With 120 kilometers of impeccably groomed trails set against the stunning Rockies, it's an eco-friendly haven where you can ski with peace of mind. High altitude means great snow and a little zip in your glide. After a day on the trails, unwind with friendly smiles, top-notch dining, and a little spa pampering. It’s not just skiing—it’s an experience wrapped in mountain luxury and hearty hospitality!
If you're just starting out, glide your way from the Meadow to the Sawmill Loop—it's a scenic and forgiving introduction to the sport. – Janet Conneely
If you're just starting out, glide your way from the Meadow to the Sawmill Loop—it's a scenic and forgiving introduction to the sport.
Take a lesson when starting out. It’s the best way to ensure your enjoyment of the sport. A lesson will get you off on the right “ski” from the start. – Sue French Smith
Take a lesson when starting out. It’s the best way to ensure your enjoyment of the sport. A lesson will get you off on the right “ski” from the start.
Layer up! Wool baselayers and a good windbreaker are your best friends. – Meara McQuain
Layer up! Wool baselayers and a good windbreaker are your best friends.
For those who've already cut their teeth on the snow and are looking for a bit more thrill, the Black Ten trail is a must-try, offering exhilarating challenges that are perfect for intermediate and advanced skiers. – Janet Conneely
For those who've already cut their teeth on the snow and are looking for a bit more thrill, the Black Ten trail is a must-try, offering exhilarating challenges that are perfect for intermediate and advanced skiers.
Don’t skip the crepe shack on Saturdays: buy your ticket in the Nordic shop, ski roughly 2 miles, and turn in your ticket for a crepe mid-ski. – Sue French Smith
Don’t skip the crepe shack on Saturdays: buy your ticket in the Nordic shop, ski roughly 2 miles, and turn in your ticket for a crepe mid-ski.
I love the Meadow/Broken Barn loop at Devil's Thumb! It's so conveniently located, and the trail's laid-back, cruising vibe makes for a relaxing glide. Even seasoned skiers will find plenty of charm on these gentle paths. – Janet Conneely
I love the Meadow/Broken Barn loop at Devil's Thumb! It's so conveniently located, and the trail's laid-back, cruising vibe makes for a relaxing glide. Even seasoned skiers will find plenty of charm on these gentle paths.
About a mile long and impeccably groomed daily, this loop is perfect for a quick workout. – Sue French Smith
About a mile long and impeccably groomed daily, this loop is perfect for a quick workout.
Combine them all, and you’re in for a real treat. And don’t forget the old "Black Ten" – it's a classic for a reason. – Janet Conneely
Combine them all, and you’re in for a real treat. And don’t forget the old "Black Ten" – it's a classic for a reason.
This trail offers stunning scenery and a variety of terrain. Swindler and Sawmill are great for setting a rhythm on skate skis. – Sue French Smith
This trail offers stunning scenery and a variety of terrain. Swindler and Sawmill are great for setting a rhythm on skate skis.
For longer days, I enjoy the Black 10. – Meara McQuain
For longer days, I enjoy the Black 10.
Packing an iPod for a Nordic ski adventure is like having a secret superpower! There’s nothing quite like a killer playlist to keep your spirits high and your legs moving, turning each stride into a dance move. Plus, when the going gets tough, those upbeat jams distract you from the cold and the burn, making the miles fly by. – Janet Conneely
Packing an iPod for a Nordic ski adventure is like having a secret superpower! There’s nothing quite like a killer playlist to keep your spirits high and your legs moving, turning each stride into a dance move. Plus, when the going gets tough, those upbeat jams distract you from the cold and the burn, making the miles fly by.
The high-altitude sun is no joke, so don’t forget to protect your skin. Even on cloudy days, UV rays are strong, so slather on that SPF before hitting the trails. – Sue French Smith
The high-altitude sun is no joke, so don’t forget to protect your skin. Even on cloudy days, UV rays are strong, so slather on that SPF before hitting the trails.
This multipurpose accessory is useful for everything from neck warmth to protecting your ears and neck against wind and cold. In a pinch, it can be used as a hat. – Meara McQuain
This multipurpose accessory is useful for everything from neck warmth to protecting your ears and neck against wind and cold. In a pinch, it can be used as a hat.
Being courteous on the trails isn't just good manners—it's the secret sauce that keeps the ski vibes high and the glides smooth. First up, always stick to the right when you're cruising along, just like you would on a road. This lets faster skiers pass by without a game of snow tag. And speaking of passing, give a friendly shout or a quick "On your left!" to let others know you're zooming through. – Janet Conneely
Being courteous on the trails isn't just good manners—it's the secret sauce that keeps the ski vibes high and the glides smooth. First up, always stick to the right when you're cruising along, just like you would on a road. This lets faster skiers pass by without a game of snow tag. And speaking of passing, give a friendly shout or a quick "On your left!" to let others know you're zooming through.
Don’t walk on ski tracks. – Sue French Smith
Don’t walk on ski tracks.
Follow Nordic center rules around leashing your dogs and keep them on dog-firendly trails. And don’t foget, pack out your pet waste. – Meara McQuain
Follow Nordic center rules around leashing your dogs and keep them on dog-firendly trails. And don’t foget, pack out your pet waste.
Remember to take a moment to soak in the surroundings. The tranquility of the trails offers the perfect backdrop to appreciate Colorado's stunning natural beauty. If you pause, it's amazing what you can hear and see. – Janet Conneely
Remember to take a moment to soak in the surroundings. The tranquility of the trails offers the perfect backdrop to appreciate Colorado's stunning natural beauty. If you pause, it's amazing what you can hear and see.
Moose are common in the area, so it's important to keep your distance, especially if calves are around. For a fun scavenger adventure, look for animal tracks in the snow and try to find as many as possible. – Sue French Smith
Moose are common in the area, so it's important to keep your distance, especially if calves are around. For a fun scavenger adventure, look for animal tracks in the snow and try to find as many as possible.
We’re sharing the land with wildlife, and it’s our responsibility to protect it. – Meara McQuain
We’re sharing the land with wildlife, and it’s our responsibility to protect it.
Age: 66
Years Skiing: 12+
Janet's Nordic Tips
Age: 49
Years Skiing: 10+
Meara's Nordic Tips
Age: 65
Sue's Nordic Tips
Help protect Colorado's natural beauty for future generations