10 Best Places for Cross Country Skiing in California

Cross country skiing is the perfect way to enjoy a beautiful winter adventure in the wilderness of California. This winter, grab your skis and head to any of these top Nordic skiing destinations in California.

Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort, Soda Springs, CA

For 50 years, Royal Gorge has been an institution in the cross country skiing community. Today, it’s the largest cross country ski area in North America. It offers not only classic Nordic skiing but also skate skiing, snowshoeing, dog trails, and more.

Tahoe XC, Tahoe City, CA

The Lake Tahoe area is one of California’s favorite places to be immersed in nature, and when the winter hits, you can do that while cross country skiing. Head to the beautiful Tahoe XC to take advantage of all that the area has to offer.

Mt. Shasta Nordic Center, Mount Shasta, CA

The Mount Shasta Nordic Center is a popular destination for cross country skiers throughout the country. This groomed Nordic ski area takes advantage of the natural contours of gorgeous Mount Shasta so you get an excellent skiing locale with a beautiful view.

Rim Nordic Ski Area, Running Springs, CA

Rim Nordic is a premier skiing destination in the San Bernardino area. While it offers a wide range of both winter and summer activities, the resort is best known for its cross country skiing, with trails for a variety of difficulty levels.

Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center, Truckee, CA

The Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center is an award-winning site for Nordic skiing, and it only takes one visit to see why. This beautiful ski center brings together a variety of landscape features for you to enjoy while you ski, along with spectacular mountain views.

Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center, Mammoth Lakes, CA

The Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center is a favorite for Tamarack Lodge visitors on Mammoth Mountain. Enjoy more than 19 lovely miles of scenic Nordic skiing trails.

Skyline Bear Valley Resort, Bear Valley, CA

Looking for a weekend cross country skiing getaway? Head to Skyline Bear Valley Resort. This local favorite offers a variety of skiing options and locales, including prime cross country skiing.

Kirkwood Mountain Resort, Kirkwood, CA

The Kirkwood Mountain Resort is one of California’s most beloved ski destinations. Whether you’re just heading up for a day trip or you’re turning it into a ski vacation, this resort has plenty of cross country skiing opportunities so you can ski to your heart’s content.

Badger Pass Ski Area in Yosemite National Park, CA

Yosemite National Park is a spectacular sight to behold at any time of the year, but it’s especially gorgeous in the winter. See the stunning snow-covered landscapes when you hit up the Badger Pass Ski Area for your next Nordic skiing adventure.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon, Three Rivers, CA

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park is an outstanding place to take in California’s natural beauty while also getting a workout in. Grab your skis and head to this popular canyon for premium cross country skiing.

View more California Cross Country Skiing Trails.
Share your favorites!
California Search
Find Ski Mountains and Resorts Near You
Find Ski Mountains and Resorts Near You
59265 Highway 168, Lakeshore, CA
About UsChina Peak Mountain Resort is located only 65 miles northeast of Fresno at scenic Huntington Lake in the Sierra National Forest. The mounta... Read More
56700 Rancheria Road, Wofford Heights, CA
Alta Sierra Ski Resort is located at an altitude of 7000 feet in southernmost portion of the Sierra Mountains,  It offers an exhilarati... Read More
63410 General's Highway, Kings Canyon National Pk, CA
Montecito Sequoia Lodge is an award winning, all-inclusive lodge located at 7,400 feet in Sequoia National Forest. Surrounded by the grandeur of Ki... Read More
7082 Glacier Point Road, Yosemite National Park, CA
Badger Pass Ski Area is the original Northern California ski area, Badger Pass has been a favorite for generations of families. Unpretentious, frie... Read More
10001 Minaret Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA
Mammoth Mountain is California's premiere mountain resort offering big mountain skiing and riding. Mammoth Mountain Ski Area ("Mammoth") features 1... Read More
1 Rock Creek Rd., Bishop, CA
Whether you have ever skied or not, Rock Creek Lodge has terrain perfect for your ability. With 15 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails s... Read More
312 North Main Street, Bishop, CA
Our MissionSierra Mountain Guides is dedicated to connecting people to the mountains.Sierra Mountain Guides provides high-quality mountain experien... Read More
1 Dodge Ridge Road, Pinecrest, CA
Dodge Ridge Ski Resort  is a family-oriented resort with runs designed to match the abilities of everyone from beginners to advanced. Because Dodg... Read More
1 Bear Valley Road, Bear Valley, CA
About UsNestled in the heart of the Central Sierra between the Mokelumne and Carson Iceberg Wilderness areas, Bear Valley Cross Country & Adven... Read More
148 Bear Valley Road, Arnold, CA
About Us:Mountain Adventure Seminars (MAS) is a year-round mountaineering school and guide service based in Bear Valley, California. MAS is owned a... Read More
2280 SR 207, Arnold, CA
HistoryThe Bear Valley area as we know it today was originally called Grizzly Bear Valley, so named by O. B. Powers in August of 1855. Powers led a... Read More
1501 Kirkwood Meadows Drive, Kirkwood, CA
In the late 1960s, Bud Klein, financier and ski enthusiast, arrived in the Kirkwood Valley and spent several years surveying the land he hoped woul... Read More
State Route 2, (Angeles Crest Highway), Pearblossom, CA
Mt.Waterman is a day ski & snowboard area. We have 3 chair lifts and 25 runs. 65% of our hill is advanced while offering beginner and intermedi... Read More
1111 Sierra at Tahoe Road, Twin Bridges, CA
Living in Tahoe for 30 years I've seen a lot of changes around here. I've seen things grow, expand and get done up. Now I love all that, but I also... Read More
24510 California 2, Wrightwood, CA
Did you know that just 90 minutes away from sunny Los Angeles, California, a snowy ski resort lies nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains? Mountain H... Read More
3860 Saddle Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Overlooking the incredible blue waters of Lake Tahoe, Heavenly is one of the most unique snowsports destinations on the planet. Skiing and snowboar... Read More
Show More
Select a California town to find
the Best Things-To-Do and Places To Go around you
Los Angeles County
San Francisco County