It is saturday so just like VT downhill skiing is too crowded. Luckily there are other options. Maybe better options? Route 89 heading toward Kirkwood has lots of options. I used the same x country ski map I used when I got here last Sunday and had a great day. The parking is pull out off the road in the winter. I thought it would be busy so got to the parking at 7:30. Not necessary.
I parked at Big Meadow Tahoe Rim Trail and then took a short trail that went down to a crossing point where I could access the Big Meadow x country trails. The snow wasn't good at 7:30 at least not at the start. I brought snow shoes so put them on. This turned out great as I could go into steeper terrain. I followed the x country trails for maybe 1.5 miles and then started going up hill. I didn't know what to expect but it kept getting better and better. I ended up at the top of an 8500 foot mountain with great views and continued into an area of cliffs and rock formations. A lot better than I expected and got lucky finding this mountain and this area. Ended up being just shy of 8 miles. Needed the snow shoes as there was still plenty of snow.
The Big Meadow Tahoe Rim Trail looks interesting also. A long, I think it said 170 mile trail going around the lake. I was pretty happy where I ended up!
after the hike I went to the end of 89 where it hits 88. There were some cars pulled over here and I could see ski tracks. Since I had skis I put them on. This is a big area of mostly flat field with a river and lots of surrounding mountains. Intense sun again! Nice fast skiing on an inch of spring snow on a solid base.
glad I did not battle the crowds at the downhill place. I saw one person snow shoeing! Another fine day in the Tahoe area.
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