Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Crested Butte is linked with one of the most extensive cross-country networks in Colorado. The Crested Butte Nordic Center (349-1707) is at the edge of town, on 2nd Street between Sopris and Whiterock Streets. About 70 km. of Nordic tracks begin a few yards from the Nordic Center. The center also has an outdoor rink and sledding hill for apres-Nordic activity. There are more than 100 miles of backcountry trails. Group lessons, half-day and all-day tours are scheduled several times each week, but private lessons and special tours must be requested two days in advance. Snowshoe activities are offered. Snowshoe and cross-country rentals are available. There are also hut-to-hut cross-country and snowshoe trips.

Snowshoe tours at Crested Butte Mountain Resort (800-444-9236; 349-2211) depart from the Crested Butte Mountain Schools desk at 9:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. daily. You'll ride the Red Lady Express lift up the mountain, and then make an easy loop that offers spectacular views. Tour takes about 2.5 hours and includes a snack break. The price includes snowshoe rentals, lifts, guides and snacks. Moonlight snowshoe tours are a fun evening activity for people of all ages and abilities. You'll ride in a snowcat to the top of the Red Lady Express lift and snowshoe the moonlit mountain trails back to the base area for hot cocoa and Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Cost includes snowshoe rental, snowcat ride and guided tour. The tours are offered only during the full moons.

Photo courtesy of Crested Butte Nordic Center