
Tahoe XC Center
Groomed cross-country ski and mountain bike trails with stunning Lake Tahoe views and a cozy lodge.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshly groomed snow

Tahoe XC Center
Best Time
Freshly groomed snow

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Groomed cross-country ski and mountain bike trails with stunning Lake Tahoe views and a cozy lodge.
"Beautiful place with well-groomed trails and wonderful, helpful staff."

Check Trail Conditions
Grooming reports can be found on Nordic Pulse or the Tahoe XC website. Network can be spotty, so download maps!
Rentals Available
Cross-country ski and mountain bike rentals are available on-site.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Groomed Cross-Country Ski Trails
Throughout the center
Enjoy pristine, groomed trails with stunning lake views. Perfect for a serene winter escape.

Mountain Biking Trails
Various trails, including rim trails
Explore diverse terrain, from beginner-friendly paths to challenging jump lines with panoramic lake vistas.

Cozy Lodge & Amenities
Main lodge
Warm up with hot chocolate or cider, rent equipment, and relax after your adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Trails for All Levels
Seasonal Activities & Rentals
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Trail Conditions
Grooming reports can be found on Nordic Pulse or the Tahoe XC website. Network can be spotty, so download maps!
Rentals Available
Cross-country ski and mountain bike rentals are available on-site.
Bring Your Dog (Winter)
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leash on designated trails during the winter season.
Free Hot Drinks
Little huts on the trails offer complimentary hot chocolate and cider.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Trail Conditions
Grooming reports can be found on Nordic Pulse or the Tahoe XC website. Network can be spotty, so download maps!
Rentals Available
Cross-country ski and mountain bike rentals are available on-site.
Bring Your Dog (Winter)
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leash on designated trails during the winter season.
Free Hot Drinks
Little huts on the trails offer complimentary hot chocolate and cider.
Trail Etiquette
Be mindful of other users. Skiers yield to uphill skiers, and bikers should yield to skiers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the well-maintained trails and stunning lake views at Tahoe XC Center, whether skiing or mountain biking. The friendly and accommodating staff, along with the cozy lodge and complimentary trailside drinks, create a welcoming atmosphere. Some users noted that trail markings could be improved for navigation.
"Good area to mountain bike if you are starting out and if you do want some more difficult trails too. Once you get past most of the beginner trails that are interconnected with the ski trails you start to gain elevation and get some sweet jump lines. Trails forks and MTB projects have all the trails but they are not well labeled on the park map or while biking until you get up towards the rim trails."
Zane Zbacnik
"Great experience skiing here. Beautiful views. Trails were well maintained. Very friendly staff who were accommodating when I got a bit late. More trails were groomed than what was indicated on Nordic pulse, maybe the app had trouble updating due to poor network"
Sneha Kudli
"Great place to ski! This is a beautiful place with well groomed trails. The staff is wonderful! Ciara at the start, and Susan out on the trails were both extremely helpful to this perpetual novice Nordic skier on my first visit, as were the folks working at the lodge. The lodge is a nice cozy spot to hang out after your ski sesh. I'll definitely be back on my next winter Tahoe trip."
Paul Deutsch
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tahoe XC Center is located in Tahoe City, California. It's accessible by car, and is the closest full-service cross-country ski area to Incline Village.
Parking is available on-site.Information on public transportation options can vary by season. It's best to check local transit schedules for the North Lake Tahoe area closer to your visit.
From Highway 80, take the CA-28 E exit towards Tahoe City. Continue on CA-28 E, and the center will be on your right. The exact address is 125 Forest Service Rd, Tahoe City, CA 96145.
Yes, ample parking is available at the center for visitors. Arrive early during peak times to secure a spot.
While not a primary access point, some local trails may connect to the area. For most visitors, driving is the most convenient option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Day pass prices can vary by season and age group. It's recommended to check the official Tahoe XC website for the most current pricing information. Some visitors noted it can be a bit pricey.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season or holidays, to ensure availability. Check their website for online booking options.
Discounts may be available for specific groups such as seniors, children, or military personnel. Look for seasonal promotions or package deals on their website.
Operating hours vary by season. Winter hours typically focus on ski season, while summer hours cater to mountain biking. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date hours.
Yes, well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome on designated trails during the winter season, making it a great spot for a solo snow adventure with your pet.
🎫 🛷 Onsite Experience
Tahoe XC Center boasts a network of well-groomed cross-country ski trails in winter and mountain bike trails in summer. Trails range from beginner-friendly to more challenging routes with elevation gains and jump lines.
While trail forks and MTB Projects have trail data, some visitors note that trails aren't always well-labeled on the park map or on the trails themselves, especially once you get towards the rim trails.
The lodge offers a cozy space to relax, equipment rentals, and often has fresh baked cookies available for purchase. Some trails also feature huts with complimentary hot chocolate and cider.
Yes, you can rent cross-country skis, snowshoes, and mountain bikes at the center. This is convenient if you don't want to bring your own gear.
Absolutely! Tahoe XC is a great place for beginners to learn cross-country skiing, with well-maintained trails and friendly, informative staff.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The lodge offers light bites and refreshments. Some trails also have huts providing complimentary hot chocolate and cider, perfect for warming up.
Visitors are generally welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks to enjoy on the trails or at designated picnic areas. The lodge also offers some treats.
Tahoe City, located nearby, offers a variety of restaurants and cafes for more extensive dining options after your visit.
The lodge typically offers snacks, and some reviews mention fresh baked cookies being available for purchase.
Alcoholic beverages are generally not served at the center itself, but nearby establishments in Tahoe City may offer them.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for viewpoints offering panoramic views of Lake Tahoe, especially from the higher elevation trails. The serene, snow-covered landscapes in winter are also incredibly picturesque.
It can be challenging to capture great shots while actively engaged in sports. Consider stopping at scenic points or having a friend take photos.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for landscape photography. Mid-day offers clear views of the lake.
The unique huts on the trails offering hot drinks can make for charming photos. The expansive lake views are a constant photographic draw.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is recommended for capturing both close-ups and expansive landscapes. A wide-angle lens can be great for the lake views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
During the summer months, the mountain bike trails offer a different kind of adventure. There are beginner-friendly trails that are suitable for younger riders, allowing families to explore the beautiful scenery together. Renting bikes on-site is convenient for families who don't want to transport their own. The opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with stunning lake views makes Tahoe XC a memorable family outing year-round.
💰 Budget Travelers
For those who enjoy longer stays or frequent visits, looking into potential multi-day passes or seasonal memberships might offer savings. The ability to rent equipment on-site also eliminates the need for a significant upfront investment in gear, making it more accessible for budget-conscious travelers who want to try cross-country skiing or mountain biking.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Cross-Country Skiing at Tahoe XC
Beyond the skiing itself, the center provides essential amenities to enhance your visit. Equipment rentals are available for those who don't own their gear, and the cozy lodge serves as a perfect spot to warm up. You can find complimentary hot chocolate and cider at small huts along the trails, a delightful touch that adds to the overall experience. The staff are known for being friendly and helpful, particularly to novices, making it a welcoming environment for everyone.
For those looking for a unique winter activity, Tahoe XC also offers snowshoeing. This allows visitors to explore the snowy terrain at a more leisurely pace, enjoying the quiet beauty of the Tahoe forest. The nonprofit status of Tahoe XC also means that a portion of your visit contributes to funding ski lessons for local schools, adding a community-minded aspect to your adventure.
Mountain Biking Adventures
The trails at Tahoe XC are known for offering spectacular views of Lake Tahoe, especially as you ascend towards the rim trails. While the trails are generally well-regarded for their riding quality, some users have noted that trail marking can be inconsistent, and it's advisable to use apps like MTB Project or Trails Forks to navigate effectively. Events like the evo Trailgate Party have also been hosted here, featuring group rides for all levels, indicating a vibrant biking community.
Whether you're looking for a leisurely ride with scenic overlooks or a more adrenaline-pumping experience with jumps and berms, Tahoe XC Center's mountain biking trails offer a rewarding adventure. The combination of varied terrain and stunning lake views makes it a must-visit for any cyclist exploring the Lake Tahoe area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit