season passes are available and daily rentals are not being offered.
Live webcam | Check the live webcam at asctrainingcenter.org/webcam
Bijou Community Park
Centrally located in South Lake Tahoe, Bijou features 4km of marked trails that is mostly flat and great for beginners at Bijou Community Park.
Free access | There is no fee for skiing or snowshoeing. No rentals or services are available on site.
Fun for all | The park features a historic railroad exhibit, skateboard park and fenced dog park.
(530) 542-6056
Clair Tappaan Lodge
Individuals and small groups can access the grounds for skiing, snowshoeing and walking this winter, but the lodge is closed for the winter. However, the trails are not being groomed this season, nor is the sled hill being grooming. There is no building access offered and no services available.
Large groups will be asked to leave, however, if they gather on the grounds following local and state guidelines. Masks and physical distancing is required on the property.
Lodging reopening | A tentative reopening of Clair Tappaan Lodge is scheduled for March 1, but that may change based on state restrictions. Reservations will be accepted starting Feb. 1; check the website for updates. During the closure, the Lodge is undergoing renovations. Hutchinson Lodge is also closed until summer.
Back-country huts closed | Sierra Club has closed its back-country hut system in the Sierra Nevada until at least April 1, which includes the Benson, Bradley, Ludlow and Peter Grubb huts.
The reservation system may reopen on Feb. 1 depending on current restrictions and hut reservations will be available online or by phone at (530) 426-3632 on a first-come, first-served basis.
Donner Memorial State Park
Donner Memorial State Park has more than 16km of trails throughout the park. Although the trails are not groomed, visitors can make his or her own route to Schallenberger Ridge, Coldstream Canyon or along the shores of Donner Lake.
Free trail access | Access to the trails is free; parking is $5 for the winter. Dogs are welcome but must be on leash.
Sierra history | The Visitor Center exhibits and theater are currently closed due to state restrictions, but the restrooms and gift shop with a great selection of local books are open.
Annual parking pass | Purchase a Tahoe Regional Parking Pass for $75 good at all of the state parks in the Tahoe region for a year – D.L. Bliss, Donner Memorial, Ed Z’Berg Sugar Pine Point, Emerald Bay and Kings Beach State Recreation Area.
Donner Project | The Sierra State Parks Foundation is currently fundraising to restore the more than 100-year-old Pioneer Monument at the park. The Pioneer Monument was dedicated on June 6, 1918, and was erected in honor of all who made the difficult trek across the western plains and mountains to reach California during the 1840s. Donate at sierrastateparks.org
Granlibakken
Cross-country skiers and snowshoers can explore the historic resort’s 74 acres. Follow a 1.5-mile trail around the property and a groomed access trail to Paige Meadows (flat-groomed, without stride-skiing tracks) when weather and snow conditions permit.
Resort access | All guests must purchase both sledding and ski lift tickets online. Guests will be able to make reservations for 1.5-hour sledding time blocks. The ski hill will be open and offering learn-to-ski lessons for private groups and/or families.
Dining | The Cedar House Pub is open for to-go orders with ordering available online.
Kids ski & sled free | Kids younger than 3 ski and sled for free.
Treetop adventures | The Tahoe City Treetop Park offers 97 tree platforms within a secluded forest with large pine trees and old-growth cedars with 27 zip lines and 60 bridges/events to accommodate participants ages 5 and older. Book a session at tahoetreetop.com.
Grover Hot Springs State Park
Grover Hot Springs is open for day use and visitors may snowshoe or ski on the of trails in the park. There are no groomed ski trails in the park, but snowshoeing to Grover Falls is a popular outing at the park. Call in advance to check on snow conditions. Parking is $8.
Hot springs access | The hot springs are open year-round with access available using an online pool reservation system at reservecalifornia.com. The springs were still closed as of press time due to state restrictions but check with the park for updates on reopening. Check the schedule by calling (530) 694-2249.
Winter camping | Winter camping is available at the park on a first-come, first-served basis for tents and RVs with access to water and restrooms. The campground was still closed as of press time due to state restrictions but check with the park for updates on reopening.
Dogs OK | Dogs are allowed on leash in the park.
Kirkwood’s Cross Country & Snowshoe Center
Offering 60km of groomed trails at 7,800 feet, Kirkwood features three interconnected trail systems and two trailhead facilities with parking areas. Reservations are required for all guests for the season at all Vail Resorts.
Lift tickets | There will be no in-person ticket sales. All sales will be online only. Lessons are also being offered by advance reservation only.
Cashless | All transactions will be cashless this year at all Vail Resorts.
Dining | The nearby historic Kirkwood Inn was closed as of press time but limited to-go options are available in the valley at Monte Wolfe, the General Store and at Timber Creek.
Fat Bikes | Rent a fat bike or bring your own to explore three interconnected trail systems.
Dogs welcome | Dogs are allowed on the High Trail located behind the Kirkwood Inn and the Outer Loop on the meadow.
Nevada Nordic
Nevada Nordic is a nonprofit organization bringing a groomed cross-country ski presence back to the state of Nevada. Trails are offered at several locations in the region and are groomed and open depending on conditions. Donations are needed to continue to offer groomed trails and may be made online.
Tahoe Meadows | Trails are operated at Tahoe Meadows near the Mount Rose summit off Highway 431 with 2km of groomed skating and striding trails. Dogs are allowed on the trails, but owners must pack out all dog waste.
Parking is available along Highway 431 on either end of the trail system. There is no parking fee and detailed driving instructions are available on the website.
Spooner Lake | When conditions permit, skating trails will be groomed by volunteers at Spooner Lake State Park on the East Shore with a new PistenBully 130 the group has been waiting to be delivered. State Parks will need to determine if and where snow levels are sufficient to permit grooming. There is a $10 parking fee.
Check for updates and grooming reports at facebook.com/inclinemeadowsxc.
Northstar Cross Country, Telemark and Snowshoe Center
Northstar California provides 32.5km of Nordic terrain right in the middle of a world-class downhill ski resort. Reservations are required for all guests for the season at all Vail Resorts.
Lift tickets | There will be no in-person ticket sales. All sales will be online only. Lessons are also being offered by advance reservation only.
Cashless | All transactions will be cashless this year at all Vail Resorts.
Dining | A numbers of to-go options are available in the Village and at the mid-mountain area near the cross-country center.
Telemark skiers welcome | Northstar is one of the few resorts offering a full line of downhill telemark equipment and instruction.
Kids ski free | Kids 4 and younger ski free.
Fat tire biking for everyone | Northstar offers fat tire bike rentals, as well as rentals for pedal assist e-bikes. All rentals require advance reservations.
North Tahoe Regional Park
Trail access is free in the park, but parking is $5. No rentals are available on site. The trails are groomed when conditions permit. Check the North Tahoe Regional Park Facebook page for updates.
Snowshoe tours | Guided snowshoe tours are offered through Tahoe Adventure Company including full moon, sunset and star tours. Visit tahoeadventurecompany.com for upcoming dates.
Sled hills | North Tahoe Winter Adventures operates the main groomed sled hill and a sled is included with a sled hill ticket. A children’s sled hill is located at the entrance of the park and is not groomed; bring your own sled or tube.
Snowmobile track | The park boasts a snowmobile track for those wanting to try out a snowmobile; personal snowmobiles are not permitted.
Ropes course | Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park consists of 70 tree platforms connected by a variety of bridges and/or ziplines open on select dates in the winter. Visit tahoetreetop.com for details.
Plumas-Eureka State Park
Events
Feb. 21 & March 21 | Longboard Revival Races
Plumas-Eureka State Park in the Lost Sierra offers 12km of groomed trails for skating and classis skiers, along with three designated snowshoe trails that are snowmobile groomed. The trail system is managed by Plumas-Eureka State Park Association volunteers and trail maps are available at each trailhead. Visit plumas-eureka.org for grooming report, a trail map and information on the trails.
Free trail access | The use of the trails is free, but donations are requested to maintain the trails for $5 per day or $20 for the season.
Longboard races | The Plumas Ski Club hosts the Historic Longboard Revival Races each year at the Plumas Eureka Ski Bowl at Johnsville in the park. The races are open to everyone. The Jan. 17 race has been cancelled, but as of press time the February and March dates are still on schedule. Check in advance before visiting at plumasskiclub.org for details and current plans.
Skiing with Fido | Dogs are not allowed on the main trails, but a separate dog trail is groomed and accessible across from the Jamison Trailhead, a beginner, 1 mile out and back trail.
Royal Gorge
North America’s largest XC resort, Royal Gorge offers six distinct trail systems featuring eight warming huts across 6,000 acres, seamlessly integrated with the Village at Sugar Bowl. From classic striding to cross-country skating, snowshoeing and dog trails, Royal Gorge offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy scenic winter adventures with some of the finest views in the Sierra.
Lift tickets & rentals | All trail passes need to be purchased at least one day in advance online. and rentals and lessons need to be purchased at least two days in advance online.
Trail updates | Yuba was widening for the season. The teaching area near Summit Station was also increased by 30 percent allowing for more space between lesson groups.
In the Van Norden area, the removal of the Van Norden Dam resulted in a loss of the Dam Trail. In its place, there is a new trail from Summit Connection to West End Hut to complete a loop around Van Norden Meadow.
There is new directional signage along each snowshoe trail and the snowshoe-only Hawks Run, Fast Draw and Mountain View trails have been modified to accommodate for snowshoe trail grooming.
Limited indoor access | Summit Station lodge will be closed to the public with few exceptions (such as picking up rental equipment). There will be no opportunity to enter the lodge for restroom use, booting up or to warm up. Portable restrooms are available outside.
Dining options | Select grab and go food and beverage items will be available for purchase outside. There will be no indoor dining available.
The Royal Gorge | One of the most breathtaking experiences in the Tahoe Sierra is skiing to The Royal Gorge. The Gorge is one of the natural wonders of the Sierra – a 4,417-foot deep gorge that is the namesake for the ski area.
Sugar Pine Point State Park
The Ed Z’berg/Sugar Pine Point State Park is a spectacular spot to cross-country ski and snowshoe along the dense forests of the West Shore or along Lake Tahoe’s shores. The park offers more than 20km of marked trails for all levels. However, the trails are not being groomed this year. It is also a popular sledding location.
Free trail access | Use of the trails is free; it is $5 to park. Dogs on leash are allowed only within the developed areas but are not allowed on the beaches or in the Nature Preserve. Restrooms are available in the parking lot.
Winter camping | Sugar Pine Point is one of the only winter campgrounds open year-round in the Tahoe area, offering 16 campsites on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground was closed due to state restrictions as of press time; check for reopening as conditions change.
Annual parking pass | Purchase a Tahoe Regional Parking Pass for $75 good at all of the state parks in the Tahoe region for a year – D.L. Bliss, Donner Memorial, Ed Z’Berg Sugar Pine Point, Emerald Bay and Kings Beach State Recreation Area.
Tahoe City Winter Sports Park
The Tahoe City Winter Sports Park offers ice skating, sledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing and is a great spot for family fun.
Tickets | Reservations for all activities are available in one-week blocks and open for registration on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. (subject to change). Season Passes are available, and no walk-ups will be permitted this season.
Trail access | The park provides 4km for both skating and striding, as well as a snowshoe loop/walking trail. Online reservations for skiing and snowshoe will be available as conditions allow the trails to open. Dogs are allowed on the trail system.
Dining | The on-site restaurant Café Zenon is open for to-go ordering from the bar window or online.
Webcam | Check out the webcam of the action on the ice rink at tcpud.org/winter-webcam.
Tahoe Cross Country
Events
Jan. 22-26 | Old Skool Klassic Race
Feb 7 | Shooter Bowl Sunday Tennis Ball Biathlon
Feb 14 | Share the Love Valentine’s Day Ski
Feb. 19-22 | Alpenglow 20k Race
The nonprofit Tahoe Cross-Country Ski Area offers stunning lake views along the trails making it one of the area’s best spots for cross-country skiing. Fat tire bikes are not allowed on the trail system.
Tickets & lessons | The ski area offers lessons and equipment rentals for cross-country and skate skis by advance online reservations only.
Free lessons | Try the free beginner cross-county lessons on Mondays with free beginner skate skiing lessons every Wednesday during non-holidays.
Ski free | Youth ages 18 and younger ski for free, as well as seniors ages 70 and older.
Dog trails | Dogs are allowed on the 9km of dog trails only from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Saturday. On Saturdays, dogs are not allowed from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Read the full dog trail rules online.
Trail cam | A web camera was installed last year at the trailhead on Yellow Trail. Navigate to all the web cams, weather and snow gauge by clicking the camera icon on the top corner of the website.
Tahoe Donner Cross Country
Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center offers more than 100km of world-class trails open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Tahoe Donner celebrates its 50th in 2021 and special discounts and surprise giveaways will be offered at the cross-country center and Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort.
Fat biking is no longer allowed on Tahoe Donner trails beginning this winter. No clinics will be offered this season.
Tickets | No reservations are required for season passholders. All day trail passes and rentals must be pre-purchased in advance online. No walk-up purchases will be available.
Dogs | Those that already have dog season passes may bring their dogs, however, no additional dog passes will be available this winter.
Dining | Enjoy grab-and-go options at Alder Creek Cafe open daily for breakfast, lunch and snacks. No indoor dining is available.
