Many people prefer cross-country skiing as a more relaxed winter sport. While Nordic trails are frequently available at traditional ski resorts, dedicated resorts offer some of the best cross-country skiing. 10Best collaborated with a panel of experts to identify the best cross-country skiing locations, and then asked our readers to vote for their favourites. The following are the top ten cross-country skiing resorts in North America.
No. 10: Gorham, New Hampshire’s Great Glen Trails. Great Glen Trails, just north of North Conway, New Hampshire, has some of the best cross-country ski trails in the state, as well as a ski school and rental shop. Skiers of all skill levels will find something to their liking among the 45 kilometres of groomed and backcountry trails.
THE ISTOCK / FERRANTRAITE
Stokely Creek Lodge – Goulais River, Ontario, No. 9. Stokely Creek Lodge, located in the Algoma Highlands just north of the US border, maintains 100 kilometres of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. This hidden gem known for its stellar snow conditions allows you to ski for hours without seeing another human.
GOLERO / ISTOCK
Nipika Mountain Resort – Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia, ranks eighth. Nipika Mountain Resort transforms into a cross-country ski playground during the winter, with 50 kilometres of groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing. Skiers can choose from open areas with expansive mountain views to wooded paths along the Kootenay and Cross Rivers. There are also fat bike and snowshoe trails at the resort.
MOUNTAIN RESORT NIPIKA
Bear Valley Adventure Co., Bear Valley, California, is ranked seventh. Bear Valley Adventure Co. has more than 70 kilometres of groomed trails spread across 3,000 acres for their guests to enjoy. Skiers can choose from 38 groomed trails for skate and track skiing, as well as three warming huts. It’s a great choice for families, thanks to two kid-friendly trails and a groomed downhill practise area.
THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF GEMINAI
Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe, Vermont, No. 6. This 2,500-acre Austrian-inspired lodge is located in scenic Stowe, Vermont. The 96 rooms and suites at the resort feature free Wi-Fi, Old World furnishings, and access to amenities such as nightly turndown service, heated pools and hot tubs, a fitness centre, ski storage, campfires with s’mores, and live piano on most days. Guests can also access 100 kilometres of cross-country ski trails as well as downhill skiing at nearby Stowe Mountain Resort.
TRAPP FAMILY RESORT
Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center in Truckee, California is ranked fifth. The 62-plus miles (100 kilometres) of trails at Tahoe Donner wind through 2,800 acres of terrain. The resort, which is popular among Tahoe residents, has four warming huts, a large selection of modern rental equipment, and even some dog-friendly trails.
Waterville Valley Resort in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire is ranked fourth. The Adventure Center at Waterville Valley Resort in New Hampshire grooms 70 kilometres of trails, all of which are accessible from Town Square or the Alpine ski area. On skate or classic skis, snowshoes, or fat bikes, explore the White Mountain National Forest (on select trails).
White Grass Ski Touring Center in Davis, West Virginia is ranked third. White Grass Ski Touring Center, located in West Virginia’s snowy Cabin Mountain range, has more than 60 kilometres of trails. The centre also has a rental shop, guided tours, lessons, a repair shop, and a cafe that serves wholesome, healthy, and natural foods.
Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby, Colorado is ranked second. Snow Mountain Ranch’s Nordic Center offers more than 120 kilometres of cross-country skiing terrain in the Colorado Rockies. Longer trails with steeper climbs appeal to experienced skiers, while easy loops cater to beginners. There is also fat biking and snowshoeing.
Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Tabernash, Colorado is ranked first. Devil’s Thumb Ranch is a favourite for skate or classic cross-country skiing, with nearly 120 kilometres of groomed trails at the base of Colorado’s Continental Divide. Beginners can enrol in private or group lessons, while advanced skiers can challenge themselves in advanced technique clinics.
