Discover Colorado’s Cross-Country Skiing Adventures

Colorado is a cross-country skiing hot spot. If you’ve only considered Crested Butte as a downhill skiing destination, it might be time to check out cross-country skiing options, too. Sometimes called “The Nordic Ski Capital of Colorado,” Crested Butte has dozens of miles of Nordic ski trails that are pristine and scenic. Beginner cross-country skiers can find everything they need in Crested Butte to learn how to cross-country ski. Lessons, rentals and beginner trails are all available in Crested Butte. Start your adventure at Things to Do – Nordic Skiing.

What is cross-country skiing?

Cross-country skiing, also known as Nordic skiing, is a type of skiing where the toe of the ski boot attaches to the binding, and the heel stays free. Most Colorado skiing is downhill skiing, where the whole boot is attached to the binding. Cross-country boots are much lighter and more flexible than downhill boots. Cross-country ski equipment tends to be smaller and lighter, which allows the skier to glide swiftly across the snow. Cross-country poles are also longer and lighter than downhill poles. They’re designed for momentum.

Types of cross-country skiing

The most common forms of cross-country skiing are classic and skate skiing. To classic ski you glide the skis parallel to each other. If the trail is groomed, you do this in the parallel track. Skate skiing looks like roller skating and is done on groomed snow that looks like corduroy. Some cross-country skis have scales on the bottom, allowing the skier to grip the snow and use the traction to glide forward. If cross-country skis don’t have scales, kick wax will have to be applied to them. The wax creates the necessary friction for the skier to move forward. Some skis also have metal edges, which allows you to ski deeper and steeper terrain. Beginner cross-country skiers can rent classic and skate gear if they want to decide which they like better.

A beginner’s guide to cross-country skiing in Colorado

Crested Butte and Gunnison have many resources for beginner cross-country skiers. Getting a ski lesson is a great way to learn the basics and get comfortable on skis. The Crested Butte Nordic Center offers adult, youth and family lessons. Instructors are available for classic and skate skiing. Lessons come with rental gear and a trail pass to keep skiing once the instruction is over. Crested Butte Nordic Center has classic and skate ski equipment for rent. Rentals come with skis, poles and boots.

There are a few places to rent skis in Gunnison, as well. Gunnison Nordic Club grooms trails and offers lessons in Gunnison. Some of the most beginner-friendly ski tracks are in Gunnison. The Western Colorado University practice field and Dos Rios Golf Club are close to town. These tracks are short and flat loops perfect for practicing skills on.

Beginner ski tips

• Start on flat and gentle terrain to get comfortable with the movements and gear.
• Dress in layers. Cross-country skiing is an aerobic activity that warms up the body.
• Go slow and focus on form. Practice gliding your skis with soft knees.
• Don’t be afraid to fall. Falling is part of learning!
• Practice stopping and turning. These skills will help you progress to more difficult trails.
• Come prepared with water, snacks and sunscreen. Stay hydrated, fueled and protected from the sun!

Cross-Country skiing in Crested Butte

The Crested Butte Nordic Center alone grooms 50 kilometers of trails (about 31 miles) for cross-country skiing. Many of these trails are easily accessed right from town, making Crested Butte a unique Nordic skiing destination. You can experience beautiful and remote trails without having to drive long distances to a trailhead or backcountry ski. This easy access to trails provides beginners with a convenient and approachable environment to learn and practice cross-country skiing.

What are beginner cross-country ski trails in Crested Butte?

The Crested Butte Nordic Center is home to the most beginner-friendly trails in Crested Butte. Please make sure you purchase a pass for Nordic Center trails and have it displayed while skiing. All Crested Butte Nordic trails are groomed. Beginner skiers will find groomed trails easier to learn on.

Tony’s Trail

Tony’s is a flat and winding half mile trail along the Slate River. It connects to a few other Nordic Center trails.

Pooch’s Paradise

Pooch’s Paradise is about 1.8 miles and is dog-friendly. Your dog must have a pass as well. It’s mostly flat but has a couple climbs. This trail is good for beginners who want to practice their technique on hills.

Mike’s Mile

Mike’s Mile is an out and back that can extend Pooch’s Paradise. It goes out to Gunsight Bridge through the Slate River Valley.

Cross-Country skiing in Gunnison

Gunnison has a few areas for cross-country skiing. Gunnison Nordic Club grooms the practice field at Western Colorado University (WCU) and Dos Rios Golf Club. They also groom a track at Hartman Rocks Recreation Area and Mill Creek, which are both a little outside of town.

Where can beginners cross-country ski in Gunnison?

Western Colorado University

Gunnison Nordic grooms a track at WCU. This track is short and flat, with one small decline. It’s a good place for beginners to practice their skills and get comfortable on their skis, including going up and down hills.

Dos Rios Golf Club

Dos Rios is mostly flat with a handful of loops to ski. There are a few small hills to ski up and down. In total there are about 4.5 miles of trails to ski at Dos Rios. Dogs are not allowed on these trails.

Van Tuyl Loop

These trails are centered around a working ranch. Gunnison Nordic grooms a track in the fenced-in pastures on the property. Though Van Tuyl is close to town, the views from the trails are scenic. The Palisades rock formation towers to the west, and the Gunnison River flows along the north and west sides of the trails. Please leave your dog at home if you plan to ski here.

Cross-country skiing at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a lesser-visited Colorado national park, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth stopping at. Black Canyon is located off Highway 50 between Gunnison and Montrose. In the winter the road along the south rim is groomed for Nordic skiing. The road up to the visitor’s center is plowed and admission to the national park in the winter is free. This is a unique way to experience one of America’s national parks.

Can you cross-country ski at Hartman Rocks Recreation Area?

Hartman Rocks Recreation Area has beginner, intermediate and advanced trails and roads groomed for cross-country skiing. The trails at Hartmans are mostly used for hiking and biking in the summer, and some of them are open to skiing in the winter. The trails on the back side of Hartman Rocks off County Road 32 (McCabe Lane) are beginner and intermediate. County Road 32 is accessed off U.S. 50 West. Trails accessed from the Hartman Rocks Trailhead on Gold Basin Road are intermediate and advanced. Hartmans is high desert and marked with fields of sagebrush, unique rock formations and wide views of Gunnison. This area is multi-use, so you might see fat bikers and snowshoers on the same trails.

Local Nordic Areas

Local Nordic areas include Hartman Rocks, Gunnison town trails, ungroomed trails in Crested Butte and Crested Butte Nordic Center trails.

Trail conditions

Crested Butte Nordic publishes a daily report with trail conditions and grooming. The daily trail report can be found on the Crested Butte Nordic website. Gunnison Nordic has a grooming report, as well.

When is the best time of day to cross-country ski in Colorado?

The best time of day to cross-country ski is usually in the morning and evening. The track is usually firm and fast when the temperature is colder. Colorado is usually still sunny in the winter, so the high mid-day sun can sometimes make the track slushy. Crested Butte Nordic has recommendations on when to ski certain trails based on its location on their trails page.

Multi-use trails in Crested Butte and Gunnison

Most of the trails you can cross-country ski in Gunnison and Crested Butte are also available to other kinds of winter recreation. It’s common to see fat bikers, snowshoers, snowmobilers and Nordic skiers on the same trails. It’s important to pay attention to your surroundings and practice good trail etiquette. Be courteous and communicate.

Winter Guide

Looking for other things to do on your winter trip? Our winter guide offers suggestions of things to do and winter events in Gunnison and Crested Butte. Watch Santa light the tree, ski a historic route from Crested Butte to Aspen, test gear with professional skiers and snowboarders, and more!

Plan your trip

Knowing how to get here is an important part of planning your winter trip to Gunnison and Crested Butte. To save time, skip the drive and fly into Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC). If you do drive, check the weather and road closures first. Your lodging options include ski-in, ski-out resorts, traditional hotels or quaint inns. No matter what you choose, it’s sure to be warm and cozy after a day of cross-country skiing.