Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Truckee & Donner Pass
Royal Gorge
SNOW SPORTS
( 530-426-3871;
www.royalgorge.com
; 9411 Pahatsi Rd, off I-80 exit Soda Springs/Norden, Soda
Springs; adult/youth 13-22yr $29/22; 9am-5pm during snow season; )
Nordic skiing aficionados won't want to pass up a spin around North America's largest
cross-country resort (now operated by Sugar Bowl) with its mind-boggling 125 miles of
groomed track crisscrossing 6000 acres of terrain. It has great skating lanes and diagonal
stride tracks and also welcomes telemark skiers and snowshoers.
Group lessons are offered a few times daily, with ski camps for kids ages five to 12 (re-
servations recommended). For a twist, catch some air at the new onsite
Sierra Snowkite
Center
(
www.sierrasnowkite.com
)
.
Tahoe Donner
SKIING, SNOWSHOEING
( 530-587-9484;
www.tdxc.com
; 15275 Alder Creek Rd, off I-80 exit Donner Pass Rd, Truckee; adult/
child 7-12yr/youth 13-17yr $27/11/21; 8:30am-5pm, night skiing 5-7pm Wed; )
Occupying 4800 acres of thick forest north of Truckee, Tahoe Donner has lovely and var-
ied terrain with over 62 miles of groomed tracks that cover three track systems and 51
trails. The most beautiful spot is secluded Euer Valley, where a warm hut serves food on
weekends. A 1.5-mile loop stays open for night skiing, usually on Wednesdays.
Group lessons for beginners and 'Tiny Tracks', a supervised kids' ski and snow-play
camp, are available; reserve ahead for intermediate skills clinics.
Northstar California
SKIING, SNOWSHOEING
( 530-562-3270;
www.northstarcalifornia.com
; 5001 Northstar Dr, off Hwy 267; adult/child 5-12yr
$31/17; 9am-3pm Mon-Thu, 8:30am-4pm Fri-Sun & holidays)
Seven miles southeast of I-80, this mega ski resort has a highly regarded Nordic and tele-
mark school, making it a great choice for novices. A package, which includes the trail fee,
ski rental and a group lesson, costs $75. Afterwards you can explore the nearly 25 miles of
groomed trails. Moonlight snowshoe tours take place a few times per month.
Clair Tappaan Lodge
SKIING, SNOWSHOEING
