Colorado Cross Country Skiing

Enjoy the outdoors on cross country skis. It’s easy to find nordic centers all over the Rockies. Read our cross country ski blog.

Beaver Creek Nordic Avon	Breckenridge Nordic Breckenridge	Crested Butte Nordic Crested Butte
Devil’s Thumb Ranch Tabernash	Durango Nordic Durango	Eldora Nordic Nederland
Frisco Nordic Frisco	Howelsen Hill Nordic Steamboat Springs	Keystone Nordic Keystone
Snow Mountain Ranch	Steamboat Ski Touring Steamboat Springs	Telluride Nordic Telluride
Vail Nordic Vail

Guide to Cross Country Skiing in Colorado

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.

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.

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.

Classic vs Skate CC Skiing

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!

Some related activities

Downhill skiing is fun and available throughout the Rockies. Snowshoeing is easy and rentals are available at most Nordic centers.

Skiing

Snow Tubing

Snowmobiling