Crested Butte is the unofficial “Nordic Ski Capital of Colorado” and is a cross-country-skiing paradise. The cross-country skiing in Crested Butte is unmatched close to town, with sweeping scenic views. The town is surrounded by protected public land, creating a backcountry feel without having to travel far.
Learn more about why Crested Butte is one of Colorado’s premier cross-country-skiing destinations.
Best Places to Cross-Country Ski in Crested Butte
Crested Butte has dozens of miles of trails open to cross-country skiing. Enjoy a groomed track at the Crested Butte Nordic Center or another adventurous option around town.
Crested Butte Nordic Center
The Crested Butte Nordic Center grooms 50 km of trails for cross-country skiing in Crested Butte. These trails have the stunning backdrop of the Elk Mountains. The center has has easy, intermediate and challenging trails. Learn more about the trails, see grooming updates and read about trail conditions on the Crested Butte Nordic trails page.
Skiing at the Crested Butte Nordic Center
Most trails require a day pass or season pass, which must be displayed while skiing. Passes can also be purchased for dogs. All trails are open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing; some are open to fat biking. Many Crested Butte Nordic trails pass through private land. Please abide by all trail restrictions and be aware of winter versus summer trail use.
Best Easy Crested Butte Nordic Trails
Pooch’s Paradise
This trail is mostly flat with some gentle rises. It also has a few bigger climbs. It can start at the first or second Peanut Lake trailhead and goes out to Mike’s Mile and Magic Meadows. Pooch’s Paradise is the longest dog-friendly trail at the Nordic center.
The Maze
This is the best Crested Butte Nordic trail for beginners. The small loops make practicing easy. It also makes a good warm up or cool down for more difficult trails such as Mordor, Middle Earth or the Rec Path.
Best Intermediate Crested Butte Nordic Trails
Magic Meadows
This trail winds in and out of evergreen forests. It blocks the wind and has the feel of a serene winter wonderland. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as foxes and snowshoe hares. Take a break on the deck of the Magic Meadows Yurt. Access Paradise Park or go farther into the Slate River Valley from Magic Meadows.
Ruthie’s Run
Ruthie’s Run is one of the most beautiful trails at the Crested Butte Nordic Center. This loop winds in and out of aspen and spruce forests and skirts the base of Gibson’s Ridge. There are some big hill climbs on Ruthie’s Run, but these are rewarded with fast descents.
Best Challenging Crested Butte Nordic Trails
G.B. Loop
This loop can be accessed from the end of Mike’s Mile. Both sides of the loop offer challenging climbs and fast downhills. This trail closes when avalanche danger is high.
Red Lady Loop
Red Lady Loop has three trailheads. It can start with a descent from the Kebler Pass trailhead or a climb from one of the Peanut Lake trailheads. Either way, you’re in for a good mix of mellow and challenging hills as the trail crosses open meadows and an aspen grove.
Town Ranch
Crested Butte Nordic grooms the Town Ranch Loop as a free amenity for the town. This mellow loop is adjacent to the Crested Butte Community School. Dogs and skiers, fat bikers and snowshoers are all welcome. While skiing, take in the amazing views of Crested Butte Mountain, the Elk Mountains, Paradise Divide and Mount Emmons.
Slate River Road
Slate River Road is close to Crested Butte and does not require a pass to ski. You’ll share this groomed trail with snowmobiles and backcountry skiers. Ski under beautiful views of Mineral Point to the west and Crested Butte Mountain to the east on this easy-to-intermediate trail. Dogs are welcome on Slate River Road. Driving directions: From Crested Butte, drive north on Gothic Road for .9 miles. Turn left on Slate River Road, and continue 2.6 miles to the trailhead.
Cement Creek Road
Cement Creek begins with a .75-mile climb that opens into a large meadow. The initial climb is a bit steep, but the meadow is mellow and sometimes has a groomed track. This easy-to-intermediate trail is multiuse and magical when covered in snow. To get there from town, travel south from Crested Butte on Hwy. 135 for 7 miles. Turn left and drive straight for 3.8 miles to the parking area.
Gothic/Schofield Pass Road
Gothic Road goes to Gothic and the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory. In the winter, this road is closed to vehicles and becomes one of the best cross-country-ski trails in Crested Butte. Drink in fantastic winter views of Gothic Mountain and the East River Valley. This is a moderate-to-hard, 3-mile out-and-back ski. Parking is at the Snodgrass trailhead, 4 miles north of Crested Butte.
Best Places to Cross-Country Ski in Gunnison
Gunnison Nordic Club grooms a handful of areas in Gunnison and just outside of town for cross-country skiing.
Mill Creek
Mill Creek is usually the first area available for cross-country skiing in Gunnison. Gunnison Nordic grooms it early in the season and stops once the snow gets deeper. This area is best suited for experienced skiers who feel comfortable on narrow trails with hills. The trails in Mill Creek provide spectacular views of the Anthracites — mountains created by magma spreading horizontally under sedimentary rock.
Hartman Rocks Recreation Area
Gunnison Nordic grooms beginner, intermediate and challenging trails for cross-country skiing at Hartman Rocks. Beginner and intermediate trails can be accessed from McCabe Lane, while challenging trails can be accessed from the Hartman Rocks Trailhead. Hartman Rocks is distinctive for its otherworldly rock formations.
Dos Rios Golf Club
Dos Rios Golf Club is a surprisingly scenic and peaceful place to cross-country ski in town. Gunnison Nordic grooms about 4.5 miles of trails at Dos Rios. This area is wooded and has views of Hartman Rocks; it's great for beginners practicing their form or anyone who wants a mellow ski.
Cross-Country Skiing at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
See a Colorado National Park from skis. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is one of the steepest, deepest and narrowest canyons in the United States. South Rim Drive is closed to vehicles beyond Gunnison Point and groomed for cross-country skiing in the winter. The trail is 6 miles one way. Pull over at the scenic overlooks to gaze into the canyon’s depths. When dusted in snow, the canyon is a striking and beautiful scene.
Classic Vs. Skate Skiing
The most common forms of cross-country skiing are classic and skate skiing. Classic skiing involves gliding forward with the skis parallel to each other in the tracks of a groomed trail. Skate skiing looks like how it sounds — the skier glides forward like they’re ice skating. Skate skiers use the corduroy snow on a groomed trail.
What Equipment Do You Need to Cross-Country Ski?
Cross-country skiing requires skis, poles and boots. Classic skis are skinny and narrow with an arch underfoot. The arch has scales that help grip the snow to propel the skier forward. Skate skis are shorter than classic skis and have a less pronounced arch so the whole ski can touch the snow while skating. Cross-country boots are ankle height and allow more range of motion than alpine ski boots.
Renting Cross-Country Skis
There are cross-country-ski rental shops in both Gunnison and Crested Butte. Gene Taylor’s Sporting Goods in Gunnison offers classic and skate-ski rental packages by the day. The Crested Butte Nordic Center rents classic and skate-ski setups.
Cross-Country Skiing Lessons in Crested Butte
The Crested Butte Nordic Center offers adult, youth and family ski lessons. All lessons are private and designed to meet the participant’s skills and goals. Lessons come with instruction, all the gear you need and a trail pass.
Cross-Country Ski Tours in Crested Butte
Book a guided ski tour with the Crested Butte Nordic Center for a fun and unique experience. Half- and full-day tours are available. Work with the center to plan a tour suited to your group’s skill level and interest. Guided tours are not a lesson. Cross-country-ski experience is necessary.
What is the Rating System for Cross-Country Skiing?
The rating system is the same as alpine skiing:
- Green = Easy
- Blue = Intermediate
- Black = Challenging
Visit Crested Butte
Cross-country skiing in Crested Butte is a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skier, the beautiful scenery and diverse trails are sure to take your breath away. Plan a winter trip to Crested Butte and experience the magic for yourself!
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