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Going the Distance: Colorado Nordic Getaways

Travel Tips Monday, November 16, 2015

Plan a spring Colorado cross-country ski vacation so you can work in long, beautiful days on the trail.

With our latest storms and record snowpack, this season isn’t even close to over. Here are four great reasons to plan a ski-inspired getaway this spring.

Explore a new-to-you Nordic resort

Most of us tend to ski the same one or two spots—especially if we’re holding season passes. Plan a multi-day trip and explore far-flung spots like Crested Butte or small and scenic centers like Grand Lake. Or head to a destination with a cluster of great Nordic centers—like Frisco, Breck and Keystone in Summit County, or the Vail/Beaver Creek area in Eagle County—and ski a different one every day.

Cement your skills

Skiing for one or two days at a time is great, but it’s a recipe for weekend warriorhood; and it usually means we ski as much as we can, as fast as we can. Having multiple days to ski lets you build in long slow distances, adventurous climbs, shorter sprints—and shows you how far you’ve come this season.

Build your trip around an event

Whether it’s a spring splash, music fest, clinic, tour or race, pick something fun to wrap your travels around. Feeling fit after this long season? Now’s the time to go for marathon races like the Birkebeiner or Grand Traverse.

Celebrate your season in luxury

A different kind of ski-in ski-out getaway idea: Latigo and Vista Verde guest ranches all offer secluded trails, cozy cabins and lodge rooms, and hearty gourmet meals. The ranches cater to skiers in winter; expect a lot of individual attention, great grooming, and zero crowds.


3 Things to Do in March

1. Go the distance. Tackle those longer trails you’ve been eyeing—your fitness level is at its best, and spring conditions can be friendly and fast.

2. Plan some après ski time. Skip the ski traffic and enjoy long, warm days with an after-ski beer or dinner. Ask fellow skiers and center staff for their fave hangouts.

3. Crust ski. Haven’t tried it? Hit the trails early on a spring morning—before 11 a.m. for sure—and you can step off onto the frozen snow surface and explore anywhere off trail. Be sure to check conditions.

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