XC SKIING
Cross country skiing is our favorite sport – give it a try if you’ve never done it. There are two styles of XC skiing: classic skiing (also called striding), and skate skiing. Classic is easier to learn than skating; skating is faster but more aerobic. We like to XC ski at resorts that have groomed trails – another alternative is heading out into the woods and backcountry skiing on ungroomed terrain. If you’re new to the sport, we recommend trying it at one of the ski resort below that offer groomed trails so you’ll have the most predictable terrain – these locations also offer rental equipment and trails labeled according to skill level).
- Tahoe XC – located just east of Tahoe City (turn right at Fabian Way), it’s about a half hour drive from Incline. With very beginner-friendly terrain, Tahoe XC offers both striding and skating equipment for rent (ask if you can try both striding and skating the same day with just one rental fee). If you’re a beginner, try the green and/or special green loops. For longer outings with more hills, the orange or red loops are really nice. Tahoe XC has 65 Km. of groomed trails, two warming huts, and a lodge at the trailhead where you’ll find rental equipment, trail advice, XC clothing and supplies, and a new café with very good food. 530-583-5475 www.tahoexc.org
For an interactive map of Tahoe XC, see the web site below. You’ll be able to do things like build trails interactively and view elevation profiles (hint: use the “Build Trail” or “Calculator” tab to calculate total mileage – just click on each trail segment). Note you’ll need to go through a quick registration process to use this site, but it’s pretty quick and the site is free to all users: http://www.nordicskizone.com/
- Royal Gorge in Soda Springs, CA (take I-80 west to the Soda Springs exit, just west of Donner Summit). Royal Gorge is the largest XC resort in the U.S. and has some terrific scenery – and they usually have abundant snow and good coverage as they are located west of the summit. Royal Gorge is huge – they have over 300 Km. of groomed trails, 8 warming huts, 4 cafes, and a several lodges. A nice 15K loop is to start at the Summit Station Day Lodge, head down Palisade and out the Wiesel trail to the warming hut and back – for a longer loop and some very dramatic scenery, and continue on Wagon Trail to Devils Peak. At the Summit Station, you’ll find rental equipment, a café, and advice on trail conditions and suggested loops. Tel. 800-500-3871 http://www.royalgorge.com/
- Spooner Lake Cross Country: Location: from Incline Village, head south on Highway 28 -- you’ll find Spooner XC about a half mile before the intersection with Highway 50. Tel. 775-749- 5349 http://www.spoonerlake.com/
- The Great Ski Race: Every year, about a thousand cross country skiers, ranging from casual skiers to elite racers gather at Tahoe XC to participate in the Great Ski Race, a 30 Km ski race from Tahoe to Truckee. This race has been a Tahoe tradition for over 30 years – it’s a benefit for Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue. There are two “soup stations” along the route, the first close to Starratt Pass (elevation 7720 ft.), the second at the 24 Km. mark. A test of endurance and skill, the Great Race is a very fun event. You can ski up to “soup 1” from Tahoe XC to get a feel for the first 11K of the race. Or for inspiration without the skiing, you can just attend the very festive party at the finish (behind Cottonwood Restaurant in Truckee) -- there you can purchase food, beer, and race memorabilia. For more information on this event, see http://www.thegreatskirace.com/
- Tahoe Rim Tour: the inaugural Tahoe Rim Tour was held in late January 2008, and we look forward to participating in this event again each year. Like the Great Race, the course starts at Tahoe XC and goes over Starratt Pass, but instead of heading to Truckee the course heads along the Fiberboard Freeway and joins up with the Northstar XC trail system. It’s an absolutely beautiful course that’s more beginner-friendly than the Great Race (the Great Race has a few challenging downhills!). For more info, see the Far West Nordic web site below for the schedule and registration information.
For more information about Tahoe area XC races, check out the race schedules at http://www.farwestnordic.org/index.html. Here’ you’ll find complete information about all past and present races, including individual race results and a lot of fun pictures!
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