What do you picture when you think of a Colorado ski trip? For many people the image stops at gondola rides and fast downhill runs. But the Rocky Mountains offer some of the best groomed Nordic trails in the country, and they cost a fraction of a lift ticket.
Whether you call it cross country or Nordic skiing, Summit County's terrain will keep you entertained for hours. Our vacation rentals sit close to all four of the centers below.
Why Nordic Skiing Is Worth a Day of Your Trip
- It costs far less than downhill. Trail passes and rentals together run a fraction of a lift ticket, and lessons are correspondingly cheaper.
- The learning curve is gentle. Most first-timers are skiing comfortably within a single lesson, which is not true of alpine.
- It is genuinely quiet. No lift lines, no crowds, and terrain where you may not see another person for an hour.
- It works for mixed groups. Snowshoeing shares the same trail networks, so anyone who does not want skis can still come along.
- It is a serious workout, if you want it to be. Skate skiing at altitude will humble most people.
Four Nordic Centers in Summit County
1. Keystone Nordic Center
Address: 155 River Course Dr, Keystone, CO 80435
Phone: (970) 496-4275
Website: Keystone Nordic Center
Hours: Seasonal, call ahead
Around ten miles of groomed trails, plus direct access to the White River National Forest. Lessons and rentals are available for both classic and skate skis, and snowshoes too if that is more your speed.
Two things that set it apart. The centre is run by a former Olympian who also teaches, which is a level of instruction you do not usually get at a Nordic centre. And guests staying at Keystone lodging often qualify for significant discounts, so mention where you are staying when you book.
Cross country skiing here is remarkably affordable, with trail access and rentals together costing considerably less than a morning of downhill. There is also a small family tubing hill on site, which makes it an easy half-day with kids.
After a morning on the trails, stop back at the centre for the Nordic Soup Bistro.
Closest to: our Keystone rentals, including River Run Village and Lakeside Village.
2. Frisco Nordic Center
Address: 616 Recreation Way, Frisco, CO 80443
Phone: (970) 668-2570
Website: Frisco Nordic Center
Hours: Daily 9:00am to 4:00pm
Town-run and superbly maintained, with around 25 kilometres of trails for classic skiing, skate skiing and snowshoeing, set against Lake Dillon and the Tenmile Range. One of the highest-rated recreation facilities in the county.
Lessons and rentals are both available, and a lesson with equipment included typically runs around an hour and a quarter to an hour and a half. If you bring your own skis, the tuning shop will get them ready.
Worth knowing: they make snow, which means they can usually keep at least a full green loop open even in a thin year. They also offer a military discount on day use.
The Nordic Center sits at the same address as Frisco Adventure Park, so you can combine a morning of skiing with an afternoon of tubing.
Closest to: our Frisco rentals.
3. Breckenridge Nordic Center
Address: 9 Grandview Dr, Breckenridge, CO 80424
Phone: (970) 453-6855
Website: breckenridgenordic.com
Hours: Seasonal, call ahead
The most-reviewed Nordic centre in the county by a wide margin, with an extensive network of groomed trails open daily, plus lessons and rentals for skiing and snowshoeing. Guided snowshoe tours are available if you would rather have someone point out the animal tracks and beaver dens.
The thing to book even if you do not ski: their Snowcat Adventure Tours. You ride out to a backcountry cabin for hot cocoa and s'mores, with a scenic photo stop on the way and sledding at the end. Guides here get named in reviews constantly, and the tour works beautifully for a group where not everyone wants to be on skis.
Local tip: go early. Trails firm up overnight and get icy as the sun works on them through the afternoon.
Closest to: our Breckenridge rentals.
4. Gold Run Nordic Center
Address: 200 Clubhouse Dr, Breckenridge, CO 80424
Phone: (970) 547-7889
Hours: Seasonal, call ahead
Breckenridge's other Nordic centre, run by the town and quieter than its neighbour. Well-groomed, clearly marked trails with clean rails for skate skiing, sweeping views of the Tenmile Range, and a genuinely nice clubhouse with proper facilities. There is a QR code trail map, which is a small thing that makes a real difference on a big network.
Two things you will not find at the other centres:
- Fat tire snow bikes, which are excellent fun on hard-packed days. Go after a groom rather than after fresh powder, since deep snow turns it into a serious workout.
- Horse-drawn sleigh rides, with free hot chocolate afterward. A lovely family outing, though it is worth knowing that in a low-snow year the route runs across the golf course rather than through trees.
A quieter, more relaxed alternative if the Breckenridge Nordic Center is busy.
Free and Backcountry Options
You do not have to pay for a trail pass. Summit County has miles of public trail on Forest Service land, plus the groomed Blue River Recpath connecting Breckenridge and Frisco, which works for a gentle ski or snowshoe.
One important caveat: terrain outside managed Nordic centres is not avalanche mitigated. If you are heading into the backcountry, check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center forecast and travel with training, a partner and the right gear. Stick to the groomed networks if you are unsure.
What to Know Before You Go
- Dress in layers, and expect to overheat. Nordic skiing generates far more heat than downhill. Start slightly cold, skip the heavy jacket, and bring a thin windproof layer for stops.
- No cotton next to the skin. You will sweat, and wet cotton at altitude is miserable.
- Bring water and sunscreen. Snow reflects UV straight back up, and you are working harder than you think at 9,000 feet.
- Book lessons ahead in peak weeks, though Nordic centres are far less crowded than the resorts.
- Go early. Trails are best in the morning before the sun softens them.
- Classic or skate? Classic is easier to learn and closer to walking. Skate skiing is faster and considerably more demanding. If it is your first time, start classic.
Planning a 2026/2027 Trip
Nordic centres generally open once there is enough snow, typically late November or December, and run into March or early April depending on conditions. Call ahead early and late in the season.
Breckenridge's projected opening day is November 7, 2026, with the alpine season running into mid or late May. Keystone opens in early November. Both are on the Epic Pass, while Copper Mountain is on Ikon.
A Nordic day pairs perfectly with a rest day from downhill. Legs that are tired from three days of alpine often feel better after a gentle classic ski than after a day on the sofa.
Getting around is free. The county-wide Summit Stage bus connects Keystone, Dillon, Silverthorne, Frisco, Breckenridge and Copper at no cost.
See our things to do guide, events calendar and Summit County restaurant guide for more.
Comfortable and Convenient Summit County Vacation Rentals
When you visit Summit County there is no end to the slopes and trails to traverse, and whichever winter activity appeals, you will find it near our rentals.
Browse by town: Keystone, Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne or Copper Mountain.
Browse by what you need: rentals with hot tubs, which tired legs will thank you for; ski-in ski-out; group rentals; pet-friendly; or our luxury properties.
By size: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6+ bedrooms.
By type: condos, homes, townhouses or duplexes. Also see our off-resort rentals and all complexes.
Check current specials, see why booking direct is better, read our guest testimonials, or browse all our rentals.
Summit County Mountain Retreats
22869 US Hwy 6, Suite 204, Keystone, CO 80435
Phone: (970) 368-4800
Email: Contact us here
Questions: Guest FAQs
Contact us today to plan your next retreat.
Addresses, phone numbers and hours were verified as of publication and are subject to change. Nordic centre opening dates and trail conditions depend entirely on snowfall. Confirm directly with each centre before you go.
