Cross Country Skiing
Winter time in Colorado is perfect for that outdoor workout and to be alone with the peace and tranquility of nature. Cross country skiing will place you into areas of beautiful snow filled trees, open wide meadows and trails by frozen over lakes and creeks.
Cross country skiing or sometimes referred to as Nordic skiing gives you the option to go to one of Colorado’s many Nordic centers where you can either ski on set tracks or skate ski on established trails. A second option is to get out in the wilderness to find your own trail or go to the numerous trailheads for that are open in the winter for cross country skiing or snowshoeing.
Nordic Centers:
Gold Run Nordic Center
With plenty of natural snow and snow-making capabilities, it’s easy to find good groomed snow at the Gold Run Nordic Center in Breckenridge for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Breckenridge also provides guided snowshoe adventures and Nordic ski lessons.
Crested Butte Nordic Center:
In the quaint village of Crested Butte, there are more than 50 kilometers of trails that go through the outskirts of town and into the backcountry. Here you will find trails that are Flat, rolling hills that offer space for all abilities. Those who want ski all day can reserve a spot at the Magic Meadows Yurt for a gourmet backcountry dinner.
Vail Nordic Center
Vail’s Nordic Center offers 17km of cross-country and skate skiing and 10km of showshoeing trails, combined with rentals, lessons and trails that range from easy to difficult. The center even offers a video analysis which will improve your technique. Take a break and enjoy homemade soups, snacks and a beverage that will give you the energy to ski longer.
Aspen/Snowmass Nordic Trail System
The Aspen Snowmass cross country center offers 80 kilometers of groomed trails, Aspen has one of the largest free cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trail network in North America. You can ski or snowshoe between the system’s centers in Aspen and Snowmass, skiing through wooded areas, hilly golf courses and peaceful valleys.
Tennessee Pass Nordic Center
The Tennessee pass cookhouse offers a four-course meal, which you will want to ski to one mile from the trailhead, This feast will keep you going through Leadville’s Tennessee Pass Nordic system. The meal will leave you full, but not enough to make the easy ski back. The alpine views on the way to and from the mountain-top dining spot are almost as good as dessert. (Reservations required.)
The Frisco Nordic Center
The Nordic center in Frisco has 45 kilometers of groomed trails along the shores of Lake Dillon both for classic skiing and skate skiing. The Nordic center offers Rentals, lessons and a state of the art cabin for relaxing and snacks. The views are spectular and the mountain town of Frico is a couple of minutes’ drive with great restaurants and shopping. The center is located in the White River National Forest are located near several major ski resorts.
Other Nordic Centers
- Telluride Ski Resort
- Gunnison Nordic Club
- Vail Mountain Nordic Activities at Golden Peak
- Winter Park Snowshoe Tour Center
- Sunlight Mountain Resort Nordic Center
- Steamboat Ski Touring Center
- Ski Granby Ranch Nordic Trails
- Purgatory (formerly Durango Mountain Resort)
- Beaver Creek Nordic Center
- Grand Lake Nordic Center
- Crown Mountain Park
