Jim Heil
Current Age:
83
Years Skiing:
70+
Home Trails:
Frisco Nordic and Breckenridge Nordic
#1 Ski Accessory:
Good Hat, Good Gloves, Neckwarmer
Raised in northern Wisconsin, Jim Heil discovered his passion for Nordic skiing at the age of 10, spending countless winter days gliding through the family’s cherry orchard. One Christmas, he felt like he had gone to heaven when he received a pair of pine skis with leather straps. With only one gift per child in his family, he eagerly waited an entire year to get the matching poles.
Jim’s skiing adventures have taken him far and wide. His most memorable experience was the Vasaloppet in Sweden—a 90km race with 18,000 participants. He’s also a veteran of the American Birkebeiner in Wisconsin, which has grown from 1,200 skiers in 1979 to over 10,000 today.
Now approaching his 83rd birthday, Jim resides in Fairplay, CO, and works at the Breckenridge Nordic Center. He remains an active skier, participating in 3 to 4 races annually. While he is a big fan of Breckenridge Nordic, he also enjoys escaping to Frisco to explore its expansive network of trails. Jim offers invaluable tips for maximizing your time at Frisco Nordic.
Overview—Frisco Nordic Center
The Frisco Nordic Center, nestled at the base of Mount Royal in Frisco, Colorado, offers an exceptional cross-country skiing and snowshoeing experience. Spanning 30 kilometers of meticulously groomed trails, it caters to all skill levels, winding through scenic forests and meadows with stunning mountain views. The center also features a cozy day lodge with a fireplace, a well-stocked retail shop, and rental equipment for all ages. Visitors can enjoy private or group lessons from experienced instructors and participate in various events and races throughout the winter season. With its family-friendly atmosphere and breathtaking terrain, Frisco Nordic Center is a premier destination for Nordic skiing enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
Quick Facts
- 30km of Trails
- Trail Passes
- $30/Adult
- $25/Seniors (65+)
- Free Kids 13 & Under
- $75 per person and $60 per person for groups of 5+
The Vibe at Frisco Nordic Center
Everyone’s out to enjoy the outdoors, whether skiing solo or with friends. The best part? You don’t need to be a pro to fit in. Frisco’s trails cater to all levels, creating a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. The cozy day lodge, with its warm fireplace and friendly staff, adds a comforting touch, making it an inviting spot to unwind after a day on the trails. It’s just good folks enjoying the snow and each other’s company. Expect a community-oriented experience that celebrates the joy of winter sports
Trail Highlights
- Best Short Loop — For a short & spicy loop combine Giber’s with Jody’s Nugget.
- Best Long Loop — Buzzsaw is a great 10k course. When getting ready for a long race, I start with one lap, then go up to two, then three.
Essential Packing Tips
- Must-Bring Items—Dress in layers. I start with thermal "longies" on both top and bottom, and then add additional layers as needed. In my backpack, I always carry an extra pair of dry gloves, a hat, and a T-shirt, in case I get sweaty or wet and need to change. Hand warmer packs are also a great addition.
- Favorite Nordic Accessory — A good hat, good gloves, and a neck warmer. Back in the day, neck warmers weren’t very prominent, so we would cut sleeves off sweatshirts to keep our necks and chins toasty.
Locals Favorites
- Best Grub — In Breckenridge, Downstairs at Eric's is a great pizza and hamburger place. Fatty’s has good food at reasonable prices. You’ll be satisfied anywhere in Breck or Frisco you stop in for food and service.
- Best Craft Beverage Spot — TThe Pullman Distillery, nestled inside Ein Prosit on Main Street in Frisco, crafts exceptional spirits using ingredients sourced exclusively from Loveland Pass. Housed in an authentic 1881 train car, it offers a unique experience for lovers of distilled drinks. If spirits aren’t your thing, you'll find a wide selection of German beers to pair perfectly with their signature sausages. Prefer a brewery? Both Highside and Outer Range are sure to impress.
Environmental Stewardship
Always be mindful of the local wildlife. Moose sightings are common, and it's important to step off the trail and let them pass. Remember, these are wild animals, and they deserve our respect and space.
Must-Know Trail Etiquette
Stick to the right side of the trail. Going uphill? Keep an eye out for downhill skiers—they have the right of way. Ski in control and know how to stop with the double and single wedge techniques.
Advice for Beginners
Taking a lesson is a must. Safety is first on the agenda—controlling your speed and stopping. Once you've got that down, the fun begins, and the technique will follow. The goal is to enjoy yourself, so you'll want to come back. Everyone has a bit of competition, no matter their skill level. In groups of four or more, we often do relays: ski to a point, come back, and tag your partner. Suddenly, any struggles vanish as everyone focuses on beating the other team.
Sound Advice
Don’t miss breakfast, and make it count. Some of my favorites are pancakes, eggs, bagels, and bacon. Occasionally, a student will become unsteady during my lessons, and the altitude really gets to them. The common factor? Skipping breakfast. Nordic skiing demands a lot of energy and calories, so it’s essential to fuel up with a carb-rich meal beforehand. At higher altitudes, having a full energy tank is crucial to ensure you can complete your skiing session without issue.
For more details, visit Frisco Nordic.