There's a whole other world waiting beyond the chairlifts; one where you move through pristine winter wonderlands at your own pace, and it’s so silent you can almost hear the snowflakes falling. Cross-country skiing is a winter sport dream: a full-body cardio and an adventure into hidden corners of America's most stunning mountain destinations all wrapped up into one. Whether you're craving a killer workout disguised as a scenic tour, the perfect activity for mixed-ability groups, or simply ready to experience the mountains in a new way, Nordic skiing delivers pure, unfiltered winter bliss. Our Mountain Travel Experts have toured the country to bring you 12 U.S. ski resorts where cross-country skiing isn't just an afterthought – it's a complementary addition to iconic resorts.
Long before ski lifts, gondolas and high-alpine après decks, skiing began as something much simpler: a way to move through winter. Cross-country skiing traces its roots back to Scandinavia around 4000 BC, where early skis were invented for hunting, travel and survival across snow-covered landscapes. Over thousands of years, this practical mode of transportation evolved into a full-fledged sport that now claims a proud place on the Olympic stage and continues to captivate winter travelers seeking a quieter, more immersive way to explore the mountains.
Today, cross-country skiing comes in two main styles: classic and skate. Classic skiing uses parallel tracks and a rhythmic, forward-gliding motion that many beginners find intuitive. Skate skiing, on the other hand, has a more dynamic, side-to-side movement (think ice skating on snow), and often appeals to those looking for a faster, more aerobic workout. Both styles offer a fun way to experience the beauty of winter at a slower pace.
Explore the grounds of the lodge founded by the von Trapp family, whose story inspired the famous musical, "The Sound of Music." l Image: Von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort.Home to the first cross-country ski center in the U.S., the Von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe offers 37 miles of groomed trails and plenty of backcountry trails suitable for all ages and abilities. The on-site Nordic Center carries rentals, and be sure to grab a trail day pass before you head out. After your ski, you can warm up with a hot drink at the lodge or settle into one of their cozy Austrian-inspired lounges, the quintessential ending to a classic Vermont winter day.
Read more: The Top 5 Family-Owned Lodges
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Cross-country skiers will find plenty to love at Whiteface and the greater Lake Placid region, with multiple cross-country ski centers and more than 100 miles of trails weaving over lakes and through the spectacular Adirondacks. Just minutes from the lifts, Mt. Van Hoevenberg Center (known for its Olympic-caliber trails) delivers some of the best cross-country skiing in the East, with nicely groomed loops designed for every ability level. The Lake Placid website presents plenty of back-country trail details (both groomed and ungroomed), including the famous Jackrabbit Trail, which connects several of the centers and communities. And rentals, lessons and guided tours make it easy for anyone to get into the sport, even if it’s their very first stride.
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Cross-country skiing at Devil's Thumb. l Image: Devil's Thumb Ranch.Just minutes from the slopes, Winter Park gives Nordic skiers access to not one but two world-class cross-country centers: Snow Mountain Ranch and Devil’s Thumb Ranch. Snow Mountain features 51 miles of groomed trails for all ability levels, making it an easy add-on for anyone looking to explore the quieter side of Colorado winter. And just down the road, Devil’s Thumb (named the #1 Cross-Country Ski Resort in North America in the 2018 and 2019 USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards) has nearly 75 miles of classic and skate trails winding through the pristine Ranch Creek Valley at the base of the Continental Divide. Both centers offer rentals, private and group lessons, dog-friendly trails and require a day pass for access.
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Crested Butte has built an entire community around its cross-country ski culture, with 34 miles of immaculately groomed trails around town and up Slate River Road. Locals and visitors alike look forward to a full lineup of family-friendly Nordic events, from the legendary Alley Loop, a wild, costume-filled ski marathon through downtown, to the Pinnacle Orthopedic Community Race Series, the Grand Traverse and more. For a truly memorable winter experience, plan a day trip to the Magic Meadows Yurt, accessible only via a one-mile groomed trail from the Peanut Lake Trailhead. Ski in for a cozy Sunday brunch, a warm après drink or go all-in with their renowned five-course yurt dinner. Private lessons, clinics and tours are available, and passes are required, too.
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Boasting about 60 miles of cross-country ski trails, Aspen Snowmass has one of the largest free groomed Nordic ski systems in North America – yes, completely free, no pass required. The interconnected trail network links Aspen, Snowmass and Basalt, giving beginners and seasoned skiers both a diverse mix of gentle and scenic meadows and adrenaline-fueled climbs. Rentals are conveniently available in Snowmass Village, making it easy to slip into the Nordic scene. The system also offers dedicated learning loops, dog-friendly stretches and stunning views of the Elk Mountains around every turn. For up-to-date trail conditions, webcam feeds, detailed maps and grooming reports, visit the Aspen Nordic website.
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McCoy Park, which is accessed via Beaver Creek’s Strawberry Park chairlift, treats you to 12 miles of groomed, cross-country trails in the beautiful glades of the resort. This lift-accessed natural area blends Nordic, snowshoe and mellow alpine terrain, all framed by breathtaking views of the Sawatch Range. Tucked between Beaver Creek and Bachelor Gulch, McCoy Park feels worlds away, offering a quiet, backcountry-style experience without ever leaving the resort. (Beaver Creek also maintains a set of groomed loops on the resort’s golf course available to the public.) When you’re ready for a break, swing by Eaton Haus for hot drinks and grab-and-go bites. The Nordic Sports Center provides classic, skate, telemark and snowshoe rentals, along with private lessons and guided tours. A McCoy Park lift ticket is required, and the Epic Pass grants full access.
Flying through the #1 Nordic Ski Resort in North America. Photo: Lone Mountain Ranch
Voted the “No.1 Nordic Ski Resort in North America” by Cross Country Skier magazine, Lone Mountain Ranch is just six miles from the Big Sky Resort base area and offers 50 miles of varied cross-country trails. For a true challenge, don’t miss the 10-mile Siberia Trail, which features heart-pumping climbs, rolling slopes and numerous areas to enjoy a picnic lunch. Trail passes are required, rentals are available and with plenty of beginner-friendly (and dog-friendly) trails, skiers of all levels are able to experience this iconic Montana Nordic playground.
Home to more than 100 scenic multi-use trails for skate and classic skiing (as well as fat biking and snowshoeing), Jackson Hole is a well-kept cross-country skiing secret. Beginners can start right from Teton Village on the Gray Meadow Nordic Loop, a free, 2-mile trail with open views and frequent bald eagle sightings. Just four miles down the road, the Teton Pines Cross Country Ski Center provides 10 miles of impeccably groomed terrain, plus lessons and rentals. For an unforgettable winter experience, you can also book an Ecotour Adventure, where expert naturalists lead educational cross-country tours deep into Grand Teton National Park’s gorgeous winter backcountry – no experience required. It’s the picture-perfect way to escape the crowds, see some unique wildlife and immerse yourself in the Tetons’ wild, snowy landscape. Connect with a Ski.com Mountain Travel Expert to start planning your Nordic getaway today.
Nordic skiing is a family-friendly event in Sun Valley! l Image: Sun Valley Resort / Katy RobinFeaturing 25 miles of cross-country trails, Sun Valley brings something for every skier, from gentle loops great for beginners and families to long climbs for those craving a true workout. Scenic routes showcase the valley’s beautiful views, and several trails are dog-friendly. Trail passes are required, and Nordic and snowshoe rentals are available at the Sun Valley Nordic & Snowshoe Center, just a mile east of the Sun Valley Lodge in the Sun Valley Club. Beyond the resort, the Blaine County Recreation District (BCRD) maintains over 85 miles of groomed Nordic trails, including the 20-mile multi-use Wood River Trail, which is always free to enjoy (a BCRD Nordic pass is required for all other trails). For even more adventure off the beaten path, the Sawtooth Valley Ski Club shares 18 miles of free trails at Park Creek and Alturas Lake, prime for finding solitude, fresh snow and the kind of scenery that makes every stride feel epic.
Park City and its surrounding mountains offer almost 45 miles of groomed cross-country trails, ideal for all levels. Basin Recreation maintains 15 miles of free, multi-use trails linking the Utah Olympic Park area with Willow Creek Park, while Round Valley in Quinn’s Junction serves up 15 miles of rolling hills and challenging climbs on trails that are both dog- and multi-use friendly. For a more curated Nordic experience, the White Pine Nordic Center provides 15 miles of fee-based groomed trails in a scenic setting. Just 30 minutes from Park City, Soldier Hollow, the former 2002 Olympic cross-country and biathlon venue in Wasatch Mountain State Park, showcases 19+ miles of preserved skate and classic trails. For adventurous skiers, the Biathlon Experience Package allows you to try your hand at the biathlon range with the same rifles used during the modern Olympic Games.
Lasting from mid-November to mid-May, Mt. Bachelor is known for having one of the longest cross-country ski seasons in North America, with 35 miles of daily machine-groomed trails framed by stunning Cascade alpine views. The Nordic system is expertly maintained, track-set nightly and broken down by difficulty: 5% easier, 69% more difficult and 26% most difficult. On-site, you’ll find full rental services, a variety of cross-country ski lessons, multi-week clinics and a café with a warm wood stove to unwind after a day on the trails. Beyond the resort, Central Oregon opens the door to countless groomed and ungroomed cross-country options stretching from Bend to Mt. Bachelor (just be sure to grab a sno-park permit before you head out). With brilliant blue skies and desert sunshine glittering on snow-dusted Ponderosa pines, plus tons of easy-access trails, it’s no wonder Central Oregon has earned a reputation as a top destination for Nordic skiing.
Located just a half mile from Kirkwood Resort, you’ll find 50 miles of interconnected, groomed trails with breathtaking Sierra Nevada views and a mix of terrain for Nordic skiers of all abilities. Dogs are welcome, and both classic and skate lessons are available, with rentals conveniently on-site. Trail passes are required, and the calendar is packed with fun events, from clinics and relay races to guided full-moon treks. Beginners and snowshoers will love the tranquil Kirkwood Meadow, a network of gentle trails ideal for building confidence or logging some scenic mileage. For those seeking a bigger challenge, Caples Creek and Schneider Camp guarantee intermediate and advanced terrain, complete with panoramic views of the Cirque, Red Cliffs and Little Round Top.
Ready to experience Ski Country at a different pace? Let our Mountain Travel Experts help you plan every detail, from flights and rental cars to lodging and more, so all you have to do is hit the slopes and enjoy the adventure. Book your stress-free ski trip now.
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