Colorado Nordic Skiing

NORDIC SKIING

Aspen Snowmass

NORDIC OR CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING IS A MORE SEDATE BUT NO LESS ATHLETIC WINTER PURSUIT. HUGELY POPULAR IN COLORADO, IT IS ALMOST ALWAYS FREE, WHICH ADDS TO ITS APPEAL.

While there are a lot of groomed trails in and around towns across the state, Nordic skiing is also a great way to get out into the backcountry and see parts of Colorado you otherwise wouldn’t.

With more than 20 Nordic centers, Colorado once again proves it’s the best place in the country for winter activities.

GRAND MESA

The largest flat-top mountain in the world, Grand Mesa near Grand Junction has exquisite landscapes and gentle terrain.

The Grand Mesa Nordic Council (GMNC) grooms and maintains 31 miles of ski trails on the Skyway, County Line and Ward trail systems on Grand Mesa. The Skyway trail system offers great views of the Bookcliffs (shale walls resembling book spines). The Skyway and County Line Nordic areas have separate trailheads about two miles apart on Highway 65 but are connected by Kannah Crossing and Scales Lake Road. The trails are easy to moderate with a maximum elevation change of 50 feet. Visit the GMNC website for more information.

CRESTED BUTTE

The self-proclaimed Nordic Ski Capital of Colorado, there can be no denying Crested Butte is an incredible place for winter activities. Crested Butte Nordic, the nonprofit that maintains around 30 miles of scenic cross-country ski and snowshoe trails around town, offers everything you need to get started with Nordic skiing including rentals, lessons, tours and even a gourmet backcountry dining experience (see page 78).

The trails are grouped into three sections: Bench Trails, which are best skied with the morning sun or with storms as the forest offers great protection from the elements; the West Side Trails which are sunny and warm until early afternoon and then cool down once the sun dips behind Mount Emmons; and the East Side Trails which hold the sun into late afternoon. As for particular runs, Ruthie’s Run is a 3.1-mile FIS (International Federation of Skiing) race course. It isn’t for beginners, but those with some experience, can pit themselves yourself against the best in the world. Pooch’s Paradise is a dog-friendly 1.8- mile course. The Nordic Center and trailheads are all within walking distance from downtown.

ASPEN

With a whopping 60 miles of free cross-country ski and snowshoe trails between Aspen, Snowmass and Basalt, the Aspen Snowmass Nordic trail system is one of the largest free trail systems in the country. Starting out over 30 years ago with a group of volunteers setting trails on Aspen Golf Course, the trail system is maintained by the nonprofit Aspen Snowmass Nordic Council and is an integral part of the Roaring Fork Valley experience.

The longest trail in the system is the Aspen to Rio Grande trail at 42 miles, but a much more manageable journey is the 13 or so miles out to the eclectic Woody Creek Tavern. Have a beer and refuel before heading back. For something in between the two, Aspen to Basalt is 23 miles.

The system also hosts two fully outfitted cross country centers. Visit the group’s website for up-to-date info about the trails.

EVENTS

The America’s Uphill, held on March 9, 2019, is a longtime Aspen favorite that attracts hundreds of racers each year. The race brings together skiers, runners and snowshoers for a 2.5 mile, 3,000’ vertical climb up Aspen Mountain.

The 33rd annual Nordic Alley Loop Nordic Marathon takes place on Feb. 2, 2019. Elk Avenue, Crested Butte’s main drag, becomes snow-packed giving Nordic skiers of all ages and ability levels the chance to participate in the Saturday races. The party, however, begins on Friday evening as the annual Pub Ski kicks off at local pub Talk of the Town. The Pub Ski requires participants to answer trivia, overcome challenges and be “uniquely Crested Butte” at each of the different bars on Elk Ave. Of course, those in costume receive bonus points. Visit the group’s website for more info.