Lake Tahoe Activities for Non-Skiers
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Recent snowfall in the Tahoe-Truckee region signifies the incoming winter season, and we’re just weeks away from the projected opening dates of local ski resorts and Nordic centers.
While Tahoe is well known for its downhill skiing and snowboarding resorts, there’s also another sport that is often overlooked: cross-country skiing.
Widely regarded as one of the best full-body endurance workouts, cross-country skiing has been gaining in popularity nationwide and the Tahoe-Truckee region over the past few years. With no chairlift required or lines to wait in, cross-country skiing really gives you bang for your buck. It’s perfect for all levels and offers a fun way to explore the terrain.
Here in the Tahoe-Truckee region, we have a multitude of Nordic centers to choose from, each one accessible and enjoyable for skiers of all ages and skill levels!
Below, I have outlined five benefits of cross-country skiing, plus I offer a comprehensive list of our local Nordic centers. I hope it inspires you to try the sport!
Cross-country skiing is a fun workout for all ages and skill levels. Credit: Tahoe Donner XC Center.
Offers a Full-Body Workout
Cross-country skiing is widely regarded by athletes and fitness instructors as one of the best full-body cardio workouts. Utilizing your leg muscles for gliding your skis, arm strength with the propulsion of your poles and core for balance, cross-country skiing will work out muscles you don’t even know you have!
Cross-country skiing uses dynamic movements that will help you not only improve cardiovascular endurance, but also strength, posture, balance, mobility and breathwork. As you are working all of your muscles in tandem, you are also ensuring that no one muscle set will be overstressed, which can be great for injury prevention.
Increases Cardiovascular Health and Endurance
Cross-country skiing is also a highly effective cardio workout, and it can be done at a pace that feels right for you. You can keep a steady heart rate as you meander through the snow-covered meadows or challenge yourself with varied terrain and pace in higher-intensity intervals.
Because your heart is working harder and more efficiently to pump blood throughout your system, you will also lower your cholesterol levels, burn calories and increase lung capacity. This is essential for becoming proficient in endurance sports, and the more time you spend skiing on the trails, the better your endurance will be.
Low Impact Workout for All Ages and Levels
Cross-country skiing is done in a gliding, or skating, motion and can easily be tailored to each individual skier’s abilities and levels. This low-impact sport is beneficial not only for building strength and stamina, but also for decreasing the risk of injury on the trail.
The gliding motion is easy on the joints, especially the knees and hips. Because of this, it’s a great workout for athletes who may be recovering from injuries or surgeries and want an outdoor workout without the risk of re-injury.
Cross-country skiing is a great way to explore the region. Credit: Kirkwood XC Ski and Snowshoe Center.
Exciting Way to Explore the Area
Cross-country skiing is a fun way to explore the region, offering access to networks of trails with stunning views of meadows, forests, surrounding snow-capped peaks and lakes. You also have a chance to see wildlife, such as chickadees, deer and hares. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the magical winter wonderland and wildlife sightings!
Great for Boosting Your Mental Health
Getting out into nature is good for your vitamin D levels, especially during the darker and colder winter season, which can have a negative impact on moods. Moving in the sunshine and elements is a great way to boost your mood and give a break from your day-to-day winter life.
Cross-country skiing is an excellent confidence builder. Learning new skills and mastering techniques is a good way to keep the brain sharp. And making new goals will help you stay motivated. You can hire a coach to help or make a training journal to track your progress.
It’s also a great way to make new friends and build connections. Each center has a vibrant and uplifting community, and they welcome newcomers with positivity and a plethora of helpful tips.
Now that we've outlined five benefits of trying the sport, let's check out some places to start your cross-country adventure!
Where To Go
Tahoe Donner
Voted by USA Today as one of the Top Ten Cross-Country Ski Centers in North America, Tahoe Donner Cross-Country Ski Center boasts more than 100 km of trails for all levels. Tahoe Donner grooms their trails every day to ensure that they are enjoyed by classic skiers, skate skiers and snowshoers. You will feel like you are exploring a winter wonderland each time you hit the trails, as they offer stunning views of surrounding snow-covered mountain peaks, forested areas and gentle meadows. When you need a break from the cold, enjoy one of their warming huts, which you can access directly from the trails. Find more information about Tahoe Donner here.
Tahoe XC
Located just outside Tahoe City, Tahoe XC offers more than 50 km of groomed trails for all levels and ski styles, some boasting incredible views of the lake! Considered "North Lake Tahoe’s Premier Cross-Country Center,” Tahoe XC is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting a healthy and outdoor-centric lifestyle to locals and visitors of all ages, skill levels and abilities through fostering education and empowerment on the trails. You will feel motivated to continue your fitness journey and connect with natural world as you wander through their vast network of forested trails. And don’t forget to take a hot chocolate or tea break in one of their warming huts! Find more information about Tahoe XC here.
Nevada Nordic
Nevada Nordic is a community-funded network of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat tire bike trails for all levels. Located outside Incline Village, right off the Mt. Rose Highway, Nevada Nordic recently acquired a new snowcat to help keep their pristine trails groomed throughout the season. Nevada Nordic aims to make winter recreation accessible and fun for everyone in the region, and thanks to donors and sponsors, they are solidifying their name as a trusted local multi-use venue. Find out more about Nevada Nordic here.
Royal Gorge offers a comprehensive network of trails for all levels. Credit: Royal Gorge XC Center.
Royal Gorge XC Center
Known as “the largest cross-country ski center in North America,” Royal Gorge boasts an impressive network of 92 trails spread over 6,000 acres. Located in Soda Springs, Royal Gorge is easily accessible from Truckee and Donner Lake. You can classic ski, skate ski or snowshoe through rolling snow-covered meadows and forested areas. Warming huts can be found scattered through the trail system for those looking for a break from the elements. Royal Gorge offers something for all ages and levels and opportunities to grow your skills through comprehensive lessons. Find out more about Royal Gorge XC Center here.
Northstar
Northstar is not just a downhill ski resort! Unbeknownst to many, they have more than 30 km of trails nestled in their mid-mountain terrain. You will get to experience the resort in a completely new way and get an amazing workout. The network of trails is perfect for all levels and leads to scenic views of surrounding alpine peaks, the valley and Lake Tahoe. If you have an Epic Pass, access to the trail is included! Learn more about Northstar here.
Kirkwood
Another hidden cross-country gem in a famous downhill resort, Kirkwood boasts more than 60 km of trails and terrain for all levels and ski styles. Beginners will love refining their technique at Kirkwood Meadow, which takes skiers through easy trails and stunning surrounding alpine views. Intermediate skiers can enjoy challenging themselves at Caples Creek, and advanced riders will love the thrill of Schneider Camp. They also offer snowshoeing and fat tire biking as alternate options to explore the trails. Learn more about Kirkwood here.
Camp Richardson
Often considered one of South Lake Tahoe’s premier cross-country destinations, Camp Richardson has a vast network of trails enjoyed by beginners and advanced skiers alike. You can ski along the lakeshore or take the trails around Valhalla or all the way to Fallen Leaf Lake. There are endless options for adventures here! Learn more about Camp Richardson here.
About the Author Kirsten Alexis
Kirsten is an outdoor adventure enthusiast, writer and photographer. You can typically find her hiking, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing and checking out new spots to share in the Tahoe Donner region. She has been lucky to call Tahoe her second home since she was a child and aims to inspire people to experience Tahoe and fall in love with the beauty and adventurous spirit of the region through her blogs and content. 
