Cross-country skiing is an amazing way to get great exercise during the winter months. Whether you are looking to try the traditional style or skate skiing, it is easy to find places to get a winter burn. The terrain of Southern Colorado is an awesome place to hit the slopes, both alpine and cross country. We compiled our picks for the best cross country skiing in Southern Colorado below!
Durango Nordic Center
Located at Purgatory Ski Resort, about 25 minutes from downtown Durango, Durango Nordic Center is a great skiing destination. The center offers 20 km of groomed trails for classic skiing, skate skiing, and even specific trails for snowshoeing. Along with daily groomed trails, the center offers classes for all ability levels, ranging from beginner to competitive. The trails are nestled in the San Juan Mountains with amazing scenery all around. If you are looking to have some friendly competition, Durango Nordic Center holds Coke Races on three saturdays from December to March. These races involve fun costumes, skate skiing, classic skiing, and even fat biking! Check out ski rentals nearby HERE.
Crested Butte Nordic
Crested is a true ski town located around 4 hours from Denver. They self identify as the nordic ski capital of Colorado, and rightfully so. Their 50km of trails for skate skiing, classic skiing, and snowshoeing are spectacular. This non-profit center is located conveniently in downtown Crested Butte making it extremely accessible (just a short walk!) for anyone staying nearby. Along with their amazing trails, Crested Butte Nordic offers lessons, backcountry tours, and even fine dining in their trail-side-yurt. As a community staple, this nordic center is passionate about inspiring kids to get out on the trails. As a result, rentals and passes are free for all kids 16 and under! Check out ski rentals HERE.
Telluride Nordic Association
Telluride has a plethora of amazing cross country ski trails located all around town. The Telluride Nordic Association has a Nordic Center downtown and grooms the trails at Trout Lake and Priest Lake. There are also four other trails in the Telluride area for nordic skiing. The town of Telluride itself maintains many trails within town. At the nordic center, the association offers lessons, rentals, and tuning services for skiing gear. Along with skate skiing, classic skiing, and snowshoeing, their downtown location also provides access to sledding and ice skating. The association holds an annual Butch Cassidy Ski Chase. This event includes 1k, 2k, 5k, and 15k races for both skate and classic skiing. Check out ski rentals HERE.
These are just a few of our picks for the best cross country skiing in Southern Colorado. This region has some of the best nordic skiing in the country!
