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Cross County Skiing Crested Butte
Cross Country Skiing

Colorado Cross Country Skiing

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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.

Aspen Cross Country Ski Center

Aspen Cross Country Center

Beaver Creek Nordic Center

Beaver Creek Nordic Center – Avon

Breckenridge Nordic Center

Breckenridge Nordic Center

Crested Butte Nordic Center Cross Country Skiing

Crested Butte Nordic Center

Cuchara Mountain Park, CO

Cuchara Mountain Park

Devil's Thumb Ranch Sleigh Rides Tabernash Colorado

Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa – Tabernash

Durango Nordic Center

Durango Nordic Center

Eldora Nordic Center Nederland Colorado

Eldora Nordic Center – Nederland

Frisco Nordic Center Colorado

Frisco Nordic Center

Gold Run Nordic Center Breckenridge

Gold Run Nordic Center – Breckenridge

Granby Ranch Cross Country Skiing

Granby Ranch Nordic Trails

Grand Lake Nordic Center, CO

Grand Lake Nordic Center

Grand Mesa Nordic Council Cross Country Skiing Ward Trail

Grand Mesa Nordic Council Trails – Cedaredge

Gunnison Nordic Club Cross Country Skiing

Gunnison Nordic Club

Home Ranch Cross Country Skiers Kremmling

Home Ranch Cross Country Ski Resort

Howelsen Hill Nordic Center

Howelsen Hill Nordic Center – Steamboat Springs

Keystone Nordic Center Colorado

Keystone Nordic Center

Latigo Ranch Nordic Center Cross Country Skier

Latigo Ranch Nordic Center – Kremmling

Snowy scene in Maloit Park, Colorado

Maloit Park – Minturn

Top of Pines Nordic Skiing Ridgway Colorado

Nordic Skiing at Top of the Pines – Ridgway

Ouray County Nordic Council, CO

Ouray County Nordic Council – Ouray

Pagosa Springs Nordic Cross Country Skiing

Pagosa Springs Nordic Club

San Juan Nordic

San Juan Nordic Club – Monte Vista

Kendall Mountain Recreation Area

Ski Kendall Nordic – Silverton

Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center - Granby, CO

Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center – Granby

Haymaker Nordic Center Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Ski Touring Center & Haymaker Nordic Center

Sunlight Mountain Resort Cross Country Skiing Glenwood Springs

Sunlight Mountain Cross Country Ski Center – Glenwood Springs

Telluride Nordic Center Cross Country Skiing

Telluride Nordic Center

Tennessee Pass Nordic Center Ski Cooper Leadville

Tennessee Pass Nordic Center – Leadville

Vail Nordic Center Cross Country Skiing

Vail Nordic Center

Vallecito Lake Nordic Skiing Sunset

Vallecito Nordic Club – Bayfield

Map of Cross Country Ski Areas and Nordic Centers

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Guide to Cross Country Skiing in Colorado

Cross Country Skiing Gunnison Colorado
Cross country skiers in Gunnison. Photo: Larry Lamsa

Nordic skiing is the oldest and most original form of skiing. It was used to travel 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 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 vehicle to move across the terrain, not requiring chair lifts or assistance. It’s a popular sport for recreation throughout the snow covered globe.

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 trials, open to skiers in the winter. Nordic Ski Colorado has some good resources.

Cross country ski areas, usually referred to as Nordic center, rent you 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.

What to wear 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 equipment, you can usually rent it at the Nordic center or at a local ski shop.

Elevation and where you 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.

Types of cross country skiing: classic vs skate

There are pros and cons to each style and even some trails groomed for one or the other. Most people learn classic first. The motion of your legs and arms mimics the natural body movement of walking and running, with the limbs alternating.

Many say classic skiing is easier to learn, but harder to master. Skating tends to 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.

Skating 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. Having trouble deciding on skate vs classic skiing? The best thing to do is try both and see what you like.

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