So, it isn't hard to find places where you can pay to use the trails, but can anyone tell me where some good spots are to tour for free? It has to be something pretty easy, since my wife is a beginner.

TIA, and Merry Christmas!

There's so many spots to ski, but the parking on a weekend! North Shore, there is Tahoe Meadows. A fairly big parking area in summer at least with a facility allows access to Tamarack Peak and even Mt. Rose. You can easily ski the road on the hill that heads northward, it goes to the top of Relay Peak though to the old Mt. Rose TH it's pretty flat. There's Spooner Lake NV SP, but probably with a fee. My Northern Sierra Peaks Guide has exact though maybe old directions for the dirt road along the Carson Range Crest, as to Genoa Peak and further along.

Aside from the initial steep part, the road to Horse Meadows (also in the NSPG) is nicely gradual with some slight runs. Carson Pass runs you $5 of course, but if you can find a pullout down the hill to park, there's touring along Hwy. 88.

Big Meadow TH along CA 89 has a steep start, but the upper part is fairly flat. Lots of lakes and meadows up there.

Don't know if they charge at Taylor Creek, but we used to ski into Fallen Leaf Lake Road. That's about 5 miles to the end of the lake. All flat.

Don' think there's anything better but Castle Peak Exit, just pay the $5. A sizable meadow past the first .5 mile is great for snow play. More, but I just did 27 miles.

Steve,

I assume you are referring to typical no wax XC skiing? If so, try Grass Lake at the top of Luther Pass (Hwy 89). Another good tour is to park at Schneider Cow Camp (Hwy 88 at Caples Lake Caltrans Station) and ski into Meiss Meadows. Both are fairly flat and a good ski.

In South Lake Tahoe, park at the top of High Meadows road off Pioneer Trail and ski up to high meadows. And of course, if you want the easiest ski, park at Camp Richardson on (Hwy 89 N) and simply ski the shoreline of Lake Tahoe between Eagle Point and Pope Marsh.

Thanks all, those are some good suggestions!

One of our favorites was Spooner Lake, closer to north shore. We even snow camped up at the lake. Would imagine that might not be allowed now.

Take a look at the Sno-Parks site map . A $25 season pass offers enumerable moderate choices . Marcus Libkind's "Ski Tours in the Sierra Nevada " website has area information . Have a great trip !