What, you’re a cross-country skier and your dog doesn’t have a season pass? Tahoe Donner Cross Country, consistently ranked as one of the best XC resorts in North America, will fix you up with a Doggy Day Pass or season pass. Eight trails offer dog-friendly cross-country, and that’s more than enough to have both of you work up a pant.
Skier companion dogs must be vaccinated, well behaved and able to be controlled by voice command, and owners are required to carry liability insurance. Apres-ski, the two of you can relax around a fire pit on the deck while enjoying a meal, snack or libation.
Tahoe Cross Country, near downtown Tahoe City, has two groomed, dog-friendly trails, eight kilometers in all, that the whole family can enjoy; doggy day passes and season passes are available. Kirkwood XC and Snowshoe Center, at Kirkwood Mountain Resort on Highway 88 east of Lake Tahoe, likewise has a couple of trails where you can kick and glide alongside your well-behaved pet.
Before you hit the trails, make sure your dog is in good shape for the outing. Cross-country skiing covers ground fast, and a dog that isn’t conditioned for it can tire out quickly—especially at elevation. Start with shorter loops and work your way up. Keep an eye on your dog’s paws, too: ice balls can form between toe pads, causing discomfort and limping. A quick application of paw wax before you set out helps prevent buildup, and periodic checks along the way keep things comfortable. Bring a lightweight packable blanket in case you stop for a break—your dog will cool down fast once they stop moving in cold temperatures.
Of course, there are myriad other places to ski on groomed (or ungroomed) trails with your dog, but leash laws can be restrictive, so always check the rules before heading out. Many national forest areas allow off-leash skiing once you’re away from developed trailheads, but it varies by jurisdiction.
