XC (Cross-Country) Skiing in the Lake Tahoe Basin

USDA Forest Service Photo by Cecilia Reed, Mountain Resorts Manager

The Lake Tahoe Basin provides some of the most popular cross-country (XC) ski destinations and opportunities in the nation. There are many areas available for the beginner, intermediate, and expert and even extended ski camping excursions. Follow the links below for helpful information and links.

• Resorts
• Sharing Routes
• CA SNO-PARKS
• Safety Tips
• Trail Etiquette
• Winter Safety

Related Information and Helpful Links

Accessible Recreation

The agencies managing public lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin have made concerted efforts to provide access to all visitors, and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is continuously progressing to upgrade facilities to meet universal access requirements.

Avalanche Safety

The Lake Tahoe Basin is avalanche country. Always check the latest avalanche and weather conditions before heading into the backcountry! Visit the Sierra Avalanche Center website for daily advisories, be prepared with proper equipment and training, and always travel with a buddy, monitor conditions and weather, educate yourself on safety tips and park legally and safely.

• Avalanche Safety Tips
• Sierra Avalanche Center
• National Avalanche Center
• Know Before You Go Avalanche Awareness
• Know Before You Go Avalanches

Backcountry Access

The beauty and peacefulness of the forest may make you feel carefree, but you must remain vigilant for potentially dangerous situations. Backcountry users should take extra precautions, carry appropriate avalanche equipment, travel in groups if possible, and check the avalanche report before heading outside.

Safety
Backcountry enthusiasts should always tell a family member or friend where they are going, when they expect to return and then stick to the plan. Always check the weather before heading out on the trail. Sturdy footwear, proper clothing, gear and training is essential, and an old-fashioned paper map and compass can come in handy on snow-covered trails. Always travel with a buddy, never alone. Keep in mind that mobile devices may not work in remote areas. Develop an emergency plan in case you cannot call for help.

Search & Rescue

• Alpine County Search & Rescue
• Douglas County Search & Rescue
• El Dorado Back Country Ski Patrol
• Placer County Search & Rescue
• Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol
• Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue
• Washoe County Search & Rescue

Avalanche Courses and Safety Groups

• Alpenglow Expeditions
• Sierra Avalanche Center
• Tahoe Backcountry Alliance
• Tahoe Jacks
• Tahoe Mountain School

Parking

Parking to access the backcountry during Lake Tahoe winters can be a challenge due to high visitation and limited parking areas. Consider car pooling and public transportation as weekends and holidays are typically very crowded. If driving, arrive early, park only in legal spaces and avoid blocking gates, road access or narrow lanes which could delay emergency response vehicles. Where parking on the side of the road is allowed, please ensure all four tires are inside the white fog line. Remove all food and scented items from vehicles to avoid bear break-ins. 

• California SNO-Parks
• Lake Link
• Tahoe Transportation District
• Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit

California SNO-Parks

The Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division of California State Parks collaborates with the USDA Forest Service, other state agencies, and local governments to facilitate the SNO-Park program that provides restrooms and a place to park in the snow. Parking permits are required. The Forest Service office in South Lake Tahoe DOES NOT SELL SNO-Park permits. Permits may be purchased online in advance. Visit the California SNO-Parks website or call the SNO-Park Hotline at 916-324-1222 to learn more.

Know Before You Go

The beauty and peacefulness of the forest may make you feel carefree, but you must remain vigilant for potentially dangerous situations. Visit the Know Before You Go website for more information and always know before you go!

Recreate Responsibly

• Recreate Responsibly
  Join the movement and pledge to recreate responsibly! Learn how by visiting the Recreate Responsibly website.
• Leave No Trace
  Leave No Trace is a philosophy that encourages responsible use of natural areas by minimizing human visitation and impact. The Leave No Trace mission is to ensure a sustainable future for the outdoors and the planet. Visit their website to learn more.
• Pack It In/Pack It Out
  "Pack it in, pack it out" is one of the original Leave No Trace tenets for visiting natural areas. We all share a responsibility to be good stewards of the land. If you bring something in and use it (pack it in) is your responsibility to ensure it is removed when you are finished (pack it out). Visit the link above to learn more.

Road Conditions

• For real-time travel information in California, visit the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) webpage.
• In Nevada, visit the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) webpage.

Safety Tips

• Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. Use registration boards where provided.
• Weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. Before heading out always check avalanche and weather reports from the Forest Service and the National Weather Service.
• Mobile devices may not work in some areas. Develop a safety plan in case you cannot phone for help.
• A paper topographic map and compass are recommended for unmarked trails
• Don't go alone, always use the buddy system!
• Skiing over frozen lakes and rivers may be hazardous, is not recommended and is at your own risk!
• Be prepared with the proper clothing by dressing in layers and wearing waterproof footwear. If you get warm, take off the top layer. When you stop, put it back on. By controlling your body temperature you will be comfortable and avoid hypothermia.
• Hypothermia is a rapid and progressive mental and physical collapse resulting from lowering the inner temperature of the human body. Hypothermia can cause death. Prevent it with proper clothing, food and water. Avoid overexertion, eating snow or drinking alcohol.
• Frostbite is caused by exposure of flesh to subfreezing temperatures and can be a precursor to hypothermia. If it is cold enough to freeze flesh, you should reconsider your ski trip.
• Are you physically fit? Make each trip a comfortable and fun excursion. Don't go so far you struggle to get back.

Ski California

• Visit the Ski California website for a list of other California resorts.
  Ski California also has good information on skiing and snowboarding, including lift loading and unloading, interpreting resort signage, terrain park safety and more!
• Mountain Safety Guide
• Responsibility Code
• International Skiing History Association
• National Ski Areas Association

Weather

• National Weather Service
• On the Snow South Lake Tahoe Snow Report
• USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region Snow Depth Map

Winter Driving/Travel Tips

• California Highway Patrol (CHP) Winter Driving Tips
• California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Winter Driving Tips
• Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) Safe Winter Driving

Winter Safety

Most people are aware of winter's hazards. But it's easy to forget how wind, cold, snow, or whiteout can turn an outing into a tragedy. Knowledge of the area, weather, route, and the limitations of your body and equipment - plus a little common sense - can help ensure safe and enjoyable outings. Visit the Winter Safety webpage to learn more about recreating safely on your National Forest in the winter.

Cross-Country skiers enjoy a beautiful sunny day at Royal Gorge Cross-Country Ski Resort. Photos courtesy of David Madison, Royal Gorge Cross-Country Ski Resort.