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Cross-Country Skiing and
Snowshoeing at Spooner Lake
in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park,
Nevada - PO Box 981, Carson City, NV 89702
Spooner
Lake Cross Country Skiing (775/749-5349,
www.spoonerlake.com)
is on the east side of Lake Tahoe in Nevada and is one of the most
beautiful xc ski areas in the region. Situated in a state park and
on forest service land, Spooner Lake offers a variety of trails and
two overnight cabins. There are 80 km trails groomed for classic and
skate skiing. The park also is home to a section of the Tahoe Rim
Trail.
The area's day lodge is the place to meet and it has food and beverages, rental equipment, accessories, a place to relax, and a friendly staff. Recommended trails include the Spooner Lake Trail, which is an easy 4.5 km around the lake. For a great scenic vista try the 8 km intermediate run called Wild Cat Tahoe View, while the Big Loop Trail is a scenic backcountry tour that is a 35 km round trip with a 3,700 foot climb in elevation.
Trail fees are $21 for an adult (19-59), $16 for senior (60-69), $10 for students (13-18) and free for under 13 or 70 and older. There are lower trail fees and rentals at 1 PM. Tuesday adults ski for $12 and Wednesdays it is $16. Receive $5 back on the $21 trail pass if you return by noon.
The
learn-to-ski package with rental and trail pass is $44 for a 90 minute
group lesson or $25 without the gear. Private lessons are $37 for an
hour and $18 for each additional person. Lessons are daily at 10 AM
and 1 PM and on Saturday 10 AM, 12 PM, and 1:30 PM. Free lessons are
available on Thursday for trail pass purchasers at 10 AM and 1 PM.
Rentals are available with all day gear at $19 for people aged 19 or older and under 13 year olds for $5. Students rent xc ski gear or snowshoes for $10. Half day rentals are $15. Ski Skating gear is $25 for the day and $20 for a half day while students can rent skate ski equipment for $20 or $15 for a half day.
The
cabins include the Wild Cat Cabin, which has a view of Emerald Bay in
Lake Tahoe and is 3.5 km away from the lodge.The Spooner Lake Cabin
is only 1 km from the north side of the lodge. The cabins have a queen
size bed and a full size futon. There is a cooking stove and kitchen
supplies, a wood heating stove, and 2 gallons of water provided daily.
Bedding is also provided. The cabins are $160 per midweek night for
two people and $129 for the second night. It is $319 for Friday and
Saturday night for two and trail passes, rentals, and lessons are included.
Most credit cards accepted.
Directions: Spooner Lake is on the east side of Lake Tahoe on Route 28 near the intersection with Route 50. The town of South Lake Tahoe, CA (and Stateline, NV and its casinos) is only 12 miles away. Incline Village, NV is 11 miles away and Carson City is 10 miles. Fly into Reno, NV for easy access to Spooner Lake. CCSAA member