The winter isn’t technically over yet. But even if Lake Tahoe does experience a “Miracle March,” it won’t be able to make up for so much lost time. The fact of the matter is that Lake Tahoe’s winter of 2025/26 hasn’t been a very good one with regard to the snowpack.

Now, I do have to admit that it’s been a pleasant season thanks to the endless blue skies and warm daytime temperatures. And I’m not necessarily complaining about not having to shovel all of the time or make treacherous commutes to work. However, it’s just not been particularly awesome for skiing in any form.

View from Kirkwood XC on February 11, 2026 © Jared Manninen

It’s true that we celebrated multiple feet of snow during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season. However, the skies turned blue and the temperatures rose immediately following that first major snowstorm of the season.

Then, we didn’t see new snow again until February 10th.

Fortunately, the downhill and cross-country ski resorts in the region were able to remain operational due to the holiday snow. That, and the overnight temperatures were consistently below freezing during January. But even though there was enough snow on which to ski during that month-long dry spell, many resorts offered limited terrain.

On top of that, even the groomers have been lackluster all season as they’ve essentially been reduced to some variation of spring conditions. That is to say, groomed trails have been firm and fast in the morning and slushy by the afternoon.

Don’t get me wrong. I love spring skiing. But I love it when it’s actually spring!

Stormy day at Powderhouse on February 16, 2026 © Jared Manninen

The backcountry hasn’t fared any better. In fact, I would say that it’s been worse. This is because the backcountry has been subjected to the same spring-like atmosphere. However, due to the overall lack of snow in the region, there hasn’t been a deep enough base. That, and there’s obviously nobody out there working (i.e. grooming) the snow in order to achieve a stable and consistent surface.

So the backcountry has been quite variable and “boney” and, therefore, not too pleasant. Although you can find some sections of decent backcountry skiing. The bottom line is that I don’t get very motivated anymore about doing a long combat (aka survival) ski tour. Then, again, was I ever? Mostly I just don’t like the idea of wrecking my gear or myself (for that matter!) for a ski day. So I can probably count on one hand the number of actual backcountry tours I’ve skied so far this season. And I’ve logged 75 days of skiing at this point.

Day #3 of the Snowpocalypse at home on February 18, 2026 © Jared Manninen

We all had hoped that the brief storm on February 10th was an indicator of better things to come. And it was, at first. Beginning on February 14th, Lake Tahoe experienced a 4-day storm that yielded between 4-8 feet of new snow depending on elevation! Winter had finally returned to Tahoe.

Or so we thought.

Less than a week later, we were hit by another storm. But this one was warm, really warm. So, instead of snow, we endured over three inches of rain during the 2-day deluge. And that rain effectively wiped out all of the gains we made in the previous week. There just wasn’t enough time between storms for all of that new snow to set. So, essentially, it all washed away.

To say that it was heartbreaking to watch would be an understatement.

Day #4 of the Snowpocalypse at Heavenly Ski Resort on February 19, 2026 © Jared Manninen

Now, in spite of the nature of this essay, I don’t want you to think that this winter has been all doom and gloom.

On the contrary, I’ve been training. And I’ve been training a lot! As I previously mentioned, I’ve already logged 75 days on skis. And I’ve had the opportunity to train with a lot of great people this winter, both as their student and their instructor.

Kirkwood XC on February 20, 2026 © Jared Manninen

As I’ve mentioned in previous correspondence, I’m preparing for my level 1 certification in Telemark skiing. So I’ve been attending clinics and prep courses in anticipation for the final exam (April 20th at Palisades Ski Resort). I’ve also worked with the local high school and middle school cross-country ski coaches throughout the season, providing drills and feedback so that they can better coach their athletes. Additionally, I’ve been teaching xc ski clinics to other ski and ride school instructors from the downhill side of Kirkwood Ski Resort, as well as Heavenly Ski Resort.

Also, I’m in the process of applying to be adjunct faculty for Lake Tahoe Community College’s Wilderness Education and Outdoor Leadership Department. That role would be as a cross-country ski instructor. So it would be very limited work with LTCC, but I’ve considered pursuing this endeavor for the past few years. Whether or not we’re able to run an xc ski class during the coming spring quarter is yet to be seen. But even if we can’t fast track it to happen, at least we’re a step ahead of the game for next winter.

Attending a Telemark Ski clinic at Northstar Ski Resort on February 25, 2026 © Jared Manninen

Lastly, this winter I’ve been acting as a consultant for a cross-country ski event called the Tahoe Nordic Expo. It’s going to be a hybrid experience for this inaugural year in that there’s going to be an online panel discussion of professional xc skiers and Telemark skiers in addition to an in-person event hosted at Tahoe XC on April 4th. During the in-person event, I’m scheduled to teach a backcountry cross-country ski clinic. That’s assuming there’ll be enough snow on which to ski! If not, however, the alternate plan will be to lead a guided hike with some xc ski focus.

The founder and organizer of the Tahoe Nordic Expo, Elyse Sara, initially envisioned the event as being a 2-day in-person event with lots of xc skiing clinics. But with the fairly abysmal winter that we’ve had, it was imperative to reevaluate that vision. So, for this first time around, it became clear that a hybrid experience would be far more practical. We’re hoping that this year’s TNE will be a success, and that we can host it for years to come.

Kirkwood XC on February 27, 2026 © Jared Manninen

Although this winter has been less than stellar, I’ve made the most of it by building community and goodwill within the skiing worlds (cross-country and downhilling) here at Lake Tahoe. So, in spite of the snow not being particularly exceptional, I’ve still experienced some of the best skiing of my life this winter thanks to new friends and opportunities!

XC Meets Backcountry with Jared Manninen

Take your cross‑country skiing beyond the trails! This clinic explores the crossover between classic cross-country ski technique and backcountry adventure, perfect for beginners with some XC experience. Jared Manninen, PSIA Level 3 XC Instructor, creator of the backcountry blog Tahoe Trail Guide (and associated YouTube channel), and naturalist will guide you through efficient off‑piste movement, route selection, and gear use – all while appreciating wild spaces and wildlife.

❄️ On-Snow: Hands-on technique and route selection while running light touring or classic XC skis, weather permitting

🌲 No Snow: Guided hike focusing on terrain selection for potential backcountry xc ski excursions, fitness, and nature observations.

Learn how to adapt XC skills for the backcountry while practicing climbing, descending, and transitioning, as well as discussing backcountry xc ski gear in a show & tell session.

Use code JARED30 for 30% OFF any Expo ticket option here –> tahoenordicexpo.com.

🗓️ Date: April 4th
📍Location: @tahoexc

🎟️ The clinic is included with the in-person ticket, space allowing. Want to reserve your spot? DM us to register, and we’ll send full suggestions on gear needs for the day.

10% of proceeds benefit @moveunitedsport

Not too many videos last month. With the crazy up and down weather, I was unable to continue my skate ski lesson videos. I’m hoping that I can rally and at least produce one (or more) skate ski-related videos before the season is over. We’ll see. I want to at least complete one focused on free skating drills (no poles) because I basically left everyone hanging after the 3rd part – doh!