There’s hardly a cross-country skier who doesn’t also enjoy the mountains in summer—and our friends in the Nordic biz know just how to test and delight us. Whether you’re looking for R&R or to push yourself to the limit, these events will put a little color in your cheeks this summer.
If you’re ready to level up your trail running game:
Crested Butte always pushes the envelope: The original Grin and Bear it Trail Run 15K sprint wasn’t *quite* hardcore enough; now you can opt for a 25K loop as well. And new this year: a 25K bike option organizers call “technical and difficult.” A refuel of pizza from The Secret Stash seems reasonable, either way. The 2025 race is on July 12.
At Frisco Nordic, the Run the Rockies Trail 10k and Half Marathon on August 9 will lead runners from the Nordic center down dirt roads and single track (beginner-friendly) through the Frisco Peninsula trails. Your inspiring scenery: the Ten Mile Range on one side, Lake Dillon on the other.
If you love biking the downhills:
Back for its third year, the Vail Recreation District will host the single-stage Son of Middle Creek Mountain Enduro Mountain Bike Race on the trail of the same name on June 25. For the uninitiated, enduros only track their time on the downhill section, but have time limits on the uphills—so keep it strong and steady on the climb, then let it rip with gravity as your friend.
Beaver Creek’s Berry Creek Bash on August 13 features a well-balanced combination of demanding uphill climbs and intricate downhill segments with breathtaking views of the Sawatch Mountain Range.
If you’re looking to escape for the 4th:
Rent a bike or BYO and explore the trails at Snow Mountain Ranch, then wrap it up with a family- friendly July 4th celebration. The little people can flip out in the bounce house while grownups kick back with some barbecue on the lawn by the Programs Building.
If you’ve got kids to tire out…
Kids often get MORE exercise during the school year thanks to PE class and organized sports. Let’s change that. The Town of Frisco hosts the Mountain Goat Kids Trail-Running Series (starting June 17), consisting of four races throughout the summer at the Frisco Adventure Park. Mini goats 4 and under can tackle the half-mile course; juniors age 5 to 8 get a 1.5 to 2-mile run, and ages 9 and up strike off on a 5K.
..or if you’re tired of your kids:
After a long summer of family fun, come and enjoy an Adults Only Week anytime between August 24 and September 20 at Latigo Ranch and savor the quiet—no uphill climbs or timing devices required. A dose of blue skies, time on horseback, fly-fishing, hiking, and gourmet meals makes the perfect end-of-summer reset.