Enjoy Colorado’s Great Outdoors on cross-country skis. It’s easy to find Nordic centers and cross-country ski trails all over the Rocky Mountains. Most offer ski rentals, usually both classic and skate, as well as snowshoes.
List of Cross-Country Ski Areas and Nordic Centers
Mountains aren’t required for cross-country skiing! Just gentle rolling terrain is enough for a fun alternative to downhill skiing. Whether classic or skate skiing, you’ll receive a great full-body workout, along with a wonderful reason to spend time in nature.
Map of Cross-Country Ski Areas and Nordic Centers
Featured Cross Country Skiing
Guide to Cross Country Skiing in Colorado
Nordic skiing is the oldest and most original form of skiing. It was used to travel through snow-covered land in search of food, wood, and socializing. It’s the same as cross-country skiing, except that Nordic skiing also goes in the backcountry on ungroomed trails.
Cross-country (XC) skiing is one of the best ways to enjoy the winter season. It’s cheaper than downhill skiing, an awesome workout, and allows you to soak up nature at your own pace.
It began as a means of transportation and continues as such in parts of the world. Skiers are their own vehicles to move across the terrain, not requiring chair lifts or assistance. It’s a popular sport for recreation throughout the snow-covered globe.
Cross-Country Ski Season
The typical XC ski season is underway by late November in most of the Rockies and a little bit later (pending snowfall) on the lower-elevation front range trails. It begins to end in March and may go a month or two later, depending on location and weather.
Where to Cross-Country Ski
There are numerous trails located in places like national forests and state parks, as well as at cross-country ski areas, which operate on their own acreage. If you want a more raw experience, definitely rent some skis, if needed, and head out to a wonderful cross-country ski trail in the mountains. Many previously multi-use trails are open to skiers in the winter.
Cross-country ski areas, usually referred to as Nordic centers, rent your skis and equipment and let you get started right out the door. Most will rent you snowshoes, too, with separate or shared trails available. Nordic centers are located around all the most popular ski areas, from Winter Park to Telluride, and everything in between.
Check out the best places to cross-country ski near Denver.
Cross-Country Ski Types: Classic vs Skate
There are two styles of cross-country skiing, classic and skate, with pros and cons to each style and even some trails groomed for one or the other. Most people learn classics first. The motion of your legs and arms mimics the natural body movement of walking and running, with the limbs alternating.
Classic is for those who want to spend time on the groomed trails and backcountry. The technique is similar to walking with skis side by side. This is the most popular style of cross-country skiing.
Many say classic skiing is easier to learn, but harder to master. Skating tends to be more intense and a superior aerobic workout. Skating requires less messing around with wax, so it’s easier to get out the door and get going.
The other style is skate skiing. For those looking to gain a little speed, this is the style for you. A bit freer in its technique, the skate ski gains speed by pressing the edge of your ski into the snow, making a skate-like movement through the snow. This style is more technical but also a lot of fun!
Skating is a newer style that uses lateral movements, similar to ice skating. Your arms work together with your legs to achieve momentum and get going. It’s better for groomed trails and not equipped well for the backcountry. If you have trouble deciding on skate vs classic skiing, then the best thing to do is try both and see what you like.
Knowing the style of skiing you will be doing will determine the gear you need and the rental options available to you at the Nordic centers near Denver.
What to Wear for Cross-Country Skiing
Dress like you would for a day at the slopes. Wear ski pants and jacket, hat, gloves, sunscreen, and layers. If you don’t have the equipment, you can usually rent it at the Nordic Center or a local ski shop.
Elevation and where you’re heading also play a factor. If just out for an afternoon trek at your Nordic center, dress for the weather; it’s quite the workout. You can always head back to your car. If heading into the national forests, pack that jacket and essential supplies.
Cross-Country Ski Rentals
Not all of the places listed have cross-country ski rentals available. While a state park or random nature trail won’t, most Nordic centers will, so you can always call ahead and make sure they have what you want. Otherwise, some of the same downhill ski and snowboard rental stores you find around the metropolitan area and the Rockies may carry XC rentals for you.
Typical rentals include:
- Skis
- Poles
- Boots
Everything else you’d bring with you, from winter gloves, jacket, and pants to the ever-important snow goggles or sunglasses. Unlike downhill skiing, helmets aren’t worn, so bring along your favorite warm winter hat.
Related Activities
Come winter, alpine lakes freeze over, and many offer ice skating. Most major resorts have an ice rink in town. Most snow tubing is located close to epic skiing and snowboarding.
