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Cross-Country Skiing and
Snowshoeing in Southern Colorado
Crested
Butte Nordic Center (970-349-1707, www.cbnordic.org)
is linked with one of the most extensive xc ski trail networks in Colorado.
It is located at the edge of town in the Big Mine Park. For a full page
of info click CB Nordic Center.
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 stop at the center.
There are about 35 km of ski trails groomed
for classic and skate skiing, which begin a few yards from the Nordic
Center. There are more than 100 miles of backcountry trails.. Terrain
includes spectacular scenery and varies from flats and rolling hills
to steeps. There are backcountry ski and snowshoe trips available. There
is an alpine ski area and a complete list of accommodations options.
The Telluride Nordic Center (970-728-1144)
offers a 30-km. network of groomed trails around town and the ski area.
Lessons are also available; group lessons meet daily at 11 a.m. at the
center. If you'd like to ski the intermediate and advanced groomed trails
at the top of Lift 10, buy a lift ticket at the downhill ski area ticket
windows. Adult and children's group lessons are available and so are
full-day backcountry tours and equipment rentals. CCSAA member
Guided tours wind through the San Juan
Mountains and a five-hut, 68-mile network of intermediate and advanced
trails. Huts are approximately 6 miles apart and each is equipped with
padded bunks, propane cooking appliances and a big potbelly stove. Guides
are available for groups, held to a maximum of eight skiers. Call the
San Juan Hut System for rates: 970-728-6935.
Nearby
in Ridgeway, CO is the San Juan Guest Ranch (970-626-5360; 800-331-3015),
which accommodates overnight visitors. Day visitors also may use the
trails. Usually, at least 12 km are groomed, but sometimes additional
kilometers are groomed if guests' needs warrant it. The ranch also offers
ice climbing, backcountry touring and avalanche awareness training
The Nordic Center (970-247-6000 Ext. 114 or 385-2114), maintained by the Durango Nordic Ski Club, is located just north of the Alpine ski area and across Hwy 550. There are 16 km of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing. Nordic skiers find the same undulating terrain as alpine skiers do, with appropriate terrain for various ability levels. The center offers clinics, races, group and private lessons, rentals, children's programs, daytime and moonlight tours.
