Cross Country Skiing For Beginners in Colorado
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Cross country skiing in Colorado is so much fun with friends!
Looking for where to learn how to cross country ski for beginners in Colorado? Let’s go!
Cross Country Skiing is a sport that requires patience, skill and endurance. It‘s not easy to master, but once you get the hang of it, it is one of the most rewarding winter activities out there.
Word to the wise: the terms “Nordic skiing” and “cross country skiing” and “XC skiing” are often used interchangeably.
In the wider sense, classic country skiing is a variation of Nordic skiing, and Nordic skiing encompasses a number of other disciplines too. The confusing nature of wording is an age-old problem within the sport, and often has skiing beginners feeling puzzled. Learn more about the differences.
As beginner cross country skiers in Colorado, we’re here to share all we have learned about this fantastic winter sport so far.
Winter Activities in Colorado
The winter wonderland of Colorado offers adventure seekers serene, magical experiences like no other. From snow-capped peaks to charming mountain towns, this glorious state offers numerous winter activities for all who dare to explore.
Sink yourself in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains as you carve through pristine powder on world-renowned ski slopes. But the fun doesn't stop on the slopes. Zoom out on a thrilling snowmobiling tour, through breathtaking winter landscapes.
Or head to RMNP for amazing snowshoeing trails. For the true adventurers, try your hand at ice climbing, conquering frozen waterfalls with specialized gear and expert guides.
But today, we want to unpack how to experience the magic of Colorado winter via cross country skiing. Bundle up for serene snowy landscapes as we show you how and where to XC ski.
Colorado Cross Country Skiing for Beginners
Where do you find beginner cross country skiing trails and nordic skiing in Colorado? Follow us!
After we cover the two basic types of cross country skiing, we will share several places and Nordic Centers for you to head to for your first time out. Plus, all about a season punch pass to use at nine resorts!
Cross Country skiing is great for all ages
What we know about Nordic Skiing in Colorado:
What to Wear Cross Country Skiing in Colorado
Nordic Centers in Colorado Great For Beginners and how to save big across the state!
Basic types of Cross Country Skiing
While “Nordic” and “cross-country” are both umbrella terms used interchangeably for the sport, there are two basic ways to cross country ski: Classic Style and Skate Skiing.
Classic Cross Country Skiing
Classic skiing is the original form of XC skiing. Skiers ski in preset tracks made by groomers using a technique we call diagonal stride to propel themselves forward. With the skis in the track, the skier puts their weight on one ski, pushes off, and glides on the other ski. Repeat.
Reviewing Basic Cross Country Ski Techniques: The night before I went cross country skiing in Colorado for the first time, I hopped on YouTube hoping to learn a bit about what I was getting into. REI has great videos covering the basic techniques.
Classic cross country skiing in preset tracks made by groomers.
Skate skiing in Colorado is fun to try after beginners have learned classic cross country skiing
Skate Skiing
Skate skiing is a side-to-side motion, like a gliding duck walk over a groomed corduroy track. When skating, skiers use shorter skis and poles than classic skiing.
Skate skis are smooth on the bottom and skiers use a thin coat of wax to help them glide better in different snow conditions.
Which one should I try first?
There are different ways to learn cross country skiing for beginners in Colorado, but the easiest way is to start with learning how to classic ski on groomed trails in pre-set tracks.
We suggest that once you learn how to stay upright and move easily while classic XC skiing, then transition over to skate skiing.
How to Cross Country Ski
Cross country skiing is a sport that requires patience, skill and endurance. It‘s not easy to master, but once mastered, it will become one of the most rewarding winter activities out there.
If you are beginner cross country skiing, then you should start out learning the basics of course. You need to learn how to ski properly before you can move onto more advanced techniques.
This means learning how to balance yourself while standing up on skis. Once you have mastered this, you can begin practicing other skills such as turning, stopping, and jumping.
Aim for learning how to XC ski on flat terrain.
I learned on a golf course that was nearly all flat. This helped me master basic movement techniques before taking on uphills and downhills.
We enjoyed some fantastic Colorado XC skiing on flat terrain great for beginners at Mount Massive Golf Course in Leadville.
SAFETY during any snowsport is your responsibility. Learn proper technique and take steps to minimize risk whenever you go.
What BEGINNER CROSS COUNTRY SKIERS SHOULD LEARN
Most folks who are beginner cross country skiing rent their equipment before investing long-term.
When you rent your cross country skis, make sure your gear provider shows you how everything works before you head out on your first cross-country ski session.
Note that many Nordic Centers listed down below and local mountain businesses rent out cross country ski equipment at a reasonable price.
Before you leave the gear provider, find the grip zone on the bottom of your skis, look at the boots and binding, and click in and out a few times before you head out. Make sure everything fits and works properly.
We’ve highlighted three basic cross country tips below. These are expanded in depth in thorough helpful videos from REI: How To Cross-Country Ski. Some local REI stores rent cross country skis at a reasonable price.
If you learn the balanced stance, how to shift weight properly and how to get up after you fall, you’ll have the basics to get going on Colorado trails.
Here I am on my first day as a beginner on classic country skis.
Learn How to keep your Balance
Classic cross-country skiing is simple enough that you can probably head out on the trail awkwardly right away. That’s basically what I did, alongside experienced friends.
PRO TIP: Learn how to master your balance and it will pay off big time!
Add an athletic stance while beginning cross country skiing, and you will be off and going in no time.
Basic Athletic Body Position:
Stand upright, relaxed, with your feet shoulder width apart.
Bend easily at your ankles and knees, standing with your hips directly over your feet.
Place with your hands slightly out in front of you.
Bounce your up and down just a bit and focus on feeling your weight mostly on the balls of your feet.
Make Sure You Can Balance on One Foot
Cross-country skiing looks like shifting weight back and forth from one leg to the other, all while keeping your balance.
While balancing on your dominant foot, be sure your toe, knee and hip are all vertically aligned. Now try it on your non-dominant foot.
2. Move Correctly with Cross Country Skis On
Practice Shuffling or Walking on Snow with your skis on.
Now Shuffle and Glide for a few seconds — the basic kick-and-glide motion of classic cross-country skiing.
Use Your Poles — Poles will increase your power when used in the right way. Do not use them to brake your speed though. Only use your poles for pushing off. Grasp and Wear Your Poles Correctly
Once you feel comfortably XC skiing on flat terrain, learn more techniques for poling motion, diagonal stride, how to go uphill, how to glide downhill, and how to turn.
Cross country skiing for beginners in Colorado is best with a partner
3. How to Get Up After a Fall
Every cross-country skier falls eventually. Here’s one way to get up safely:
Take a deep breath and relax.
Roll onto your back and put your feet/skis and arms/poles up in the air.
Move your skis so that they are parallel to one another.
Roll over onto your side toward your parallel skis.
Lean forward toward your hands and knees.
Stand up slowly.
When all else fails, take your skis off. Move off to the side and put your skis back on.
If you are beginning cross country skiing, then you should start with the basics first. You need to learn how to ski properly before you can move onto more advanced techniques.
The Best way to learn cross country skiing:
Take a lesson: Often you’ll find professionally trained instructors at cross-country ski resorts. You can sign up for lessons through Nordic ski clubs, parks departments and gear outfitters. For example, some REI Co-op stores offer cross-country ski lessons.)
Learn from a friend: This is what I did! My friend taught me how to cross country ski at Mount Massive Golf Course in winter in Leadville.
PRO TIP: Your first time XC skiing in Colorado at a recreation area that has groomed trails (with smoothed-out snow and ski tracks) is the best. You also want flat terrain—in areas that don’t present an avalanche risk.
Mount Massive in Leadville is a mostly flat terrain golf course — a perfect place to learn the sport.
Learn how to cross country ski from a friend or with a lesson
How to Prepare Yourself Physically Before Starting to Ski
Before you even think about trying to learn how to ski, you must make sure that you are prepared physically.
Cross country skiing is an aerobic activity. Make sure you are up for the task.
Cardiovascular fitness is key, as well as key balance and strengthening exercises like these.
The day of your beginner cross country skiing excursion, make sure you are fueled up nutritionally. Pack several snacks and 2-3 Liters of water in a small backpack for your cross country experience.
You will also need to wear proper clothing.
What to Wear Cross Country Skiing in Colorado
Winter outdoor sports in Colorado require more gear and preparation.
Know that once you get moving on your cross country skis, you will be burning some calories and peeling off layers.
Layers are of utmost importance and a good daypack to carry anything you peel off, as well as snacks and water.
Get a hiking daypack that’s great for all day XC skiing - get one that fits well! We suggest 18L - 24 L daypack size for this active winter sport, in case you shed a layer or need to pack extras.
Carry 2-3 Liters of water per person inside your daypack, as well as snacks. You will likely burn a lot of calories!
A First Aid Kit is always a good idea too.
Our favorite layer for active winter hikes and sports is the Nano Puff jacket.
Below is our complete winter wear checklist for snow activities.
Cross country skiing in Leadville
Winter Wear Checklist
(Add to our Basic Packing List)
Wool long sleeve layer - Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Quarter-Zip Base Layer Top is our favorite
Fleece pullover, if it’s bitter cold
Long underwear or thin leggings to wear under water resistant hiking pants if it’s bitter cold
Wool blend ski socks or thick hiking socks
Water resistant wind protective winter pants
Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket, great in 3 seasons
Heavyweight puffy jacket in bitter cold - I swear by my Patagonia Down Sweater
Waterproof Gore-Tex Gaiters by Outdoor Research to keep the snow out
Warm Beanie
Waterproof Gloves or Mittens - We wear Smartwool liners and a recyclable wool mitten worn over
Polarized Sunglasses are a must — don’t burn your eyeballs from the sun reflecting off the sun!
Related Reading: What to Wear Hiking in Colorado for Every Season
Where Can Beginners Learn to Cross Country Ski in Colorado?
There are plenty of places to go XC skiing in Colorado. If you live in Denver, you can head to the Rocky Mountain National Park. This area has some of the best trails in the state.
We loved learning near Leadville on the Mount Massive Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Trails.
Leadville Colorado Mount Massive Cross Country Ski
Learn How to XC Ski at Nordic Centers
These Nordic Ski Centers are fabulous places to learn classic and or skate skiing. Keep reading below to find out how to get a punch pass and save big!
You can easily rent your ski equipment on site and even sign up for a lesson at many of these places:
Mount Massive Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Trails near Leadville Colorado. Equipment rentals available.on site.
Frisco Nordic Center - With a cozy lodge surrounded by stunning snow-capped mountain peaks, find fantastic trails for skate-skiing, classic cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Breckenridge Nordic Center - Experience XC skiing and snowshoeing through legendary forests with unforgettable mountain views in majestic Breckenridge, Colorado.
Crested Butte Nordic Center - Winter sports facility offering cross-country skiing terrain, lessons, rentals and a free ice rink.
Tennessee Pass Nordic Center, north of Leadville Colorado. Overlooking the stunning Sawatch Mountains, you will find skis, snowshoes, coffee bar, and more.
Cross country skiing in tracks on groomed trails
Vail Nordic Center - A full-service Nordic ski, snowshoe and fat bike center located in Vail, Colorado with beautiful views.
Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center in Granby. Dog sledding options too!
Aspen Snowmass Nordic Trail System - 90 km of FREE cross country ski and snowshoe trails between Aspen, Snowmass, and Basalt. Lessons and equipment rentals available.
Keystone Nordic Center - 9 miles of cross country skiing and snowshoeing trails, which connects to another 35+ miles in the White River National Forest. Lessons and guided snowshoe tours throughout winter.
Never Summer Nordic in Walden, Colorado - Make a reservation by emailing yurts@neversummernordic.com or calling 970.690.586
Verde Ranch in Steamboat Springs - Find this luxurious ranch hidden just outside of Steamboat Springs offering all-inclusive vacation packages including classic and skate skiing.
Eldora Mountain Resort Nordic Center in Nederland, just 20 minutes from Boulder. With 40 kilometers of trails for classic and skate style skiing, a full rental service, lessons, and an onsite retail store.
Get a Cross Country Season Punch Pass for 2024-2025 Season
HEY GUYS! Get 18+ trail passes at 10 resorts for the 2024 - 2025 Colorado cross country skiing season.
The CCCSA Punch Pass gives you 18+ trail passes to use at 10 resorts, plus lodging and rental discounts. What a great way for beginner XC skiers to learn at various locations.
This amazing punch pass gives you 2 passes at each of these resorts:
Breckenridge Nordic
Crested Butte Nordic
Frisco Nordic
Gold Run Nordic (Breckenridge)
Keystone Nordic
Mount Massive Ski and Snowshoe Trails
Snow Mountain Ranch
Tennessee Pass Nordic
Vail Nordic Center
BONUS: Aspen Snowmass always offers free cross country skiing
Classic cross country skiing
How to choose the right equipment and where to rent from
Most Nordic centers and local mountain winter sports gear stores also rent cross country ski equipment. They will steer you in the right direction.
REI in Denver and Colorado Springs also rents out cross country ski gear at a reasonable price.
Related Reading
Consider Avalanche Safety
We were reminded that while many areas in Colorado are not prone to avalanches, it’s important to know the signs while participating in any winter sports activity in the mountains.
Be mindful of avalanche prone areas. If you plan on cross country skiing at a Nordic Center, they can tell you if you need to be aware.
Essentially there a three things are needed to create an avalanche: unstable snow, avalanche terrain, and a trigger. Check avalanche weather before you head out. Know before you go.
Look for basic signs of impending avalanches:
Area had recent avalanches
Shooting cracks in snow as you hike
Whumpfing sounds as you hike
Big changes in the weather
Consider taking an avalanche safety course and learn how to use an avalanche beacon. Perhaps, like us, we often don’t think we’ll be in unstable snow. However, we could end up in an avalanche area without realizing it. Knowing what to look for and understanding basic safety in an unstable situation might save your life.
