Gorge-ous View

Cross Country Ski at Royal Gorge

01.13.2015

Greater California

"Over the meadow and through the woods" … no this isn't the start of a fairy tale … it's the start of a fairy trail! Tahoe's Royal Gorge is North America's largest cross-country ski resort. One of the routes we like leads to Snow Mountain Hut (3.5 miles one-way) and a grand view of the Sierra.

The hut itself is barebones with enough bench space for about six people and windows on all sides. It makes a great place for having lunch and deciding if you want to continue on and explore more, or head back the way you came. Start from the Summit Station Lodge, where you can get a map, rent gear, and buy lunch.

Warm up your legs kicking and gliding on the flats of Big Ben Trail, before connecting on a series of trails (Rodney's Run; Killy's Cruise; Crosscut; Gold Rush; Palisade) that lead to Snow Mountain Trail, where you'll begin a 2-mile ascent to the hut, set at 6,893 feet. Views span from meadows to mountains. Fairy trails do come true!

Get your rentals, route options, and a XC ski map at the Summit Station Lodge. Royal Gorge has some dog-friendly trails.

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