Your Online Resource for Hiking, Backpacking, Cross-Country Skiing, and Snowshoeing at Lake Tahoe
During my first summer living at Lake Tahoe I enrolled in a course offered through Lake Tahoe Community College’s Wilderness Education program. The class was a fantastic way to learn more about the new outdoor playground I found myself living in. I also learned some new skills and met a few good friends along the…
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’re problematic when it comes to dealing with the steep conditions associated with…
There are many design features that make a classic cross-country ski unique, but arguably the most distinct is the grip zone. This area directly underfoot accommodates kick wax or features a textured pattern such as fish scales, skins, or a surface designed to be roughened up so you can achieve grip on the snow. The…
All artists struggle with definitively completing a piece of art, whether it be a written work, movie, sculpture, painting, or photograph. The challenge stems from not knowing when to stop working or editing the piece in question. We all believe that if we just added a few more highlights or brushstrokes over here or cut…
Looking for wildflowers at Lake Tahoe is much like going on a treasure hunt. But the beauty of searching for Lake Tahoe wildflowers is that you’re almost always guaranteed to find some in bloom. This is assuming that you’re looking during the warmer months, of course. Just be forewarned, though, if you do decide to…
The trail to Castle Rock is short, but highly rewarding. It offers panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. Additionally, you can see the south and west shores of Lake Tahoe. In the far distance off to the west you’ll see Desolation Wilderness, while off to the east you’ll catch some glimpses into the Carson Valley. Many…
The hike to Emerald Point is an absolute dream. The trail contours the north side of picturesque Emerald Bay, it’s relatively short at 5-6 miles (out-and-back), there’s only about 500 feet of total elevation gain to negotiate, and access to the trailhead is simple. The drawbacks to hiking the trail to Emerald Point are that…
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…
There are countless variations of classic cross-country ski boots in circulation. The styles range from vintage patent leather shoes designed for use with the 3-pin binding system (NN) and will most likely be found in a thrift store or at a garage sale to high-tech and high-top styles of backcountry boots that feature ankle support…
When I was introduced to cross-country skiing as an adult (what child from the upper Midwest hasn’t tried it at least once in middle school?), I had already forsaken snow sports. The reasons weren’t because I didn’t love winter or I had an aversion to carving turns in fresh powder. Forgive my condescending attitude, but…