Donner Memorial State Park is one of many local state parks that offers free Nordic ski and snowshoe trail access in the region. While there is no charge to access the trail system, there is a $5 parking fee through April 30. Trail maps are available in the Visitor Center.
Guided ski tours | Join a free ski tour of the park at 10 a.m. on Jan. 6 and 20; Feb. 3 and 17; and March 2, 16 and 30. The tours are for 1.5 miles and last around two hours and include educational stops at viewpoints to discuss natural and cultural history. A historian and cross-country ski instructor will lead the tours. Walk-ins welcome if space allows. Bring your own gear. | Register bit.ly/donner_xc
Guided snowshoe tours | Join a free snowshoe tour at 1 p.m. on Saturdays from Jan. 6 to March 30 to explore the park with a historian to learn about local natural and cultural history. The tour is 1.5 miles and lasts around 75 minutes. Bring your own gear. | Register bit.ly/donner_tours
Visitor center | Learn about regional history including local Native Americans, the Donner Party and the Transcontinental Railroad in this fantastic local museum, which also boasts one of the best selections of books on local history. The Sierra State Parks Foundation also hosts programs throughout the year at the museum. | sierrastateparks.org
Pioneer Monument | No visit is complete without checking out the Pioneer Monument completed in 1918 to commemorate the early pioneers that crossed the Sierra.
Fundraising for gear | Sierra State Parks Foundation is raising funds for 30 pairs of snowshoes, poles and storage bags to make recreation more accessible. Donations are being accepted at mtyc.co/fbtczf. | sierrastateparks.org
Read the 17th Annual Tahoe Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Guide
