As winter settles in the Colorado Rockies, we’re preparing to celebrate the arrival of snow on our trails with one of our favorite activities: cross country skiing. Whether gliding over the many groomed trails surrounding Leadville, winding up into the backcountry outside Buena Vista or enjoying a mellow afternoon beneath Salida’s 14,000-foot peaks, the Upper Arkansas Valley offers trail options for cross country skiers across many ages and abilities.

Cross Country Skiing

Cross country skiing is a beloved winter sport because it combines the exercise and awe of skiing with the accessibility and reflection of hiking. When cross country skiing, you kick-and-glide to achieve forward momentum with your skis; this rhythmic exercise can range from a relaxing pace that is only just faster than walking to strenuous, allowing you to get in the cardio equivalent of a long trail run. So whether you want to chat and admire the views or push yourself to cover more miles, cross country skiers can enjoy the icy sparkle of lodgepole pines and aspen trees, spot animal prints in the crisp white snow, and admire the mountain scenery of the Sawatch Range.

Unlike downhill skiers, cross country skiers use longer, skinnier skis to travel across flat or undulating terrain. Some trails are maintained, or groomed, to remain smooth and fast, with two parallel ski tracks for skiers to follow. However, the beauty of cross country skiing is that you can enjoy a day on groomed trails or an adventure into low-angle backcountry terrain with the same skis.  Sometimes called Nordic Skiing, cross country tours into the backcountry often involve navigating weather-dependent conditions, such as softer or icier trails, rather than the maintained nature of groomed trails. As a result, because of recent weather or ski traffic, backcountry skiers can find themselves following the well-traveled tracks of skiers before them or be the first to make a path through fresh snow.

Guided Ski Tours

Guided cross-country ski tours are an excellent option for trying a new winter sport and exploring a new area. Whether enjoying groomed trails or touring the backcountry, cross country skiing requires various unique techniques for moving efficiently on changing terrain. These skills are relatively easy to learn; however, even the skilled downhill skier can experience confusion without practice and coaching. For example, learning curves for new cross country skiers often include the differences in turning between downhill skis and Nordic skis and utilizing the scales on cross country skis to gain traction uphill. You can avoid much of this frustration by going with a guide.

With BVMA, guided cross country ski tours allow you to focus on fun and learning rather than getting bogged down in the details of gear use or backcountry navigation. After seeking to understand your goals and hopes for the day, our experienced guides will teach a thorough gear and ski progression so you can safely and efficiently ski, stop, and traverse up and down gradual hills. Guides will carefully select appropriate routes and terrain based on your preferences as well as factors such as weather, snow conditions, and avalanche danger. In addition, our guides can introduce you to the best Nordic ski spots in the San Isabel National Forest, providing you access to the solitude and serenity often found during winter mountain adventures.

Let’s go Country Skiing

If you’re interested in a cross country ski tour this winter with one of BVMA’s experienced guides, please visit us at www.bvmountainadventures.com/cross-country-skiing. We would love to equip you with Nordic skis, teach you how to use them effectively, and introduce you to winter in the Colorado Rockies!