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Spring Skiing @ Tahoe Donner Cross Country
Published: Sat Mar 22, 2008 2:00 AM MDT Recently I’ve been getting in some great skiing at one of my favorite ski areas in North America – Tahoe Donner XC near Truckee, California. With the Gold Rush marathon completed and some time before the last big races up in Fairbanks, AK, I’ve been lucky to be able to enjoy some of the best ski conditions I’ve seen all year. The past four days have each consisted of positively unbeatable, perfect ski weather (sun up the wazoo and single layer polypro top temps in the morning) and equally incredible, flawless trail conditions (immaculate corduroy, rock hard classic tracks, and FAST fun semi-transformed snow.)  One of the least spectacular views from the trails. If you go up on the many higher trails, the views get really incredible.  The Euer Valley  Far West Coaches Jeff Schloss, Glenn Jobe, and Ben Grassesschi enjoy some perfect classic tracks and perfect temps in the Euer.  The Euer Valley Cookhouse offers food and drinks if you can't wait for the food and drink at the main lodge.  Running into some friends  There are ALL kinds of trails at TDXC...plenty of easy flat/gradual trails, plenty of moderately hilly/rolling trails, plenty of LONG climbs if you're looking to get in some serious vertical, and a great assortment of black diamond descents such as "Download", "White Lightning", and "Showdown."  114km to choose from. All groomed to absolute perfection each night. Pretty sweet!  Don't know how to ski like a World Cupper yet?  get some professional help.  perfect tracks  lighted night skiing when the moon isn't out.  The first few strides you take from the main lodge might be the most perfect ever...and it doesn't get any worse from there.   A rare cloud sighting (look carefully near the horizon) and a view of the kids area/ terrain park  lunch tables outside the lodge  Inside the lodge  Plenty of food options - they have an active kitchen in the main lodge - good sandwiches, soups, etc  ...and cookies. You're going to need a lot of fuel if you want to enjoy half of the trails out there.  TDXC staff including JoJo, the owner, at left.  Nice place to be if the weather ever isn't good. Notice how no one is inside.  A better view of the trail system.  Plenty of wax is available if you need it while you're there.  Clothes are also available for those who accidently show up naked. You do have to buy them though I think.  Pretty good stash of rental skis for those who remembered clothes but not skis.  some people like to rent boots and poles when they rent skis. Chances are they'll have your size!  TDXC has not one but TWO super duper bombardiers.  Ok, the two pics are of the same machine, but the 2 machines are identical. The other one was out grooming. I'm not sure why, as the trails already were beyond perfect - but in any case they really know how to take care of the grooming here!  This is roughly the view when you put your skis on to head out. Mountains all around, as are sun, snow, and evergreens.  Sometimes the afternoon skiing can get soft on the warmest days, but the views never deteriorate, and you still get to enjoy skiing with no hat, gloves, or jacket.  One more time for good measure... That's all for now...Here's to Cali and spring skiing in general. Hope you're enjoying the last weeks of skiing wherever you are!
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