cross country skiing and snowshoeing in Summit County, Colorado
The Breckenridge Nordic Ski Center (970-453-6855; www.breckenridgenordic.com), on Ski Hill Road on the way up to the Breckenridge Alpine ski area, has 28 km of double-set trails for all abilities. Trail passes also are valid at the Frisco Nordic Center and the Gold Run Nordic Center.
Equipment rentals for xc and snowshoes, lessons, and guided backcountry tours are available. Trail passes are accepted at Frisco Nordic Center and Gold Run Nordic Center. For a full page of info about Breckenridge Nordic Ski Center click here. CCSSA member
The Frisco Nordic Center is on Highway 9 about one mile out of town toward Breckenridge. Ski or snowshoe from the beautiful log lodge to visitas and picnic tables on the shoreline of Dillon Lake. There are 45 km groomed for classic and skate skiiing and 20 km of snowshoe trails. Rental equipment is available for xc skiing and snowshoeing.
The Gold Run Nordic Center is located in Breckenridge at the local golf course with panaramic views, and a lodge that has a massive stone fireplace and overstuffed leather chairs. There are 20 km of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing, while snowshoers have 12 km of single tracks. Lessons, xc ski and snowshoe rental equipment are available. Trail passes are good at Breckenridge Nordic Ski Center. There is also access to backcountry skiing at the Golden Horseshoe area.
Keystone has an extensive cross-country ski area, with 18 km of groomed trails around the resort, and an additional 57 km of ungroomed backcountry skiing trails to ghost mining towns in the Montezuma area and around the region. The Keystone Cross Country Center is now at the River Course clubhouse off Hwy 6. Lessons and rentals are available. Cross-country activities include moonlight tours and ecology tours. Snowshoe rentals also are available.
Head to the trails of the White River National Forest to play on your own. Copper Mountain Cross Country Center is no more. However, you can still book overnight tours to Janet's Cabin, part of the 10th Mountain Division system and a gentle ski tour with a four-course progressive meal; various women's clinics; the Backcountry Telemark Series and other telemark camps through the activities center. The same network of trails can also be explored on snowshoes. Copper Mountain has free snowshoes and guided snowshoe tour. Check in at the activities desk.