Crested Butte is linked with one of the most extensive xc ski trail networks in southern Colorado. The Crested Butte Nordic Center (970-349-1707, www.cbnordic.org) is located at the edge of town in the Big Mine Park, on 2nd Street and Whiterock Streets. Crested Butte is a quaint Victorian mining town that has a National Historic District and the Nordic center is walking distance from anywhere in town. There is also a free shuttle bus that stops at the center.

There are about 42 km of ski trails groomed for classic and skate skiing, which begin a few yards from the Nordic Center. Terrain includes spectacular scenery and varies from flats and rolling hills to steeps. There is also easy access right from town to outstanding backcountry skiing. The Center offers backcountry hut trips to the historic mining town of Gothic, CO, home of the world famous Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory.

Group lessons are $30 per person for 75 minutes. Private lessons are $38 for 60 minutes. A package is available that includes the trail fee, equipment rentals, and instruction for $48 classic skiing or $50 for skate skiing. Skate lessons are available for FREE on Thursdays 12/7, 1/4, 2/8, and 3/1 at 1 PM and a special $15 for skate ski rental equipment.

Rental equipment is also available at CB Nordic with classic gear for $20 for adults and $12 for kids/seniors. Skate rentals are $22 and $14, respectively. Snowshoes are $12 and ice skates are $6 and $4 for kids under 12 years old. The center also has an outdoor rink and sledding hill for après-xc ski activity.

Backcountry half-day tours ($50) are 3 hours and are scheduled at 9 AM and 1 PM including a guide, rental equipment, and transportation. All day tours are 6 hours and also include a box lunch for $80. These tours can be done on snowshoes or xc skis. A snowshoe tour to the Magic Meadows Tipi, which is on Wednesdays starting at 11 AM, includes lunch activities and is $60 for adults and $50 for kids.

A backcountry tour includes a guide, who teaches about geology and wildlife. The Forest Queen Hut in the Gothic town site is 4 miles with potential avalanche hazards depending on snow conditions. It sleeps 7 and has electricity, stove, refrigerator, outdoor toilet, and wood for heat. Hut rentals are $15.60 per person per night with reservations and renters must bring own sleeping bag and food.

Crested Butte is one of the most scenic and happening towns in the ski world but can get cold so bring some extra long underwear if plans include a mid-winter visit. The elevation can also be an issue as the trails range from 8,850 feet to 9,400. The Crested Butte Nordic Ski Council was formed as a non-profit organization in 1987 and it is a USFS Permittee.

CB Nordic is 30 minutes from the Gunnison airport and 4 hours from the DIA airport in Denver. CCSAA member