Break out the spandex and explore North Tahoe's winter wonderland on XC skis.

Blackwood Canyon / Kaspian Recreation Area
• Location: Hwy 89 and Blackwood Canyon Rd. 4 miles south of Tahoe City, 530-573-2600
• Details: Non-groomed trails, no rentals available. 5-mile round-trip into Blackwood Canyon is a good beginner/intermediate with gentle terrain, open meadows and aspen groves. Further into Blackwood Canyon beyond the road the trail becomes more challenging as experienced skiers can climb Barker Pass. 2.5 miles to meadow, 7 miles to Barker Pass. Forest Service warns that areas beyond the paved road are prone to avalanche. This is a multi-use area so may want to avoid the road to avoid snowmobilers.

Granlibakken Ski Area
• Location: 725 Granlibakken Rd., Tahoe City, 877-552-6301, www.granlibakken.com
• Details: Lift access to several miles of Nordic skiing terrain, including Page Meadows and Tahoe Rim Trail. 1-mile Olympic racing par course located at base of ski area. Equipment rentals and warming hut are available seven days a week.

McKinney-Rubicon Road
• Location: Hwy 89, 1 mile south of Homewood
• Details: Non-groomed trails, no rentals available. From Hwy 89 turn west on McKinney-Rubicon Springs Rd., left on Bellevue, 2nd right on McKinney Rd. Follow signs to Miller Lake. Limited parking where snowplowing ends. No parking on roadway Nov. 1 - May 1. This unmarked trail follows the road along McKinney Creek with a 700-foot elevation gain. Enjoy beautiful views on this moderate path to Lily and Miller Lakes.

Meeks Creek
• Location: Hwy 89, 12 miles south of Tahoe City
• Details: Non-groomed trail, no rentals available. Located 1/2 mile south of Meeks Bay Resort. Trail begins on right side of highway at the log cabin with red trim, running along Meeks Creek. Enjoy with cross country skis or snowshoes. 3.5-mile loop with a flat elevation. No parking on the highway Nov. 1 - May 1.

Northstar-at-Tahoe Cross-Country Ski & Snowboard Center
www.northstarattahoe.com
• Details: 50 kilometers of carefully groomed, scenic trails, located at the base of Northstar's alpine ski area. Lessons and equipment rentals available. Convenient access to dining, shopping and other events at the new Village at Northstar.

Page Meadows
• Location: hwy 89, 4 miles south of Tahoe City in Talmont.
• Details: Non-groomed trail, no rentals available. Turn right on Pine Ave., right on Tahoe Park Heights Dr., right on Big Pine Dr., left on Silvertip. Park along street. A series of large meadows ringed with stands of aspen and conifers. Great tour for all ability levels Dogs welcomed. No parking on roadway Nov. 1 - May 1.

Tahoe X-Country Ski Area
• Location: 925 Country Club Dr., Tahoe City, 530-583-5475
• Details: Located 2 miles east of Tahoe City, this area offers over 65 kilometers of pristine grooming, with 19 individual trails, two warming huts, a dog lane, and unbeatable views of the Lake.

Royal Gorge X-Country Ski Resort
9411 Hillside Dr., Soda Springs, 800-500-3871, www.royalgorge.com
• Details: North America's largest cross country ski resort with 90 trails and 330 kilometer track. 9000+ acres, 4 surface lifts, 10 warming huts, 4 trailside cafes, 2 overnight lodges, spacious day lodge with family center, and weekend dog trails.

Sugar Pine Point State Park / 1960 Winter Olympics Trail
• Location: Hwy 89, 1/2 mile south of Tahoma, 530-525-7982
• Details: Home to the 1960 Winter Olympics Nordic skiing competitions. More than 15 kilometers spanning 4, distinct and well-marked trails, 2 are groomed. Located on the West Shore, 9 miles south of Tahoe City on Hwy 89. All trails offer spectacular views of the Lake. The park is home to historic Ehrman Mansion. Blue Trail 2.1 miles. Red Trail 3.3 miles. Yellow Trail 2 miles. Orange Trail 1.2 miles. Historic 1960 Winter Olympics resorted trails begin on Meadow Rd., off Hwy 89 in Homewood. No parking on roadways Nov. 1 - May 1.

Tahoe Donner X-Country Ski Area
• Location: 15275 Alder Creek Rd., Truckee, 530-587-9484
• Details: 49 trails and 115 kilometers of skiable terrain. Hosts several seasonal races and fundraisers, Tahoe Donner caters to novice through expert. Equipment rentals and lessons available seven days a week.

The Resort at Squaw Creek
• Location: Squaw Valley, 530-583-6300, www.squawcreek.com
• Details A complete Nordic Center located at the trailhead of the Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe Trails. 18 kilometers of meticulously groomed trails wind through the Squaw Valley meadow and the surrounding hillside: 70% beginner, 20% intermediate, and 10% advanced terrain. Rental equipment, lessons and free transportation from the Squaw Valley parking lot.

North Tahoe Regional Park
• Location: 6600 Donner Rd., Tahoe Vista, 530-546-4212
• Details Approximately 5 kilometers of trails, groomed when snow conditions allow. Family friendly area. Parking fee.