It's summer! We are out doing trail work and preparing for the season ahead. No tapas this summer.
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Royal Gorge
Last Updated:09/01/2026 9:37 AM
Cross Country Ski
+ Snowshoe Rentals
Everything you need to explore the trails of Royal Gorge.
Preparing for a great winter ahead.
Lift tickets, lessons and rentals for the 2026/27 season will become available for booking this fall. Add your email address below to be notified once products are loaded and available for purchase.
Gear Up for a Day at Royal Gorge
Everything you need for a day on the trails is at Summit Station. Choose from classic cross-country skis, skate skis, or snowshoes. Our team will help you find the right equipment, dial in the perfect fit, and share a few trail tips before you head out.
Want to experience the trails a different way? Exchange your rental package for another equipment type on the same day, and discover more ways to explore Royal Gorge.
2026/27 Rental Rates
Adult (Age 13+)
Child (Age 12 & Under)
Cross Country Rental Package
$45
$45
Snowshoe Rental Package
$45
$45
Cross Country Packages include Nordic skis (skate or classic), boots and poles.
Snowshoe Packages include a pair of snowshoes + poles. Snowshoes will fit with most any winter boots.
Start with classic skis for an easygoing journey through the tracks, or pick up skate skis and find your rhythm across Royal Gorge's wide-open trails. Rentals are available daily at Summit Station, with advance reservations offered as part of a lesson package.
Step Into Winter
Strap on a pair of snowshoes and wander through quiet forests, open meadows, and snow-covered scenery at your own pace. Reserve your snowshoes online at least 48 hours in advance, or stop by Summit Station for a same-day rental, subject to availability.
A daily trail pass is required in addition to your rental package. Purchase yours online before you arrive, so you can spend more time exploring Royal Gorge.
Exchange your rental package for another equipment type during the same day and experience Royal Gorge from a different perspective, whether on classic skis, skate skis, or snowshoes.
New to classic or skate skiing? Build confidence with professional instruction from the Royal Gorge team. Group lesson packages include a cross-country ski rental, trail pass, and lesson, giving you everything you need to get started.
Before last year, I was certain that I’d be a diehard downhiller at Sugar Bowl for life, alas, last December I found myself gliding into the fabulous world of skate skiing at Royal Gorge. Now I’m a proud owner of a combo pass.
I finally joined the skinny ski club and I’m OBSESSED. Before last year, I was certain that I’d be a diehard downhiller at Sugar Bowl for life, alas, last December I found myself gliding into the fabulous world of skate skiing at Royal Gorge. Now I’m a proud owner of a combo pass and I’m living out my wildest winter dreams on Donner Summit. Sometimes I even get to do both in the same day.
A couple of reasons why I decided to learn to skate last year:
1. It’s incredible exercise
I can keep my cardio up all winter without using a treadmill, the most boring invention on the planet. Pro-tip: you burn so many calories skate skiing that you get to wear afannypack to store all your extra snacks.
2. My border collie needs the aforementioned exercise more than I do.
There are 11.7km of groomed dog-friendly trails around Van Norden Meadow. Every day my dog gets to go skate skiing is the best day of her life.
3. The landscape is unreal.
Where do I start? It’s the largest cross country resort in America so there’s a lot to see. There’s an amazing view of Sugar Bowl from the meadow, you can skate to Point Mariah to see the massive canyon where the American River starts, you can hoof it all the way up to the top of Rowton Peak and gaze over the Sierra Crest, and of course— simple pleasures, skating through snowy woods is always a winner.
4. It’s a great alternative if the ski resort conditions aren’t perfect.
Hard pack groomer at the resort? Ideal skating conditions. Skiing and skating are the ying and yang of winter sports.
Plenty of dog-friendly trails at Royal Gorge
We covered the nice stuff, now let’s get real.
My first day of skate skiing was, in full transparency, a slippery slam fest. It would be better classified as a comedy show for my fellow cross country skiers. But don’t worry, hopefully you can learn from my mistakes. Furthermore, I’ll be the first to tell you that the challenging start was worth it.
Step #1: There’s a bit of a learning curve
I learned that my proficiency on downhill skis does NOT immediately translate to a mastery of skate skis. On day 1 I asked myself many times, “Where are the metal edges? How do they get these skis SO slippery? How am I supposed to propel myself forward with these floppy bindings and squishy boots?”
I watched skaters twice my senior glide effortlessly past me shouting friendly “hello-how-are-ya’s.” Everyone else was a lot less sweaty than me. It turns out that just because you can downhill ski/run/you’re-an-athlete doesn’t mean it won’t be challenging to try skating for the first time. The experience was humbling to say the least… but the sun was out, the trees were snowy, and it was a lot of fun!
It’s all about that “single-leg-glide”
Step #2: It’s time to do the work, how do I get better at this?
Take a Lesson
I spent at least three days wobble-wiggling through the motions before I finally booked a lesson with a professional Royal Gorge instructor. My instructor broke everything down into simple steps and showed me a series of the techniques to use on different types of terrain. We practiced drills that helped improve my single leg glide and error-corrected some bad habits I had fallen into while learning on my own. The lesson was an hour long, cost $60, and set me off on the right foot. In hindsight, I would have started here in the first place.
Watch Biathlon
Personally, I believe the evenings I spent watching YouTube clips of old Olympic races, drinking wine, and yelling at the computer screen were an important part of my early skate ski training. Maybe it was the professional lesson that I finally ponied up and paid for. Either way, it’s called manifesting.
Practice!
This is the fun part. Starting to skate ski is challenging in every way— it’s as mental as it is physical. While my brain was working out how this strange side-to-side movement could propel me forward, every muscles in my body was working out too. Especially the tiny weird shin muscles I didn’t realize I had, those got really sore at first. If you like a challenge and you’re prepared to be humbled, you’ll love learning to skate as much as I did.
Let’s Go!
Step #3: Where do we go from here?
Only time will tell… I’m still a diehard downhiller, but I’ve grown to appreciate my slippery skinny skis and the calm of the trails. This winter if I’m not out slashing pow at Sugar Bowl, you can find me skating around Royal Gorge to explore all the places on the trail map that I haven’t gotten to yet. Devil’s Peak anyone? If you’re learning to skate this season like I did last year, remember to be humble, don’t be afraid to fall, and eat a lot of snacks. I’m still pretty new at this to be dolling out advice but I think skate skiing is a good example of where “the journey is in the destination.” I can’t wait to get skating again this winter and keep improving. Hope to see you out there too!
Cheers,
sk8r_grl
No shortage of winter fun on Donner Summit
P.S. if you had a lot of questions (I did) Here are some handy FAQ for you:
Q: What should I know if I’m a beginner?
Royal Gorge has two parking areas, one at Van Norden Meadow and one at Summit Station. If you need rentals or a day ticket, plan to go to Summit Station first. In total Royal Gorge has 27 beginner trails with stunning views of the Northern Sierra and Van Norden Meadow.
Q: What winter sports can I do at Royal Gorge?
You can choose between classic cross-country (where you shuffling your skis straight ahead) and skate skiing (skis move laterally like ice skates). Most beginners start out with classic skiing, but if you want to go big and start with skating, why not!? There are also great snowshoeing trails at Royal Gorge.
Q: Can I rent gear?
Yes! Royal Gorge has state-of-the-art equipment rentals are available daily. You can rent one type of equipment package (skate, classic or snowshoe) and trade it in same day for a different type. Book in advance and, on the day of your arrival, rental gear can be picked up at Summit Station.
Q: Can I take a lesson?
There are group or private lessons available at Royal Gorge with experienced instructors. Lessons are available daily but sell out, be sure to book in advance.
Q: Where should I go if I’m learning?
There is a great practice area right in front of Summit Station. There are plenty of short flat loops that start and finish here as well. The Van Norden Meadow is also beginner-friendly.
Q: What do you wear for cross-country skiing?
Dress in non-cotton layers that move easily and wick sweat.
Q: Can I bring my dog?
Yes! Park at Van Norden Meadow and enjoy the 11.7km of dog trials. See trail map and on-trail signage for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of rental equipment are available?
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Choose classic cross-country skis for a relaxed glide through the tracks, skate skis for a faster-paced adventure or snowshoes for exploring the winter landscape on foot. Pulk sleds are also available to bring your little ones along for the adventure.
What is included with a cross-country ski rental?
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Classic and skate ski packages include skis, boots and poles, giving you everything you need to head out and find your glide.
Can I reserve cross-country skis in advance?
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Cross-country ski rentals are available on a walk-up basis at Summit Station. Advance reservations are currently offered only when equipment is included with a lesson package.
Can I reserve snowshoes in advance?
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Yes. Reserve snowshoes online at least 48 hours before your visit. Same-day rentals may also be available at Summit Station, subject to availability.
Does my rental include a trail pass?
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No. A daily trail pass is required and must be purchased separately. Buying your pass before arrival means more time for exploring once you reach Summit Station.
Where do I pick up my rental equipment?
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All rental equipment is picked up at Summit Station, where our team will help you find the right equipment and a comfortable fit.
Can I switch equipment during the day?
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Yes. Rental guests can exchange one equipment type for another during the same day, making it easy to try classic skiing, skate skiing and snowshoeing during one Royal Gorge adventure.
Are rentals available for children?
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Yes. Youth rental equipment is available in a range of sizes. Equipment is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is recommended during busy periods.
I’m new to cross-country skiing. Where should I start?
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A lesson package is the easiest way to begin. You will receive equipment, trail access and instruction from the Royal Gorge team, so you can build confidence and enjoy more of your first day on the trails.
What should I bring for my rental day?
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Dress in comfortable layers that allow you to move, along with gloves, sunglasses or goggles and sunscreen. Cross-country skiing can warm you up quickly, so lighter, breathable layers often work better than bulky downhill ski clothing.
Plan Your Day
From planning your first visit to discovering your next adventure, find everything you need to make the most of your time at Royal Gorge. Wherever your day takes you, there's always more to explore.
