Sunrise at Tahoe Donner Cross Country

Consider cross country (XC) skiing in California from the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Lake Tahoe to a few hours east of LA. There are uncounted trails of XC skiing and XC ski areas that cater to varying interests up and down the state of California which is often signified for progressiveness, produce farms, and the Golden Gate Bridge, but not generally thought of as a mecca for XC skiers. Take a dream vacation to XC ski or snowshoe in California!

From the land of giant Sequoia trees at Bear Valley Adventure Center to the largest XC ski area in the US at Royal Gorge, the state of California delivers excellent options to XC skiers worldwide which can be found at SkiCalifornia.

Lake Tahoe has many XC ski resorts and the top of the Donner Pass gets more than 400 inches of snow annually. The country’s largest XC ski area is Royal Gorge with 6,000 acres, 200 km of trails, 8 warming huts, and 4 cafes. The resort also has surface lifts to access fun on steeper terrain.

Tahoe Donner XC only 10 minutes from downtown Truckee has 100 km of trails in the Euer Vally. The Alder Creek Adventure Center is one of the newest and best facilities at Tahoe Donner XC. TDXC has season-long ski instruction programs for all levels of XC skiers and a demo equipment center to try before you buy.

The Alpine ski areas are getting in on XC skiing as an option for visitors. Take the Big Springs Gondola to reach mid-mountain to visit the Northstar California Cross Country & Snowshoe Center. The center also accepts the Epic Pass (no blackout dates) to cover the trail fee. Don’t miss the incredibly scenic views of Lake Tahoe at Northstar. Kirkwood Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe Center, on Route 80 is affiliated with Kirkwood Mountain Resort and it is known for spectacular scenery, exciting terrain, and a full slate of clinics and programs.

In the town of Tahoe Vista south of the lake there is Tahoe XC, which is a community-oriented ski area in a local neighborhood with a variety of XC ski programs. Tahoe XC has free trail access for those under 10 or older than 69!

California sunshine at Bear Valley Adventures

Further south from the lake is Bear Valley Adventure Center on Route 4 which gets substantial snow and is in the land of Sequoia trees which are among the oldest living organisms on Earth! Bear Valley is usually one of the first XC ski areas to open in the early season and last to close at the end of the season.

In the San Bernadino Mountains, Rim Nordic is the southernmost XC ski area in California with 10 miles of groomed trails. They have discounted passes for elder skiers and military while kids aged 10 and younger ski for free.

About 5 hours to the west of Los Angeles is the Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center at Tamarack Lodge near Mammoth Lakes and Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. Ikon Pass holders save 20% on trail passes at Tamarack.

The Mt. Shasta Nordic Center is 10 miles from Mt. Shasta in northerly California near Route 89 and it is operated under a special use permit with the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. A unique program to introduce doctors to XC skiing is available at the center including one day for free access, ski lesson, and rental gear as a way to encourage licensed medical practitioners to discover XC skiing and recommend it for their patients’ wellness and fitness.

Many people who tried the sport for the first time during the pandemic are returning to the trails and are bringing their friends and families with them. XC skiing brings people together, and gets them in touch with nature while doing something healthy, simple, and fun. See the entire list of XC ski areas at SkiCalifornia. Banner photo at Tahoe XC