New Lodge Welcomes Guests at Far Northern California’s Only Cross Country Ski Area

On the slopes of Mount Shasta—rising 14,162 feet into Far Northern California’s crisp alpine air—something wonderful (and warm) is coming. Siskiyou Outdoor Recreation Alliance is proud to announce the opening of a brand new guest services lodge at the Mt. Shasta Nordic Center. This isn’t just a building. It’s a symbol of what this place means: world-class, meticulously groomed trails, peaceful mountain vibes and community connection.

At Mt. Shasta Nordic Center, you’ll find breathtaking views, perfectly groomed trails, and a relaxed atmosphere that lets you truly unwind. Skip the gridlock and head to the far north to a place where the journey is as relaxing as the destination. The drive from the Bay Area to Mt. Shasta Nordic Center takes about the same amount of time—or less—than driving to Lake Tahoe, without the traffic.

But when you arrive, the difference is night and day. No traffic jams. No waiting for a table or a parking spot. Just wide-open trails, friendly faces, and the kind of mountain calm that reminds you why you came in the first place. It’s more affordable, less crowded, and every bit as spectacular—without the chaos of big resort crowds and high resort prices. The new modular lodge is a modern, off-grid building with a durable, industrial exterior. Don’t let the outside fool you; inside, you’ll find a clean, warm, Danish-inspired interior designed for comfort and gathering.

The new space is a major upgrade from the former yurt and porta-potties of the past—part of a five-year transformation that continues to unfold, one thoughtful step at a time. To start, the new lodge will offer drinks and snacks, with plans to expand food options in the future. In the meantime, guests can enjoy a warm beverage and a light packaged bite in the lodge or relax between laps with their own hand-packed picnic basket, soaking in the serenity that makes this mountain community so special.

The new lodge represents more than just an upgrade—it’s an invitation. Families learning to cross-country ski for the first time will find a welcoming environment. Seniors will discover easy access to nature and movement. School groups will experience outdoor education in a living classroom. And advanced skate and classic skiers will find pristine, meticulously groomed trails.

While the lodge is the centerpiece of the Mt. Shasta Nordic Center Facilities Upgrade & Connected Community Trails Project, it is part of the larger Nordic Center Master Development Plan—a $1.5 million dollar effort adopted in 2021 under a 30-year special-use permit with the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Over the past three years, Siskiyou Outdoor Recreation Alliance (SORA), the non-profit organization that operates the Nordic Center, has secured a new Pisten Bully groomer, purchased a new fleet of rental skis, installed a double vault toilet and built the new lodge. The project also features construction of 5 miles of trail in the 45-mile expansion of the Gateway Trail System through a partnership with Mt. Shasta Trail Association and the Shasta-Trinity US Forest Service.

Big dreams need bold partners—and SORA is delivering. In 2022, SORA secured a $1.1 million grant from the California Department of Parks and Recreation’s Regional Parks Program to help turn vision into reality at the Mt. Shasta Nordic Center.  But that was just the beginning. With generous support from The Nancy Driscoll Foundation, The Ford Family Foundation, and individual and private donors, SORA brought in a brand-new snowcat groomer to keep trails pristine all winter long. The McConnell Fund of The Community Foundation of the North State stepped with funding to replace the outdated rental fleet. And most recently, a North State Jobs First Catalyst grant is powering the finishing touches on the project and advancing plans for year-round operations.

Mt. Shasta Nordic Center is located one mile below Mt. Shasta Ski Park on Ski Park Highway, just a few miles east of Interstate 5. The Nordic Center offers day passes and rentals, lessons, special events, youth programs and season passes. You can book any of those services on the Mt. Shasta Nordic Center website. Make your reservations and prepare yourself for a true small mountain town experience where the views, the quiet and the community will nourish you - and keep you coming back.

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SORA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to advancing rural economic development and community health through outdoor recreation. The Mt. Shasta Nordic Center is its flagship project—an accessible, affordable, and inclusive destination with expert grooming/world-class grooming that each year helps hundreds of students from Siskiyou, Jackson, and Shasta Counties experience the joy of skiing, snowshoeing, and outdoor activity. The new lodge will expand those opportunities, making the Nordic Center a true outdoor recreation community hub.