Skip to main content

Getting Started

Have you always wanted to try Cross Country skiing, but don’t know where to start? How about from the ground up! Get ready to hit the trails with tips and tricks from the experts.

Kids and Family

Nordic skiing in Colorado offers a variety of activities, events, and programs to meet your family's needs.

Meet 6-year-old Nordic Skier, Mesa
SuperUser Account
/ Categories: Nordic Scoop

Meet 6-year-old Nordic Skier, Mesa

Six-year-olds are pretty cute. Six-year-olds who love to be on Nordic skis? Adorable! We love that more and more parents are getting their little ones involved in the sport of Nordic skiing from a young age. We recently sat down with first grader Mesa, who’s been Nordic skiing with her family since she was less than a year old! Mesa was born in Estes Park and lives with her family in beautiful Tabernash, Colorado. She learned from her mom, who previously worked at nordic centers and taught nordic ski lessons. Mesa had her first pair of free-heel skis at age 1.

One of her favorite places to skis? Her backyard! That’s right, in addition to being surrounded by world-class Nordic resorts in Grand County, Colorado, her and her family create a Nordic ski haven in their yard each winter! Mesa's parents explained they "build" a xc ski track that is about 1/2 mile and pack in it with snowshoes as soon as 12" have fallen. After the snowshoe packing, they ski it in and typically ski on it after dinner, mostly with the use of headlamps! They make sure to have some fun obstacles and downhills for Mesa to increase the fun factor. How cool is that?

Mesa's mom also told us Mesa is a daredevil and loves to try the craziest routes. "When we are done with the loops in the yard, Mesa always skis down the 8 steps from the yard's retaining wall to get to the driveway to put away her skis in the garage."

Mesa has a spunky personality and a love for the outdoors, especially Nordic skiing. We learned a lot about why she enjoys it! Check out her adorable interview!

Print
1251

Great Reads

End-of-Season Nordic Secrets

Don’t just stash your ski bag in the basement. Closing out the season properly will save your gear and your sanity.

At the end of a long, snowy season, it’s tempting to pivot off to the next adventure—get out the gravel bike, the golf clubs, the running shoes. But first, say a proper goodbye to this season, and your future... Read More

Tips & Ideas // Apr. 14, 2025

End-of-Season Nordic Escape: Crust-Skiing Destinations

Where to go for fantastic late-season spring skiing

Spring skiing may be a bit unpredictable, but it’s never the wrong answer—warmer temps, bluebird skies, crust skiing… all amazing reasons for a getaway.

Read More

Travel Tips // Mar. 27, 2025
View All Tips & Tricks

Upcoming Events

View All Events

Help protect Colorado's natural beauty for future generations

View Stewardship Resources
Proudly funded by the Colorado Tourism Office