Snowmass / Aspen Colorado Cross Country Skiing

Although Aspen, Colorado is mainly known for its challenging downhill skiing, as well as its overwhelming opulence, a seldom known fact is that Aspen and the surrounding area is home to endless miles of some of the most scenic cross-country skiing in the country. From short day-trips to extended overnight excursions, Aspen’s winter season is a showcase of snow covered trails offering hours of untiring fun for all skill levels. With more than three distinct groomed trail areas all within a few minutes drives from downtown Aspen, there is no reason why a trip to the small mountain town shouldn’t include the strapping on of skinny skis.

Offering miles of groomed and ungroomed trails through open meadows and unbroken forests for Nordic enthusiasts to glide throughout, Aspen’s extensive cross-country trails system boasts not only well maintained tracks but beautiful scenery. Within the Aspen Snowmass area exists roughly 60 miles of trails between the downtown and Snowmass Village. Trailheads dot the southern Roaring Fork Valley, linking together a handful of cross-country ski centers and outdoor complexes. Twelve miles west of Aspen on Maroon Creek Road lies approximately 20 miles of groomed trails in the breathtaking Castle Creek Valley.

And if sliding on pre-cut trails just isn’t your idea of a “wilderness experience,” no need to worry. Outside the many miles of groomed terrain lie hundreds of acres of untouched snow just waiting for your arrival. Some of the best ways to go about indulging in the sport of cross-country skiing and breaking your own trail is to either hire a guide from one of the many outdoor services available in Aspen or grab a detailed map from the visitor center and plot your own course. Rental gear can also be obtained at most outdoor shops. Nonetheless, traveling in unfamiliar backcountry can be dangerous, so take the necessary precautionary steps to ensure an enjoyable cross-country outing.

Skiers looking for the ultimate cross-country experience can choose from two of the country’s best backcountry trail systems. With considerably challenging trails at high elevation, these trail systems are recommended for the more advanced skiers and snow travelers. Skiers must be accomplished, physically fit athletes and able to shoulder heavy packs.

The 10th Mountain Trail Association Hut System offers European-style hut-to-hut skiing on 300 miles of trails stretching from Aspen to Vail and throughout much of the White River National Forest. On-trail accommodations are provided at a series of 12 huts and lodges three to eight miles apart. The United States Ski Association operates another chain of trails located on Maroon Creek Road near the town of Ashcroft. Each of the six huts accommodates up to 18 skiers and their gear with a minimum of four people per hut.

For more information on cross-country skiing in the surrounding White River National Forest, stop in at the district office located in Aspen.