Some of the most pristine Nordic skiing in the country.
While there is excitement to be found in exploring your favorite hiking destinations during the winter season, the snow-covered trails bring forth an opportunity for another outdoor sport: cross-country skiing. From Utah's Wasatch Mountains to New York's Adirondacks, cross-country adventures abound in the U.S. When you’re ready to step into your skis, here are 10 cross-country skiing trails to try this winter.
Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, in the foothills of Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, was the venue for biathlon and Nordic skiing events during the 2002 Winter Olympics. More than a dozen kilometers of cross-country trails wind through the forested foothills, along with another four kilometers of packed trails for snowshoeing enthusiasts.
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Every year, the Birkie Trail hosts the American Birkebeiner, which is one of the largest cross-country skiing events in the world. During the rest of the winter, cross-country skiers can enjoy the trail system’s more-than 100 kilometers of groomed trails that wind through the woods of northern Wisconsin.
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Located in New Hampshire’s Monadnock Region, Windblown Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing Area has been attracting Nordic skiers from across the Northeast for nearly half a century. Windblown boasts 40 kilometers of trails designed to accommodate any skill level. They also rent equipment if you choose not to bring your own.
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When folks think about Sun Valley, they typically imagine bombing down pristine Rocky Mountain runs. But those with a preference for the horizontal pleasures of skiing will also find plenty to enjoy at the legendary resort. Sun Valley boasts more than 40 kilometers of trails that are groomed daily for all levels of Nordic skiers to enjoy. Even better, once you’re done for the day, you can enjoy the same après experience as the downhill skiers and boarders.
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Located in the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York, Cascade Cross Country Ski Center is a full-service ski area that boasts more than 20 kilometers of groomed trails. Its Nordic ski shop has the region’s most complete selection; and rentals are available for those who don’t wish to bring or purchase their own equipment. You’ll even find a bar and restaurant that serves “Nordic comfort fare” at the center.
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The Bozeman, Montana ski area formerly known as Bohart Ranch has expanded and is now Crosscut Mountain Sports Center. Occupying more than 500 acres adjacent to Bridger Bowl Ski Area, Crosscut Mountain boasts over 35 kilometers of trails that they groom daily. The center also offers lessons and rentals, as well as snowshoeing and fatbiking trails.
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Home to another of the country’s larger cross-country ski races, central Minnesota’s Vasaloppet Nordic Ski Center maintains 15 kilometers of groomed trails, of which five are illuminated for night skiing. The center, itself, has a wax room, a small kitchen and changing rooms with saunas.
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Colorado is renowned for its downhill skiing, so you may not automatically think of the Rocky Mountain State when considering a cross-country skiing destination. But you should definitely put the Frisco Nordic Center on your list. The center’s 27 kilometers of groomed ski trails open up to spectacular mountain vistas and twist through gorgeous pine and aspen forests. The center also offers rentals and lessons.
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ABR Trails is a ski touring center that covers more than 1,100 forested acres along the Montreal River in Michigan’s rugged Upper Peninsula. Dozens of kilometers of trails make up the system, which has something to offer Nordic skiers of all abilities. A full-service Nordic shop with rentals is located at the trail head.
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You can take in all the gorgeous scenery that Jackson Hole has to offer from the cross-country trails at Teton Pines Nordic Center. The system contains 16 kilometers of trails that are groomed daily for both classic and skate skiing. The center offers rentals and a full-service ski shop.
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