Your Online Resource for Hiking, Backpacking, Cross-Country Skiing, and Snowshoeing at Lake Tahoe
Jared reflects on his summer of low heart rate training, recognizing initial lofty expectations that shifted to a more realistic approach. Embracing a run-walk-run method, he ultimately learned to enjoy running again. This experience fostered a deeper connection to nature and renewed commitment to sustainable training practices.
After reintroducing running in May 2025, Jared began logging 25 miles weekly as part of a long-term health plan to prepare for cross-country skiing. Embracing a more process-driven approach, Jared focused on maintaining a heart rate of 120-140 bpm while enjoying nature and setting mini-goals for a fulfilling experience.
Jared reflects on his lifelong journey as an endurance athlete, participating in various sports without competitive aspirations. He shares experiences from running marathons, hiking trails, and cross-country skiing, emphasizing the importance of sustainable training practices over sheer intensity. Recently, Jared decided to reintroduce running into his life to promote year-round health.
Cross-country skiing has been a tradition at Lake Tahoe since the 1850s, notably with Snowshoe Thompson’s mail transport. The region offers varied terrain, primarily off-track skiing, especially in South Tahoe, where groomed areas are limited. Safety and preparation are crucial when navigating these snowy trails, highlighting the area’s adventurous spirit.
Lake Tahoe locals and visitors alike tend to drop their guard during the spring. We’ve made it through the punishing winter. Now we’re looking forward to the longer days and warmer sunshine of summer. The roads are bare. The trailheads are free of snow. So that first hike of the season is going to be…
The trail to South Camp Peak probably isn’t in the top five hiking trails at Lake Tahoe. And, it may not even be in the top ten. However, I would argue that it’s still as exceptional a hike as any at Lake Tahoe. Parking is abundant (free!), the trail is easy to navigate, and there’s…
People would have you believe that Lake Tahoe in the spring is paradise. The days are becoming longer and the sun seems to be a little warmer. You’ve weathered fierce winter storms and now you’re ready to hit those famed Tahoe hiking trails. You’re looking forward to visiting your favorite peaks, finding unique and vibrant wildflowers,…
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…
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…
People call me weird and bizarre. Some even say possessed. They look at me as if I’d lost all connection with reality as I sit eating my lunch at the local sandwich shop while still wearing my cross-country ski boots. Later in the day, I call my best friend to tell him about my latest…