Crested Butte and Gunnison are beautiful cross-country ski destinations with dozens of miles of trails to explore.  In fact, Crested Butte is known as the “Nordic Ski Capital of Colorado.” This insider’s guide has local trail tips, descriptions of some of the valley’s best trails, frequently asked questions about cross-country skiing in the Gunnison Valley and more!

Cross-Country Skiing Organizations in Crested Butte and Gunnison

Gunnison Valley has a Nordic center and Nordic club: Crested Butte Nordic Center and Gunnison Nordic Club. Crested Butte Nordic grooms private trails in Crested Butte and offers lessons and ski rentals. Gunnison Nordic grooms public trails in Gunnison, offers programs such as conditioning training and lessons, and puts on events such as group skis.

Types of Cross-Country Skiing to do in Gunnison and Crested Butte

Cross-country skiing includes classic and skate. Classic is done by gliding the skis forward parallel to each other, often in groomed tracks. Skate skiing is done with a motion that looks like roller skating or ice skating and is usually done outside of tracks.

The History of Nordic Skiing in Gunnison and Crested Butte

Nordic skiing came to Crested Butte and Gunnison in the 1880s as a form of transportation. Miners who settled out West found getting around in winter difficult or impossible because of all the snow. Early versions of skis, or snowshoes as they were known then, were the answer. Today cross-country skiing is a popular form of winter recreation in Gunnison and Crested Butte.

Etiquette for Cross-Country Skiing in Crested Butte

There are special considerations with trail etiquette and stewardship when it comes to winter recreation. Trail etiquette is important because it helps ensure all users have a safe and enjoyable experience. Following etiquette in conjunction with practicing stewardship also helps preserve trails for future use.

Land Access and Trail Etiquette for Cross-Country Skiing

If you’re on a groomed track, make sure you’re using the right part of the trail for the kind of skis you have. A parallel track is for classic skiing, and the corduroy-like snow is for skate skiing. Not every trail that’s open for summer use is open for winter use as well. It’s important to know the differences between summer trail use vs winter trail use in Crested Butte. Know the rules before you go and purchase any necessary passes. If you need to stop, step off the trail to not block other skiers and yield to downhill skiers. If you fall, fix your divot by filling in the hole with the loose snow from your fall. If you damaged the classic track, use your skis to reform the track walls. If you’re approaching another skier in the track, use common sense and communicate about who is getting out of the track to let the other pass.

Etiquette for Cross-Country Skiing with Dogs

If you plan to bring your dog, make sure you take a trail that allows dogs. Abide by all leash laws, and always clean up after your pet. Never leave waste bags on the side of the trail, even if you intend to come back for them.

Lesser-known cross-country ski trails in Gunnison

Mill Creek

Mill Creek can be reached by turning left on Ohio Creek Road from Hwy 135 north. After nine miles turn left on Mill Creek Road. The parking area is in three miles. Cross-country skiing at Mill Creek in Gunnison will reward you with epic views of the Anthracites and a rock formation called The Castles. There are many trail options that go through pine and aspen groves. Please be aware of avalanche hazards. Gunnison Nordic grooms some trails in Mill Creek.

Hartman Rocks

Hartman Rocks is outside of Gunnison off Hwy 50; westbound if you’re coming from Denver and eastbound from Montrose. Hartman Rocks is high alpine desert with unique rock formations and fields of sagebrush. The trail network allows for short trips or trails can be pieced together for longer day trips. Gunnison Nordic grooms Hartman Rocks.

Spring Creek Road

Spring Creek is a tributary of the Taylor River. Spring Creek Road, also known as County Road 744, begins seven miles up the Taylor Canyon Road (County Road 742) after taking a right off Hwy 135 north towards Almont. Spring Creek Road provides a scenic cross-country ski in Gunnison that can be as long or as short as you want it to be. The first mile is pretty mellow, but the trail is not groomed. It is steep in several spots after the first mile and more suited for the intermediate and expert skier.

Lesser-known cross-country ski trails in Crested Butte

Washington Gulch Road

Washington Gulch Road is a left 1.7 miles off Gothic Road. The winter trailhead parking is 2.4 miles down the road. The first part of this trail is on private property in Crested Butte, so be sure to stay on the road. This out and back cross-country ski trail is scenic, with views of Gothic Mountain on the way in.

Gothic/Schofield Pass Road

To get to this road take Gothic Road for 4.3 miles to the Snodgrass Trailhead. Located in the East River valley of Crested Butte, this trail is not open to motorized vehicles so offers skiers more solitude than other trails in the area. A rolling downhill you take you to the townsite of Gothic, which is also the home to Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory. Please stay on the road and keep dogs restrained to avoid interfering with research projects. If you plan to ski past Gothic be certain that you possess the education, skills and gear necessary to safely navigate through avalanche terrain.

Cement Creek Road

Cement Creek Road is in Crested Butte South. From Crested Butte head south towards Gunnison on Hwy 135 and turn left onto Cement Creek Road after seven miles. The winter trailhead is in 3.8 miles. This trail begins with a steep climb but opens up into a meadow that usually has a groomed classic track. Depending on what time you go out, you and your cross-country skis might have the place to yourself!

Brush Creek Road

To get here head south on Hwy 135 for 2 miles and turn left on Brush Creek Road. The trailhead is in 2.5 miles. There are two ways you can ski Brush Creek Road. The Ditch Trail along the back of Crested Butte Mountain is a pretty easy cross-country ski in Crested Butte. You could also follow Brush Creek Road. There are ranches along this road, so you will have to park at the trailhead and walk along the road until the trail begins. Though this trail starts out easy, you will need to have the necessary skills and equipment to navigate avalanche terrain as well as a defined route plan after crossing Brush Creek. This drainage was the traditional winter route from Crested Butte to Aspen for over 100 years!

Crested Butte Nordic Center

The Crested Butte Nordic Center grooms 50 km of trails for Nordic skiing with the purchase of a day pass or season pass. Some trails are also dog friendly. Please purchase passes ahead of time, for you and your dog, and know all the rules before going out. The Nordic center also offers lessons and ski rentals.

Local cross-country ski tips

• Pick your rentals up the night before you plan to ski to maximize time.
• Speak to a Crested Butte Nordic employee for trail recommendations.
• Have the Crested Butte Nordic trail map on hand to help navigate.
• Pack water and snacks to stay hydrated and fueled.
• Be aware of trail regulations and closures before heading out to avoid any fines.
• Familiarize yourself with winter trails etiquette and be courteous to other trail users.
• See real-time weather updates on our Webcams and Weather page.

Favorite local cross-country ski trails

The Crested Butte Nordic Center is home to many favorite local trails. A few include Pooch’s Paradise, Town Ranch and Magic Meadows. Slate River, which is not part of the Crested Butte Nordic Center, is another local favorite.

Frequently asked questions about Nordic skiing in the Gunnison Valley

Q: What are the best beginner-friendly trails in Crested Butte and Gunnison?
A: The Western University Practice Field and Dos Rios Golf Club are two of the best beginner trails in Gunnison. Tony’s and Town Ranch are two beginner trails in Crested Butte.

Q: Are there groomed trails in Gunnison and Crested Butte?
A: The Crested Butte Nordic Center grooms over 30 km of trails in Crested Butte. Gunnison Nordic Club grooms several areas in town for cross-country skiing.

Q: Where can you rent cross-country ski gear in Crested Butte and Gunnison?
A: The Crested Butte Nordic Center has skate and classic ski rentals available in Crested Butte. Gene Taylor’s and All Sports Replay offer cross-country ski rentals in Gunnison.

Q: Is a trail pass required for cross-country skiing in Gunnison and Crested Butte?
A: A pass is not required for cross-country skiing in Gunnison. A pass is required for most trails at the Crested Butte Nordic Center. Passes can be purchased online.

Q: Are there lessons and/or guided tours in Gunnison and Crested Butte?
A: Crested Butte Nordic and Gunnison Nordic offer cross-country ski lessons. Crested Butte Nordic has half and full day guided ski tours.

Q: Are dogs allowed on ski trails?
A: Dog-friendly trails at the Crested Butte Nordic Center are Town Ranch, Riverbend Trail, Rec Path, the Kapushion Alley, Pooch’s Paradise, Beaver Trail and Mike’s Mile. Dogs are allowed in Mill Creek and Hartman Rocks in Gunnison.

Q: How does the cross-country ski terrain compare to other destinations?
A: Crested Butte’s cross-country ski terrain is more spread out than other destinations like Wolf Creek and Breckenridge. Almost all of the cross-country ski terrain is on protected public land as well. This provides a scenic backcountry experience while still close to town.

Q: What types of wildlife could you see on the ski trails?
A: Winter wildlife in the Gunnison Valley includes moose, elk, deer, bald eagles, hawks, rabbits and more. Mike’s Mile at the Crested Butte Nordic Center often has moose in the area. Animals are particularly vulnerable in the winter. Never approach wildlife.

Q: Are any of the ski trails multi-use?
A: All of the trails at the Crested Butte Nordic Center are open to snowshoeing as well as cross-country skiing. Some of them are open to fat biking as well. The trails in Crested Butte outside of the Nordic Center are open to fat biking, snowmobiling and snowshoers. Snowmobilers and fat bikers also utilize the trails in Mill Creek and Hartman Rocks.

Q: Where can I find information about trail conditions and grooming updates?
A: Crested Butte Nordic posts a daily trail report with current conditions, trail updates and groomer notes. Gunnison Nordic also has a grooming report that is updated when a trail is groomed.

Lodging in Gunnison and Crested Butte

You have so many options for places to stay during your Colorado cross-country ski winter vacation to Crested Butte and Gunnison! From cozy inns and converted mining houses in Crested Butte, to ski-in/ski-out and resorts in Mt. Crested Butte, to riverside cabins in Almont, and traditional hotels to a hostel in Gunnison, your lodging options are varied and numerous.

Planning Your Trip

Find a place to stay, see restaurant options, explore other things to do and more to plan your trip. Learn more about cross-country skiing trails, areas and important things to keep in mind with our Nordic Skiing Trip Planning Guide.