The mountains of Central Colorado receive an abundance of snow each year, creating outstanding cross-country skiing conditions throughout the region. The Central Rockies have some of the most scenic cross-country ski trails in the nation with a wide variety of terrain among pine and aspen forests. Whether you are a beginner or an expert there are trails to match your experience. Some established routes follow high mountain jeep roads or hiking trails. They travel through historic mining districts, or lead you to mountain lakes. Other trails follows the abandoned route of the Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad. Local companies and outfitters offer instruction, tours and clinics at various locations in the region. Backcountry huts linked by over 300 miles of trails are available for  backcountry travelers. A word of caution, always check local weather and avalanche conditions before entering the backcountry of Colorado.

Tennessee Pass Nordic Center & Cookhouse

The Piney Creek Nordic Center is located next to Ski Cooper 10 miles north of Leadville, Colorado via U.S. Hwy 24. The Piney Creek Nordic Center has 24 kilometers of groomed cross country skiing trails for track and skating. Services include cross-country and telemark lessons. They have track, touring, telemark, backcountry, and snowshoe equipment rentals. For complete information call (719) 486-1750.

Crested Butte Nordic Center

The Crested Butte Nordic Center is a full-service cross-country ski center providing professional lessons and complete rental packages for skate and classical skiing, as well as ice skating, snowshoeing, and sledding. The Nordic Center maintains more than 45 kilometers of groomed trails via three trailheads, around the scenic outskirts of Crested Butte a quaint Victorian mining town and National Historic District. Our trails, groomed for both classic and skate skiing, can accommodate all ability levels – novice to advanced. For more information, please call 970-349-1707.