The Great Ski Race is the largest nordic ski party west of Kings Beach, with 2 different course options skiing on the same day. The 26 kilometer (~16.2 miles) course begins at the Tahoe Cross Country Center in Tahoe City, climbs out of the Tahoe Basin over Starratt Pass, heading east on the 74 road (Fiberboard Fwy) past Soup Station 1 with free snacks and drinks and then on to 4 Corners, where you turn down the 73 road back to Carnelian Bay and onto the Blue Trail at Tahoe Cross Country Center. The race course covers magnificent terrain and offers spectacular views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada. The elevation gain for the 26km course is 1,636 feet.

New this year! The Tour Wave: For those looking to ski the 26km course but at their own, leisurely pace. This wave will not be timed and have no posted online race results. To ski in this wave, you must self-start at TXC between 7:30am and 7:45am (no sooner, no later). Designed for those looking to enjoy the course, the finish line party and festive atmosphere of the GSR but not interested in securing a podium finish. Note that all Tour Wave skiers are expected to know the course and yield to upcoming racers behind them. Limited to the first 35 participants to sign up – if you wish to ski in this event be sure to sign up for the 26km The Tour Wave!

The 10 km (~6.2 miles) course will be in the Tahoe Cross Country center: upper green, to upper orange, to lower orange, to lower green to the finish. The elevation gain for the 10km course is 450 feet.

Both the 10km and 26km race courses are machine-groomed with skating lanes and double striding tracks the entire route.

Organized and run entirely by the Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue Team, this is the exclusive fundraiser for this all volunteer organization. Your participation directly supports the search and rescue efforts that keep our backcountry safe.