Where are the best spots for cross-country skiing in North America?
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For a more relaxed winter sport, many turn to cross-country skiing. While Nordic trails are often offered at traditional ski resorts, some of the best cross-country skiing is found at dedicated resorts. To find the best spots for cross-country skiing, 10Best teamed up with a panel of experts, then we asked our readers to vote for their favorites. Here are the 10 best cross-country skiing resorts in North America.
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No. 10: Great Glen Trails – Gorham, New Hampshire
Great Glen Trails, located just north of North Conway, New Hampshire, offers some of the state’s best cross-country ski trails, as well as a ski school and rental shop. Skiers of all ability levels will find a suitable option among the 45 kilometers of groomed and backcountry trails.
Photo courtesy of iStock / golero
No. 9: Stokely Creek Lodge – Goulais River, Ontario
Located in the Algoma Highlands, just north of the U.S. border, Stokely Creek Lodge maintains 100 kilometers of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It’s possible to ski for hours without seeing another human at this hidden gem known for its stellar snow conditions.
Photo courtesy of Nipika Mountain Resort
No. 8: Nipika Mountain Resort – Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia
During winter, Nipika Mountain Resort transforms into a cross-country ski playground with 50 kilometers of groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing. Skiers enjoy varied terrain, from open areas with big mountain views to wooded paths along the Kootenay and Cross Rivers. The resort also maintains dedicated fat bike and snowshoe trails.
Photo courtesy of Geminai Photography
No. 7: Bear Valley Adventure Co. – Bear Valley, California
Bear Valley Adventure Co. offers their guests more than 70 kilometers of groomed paths across 3,000 acres. Skiers can choose between 38 groomed trails for skate and track skiing and stop for a rest at three warming huts. It’s a particularly appealing option for families, thanks to its two kids’ trails and a groomed downhill practice area.
Photo courtesy of Trapp Family Lodge
No. 6: Trapp Family Lodge – Stowe, Vermont
This Austrian-inspired lodge in scenic Stowe, Vermont occupies 2,500 acres. The resort’s 96 rooms and suites include free Wi-Fi, Old World furnishings and access to amenities like nightly turndown service, heated pools and hot tubs, a fitness center, ski storage, campfires with s’mores and live piano on most days. Guests also enjoy access to 100 kilometers of cross-country ski trails, plus convenient access to downhill skiing at nearby Stowe Mountain Resort.
Photo courtesy of Tahoe Donner Association
No. 5: Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center – Truckee, California
Tahoe Donner’s 62-plus miles (100 kilometers) of trails wind through 2,800 acres of terrain. The resort, a favorite among Tahoe-area locals, includes four warming huts, a large variety of modern rental equipment and even some dog-friendly trails.
No. 4: Waterville Valley Resort – Waterville Valley, New Hampshire
The Adventure Center at New Hampshire’s Waterville Valley Resort grooms some 70 kilometers of trails, all accessible from Town Square or the Alpine ski area. Explore the White Mountain National Forest on skate or classic skis, snowshoes or fat bikes (on select trails).
Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
No. 3: White Grass Ski Touring Center – Davis, West Virginia
Located in West Virginia’s snowy Cabin Mountain range, White Grass Ski Touring Center maintains more than 60 kilometers of trails. The center also offers a variety of rentals, guided tours, lessons, a repair shop and a cafe serving wholesome, healthy and natural foods.
Photo courtesy of Snow Mountain Ranch
No. 2: Snow Mountain Ranch – Granby, Colorado
The Nordic Center at Snow Mountain Ranch offers more than 120 kilometers of cross-country skiing terrain in the Colorado Rockies. Easy loops cater to beginners, while longer trails with steeper climbs appeal to experienced skiers. Fat biking and snowshoeing are also available.
Photo courtesy of Devil’s Thumb Ranch
No. 1: Devil’s Thumb Ranch – Tabernash, Colorado
Nearly 120 kilometers of groomed trails at the base of Colorado’s Continental Divide make Devil’s Thumb Ranch a favorite for skate or classic cross-country skiing. Beginners can sign up for private or group lessons, while more advanced skiers can push themselves in advanced technique clinics.
