The Crested Butte Nordic Center has trails for cross-country skiers of all abilities. A pass is required to use Nordic Center trails. All trails are groomed for both types of cross-country skiing:

• Classic skiing is a style of skiing where you glide your skis forward, parallel to each other. Classic skiers travel in the grooves on the side of the groomed track.
• Skate skiing looks like roller skating. A skate skier angles their skis out to the side and glides forward. Skate skiers usually move at a faster pace than classic skiers. Skate skiers travel in the center of the groomed track.

The rating system for Nordic skiing is the same as downhill skiing:

• Green trails are easiest. These trails are generally flat. 
• Blue trails are intermediate and may include some hills or curves.
• Black trails are difficult. Skiers need the skills to navigate steep slopes and sharp curves.
• Double-black trails are expert. Expect very steep, sustained inclines.

The scenery and difficulty of Crested Butte Nordic Center trails vary based on their location:

• The Bench trails are located south of the Nordic Center, on the ridge known as The Bench. These trails are blue and black and wind through the woods. There are a few steep hills on some trails.
• The West Side trails are on the west side of town near Peanut Lake Road. This area has the most variety of trails in terms of terrain and ability level. Find green, blue and black trails in the woods and meadows. Enjoy sweeping views of Peanut Lake and Crested Butte (the mountain). Many of the trails parallel the Slate River. Watch for moose!
• The East Side trails are located in the valley between Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte. Few skiers venture into this scenic zone underneath the west flank of Crested Butte, so you might have the place to yourself! Explore this area for hilly, advanced trails. Many trails dip in and out of aspen groves. 

Explore CB Nordic’s trails on a map that includes a real-time grooming report.

The Nordic Center offers adult, youth and family skiing lessons. Lessons are perfect for first-timers and those who want to hone their skills. Lessons are available for classic and skate skiing. All lessons come with gear and a day pass to the Nordic Center. 

Classic and skate skis and snowshoe rentals are also available from the Nordic Center. Rentals are great for testing out gear. They’re also a good option if you’re traveling and don’t want to bring your own gear. 

The Crested Butte Nordic Center holds several popular events each year. Depending on the snow, winter kicks off with Thanksgiving Camp. This training gives skiers of all abilities a chance to refresh their skills at the beginning of the season. The Alley Loop is an annual race through the alleyways of Crested Butte. It is also one of the best costume parties all year and an American Birkebeiner Qualifying event. The Gothic Mountain Tour and the Grand Traverse are two backcountry ski races. Throughout the ski season, the Magic Meadows Yurt hosts ski-in, ski-out dinners and Sunday brunches.

Some of the summer trails adjacent to downtown Crested Butte, including Woods Walk and Lower Loop, are closed to winter use. Please stay off these trails after the snow falls. These trails pass through private property. Learn more about public ski and snowshoe trails by clicking the button below.

Love sliding on snow? Check out downhill skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Downhill skiing (also called alpine skiing) is fast and exciting—and unlike cross-country skiing, a lift carries you uphill! Learn more about skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort at the link below.