Friday, June 7, 2024
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For Immediate Release
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Golden, CO - We sat down with Mariana Pereda, age 54, with 20 years of skiing experience, to get the inside scoop at Breckenridge Nordic. Mariana first hit the downhill slopes at age five in Argentina and has loved skiing ever since. After moving to the U.S. over 20 years ago, she discovered Nordic skiing in Wisconsin but didn't dive deep until relocating to Summit County 7 years ago. She was looking for something she could do from her backdoor and bought her first pair of Nordic skis. A few years later, she suffered a challenging knee injury, and Mariana transitioned from downhill to Nordic skiing, quickly mastering it. Falling in love with the sport, she started to teach at the Breckenridge Nordic Center. Mariana’s filled us in on everything Breckenridge Nordic!
Overview—A Serene and Adventurous Winter Experience
Offering 30 kilometers of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, the Breckenridge Nordic Center offers the joy of gliding across snow through quiet, beautiful forests with expansive views of the mountains. Suitable for all skill levels, the center provides group and private lessons for both skiing and snowshoeing. Additional activities include ice skating and snowcat tours. The center features convenient amenities in a quaint log lodge. Shop, grab rentals, or enjoy homemade food and drinks. Visitors can also enjoy lodging in Breckenridge or nearby towns like Frisco and Dillon. Perfect for solo travelers, families, and groups alike, the Breckenridge Nordic Center promises a serene and adventurous winter experience.
Quick Facts
- 30km of Trails
- Trail Passes
- $30/Adult
- $25/Seniors (65+)
- $27/Youth
- Free Kids 12 & Under
- Offering Group and Private Lessons ranging from $80-$120 Per Person
The Vibe at Breckenridge Nordic
We are like a big family here, and visitors can feel that. The lodge has a great ambiance; people can come and go throughout the day. One of my favorite activities at our Nordic Center is the happy hours with live music on Fridays and Saturdays.
Trail Highlights
- Best Short Loop—My go-to quick loop at Breckenridge Nordic Center is Beaver Meadows. It offers a solid workout paired with stunning views of the Tenmile Range—it's a perfect snapshot of what makes this place special!
- Best Long Loop—I absolutely cherish my skis up to Hallelujah Hut. I start from the lodge, weaving through Morning Glory Trail, tackling Gluteus Maximus Trail, and climbing up Heaven’s Gate Trail right to the hut. For shorter ski days, I park at Ski Hill Road and ski the Heaven’s Gate Trail to the hut. On special occasions when my daughters visit, we ski to the hut together and catch the sunset—it’s a truly enchanting experience every time.
Advice for Beginners
Be patient with yourself, and remember that you won't become a pro on the first day. Give yourself time to learn the basics — for example, learn classic skiing before trying skate skiing — and just enjoy the process. If you're new to snow activities, I suggest starting with snowshoeing on Willow Trail. Once you're comfortable, and if you're interested in skiing, consider taking a beginner's classic ski lesson.
Essential Packing Tips
- Must-Bring Items—Due to Colorado's changing weather, layers are essential. Multiple lighter layers, with at least one waterproof piece, are recommended.
- Nordic Accessory—A hydration belt for easy access to water, crucial for staying hydrated in cold weather.
Locals Favorites
- Best Grub—Pretzel with cheese and spicy mustard at the Nordic Center. La Francaise is for pastries in town, and Mi Casa is for Mexican cuisine.
- Best Craft Beverage—Mulled wine at the Nordic Center or a craft drink at Breck Distillery and Outer Range Brewery.
Community and Environment
Mariana highlights the supportive and friendly Nordic community and emphasizes environmental stewardship: "Our mountain ecosystems are delicate. Leave the mountains in better condition than you found, and give wildlife their space."
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on her journey, Mariana emphasizes the importance of lessons for beginners. "I wish I had started with lessons. It made a difference and deepened my love for the sport."
For more details, visit Breckenridge Nordic Center.
About Colorado Cross County Ski Association (CCCSA): The CCCSA is a member-based 501c6 nonprofit organization comprised of 16 Nordic resorts and 2 Nordic retailers. The CCCSA aims to define Colorado as a premier Nordic Destination, providing world-class skiing and snowshoeing to a diverse group of visitors while enhancing the visitor and local experience through engaging educational content. The CCCSA strives to promote sustainable, low-impact recreation and tourism while boosting economic activity in rural mountain communities. The Colorado Tourism Office’s Tourism Marketing Match Grant partially funds the CCCSA. For media inquiries, please contact us.
About The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO): The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) is a division of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade. The mission of the CTO is to empower the tourism industry by inspiring the world to explore Colorado responsibly and respectfully. The Colorado Tourism Office seeks to advance the strength and resilience of the entire industry through collaboration, inclusivity, innovation, and leadership. In 2022, Colorado travelers spent $27.7 billion, generating $1.7 billion in local and state revenues, reducing the tax burden for every Colorado household by $760. For more information, please visit www.colorado.com.