Tahoe snow play: Head to six state parks for winter scenery and stay for the snow fun - Brief Article

Sunset, Jan, 2002 by Harriot Manley

With more than 25 ski areas dotting the peaks around Lake Tahoe, the region is rightly touted as a mecca for downhill skiing and snowboarding. But while the ski slopes and lodges teem with winter traffic, Tahoe's state parks--wildly popular in summer--are surprisingly uncrowded in winter and ready for snow play. The best part is, you don't have to wait in a lift line to enjoy them.

Some parks offer gear, lessons, and groomed trails--both for nordic skiing and for snowshoeing; others are more do-it-yourself For information on ranger-led activities at California parks, including full-moon skiing tours, wildlife snowshoe tromps, and winter-camping workshops, call (530) 525-7232 or visit www.ceres.ca.gov/sierradsp.> California

* Burton Creek. Near Tahoe City, this 2,000-acre park lets you wander across broad meadows, over bridges, and into deep woods on 40 miles of tracks groomed for skiing and snowshoeing. A trail pass provides access to two warming huts. The Silver Trail offers sweeping lake views. Equipment rental, lessons, and moonlight tours available at Tahoe Cross-Country Ski Area; $17.50 for groomed trails. Off State 28 at Fabian Way, 2 miles north of Tahoe City; (530) 583-5475 or www.tahoexc.org.

* Donner Memorial. This park at the east end of Donner Lake has 7 miles of groomed trails from which to enjoy views of the surrounding Sierra. The Emigrant Trail Museum features exhibits on the historic route and the Donner Party members who wintered here. 9-4; $1. Exit off 1-80, 13 miles northwest of Tahoe City; (530) 582-7892.

* Emerald Bay. Though technically closed in winter, an unplowed (and steep) mile-long access road leads skiers and snowshoers to the 1929 castlelike Vikingsholm and lake-level views of a snow-cloaked Fannette Island. On State 89, 10 miles north of South Lake Tahoe; (530) 525-7232.

* Grover Hot Springs. It's not in the Tahoe Basin but is certainly worth the 30-mile side trip from South Lake Tahoe. You can kick-and-glide or snowshoe to a frozen waterfall and across sweeping meadows, then soak in an outdoor pool heated with natural spring water. Trails aren't groomed but are often cut by local skiers. Pool $2, winter campsites $12. Follow signs from State 89 outside of Markleeville; (530) 694-2249.

* Sugar Pine Point. Jam-packed in summer, this 2,011-acre park is relatively deserted in winter. Follow 6 miles of groomed trails to explore dense conifer forests; another 2 miles of ungroomed trails offer spectacular lakefront scenery Trails in the Ehrman Mansion area (building closed in winter) provide the best lake views; the easiest trails are in the General Creek area. Winter campsites $12. On State 89, 10 miles south of Tahoe City; (530) 525-7232.

Nevada

* Lake Tahoe Nevada. This 13,000-acre park, surrounded by Toiyabe National Forest, borders the lake's northeast side. Best access in winter is at secluded Spooner Lake, where 50 miles of groomed trails lead to more than 9,000 acres of park and adjacent forest lands. Coolest feature: Two snug log cabins reached only by foot or ski (from $130; sleep up to four). Spooner Lake Cross Country Ski Area offers equipment rental and lessons; $17.50 day use. On State 28, 1/2 mile north of US. 50.