Tahoe Trail Guide

Your Online Resource for Hiking, Backpacking, Cross-Country Skiing, and Snowshoeing at Lake Tahoe

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Category: Backcountry Skills

XC Skiing Explained (Part 4): Classic Cross-Country Ski Bindings

January 2, 2021
| 23 Comments
| Backcountry Skills, Blog
Copyright © 2018 Jared Manninen

Ski bindings, whether they be for Nordic skis, Alpine skis, Telemark skis, or Randonee skis (Alpine Touring), are the unsung heroes of the world of skiing. Without bindings, our skis would be rendered useless for they are the direct interface between human and technology (skis). Their purpose is to enable us to exert control over…

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Posted in Backcountry Skills, Blog Tagged classic xc skiing, cross-country skiing explained, gear maintenance 23 Comments

5 Reasons to Love Snowshoeing

December 6, 2020
| No Comments
| Backcountry Skills, Blog, East Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, North Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, West Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Winter Trails

Snowshoeing isn’t nearly as dynamic as cross-country skiing or other winter activities. But that doesn’t make snowshoeing any less enjoyable. Snowshoes simply provide a different type of fun! They also provide a wide range of benefits that other modes of winter travel and snow play don’t. In this article, I highlight the five reasons that…

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Posted in Backcountry Skills, Blog, East Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, North Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, West Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Winter Trails Tagged snowshoeing basics Leave a comment

Snowshoeing Basics: Overview of Modern Snowshoes

December 4, 2020
| No Comments
| Backcountry Skills, Blog, East Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, North Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, West Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Winter Trails
Copyright © 2019 Jared Manninen

Snowshoes, or some version of them, have been around for thousands of years. For most people today, however, their use is less about survival and more for recreation. Although the technology used to make contemporary snowshoes is superior to those of antiquity, the goal is the same. They are designed to enable a person to…

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Posted in Backcountry Skills, Blog, East Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, North Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, West Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Winter Trails Tagged gear maintenance, snowshoeing basics Leave a comment

Waxing Your “Waxless” Cross-Country Skis: Introduction

December 1, 2020
| 13 Comments
| Backcountry Skills, Blog
Copyright © 2018 Jared Manninen

Recreational cross-country skiers rejoiced many years ago thanks to the introduction of “waxless” cross-country skis. No more sticky kick wax to deal with, particularly of the klister variety! And, no more trial and error to achieve the ideal grip for diagonal striding! These waxless cross-country skis featured a fish scale-looking pattern in the grip zone/wax…

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Posted in Backcountry Skills, Blog Tagged cross-country skiing explained, gear maintenance, waxing waxless xc skis 13 Comments

Cross-Country Skiing in Challenging Conditions

November 15, 2020
| 4 Comments
| Backcountry Skills, Blog, East Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, North Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, West Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
Copyright © 2017 Jared Manninen

The mountaineering adage of “there’s no bad weather, only bad gear” holds true in many ways in cross-country skiing. But you could take that statement even further. Not only does choosing the correct cross country gear to run in challenging conditions help. But, modifying your attitude and technique will surely contribute toward having a quality…

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Posted in Backcountry Skills, Blog, East Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, North Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, West Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing Tagged advanced, backcountry travel considerations, beginner, cross-country skiing explained, intermediate, ski tour, trip planning 4 Comments

Considerations for Winter Adventure in Lake Tahoe’s Backcountry

October 23, 2020
| 2 Comments
| Backcountry Skills, Blog, East Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, North Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, West Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Winter Trails
Copyright © 2016 Jared Manninen

Traveling through Lake Tahoe’s backcountry is always rewarding. The experience never fails to offer stunning views and plenty of character building opportunities. However, winter adventuring in the Lake Tahoe region presents additional obstacles you must overcome in order to return home safely. And, these obstacles come in the literal and figurative variety. The following considerations…

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Posted in Backcountry Skills, Blog, East Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, North Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, South Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, West Lake Tahoe Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Winter Trails Tagged advanced, backcountry travel considerations, beginner, cross-country skiing explained, intermediate, ski tour, snowshoeing basics, trip planning 2 Comments

Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 1)

August 30, 2020
| 8 Comments
| Backcountry Skills, Blog
Copyright © 2015 Jared Manninen

“I’m new to cross-country skiing. What type of skis should I buy?” Or, “Since I’m new to cross-country skiing, should I just buy a used set of skis?” People have asked me these questions countless times over the years. As a cross-country ski instructor and xc rental shop employee, it’s my duty to know the…

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Posted in Backcountry Skills, Blog Tagged buying xc skis, cross-country skiing explained 8 Comments

Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 2)

August 29, 2020
| 13 Comments
| Backcountry Skills, Blog
Copyright © 2017 Jared Manninen

If you would’ve told me years ago that I was going to own multiple pairs of cross-country skis and even more sets of skis boots, I would’ve laughed. And then had you gone on to tell me that I’d also own a full wax kit, wax profile, and loads of cross-country ski clothing, I would’ve…

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Posted in Backcountry Skills, Blog Tagged buying xc skis, cross-country skiing explained 13 Comments

Cross-Country Skiing Technique: Using the Side-Step and Herringbone Techniques in the Backcountry

July 20, 2020
| 2 Comments
| Backcountry Skills, Blog
Backcountry Cross-Country Skiing Technique: Side-Step and Herringbone Technique

Safety is paramount when traveling in the backcountry regardless of your mode of winter adventure. This is especially true for cross-country skiing in mountainous landscapes. Due to their long and lightweight design, cross-country skis are ideal for flat and rolling terrain. Unfortunately, they can be problematic when it comes to dealing with the steep conditions…

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Posted in Backcountry Skills, Blog Tagged cross-country skiing explained 2 Comments

Wildfires and Smoke at Lake Tahoe (Considerations for Traveling in the Tahoe Backcountry during Summer)

June 7, 2020
| No Comments
| Backcountry Skills, Blog, East Lake Tahoe Hiking, Local History, Natural History, North Lake Tahoe Hiking, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails, West Lake Tahoe Hiking
Copyright © 2018 Jared Manninen

Living at Lake Tahoe and being surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains is like living in a dream. There’s plenty of powdery snow in the winter and sunshine in the summer. The finest outdoor recreation is literally outside your front door. And, despite the massive influx of visitors that come to Lake Tahoe during the…

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Posted in Backcountry Skills, Blog, East Lake Tahoe Hiking, Local History, Natural History, North Lake Tahoe Hiking, South Lake Tahoe Hiking, Summer Trails, West Lake Tahoe Hiking Tagged backcountry travel considerations, east tahoe, north tahoe, south tahoe, west tahoe Leave a comment
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Top Tahoe Trail Guide Posts

Waxing Your “Waxless” Cross-Country Skis: Introduction
Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 1)
XC Skiing Explained (Part 5): Classic Cross-Country Ski Boots
XC Skiing Explained (Part 4): Classic Cross-Country Ski Bindings
Hiking the Historic Donner Pass Train Tunnels in Truckee, CA
XC Skiing Explained (Part 2): Geometry of Classic Cross-Country Skis
Waxing Your Waxless Cross-Country Skis: Step-By-Step Tutorial
Buying Cross-Country Ski Gear, for Beginners (Part 2)
XC Skiing Explained (Part 3): Grip Zone of Classic Cross-Country Skis
Short and Easy Hikes in South Lake Tahoe

Backcountry Skills Articles

  • All Backcountry Skills Articles
    • Trip Planninng
    • Trip Documenting
    • XC Skiing Explained
    • Snowshoeing Basics
    • Gear Maintenance
  • History
    • Natural History
    • Local History
  • All Tahoe Trail Guide Articles (published chronologically)

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Recent Tahoe Trail Guide Posts

  • XC Skiing Explained (Part 4): Classic Cross-Country Ski Bindings
  • Snowshoeing on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe
  • 5 Reasons to Love Snowshoeing
  • Cross-Country Skiing on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe
  • Snowshoeing Basics: Overview of Modern Snowshoes

Order Prints of Jared Manninen’s “Faux Vintage Map of Lake Tahoe”

Fun Vintage Lake Tahoe Map
I hiked all through the mountains and forests toda I hiked all through the mountains and forests today hoping to see (among other birds) a Red-breasted Sapsucker, only to see one near the gas station 😂
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#birdsoflaketahoe
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YouTube.com/JaredManninen
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#tahoelife #laketahoe #southlaketahoe #tahome #tahoesouth #tahoesnaps #naturephotography #tahoesnaturalists #wildlifephotography #redbreastedsapsucker #mountainliving #mountainlifestyle #mountainculture #sierranevadawildlife #birdsofinstagram #exploretahoe #dailyadventure #livelifeoutside #birding #birder #discovertahoe #optoutside #birdphotography #mountainculture #findmeoutside #getoutside #birdnerd
I barely had time to raise my camera (hence the sl I barely had time to raise my camera (hence the slight crop of its wing tips) when I saw this beautiful (dark morph) Red-tailed Hawk swoop from its Jeffrey Pine perch 🤗
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#birdsoflaketahoe
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TahoeTrailGuide.com
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YouTube.com/JaredManninen
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#tahoelife #laketahoe #southlaketahoe #tahome #tahoesouth #tahoesnaps #naturephotography #tahoesnaturalists #wildlifephotography #redtailedhawk #mountainliving #mountainlifestyle #mountainculture #sierranevadawildlife #birdsofinstagram #exploretahoe #dailyadventure #livelifeoutside #birding #birder #discovertahoe #optoutside #birdphotography #mountainculture #findmeoutside #getoutside #birdnerd
The Tahoe Big Year is underway! If you're in Tahoe The Tahoe Big Year is underway! If you're in Tahoe and love birds, consider taking part this year. Check out the @tahoesnaturalists website for more information 🤗
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Great Blue Heron perched on a snag.
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#birdsoflaketahoe
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TahoeTrailGuide.com
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YouTube.com/JaredManninen
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#tahoelife #laketahoe #southlaketahoe #tahome #tahoesouth #tahoesnaps #naturephotography #tahoesnaturalists #wildlifephotography #greatblueheron #mountainliving #mountainlifestyle #mountainculture #sierranevadawildlife #birdsofinstagram #exploretahoe #dailyadventure #livelifeoutside #birding #birder #discovertahoe #optoutside #birdphotography #mountainculture #findmeoutside #getoutside #birdnerd
There's definitely snow in the upper elevations, b There's definitely snow in the upper elevations, but it's quite harsh. Wind-scoured, wind-swept, and wind-buffed. Not the best for xc skiing but, hey, at least I got out of the house today 😂
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#tahoe #tahoelife #tahome #tahoesouth #tahoesnaps #mybackyard #mountainliving #playoutside #optoutside #adventurelife #outdoorculture #outdooradventure #mountainculture #findmeoutside #southlaketahoe #laketahoe #exploretahoe #findyourbackcountry #lovewhereyoulive #adventurelifestyle #livelifeoutside #backcountryskiing #dailyadventure #earnyourturns #mountainlife #xcskiing #xcski #nordicskier #nordicskiing #crosscountryskiing
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Popular Tahoe Trail Guide Posts

  • XC Skiing Explained (Part 4): Classic Cross-Country Ski Bindings
  • Snowshoeing on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe
  • 5 Reasons to Love Snowshoeing
  • Cross-Country Skiing on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe
  • Snowshoeing Basics: Overview of Modern Snowshoes
  • Jared Manninen’s Cross-Country Skiing VLOG
  • Waxing Your “Waxless” Cross-Country Skis: Introduction

Lake Tahoe Trails

  • Tahoe Trails Overview
  • All Summer Tahoe Trails
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    • South Lake Tahoe Hiking
      • Short South Tahoe Hikes
    • East Lake Tahoe Hiking
    • West Lake Tahoe Hiking
  • All Winter Tahoe Trails
    • North Lake Tahoe XC Skiing and Snowshoeing
    • South Lake Tahoe XC Skiing and Snowshoeing
    • East Lake Tahoe XC Skiing and Snowshoeing
    • West Lake Tahoe XC Skiing and Snowshoeing

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Although I encourage you to venture out of your comfort zone, you need to know your limits and when to turn back. Tahoe Trail Guide and its contributors are not liable for property loss or damage, personal injury, or death. Always consult multiple sources when venturing into the backcountry. Always be prepared for the worst case scenario. Your safety is your responsibility. Tahoe Trail Guide copyright © 2016-2020 by Jared Manninen. All rights reserved.  This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Per the Associates Program Operating Agreement I must disclose the following statement: “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”