Best Nordic Ski Great Escapes

Annual 2016

TOP RESORTS ACROSS THE USA AND CANADA

TRAILS, LODGING, ATTRACTIONS, DINING FROM 5-STAR TO RUSTIC FABULOUS XC SKIING SPOTS

DISPLAY UNTIL APRIL 30, 2023

$9.95 nordicskigreatescapes. com

2022/2023

luxury at the edge of the wilderness

Wilderness

DISCOVER THE EDGE OF THE

Consider Sun Mountain Lodge your home base for exploring the Methow Valley. The area features over 200 kilometers of groomed cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat tire biking trails; your outdoor winter adventure is only limited by your imagination. Scan the QR code or visit sunmountainlodge.com to plan the ultimate winter getaway today.

800.572.0493 | sunmountainlodge.com

CANADA

U.S.A.

32 Fernie, B.C.

12 Edson Hill

34 Mount Engadine Lodge

14 Rikert Outdoor Center

36 Sault Ste. Marie

16 Woodstock Inn & Resort

38 Highlands Nordic

18 Jackson Ski Touring Foundation

39 Menihek Nordic Ski Club

20 Tahoe Donner

21 Vista Verde Ranch

DEPARTMENTS

22 Hayward, Wisconsin

4 Welcome

24 Aspen-Snowmass Nordic Trail System

8 Contributors

26 Mount Bachelor Nordic Center

40 More Great Escapes

28 Snow Mountain Ranch

43 Cross Country Ski Areas Association Directory

30 Jackson Hole Nordic Ski Trails

Cover: Cross-country skiing in the Alps near Annecy, France not far from Geneva, Switzerland Photo: Salomon Best Nordic Ski Great Escapes is produced by Out the Door Enterprises Inc., 725 College Street, College Square, PO Box 31057, Toronto, ON, M6G 4A7, info@nordicskigreatescapes.com; www.nordicskigreatescapes.com.

All rights reserved. None of the material herein may be reprinted or reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.

31 Scotts Cobble Nordic Center

3 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

CONTENTS

MADSHUS/VEGARD BREIE

REGION

WELCOME With so many fantastic cross-country ski getaways waiting for you this winter across North America, we’re pleased to present this exciting travel resort guide to help you decide on your next winter adventure.

We’ve included resorts for all budgets, from 5-star to rustic. Get the inside skivvy on fabulous getaways and start dreaming about great trails, spas, hot tubs, luxurious chalets and cabins this winter.

Find your perfect vacation spot from BC, Colorado and California, to Alberta, Vermont and New Hampshire. Don’t forget to check out the venue websites for the most up-todate packages and holiday deals to ring in the new year and beyond.

Whatever your passion, we hope you enjoy Best Nordic Ski Great Escapes. Have a

4 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

fabulous winter!

5 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

TYLER ROEMER PHOTOGRAPHY/SPORTHILL

SNOWSCAPE TOURING Designed for touring enthusiasts who love exploring the outdoors. Ultra-Stable ski sets with an emphasis on maneuverability for on or off track. Generous anatomically shaped boots for maximum comfort and warmth. Define your own path this winter.

Snowscape Touring Ski

Escape Touring Boot

CONTRIBUTORS

JONATHAN WIESEL

Jonathan Wiesel has loved winter since he could heave a snowball. He’s been in the cross-country ski business for more decades than he cares to count, first as an instructor, guide, ski patrolman and, ultimately, as a resort co-owner (Royal Gorge in California). Since then, he’s been an international ski-trip planner and leader, a contributing editor to print and web publications, has produced a hot-selling book on winter destinations, has been published in more than 120 magazines and newspapers (plus much online) in North America, South America and Europe, but has yet to win a Pulitzer. Co-founder of trails-planning firm Nordic Group International (www.nordicgroupinternational.com), Wiesel lives in Montana and still throws snowballs.

JEAN ARTHUR

Jean Arthur skis, hikes and bikes with her family and Labrador Retrievers from her Montana mountain home. She writes for Best Nordic Ski Great Escapes and other adventure-travel publications.

Arthur’s books include the 2nd edition (released in 2014) of Top Trails: Glacier National Park: Must-Do Hikes for Everyone, a hiking and cultural guide to Glacier National Park; Timberline and a Century of Skiing on Mount Hood; and Hellroaring: Fifty Years on The Big Mountain. Arthur also edits for other publications, including the recent book Exploring Montana’s Pioneer Mountains, and she is working on an open-source textbook chapter for graduate students in nursing doctorate and master’s degree programs.

EXCELLENT TERRAIN EXCITING NEW SNOW-MAKING EXCEPTIONAL GROOMING TAHOE DONNER XC SKI CENTER NO EXCUSES

8 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

EXQUISITE

TAHOE DONNER CROSS COUNTRY SKI CENTER VOTED BEST CROSS COUNTRY SKI AREA IN NORTH LAKE TAHOE + TRUCKEE

7 YEARS IN A ROW

Over 100 km of groomed trails across 3,000+ acres of diverse terrain, climbing as high as 7,729 ft First XC area in the region to install a dedicated snow-making system Pristine grooming for skating + classic skiing

Professional ski school offering lessons, programs + clinics Top-of-the-line rental + demo gear The best XC-specific facility in Tahoe, including cafe, bar + shop

VISIT TAHOEDONNER.COM/XC FOR MORE INFO

Performance Cross Country Ski Clothing Since 1985

Available online at sporthill.com, REI, LL Bean, and speciality ski shops

CONTRIBUTORS

J. SCOTT MCGEE

CONTINUED

As the Nordic Team’s coach, McGee developed educational content and provided direction, and he held training sessions across the U.S. and at international instructor gatherings. A former telemark competitor on the World Cup, he was the director at Snow King Mountain Sports School for six years. Author of Falcon Guides Basic Illustrated Cross-Country Skiing, he’s written over 60 articles on teaching and technique in 32 Degrees and SkiTrax magazine. He currently offers ski season preparation training, video coaching, vacation booking, instructor training, consulting, authoring, and coaching for telemark, alpine, backcountry and crosscountry skiing. McGee dreams of perfect corn and spends his summers guiding climbs in the Tetons for Exum Mountain Guides.

CHRIS REDDEN

Chris Redden’s love for cross-country skiing began at a young age. Redden found new excitement as a ski racer in high school, where competing in the Ontario Championships became an annual highlight. At the University of Guelph, he skied Varsity for four years while earning his coaching certificate, and he also coached the university team for two seasons. He often raced at the top-level Gatineau 55, and in the summer, cycling became his passion as a great complementary sport. Redden’s love of photography has allowed him to cover many cross-country ski and biathlon events, including World Cups. For Redden, a pair of fast skis on a groomed trail make for a perfect winter day.

ONE OF ATLANTIC CANADA’S FINEST RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

• World class cross-country ski experience for all levels

10 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

• 32 km of groomed trails with 8 km of lit for night skiing

• Natural snow from November to May offers early training • Host of the upcoming National Masters Cross-Country Ski Championship in March 2024 • 48th PAL Great Labrador Loppet takes place on

March 25th, 2023 offering 10, 20 & 40 km distances

Menihek Nordic Ski Club

P.O. Box 38 - Smokey Mountain Road - Labrador City, NL A2V 2K3 Menihek Nordic Ski Club (google.com) menihek@crrstv.net 709-944-5842

EDSON HILL

12 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

The 38-acre, year-round, picturesque resort has existed in various incarnations since 1940. Along the steep and winding road up to the inn, you’ll pass stables on the right where you may see horses being pastured along the way. Winter recreation has been offered since the 1950s with 9km of groomed two-way trails for cross-country skiers and fatbikers, along with another 5km dedicated to snowshoeing.

Edson Hill’s Nordic Center is the base for daily classic and skate lessons as well as equipment rental. This fabulous winter playground is at overnight guests’ fingertips, while a fee applies to day guests.

The on-site trails diverge from the Nordic Center, with ski-in ski-out access from the Manor House and guest houses. Trails tend toward narrow and intimate rather than wide-groomed boulevards. The easier routes are near the Nordic Center, climbing north toward the Manor House and beyond. Most of the wooded trails are hilly, passing through mixed forests of maple, birch, hemlock and more.

You’ll get a kick out of the trail names, which are often connected to Edson Hill’s history.

Receiving up to 200” of snow, the skiing starts before Christmas and runs through April. Dog sledding, ice fishing, sleigh rides and snowmobiling are also available locally.

The resort has recently been restored and renovated using French-Canadian rural architecture as inspiration. The hilltop Manor House offers seven guest bedrooms, each with its own décor. There are 15 additional guest houses with whimsical names such as “Carpe Diem” and “Today is the Day”. They feature elegant comfort and modern conveniences along with private entrances.

The cuisine at Edson Hill is often reviewed as the finest culinary experience in the Stowe area. The dining room is open Tuesday–Saturday for dinner, with a seasonally changing menu, while the Tavern Bar has a similar schedule.

You can count on both elegant presentation and delicious food under the direction of Executive Chef and CIA Graduate Jerome Picca. Chef Picca is committed to sourcing and serving locally grown ingredients from Vermont farm partners. Daily à la carte country breakfasts are complimentary for overnight guests.

PHOTOS: EDSON HILL

Best known for its eclectic mix of cross-country and downhill skiing, New England’s Stowe, Vermont is renowned for its charm. Edson Hill, conveniently located just minutes from the centre of town, offers exquisite, romantic accommodations, dining and luxurious amenities, along with full-service cross-country skiing.

Guests are also invited to end the day with libations at the fire pit while enjoying the sunset over the Green Mountains’ rounded peaks and the Worcester Range.

Arguably the most delightful part of a visit to Edson Hill is its hospitality. The warm and welcoming staff include managers Jesse and Erik Stacy. Erik also oversees the Nordic operations — whether you are cross-country and back-country skiing or snowshoeing, he always ensures a first-class experience.

Called charming, romantic and exquisite, Edson Hill will be a welcome addition to your bucket list. -JW

REGION VERMONT, U.S.A. ACCOMMODATION 7 guest bedrooms in Manor House, from queens to suites, 15 additional guest houses AMENITIES Free high-speed Wi-Fi, some rooms with radiant heated bathroom floors DINING Renowned cuisine in 2 dining rooms/bars, gourmet breakfast included in guest stays XC SKIING • From pre-Christmas into April • Trails on site • 9km groomed for skiing (primarily classic) • Moonlight tours • Backcountry skiing in region • Rossignol rental ski equipment, MSR snowshoes • Lessons daily ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES 5km snowshoe trails, fat biking on site; a multitude of activities and services in nearby Stowe Village ATTRACTIONS Gorgeous Vermont scenery, Stowe’s craft breweries, wineries, distilleries and ciderhouses, Stowe’s museums and galleries

Edson Hill 1500 Edson Hill Rd, Stowe, VT 05672 802-253-7371 info@edsonhill.com www.edsonhill.com

Trail Fees Included with overnight stay; $20/day for skiers and snowshoers Room Rates $$$

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GETTING THERE Burlington Int’l Airport (BTV) is 23 miles away • No shuttle service from airport • 10 minutes from Stowe Village

RIKERT OUTDOOR CENTER

JESSICA SIPES

BRETT SIMONSON

Set among some of Vermont’s most pristine and serene forests, the Carroll and Jane Rikert Outdoor Center is located on Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf Campus in Ripton. Rikert features many gentle, flat trails, making the location ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers. It’s also the perfect place for expert crosscountry skiers to glide along on a calm, sunny day for a meditative outing.

Snowmaking is one of the integral reasons that Rikert can offer skiers reliable snow and one of the longest seasons in Vermont, with trails typically open in November and often lasting over 140 days.

Rikert also features five kilometres of early season trails, highlighted in blue on their map. These trails with manmade snow allow enthusiasts to stretch their legs and enjoy the great outdoors in the lead-up to the season.

Ripton is officially known as “Robert Frost Country”, as it is where Frost lived for 23 years and became the official poet laureate of the Green Mountain State until his death in 1963. Nearby to Rikert, you can ski past the log cabin where Frost wrote his historic poetry and explore the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail, less than a mile in length and fully ADA accessible, to experience what inspired him.

Rikert Outdoor Center and Middlebury Snow Bowl are located only two miles apart. Both areas offer great packages where guests can enjoy the best of both areas. The features include snowmaking systems and everything from classic to skate skiing, back-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, alpine skiing, telemark skiing, snowboarding, alpine touring and glade skiing.

There are many accommodation options, and on-site lodging may soon be available at the Breadloaf Inn (please contact Rikert for availability). The historic Chipman Inn in nearby Ripton, features nine guest rooms and the Tap Room, with Frost’s snowshoes hanging over the mantle. The Robert Frost Mountain Cabins, Middlebury Inn, Swift House Inn and several others will make your stay cozy.

There are also amazing eateries to satisfy everyone’s taste buds and pocketbooks. From delis to organic pizza and outdoor decks to fine dining, Addison County is home to elegant restaurants with award-winning chefs, as well as casual pubs featuring locally produced craft beer, cider and wine.

Home to Middlebury College’s cross-country ski team, Rikert hosts at least one national or large regional event, such as the Middlebury Carnival in late February.

The Center also hosts a youth program, with Frost Mountain Nordic kids keeping the trails alive on weekend mornings.

Rikert offers a PSIA-certified ski school and full-service rental shop, with skis, snowshoes, pulk sleds, sit-skis and fat bikes. The shop sells necessities, gear and souvenirs as well — and yes, this includes chocolate chip cookies.

MATT TRUEHEART

14 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

Vermont’s Rikert Outdoor Center, in the heart of the Green Mountains, boasts 55 kilometres of ski trails and one of the longest seasons in the state. The region was also home to renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, Robert Frost.

REGION VERMONT, U.S.A. ACCOMMODATION On-site lodging may soon be available at the Breadloaf Inn (please contact Rikert for availability). Many cabins, inns and hotels nearby such as Chipman Inn, Robert Frost Mountain Cabins, Middlebury Inn, Swift House Inn and more AMENITIES Outdoor Center, warming stove DINING Food and warm beverages in the Outdoor Center, amazing eateries of all kinds nearby in Addison County XC SKIING • 55+km of skate and classic skiing • Fully ADA accessible • Rental shop • 5km snowmaking system • Kids’ ski programs • Beginner to intermediate • No dogs ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES • Snowshoeing • Fat biking • Alpine skiing at Snow Bowl • Frost Mountain Nordic kids ATTRACTIONS • Robert Frost Interpretive Trail

Rikert Outdoor Center 106 College Cross Road, Ripton, VT 05766 802-443-2744

CARRIE HERZOG

JESSICA SIPES

rikertnordiccenter@ middlebury.edu www.rikertnordic.com

Trail Fees Adult $25, Student $15, Children under 5 free Room Rates $$-$$$

15 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

GETTING THERE Nearest airport: • Burlington Int’l (BTV) 41mi/66km

16 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

Renowned for its New England charm, Woodstock, VT is also famous for its maple syrup and amazing winter trails that weave through the alluring Mount Peg and Mount Tom ski areas, where the elegant 5-star Woodstock Inn & Resort grooms over 45km trails for classic and skate skiing.

Established in 1892 and rebuilt in 1969, the storied, family-friendly resort, touted as Vermont’s most beautiful address, features a great variety of terrain along with excellent grooming, making for memorable cross-country ski adventures among the hardwood forests.

Snowshoeing, XC skiing, and fat biking are permitted on the Mount Peg trails, while the Mount Tom system welcomes snowshoers and cross-country skiers.

The Mount Tom network includes miles of trails in the Marsh-BillingsRockefeller National Historical Park, Vermont’s only national park where some 80 inches of snow falls each winter.

At the Woodstock Nordic Center, a new favourite is fat biking on frozen meadows and Mount Peg’s backcountry routes — bring your own rig as fat-tire rentals are not available.

The lodge at the base of Mount Peg houses a large retail ski shop with soft goods and gear, equipment rentals, repair shop, along with Nordic ski lessons for all levels and guided tours.

PHOTOS: WOODSTOCK INN & RESORT

WOODSTOCK INN & RESORT

The luxurious accommodations at the Inn feature uniquely designed rooms and suites such as the Alpine Room, the Woodstock King and the Tavern Queen.

Each room exudes a feeling of comfort and historic preservation. The Garden level king guest rooms are pet-friendly.

Farm-fresh cuisine, carefully harvested ingredients and regional recipes inspire the seasonal menus at the Woodstock Inn & Resort’s distinctive restaurants from the award-winning Red Rooster, to Richardson’s Tavern and the seasonal Red Barns at Kelly Way Gardens.

Enjoy more comfort at the on-site spa which boasts a 10,000-square-foot, LEED-certified facility featuring 10 treatment rooms, a boutique and unique seasonal treatments.

Many other features at the resort include the Woodstock Athletic Club fitness facility, indoor and outdoor tennis, an 18-hole golf course, a falconry centre, an Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing program, the Billings Farm & Museum, along with hiking in the

REGION VERMONT, U.S.A. ACCOMMODATION Luxurious accommodations in uniquely designed rooms and suites, some rooms are pet-friendly AMENITIES Resort Gift Shop, outdoor pool (open MaySept), games room, coffee/tea & cookies daily, Activity Center, retail ski shop, on-site spa with boutique DINING Award-winning Red Rooster, Richardson’s Tavern, Red Barns at Kelly Way Gardens & Perley’s Pourhouse XC SKIING • Late Nov. – March • Over 45km of classic & skate ski trails • Trail system at Mount Peg • Unique network at Mount Tom in Marsh-BillingsRockefeller National Historical Park • Backcountry routes at Mount Peg • Rentals • Lessons • Guided tours ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES Snowshoeing, fat biking, backcountry skiing ATTRACTIONS Saskadena Six, Woodstock Athletic Club, Billings Farm & Museum

Woodstock Inn & Resort 14 The Green, Woodstock, VT 05091 866-273-3255 802-457-6674 xcski@woodstockinn.com www.woodstockinn.com

Trail Fees Daily: Adults $30, Youth $25, Seniors $20, Military $15 Room Rates $$$

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Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park which hosts interactive educational programs, film series, holiday events and more. The nearby Saskadena Six ski area, one of the oldest in the USA, was home to America’s first alpine ski rope tow.

An ideal location for corporate retreats, business meetings, social gatherings and family reunions, the Woodstock Inn & Resort can accommodate up to 300 people, with 10,000 square feet of flexible event and meeting space to choose from.

With crackling fires and a family-friendly library with games and of course books, the Inn offers a romantic look at New England’s past and present.

Built by the Rockefeller family, the Woodstock Inn & Resort is notable as the home of the country’s first ski town and a quintessential New England guesthouse.

With a legacy that’s deeply rooted in the Woodstock community, the Inn is cherished for its preservation of New England’s history, heritage and elegance. -JA

GETTING THERE Nearest airport: Lebanon (LEB) 10.5 miles; Burlington (BTV) 66.8 miles

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF JACKSONXC

18 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

JACKSON SKI TOURING FOUNDATION Jackson, New Hampshire is among the most famous and oldest Nordic ski destinations in North America. At 145mi/230km north of Boston, it’s a classic, pristine New England village deeply committed to cross-country skiing since the inception of the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation (JSTF) in 1972.

In fact, this community-based non-profit is a winter business- and recreation-catalyst for hundreds of local residents, from ski instructors to restaurateurs, from innkeepers to “the plow guys”.

When JSTF was created, the founders hoped that loving use of the land would maintain the region’s beauty and character. It’s worked amazingly well.

This is New England skiing at its finest as trails wind through hardwood stands and meadows, along and over rivers, through covered bridges, with a white church steeple in the background.

The area is ideal for the whole gamut of Nordic enthusiasts, with gentle riverside routes as well as uphill grunts

REGION NEW HAMPSHIRE, U.S.A. ACCOMMODATION Many inns and hotels in Jackson Village and Mt. Washington Valley AMENITIES Rentals, apparel, accesories, comfortable touring center with fireplace, showers DINING Many eateries, pubs and inns in Jackson Village, 8 trailside options, Cocoa Cabin on Ellis River Trail XC SKIING • 100km trail • Lessons • Warming cabin • Sit-ski access for disabled skiers (with advance notice) • Training for disabled skier guides • Waxing demos • Equipment rentals • Designated petfriendly trails ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES • Purpose-built snowshoe trails • Dog skijoring harness rentals (size limits apply) ATTRACTIONS • Jackson Jaunt 10km • Freeman Frost White Mountain 30km • Long Hall Loppet 20km

Enjoy a variety of JSTF events, including the Jackson Jaunt 10km Classic on Jan. 1, part of the NENSA/Zak Cup series. Stretch your legs with friends and family at the Freeman Frost White Mountain, a new 30km event taking place on Jan. 21. Another popular favourite is the Freestyle 25km Long Haul Loppet on March 11.

There are plenty of other winter activities to enjoy as well, including snowshoeing, alpine skiing, ice skating, sleigh rides and even power shopping in nearby North Conway.

Jackson has excellent and wide-ranging daily instruction anything from group beginner lessons that include downhill control, to tailored private and semi-private lessons, to guided tours based out of a top-notch rental, retail shop with apparel and accessories. Specialty clinics (one day and multi-day) are popular at the JacksonXC Ski School. Check your calendar in advance as their special programs often fill up quickly.

One of Jackson’s special delights is the variety of accommodations with 15 trailside inns and hotels ready to welcome you. Enjoy a restful sleep and hearty breakfast, then head out the door, put on your skis and take off! Similarly, you can stop for coffee or a meal along the trails. -JW

Jackson Ski Touring Foundation 153 Main Street Jackson, NH 03846 603-383-9355 info@jacksonxc.org www.jacksonxc.org

Trail Fees Full day: Adult $24, Junior $10, Seniors $20, Under 10 Free Room Rates $$

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(which convert to downhill thrills!). There’s wide-ranging terrain with state-of-the-art grooming, from golf courses to remote forested paths. Elevations are as low as 740 feet and as high as 2,500 feet, but the terrain is especially suited for folks with beginner to intermediate skills.

You’ll find up to 100 kilometres of groomed trails. Surfaces are so smooth that almost half of all trails need only a six-inch snowpack to open. Grooming is complemented by another 15 kilometres of backcountry adventure trails, along with 15km of dedicated snowshoe trails, while pets are welcome on 10km of trail.

The overall length of the network changes occasionally, since around 75 owners contribute their land during winter. The region sees over 30,000 visits each winter, with many return skiers who can’t resist the trails and the charm of the community.

Depending on your location, you can get wonderful views of the Presidential Range, including Mt. Washington, New Hampshire’s highest point.

Jackson offers a most unique and memorable winter experience with a short section that includes a tunnel and 295-foot covered bridge. Sail under a state highway on your way to miles of forested trails!

GETTING THERE Nearest airports: • Portland, Maine (PWM) 70mi/112km • Manchester, NH (MHT) 113mi/181km

REGION CALIFORNIA, U.S.A. ACCOMMODATION Many great hotel and B&B options in nearby Truckee, local thirdparty rental options as well AMENITIES Snowmaking system, premier rental/demo fleet & cross-country ski retail headquarters, stunning views of the Sierras

XC SKIING • November to April • Over 100km of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails • 79 trails in total • 4 warming huts • Base elevation at 6,650 feet • Highest trail at 7,729 feet • Professional instruction • Guides ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES Small ski/ride liftserved area, downhill skiing, snowplay and tubing options

20 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

ATTRACTIONS Lake Tahoe the largest freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada and the largest alpine lake in North America, as well as Lake Tahoe Nevada State Parks GETTING THERE Nearest airport: • Reno-Tahoe Int’l Airport (RNO) 45 miles away • 3.5 hours from San Francisco

Tahoe Donner 11509 Northwoods Blvd.

Truckee, CA 96161 (530) 587-9484 xc@tahoedonner.com www.tahoedonner.com

Room Rates $$-$$$$

PHOTOS: TAHOE DONNER

DINING Alder Creek Café offers breakfast and lunch, The Lodge Restaurant & Pub offers fine dining

TAHOE DONNER

Tahoe Donner in Truckee, California evokes a sense of deep quiet forest, magical mountain vistas, and polished cross-country ski trail perfection.

Perched near the Sierra Crest and the renowned Donner Pass with its legendary snow, Tahoe Donner is near Lake Tahoe, another Sierra gem, which Mark Twain called “the fairest picture the whole world affords.”

Featuring a truly epic system with 79 trails, Tahoe Donner offers over 100km of amazing cross-country ski and snowshoe trails amidst 3,000+ acres of terrain with stunning views of the Sierras.

At a base elevation of 6,650 feet, the highest trail sits at 7,729 feet. Enjoy four warming huts that provide reprieve

as you stretch your legs and take in the mountain vistas and forest grandeur.

First in the region to install a snowmaking system dedicated to enhancing cross-country ski trails, Tahoe Donner boasts the region’s premier rental/demo fleet and cross-country ski retail apparel headquarters.

With top-notch grooming, professional instruction and programs for all, it also features a small ski/ride lift-served area, as well as snow-play and tubing options.

The onsite Alder Creek Café offers breakfast and lunch designed to fuel performance with delicious grab-and-go treats.

Après ski, relax at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub and enjoy fine dining unlike any other with a fabulous and healthy menu featuring organic, locally sourced meat and produce.

Just 45 minutes from Reno, NV and 3.5 hours from San Francisco, Tahoe Donner has a little bit of everything.

There’s something for everyone to make for a visit that you won’t soon forget. -JSM

REGION COLORADO, U.S.A. ACCOMMODATION Luxurious log cabins, each with their own deck, outdoor hot tub or lodge that features rooms with balconies, mountain views AMENITIES AAA Four Diamond amenities, hot tubs, free Wi-Fi, fitness centre, massage therapy, laundry service

JAD DAVENPORT

DINING All-inclusive, firstclass dining options, casual and gourmet, are served in the Main Lodge

JAD DAVENPORT

XC SKIING • 15km of groomed trails • Easy to intermediate • Complimentary equipment • Guides to introduce XC skiing to beginners • Skate ski clinics • Guides to take you into backcountry

KAREN HUTTON

ATTRACTIONS • Steamboat Lake State Park GETTING THERE Nearest airport: • Free airport transportation • 40 miles from Yampa Valley Regional Airport

The all-inclusive pricing at Vista Verde Ranch makes vacation planning easy, and the option to choose between adult-only times and family times gives guests the opportunity to find the perfect time to visit. -JW

Vista Verde Ranch PO Box 770465 Steamboat Springs, CO 80477 800.526.7433; www.vistaverde.com

Room Rates $$$

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Its 15 kilometres of groomed cross-country trails are generally gentle, traversing aspen and pine forests and meadows, so you can ski on arrival despite the ranch’s 7,800’ elevation.

Adventurous guided backcountry skiing also awaits as well as horseback riding, sleigh rides, wine tasting, yoga, ice fishing, kids’ programs during family times, and much more.

Vista Verde epitomizes “world class” with great facilities, staff, snow, and ski terrain – all a delight to experience in a lovely, secluded Rockies setting.

Only 45 minutes from downhill skiing at Steamboat Resort and 40 miles from Yampa Valley Regional Airport, the ranch seamlessly joins convenience with entertainment.

Guests can enjoy their stay in luxurious log cabins, each with their own deck, living room, fireplace or wood stove, and outdoor hot tub for late-night stargazing. Another option is the spacious lodge that features rooms with balconies, mountain views and sitting areas.

First-class dining options, gourmet and casual, are served in the Main Lodge, where guests and staff gather around the table to share tales of their adventures.

JAD DAVENPORT

Offering a mix of AAA Four Diamond amenities with western hospitality, Vista Verde Guest Ranch appeals to a wide variety of winter lovers.

JAD DAVENPORT

VISTA VERDE RANCH

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES • Snowshoeing • Dogsledding • Downhill skiing & snowboarding • Fat biking • Snow tubing • Sleigh rides • Winter driving school • Winter horse program • Snowmobiling • Cooking classes • Wine tasting • Photography workshops • Yoga

REGION WISCONSIN, U.S.A. ACCOMMODATION Many lodging options in Hayward AMENITIES Boutiques, shopping, events, attractions, local ski shops and much more in Hayward

22 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

ATTRACTIONS Hayward’s Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, world’s largest mounted musky at the Moccasin Bar, wineries, museums, petting zoo GETTING THERE Nearest airport: Duluth Int’l Airport (DLH) 80 miles away; Minneapolis–Saint Paul Int’l Airport (MSP) 140 miles away Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 726 15805 US Hwy 63 Hayward, WI, USA 54843 715-634-8662 info@haywardareachamber.com www.haywardareachamber.com

Room Rates $$-$$$$

The legendary Birkie, the largest cross-country ski race in North America, draws over 10,000 XC skiers each winter, who race from the American Birkebeiner Trailhead in Cable to the spectacular finish on snow-covered Main Street in Hayward.

The area boasts a vibrant Nordic ski culture and offers numerous other great trail networks along with more intimate experiences on narrow, classic-only trails as well.

Illuminated trails offer excellent night skiing, and warming shelters are common on the trail systems, including eight warming huts on the world-class American Birkebeiner ski trail alone.

For an added winter bonus, 70 miles of Hayward’s singletrack trails are groomed for fat biking adventures.

You’ll find plenty of lodging options in Hayward, along with dining, eateries, boutiques, shopping, events and attractions, along with great local ski shops at the ready with sales and service.

Other winter activities include ice fishing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. During the summer, cycling features 125+ miles of mountain-bike singletrack, 200 miles of mapped gravel biking routes, and incredible road biking.

Fishing and recreational boating are also quite popular with hundreds of lakes dotting the area’s landscape. Other attractions include Hayward’s Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, the world’s largest mounted musky at the Moccasin Bar, along with wineries, museums and a petting zoo.

While spring, summer and fall are all beautiful, winters in the Hayward area are absolutely magical. -JA

AMERICAN BIRKEBEINER SKI FOUNDATION

Snow cloaks Hayward, Wisconsin, where the Northwoods region entices Nordic skiers. Enjoy 200km of expertly groomed trails and the world-famous 50km American Birkebeiner crosscountry ski race.

HAYWARD LAKES VISITORS AND CONVENTION BUREAU

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES Ice fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, mountain biking, road and gravel biking, fishing, boating

HAYWARD, WISCONSIN

HAYWARD LAKES VISITORS AND CONVENTION BUREAU

XC SKIING • Late Nov. to March • Over 200km of groomed trails • World-famous 50km American Birkebeiner trail • 8 warming huts on American Birkie trail • 70 miles of fat biking trails • Night skiing • Rentals • Lessons • Guides • Dogs allowed on select trails

HAYWARD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

DINING Wide range of dining and eateries in the region

24 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

As one of North America’s most celebrated ski towns, Aspen, Colorado offers an unforgettable experience at the confluence of nature, culture and recreation. That renown has been reinforced by a vast, enormously popular, and free crosscountry ski trail network. The Aspen-Snowmass Nordic Trail System offers over 90km of groomed routes, connecting the communities of Aspen, Snowmass Village, Basalt and tiny Woody Creek.

In 1984, Aspen native Craig Ward, U.S. XC Olympian and captain of the 1980 team at the Lake Placid Games, returned from racing in Europe with the vision of replicating what he’d found in Davos, Switzerland — a community-based Nordic network that would also be enjoyed by winter visitors.

Ward’s vision has proven wildly successful and is often called “Aspen’s Fifth Mountain” as a tourism magnet and service to the Roaring Fork Valley’s residents.

Among the things you’ll find are a long season, Rockies powder, varied terrain, great grooming on mostly double-track trails, plus lots of skating and smiling faces.

Pitkin County Open Space and Trails funds Nordic skiing, which is operated by the City of Aspen and overseen by a volunteer board of Nordic enthusiasts, the non-profit Aspen Snowmass Nordic Council. The annual budget is around $350,000. There’s a marvellous mix of partners in the project, ranging from the Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club to public and private golf courses, and 20 or more generous private landowners.

This is the largest free municipal trail system in North America. The region originally had a series of small unconnected trail networks. Today, the combination of trail linkages and public transportation (also free) makes travel from point to point easy. There are also public parking areas accessing trails.

Aspen Cross Country Center at the Aspen Golf Club offers marvellous beginner terrain together with rentals and instruction. It’s also home to the popular Red Mountain Grill with lunch, dinner and a full bar. Hickory House and Poppycock’s Café are popular breakfast spots in Aspen. If you’re craving baked goods, grab a pastry at the Louis Swiss Bakery.

The Aspen high school has its own groomed trail network. Local XC/biathlon Olympic skiers have included Simi Hamilton, Noah Hoffman, Hailey Swirbul, Craig Ward, John Callahan and Terry Morse.

Snowshoers are welcome everywhere, dogs and walkers on a couple of routes (ask about leash zones), while fat

PHOTOS: JIM PAUSSA

ASPEN-SNOWMASS NORDIC TRAIL SYSTEM

REGION COLORADO, U.S.A. ACCOMMODATION 250 lodging options locally, many options in Aspen/Snowmass AMENITIES Aspen Cross Country Center, shopping, galleries, museums, gyms, events, etc. in Aspen DINING Over 80 restaurants and bars in the area XC SKIING • Late Nov.-March • 90+km, primarily double-track and skating • Backcountry skiing • Rentals • Lessons • Guides • Dogs ok on some trails ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES Downhill skiing, snow -boarding, snowshoeing, guided tours, tubing, ice skating, sleigh rides, dog sledding, snowmobiling, hot air ballooning, paragliding, horseback riding, gondola rides, fly fishing and much more

biking is limited to the Rio Grande Trail and Marolt Open Space. Famous Owl Creek Trail connects Aspen and Snowmass through meadows and woodland, with a mix of easy and intermediate routes, along with one route marked as difficult.

Along with a wide range of luxurious accommodations (250 lodging properties locally), Aspen has reasonably priced, low-key options including Mountain Chalet, St. Moritz, Aspen Mountain Lodge and Limelight. Tyrolean Lodge, conveniently located on West Main Street, comes well recommended by cross-country skiers.

If you’re not Nordic skiing, you can downhill (four major areas), fly fish, snowshoe, dog sled, ice skate, balloon, paraglide, hike, or enjoy historic walking tours, sleigh rides and more XC at nearby Ashcroft Ski Touring. Indoors, there’s music, museums, chocolatiers and much more. -JW

GETTING THERE Nearest airport: • Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASC) • Aspen is 220 miles, 3.5 hours to Denver Aspen Cross Country Center 39551 W. Hwy 82 Aspen, Colorado 81611 (970) 925-2145 axcc@utemountaineer. com www.aspennordic.com www.aspenchamber.org

Room Rates $$-$$$$

25 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

ATTRACTIONS Maroon Bells, Glenwood Hot Springs, Aspen Historical Society, John Denver Sanctuary, Aspen Art Museum, Wheeler Opera House, Aspen Mountain Gondola

26 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

The Mount Bachelor Nordic Center, nestled in the Cascade Mountain Range near Bend, Oregon, boasts the longest ski season in North America, as well as some of the best cross-country ski trails in the Northwest. This unique resort, located entirely on USFS land, is situated on a dormant volcano and surrounded by peaks of 7,000 to 11,000 feet. With 56 kilometres of groomed trails and an average annual snowfall of 40 feet, Nordic skiers and snowshoers enjoy extensive and exceptional grooming from mid-November through late May, often into June.

The Mount Bachelor Nordic Center is the spring training grounds of the U.S. Ski Team.

A myriad of winter activities and events delight visitors throughout the winter.

Skiers of all ages and abilities enjoy a variety of Nordic ski trails such as the gentle First Time Around loop or the Rich’s Range intermediate route.

For a longer and more challenging excursion, experienced skiers can tackle the 18.4km Outer Limits loop, which circumnavigates the trail network and features thrilling descents, climbs and excellent views.

Complete rental packages for classic and skate skiing, snowshoes and pulk sleds are all available right in the Lodge, and private and group lessons are offered daily.

For longer stays, enjoy multi-day masters or women-only clinics, or take a progressive multi-day “Intro to Skate or Classic Skiing Clinic”.

Looking to try something new? The Mt. Bachelor Resort offers many Nordic alternatives to enhance your vacation. Alpine skiing, lift-serviced snow tubing, dogsled rides, childcare and several cafés and bars, are all available just across the parking lot or via the complimentary Interlodge shuttle.

The inviting Lodge, an original log cabin designed and built in 1980, is a popular lunch and meeting spot. Rustic seating around the crackling wood fire is first-come, first-served. There is a handy waiting area for your home-made lunch — the yummy Bungalow Burritos are a must-try.

The Lodge also houses an extensive Nordic Ski Shop and a casual bag lunch area, great for families and large groups.

The closest lodging options are at Sunriver Resort, 14.4mi/23km away, and in the vibrant city of Bend at 22mi/35.4km away, where accommodation varies from B&Bs to chain hotels.

The boutique Oxford Hotel’s lavish rooms, complimentary cruiser bikes, loaner Breedlove guitars and Tesla charging station offer a unique stay. Along with a live jazz series and pet-friendly rooms, visitors can also find excellent organic cuisine in the dining room.

The Bend Ale Trail features some 30 brewpubs to quench any thirst, such as the Platypus Pub, and Broken Top Bottle Shop, named for the 9,177-foot Broken Top Mountain just north of Mount Bachelor.

Multi-day and seasonal options are available online for the Mount Bachelor shuttle bus, offering convenient travel between the mountains and town.

Adventure awaits! Plan your vacation to the Mount Bachelor Nordic Center and experience endless snow, the quiet beauty of the Cascades and the lively après-ski activities in beautiful Bend, Oregon. -JA

PHOTOS: BRIAN BECKER

MOUNT BACHELOR NORDIC CENTER

REGION OREGON, U.S.A. ACCOMMODATION Sunriver Resort is closest, hotels and other options in Bend, OR. AMENITIES • Childcare centre • Mt. Bachelor shuttle DINING • XC Café in Nordic Center • Pine Marten Lodge • West Village Lodge • Sunrise Lodge XC SKIING • 56km groomed classic and skate trails • 5,750 to 6,400 feet of elevation • Easy to difficult • Equipment rentals • Lessons ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES • Downhill skiing • Snow tubing • Dogsled rides • Snowshoe tour ATTRACTIONS • 10 Barrel Après Series • Crow’s Feet Commons concerts • Old Mill District shopping • Ice Skating at the new Pavilion • High Desert Museum • First Friday Art Walk • Tower Theatre • RendezVan • WinterFest

Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center 13000 SW Century Dr Bend, OR 97702 541-382-1709 www.mtbachelor.com

Trail Fees Full day: Adult $24, Teen/Youth $16, Senior $16 Room Rates $$

27 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

GETTING THERE Nearest airport: • Roberts Field Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) 20mi/32km

28 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

Snow Mountain Ranch YMCA of the Rockies truly has it all. With more than 120km of groomed trails and one of the longest ski seasons, there is something for everyone. What sets this destination apart are its amazing trails, the diversity of lodging options, the variety of activities, and the welcoming down-to-earth friendliness offered to cross-country skiers of all stripes, including families and groups.

With a world-class ski trail system and top-shelf grooming on 5,100 acres of spectacular mountain terrain, the routes wander through wide-open meadows, cut through patches of forest, and capitalize on the rolling nature of the landscape for a great cross-country ski experience.

The family-friendly trails are also popular with elite athletes, and you can even enjoy 40km of pet-friendly trails with your four-legged companions.

With comfortable cabins boasting 2–5 bedrooms, ski-in and ski-out lodge rooms, and large-group cabins with expansive kitchens that sleep as many as 40 people, you’ll rest well after a long day on the trails at Snow Mountain Ranch.

For breakfast, lunch and dinner, on-site dining options cater to every taste and budget. Check out the Buckboard Grill and Skinny Ski Café, or dine at the Schlessman Commons to experience an all-you-can-eat buffet-style dining hall.

Catering services are also available. Snow Mountain Ranch is perfect for reunions, retreats and weddings, with meeting and conference space included.

Minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park, a renowned gem, it connects nearby Grand Lake to Colorado’s front range town of Estes Park on a scenic drive of 48 miles, topping out at 12,183 feet.

PHOTOS: SNOW MOUNTAIN RANCH

SNOW MOUNTAIN RANCH Other attractions in the area include the famous (liftserved) Winter Park Resort, voted the #1 Ski Resort in North America by USA Today. The resort encourages guests who are interested in cross-country skiing to experience Snow Mountain Ranch.

As the name implies, Snow Mountain Ranch does get a lot of snow — 142 inches annually. With nearly 100 days of snowfall every winter and a spring snowpack of five feet or more, you can extend your winter enjoyment on superbly groomed terrain for miles of smiles, along with bragging rights.

Where else can you find so many different amenities such as an indoor heated swimming pool, indoor archery, roller skating and climbing, ice skating and tubing, horseback riding and sleigh rides, and arts & crafts? Don’t forget the rentals and lessons.

In short, Snow Mountain Ranch is an all-inclusive affordable destination, offering incredible recreational options, mountain vistas and opportunities to get away and commune with nature. It also serves as a great base camp for explorations in a few different directions.

Snow Mountain Ranch is just 1.5 hours from Denver but feels worlds away. For a perfect intimate getaway for two, your next family reunion, or the upcoming corporate retreat, look no further than Snow Mountain Ranch for a quality experience. -JSM

REGION COLORADO, U.S.A ACCOMMODATION Ski-in and ski-out lodge rooms, comfortable cabins with 2-5 bedrooms, large group cabins with expansive room that sleep up to 40 people AMENITIES Indoor heated swimming pool, catering services, meeting and conference space available DINING On-site dining options cater to every taste and budget for breakfast, lunch and dinner XC SKIING • Late November-April • Over 120km groomed trails • World-class ski trail system • 40km of pet-friendly trails • Night skiing • Backcountry skiing • Rentals • Lessons • Guides • Dogs allowed on specific trails ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES Ice skating and tubing, sleigh rides, indoor archery, roller skating, climbing, horseback riding, arts & crafts ATTRACTIONS Famous (lift-served) Winter Park Resort, Rocky Mountain National Park

Snow Mountain Ranch YMCA of the Rockies 2515 Tunnel Rd Estes Park, CO 80511 970-586-3341 info@ymcarockies.org

Room Rates $$-$$$$

29 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

GETTING THERE Nearest airport: Denver International Airport (DIA) 1.5 hours away

REGION WYOMING, U.S.A. ACCOMMODATION Many great options, in the Wyoming towns of Jackson, Wilson, Teton Village, Moran, Alta and Grand Targhee; or Driggs and Victor in Idaho AMENITIES Jackson Hole Nordic Alliance offers accurate & trusted info for all things Nordic

XC SKIING • Late Nov. to April • 160 miles of groomed trails • 400+ miles of untracked trails • 40+ fatbike trails • Spring crust cruising • Daily groomed trails near the Tetons.

• Lessons • Rentals • Tours ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES Downhill and backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking

30 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

ATTRACTIONS Many events, including the JH Nordic Alliance FREE Ski, Fat Bike, & Snowshoe Event on Jan. 8, 2023 GETTING THERE Nearest airport: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is 35 min away.

Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA/KIDA) is 100 miles from JAC Jackson Hole Nordic Ski Trails Wilson, WY 307-739-6399 info@jhnordic.com www.JHNordic.com

Trail Fees From free to $35/day; see JHNordic.com/trails Room Rates $$-$$$$

PHOTOS: JH NORDIC ALLIANCE

DINING A wide range of home-made to upscale dining options in Jackson Hole Teton Valley, Victor, Driggs and Alta at Grand Targhee Resort

JACKSON HOLE NORDIC SKI TRAILS

For incredible cross-country skiing adventures this winter, discover 160 miles (200km) of groomed trails, 400+ miles (500+km) of ungroomed trails, and 40+ fatbike trails in the Jackson Hole/Teton Valley/Grand Teton National Park/Greater Teton region of Wyoming and Idaho.

Fabulous Nordic skiing in Jackson Hole is one of the area’s best-kept secrets. Explore Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton and Caribou-Targhee National Forests on- and off-trail, along with daily groomed trails on the edge of the Tetons. The Nordic ski season runs from late November to late March, with spring crust cruising in Grand Teton stretching into April.

From rustic guest ranches to B&Bs, quaint ski village inns to elegant hotels, there are plenty of accommodation options in the Wyoming towns of Jackson, Wilson, Teton Village, Moran, Alta and Grand Targhee, and in the communities of Driggs and Victor in Idaho.

Jackson Hole is also known for its wide range of cuisine and dining options, from great coffee and local bakeries to sushi, Asian, American, street food, various cowboy bars, farm-to-table, home-made to upscale dining, breweries, cafés and bars. Teton Valley also offers extensive dining options in Victor, Driggs and Grand Targhee.

To enhance your visit, JH Nordic Alliance, a non-profit community collaboration of 40 regional winter trails

organizations, local businesses, and public lands agencies, offers GPS trail maps with detailed directions, elevation profiles and reviews. Plus, get daily weather conditions, grooming schedules, the latest snow/trail conditions, retail gear info, rentals, lessons, “best trails” lists, tours and more.

There are also many events and clinics each winter, such as the JH Nordic Alliance FREE Ski, Fat Bike, & Snowshoe Event at Turpin Meadow Ranch on January 8, 2023.

A Nordic nirvana, you’ll be taking home a lifetime of memories and planning your next visit to Jackson Hole for the best in winter adventures. -JC

REGION NEW YORK, U.S.A. ACCOMMODATION Base Camp lodging in downtown Lake Placid near Mirror Lake via High Peaks Cyclery

PHOTOS: LAKE PLACID PUBLIC LIBRARY LPNE HISTORIAN ARCHIVES

AMENITIES Large retail/rental ski shop for XC skis, snowshoes, fat bikes, sleds, backcountry skis, and alpine touring/telemark gear. Wax room, ski school, waxing clinics, Demo Center for Fischer, Rossignol, Salomon, Swix DINING Full restaurant at ski lodge on upper level XC SKIING • Late Nov.-March • Over 10km of groomed trails for skating and classic (set tracked) skiing • 10km lit trail network • Jack Rabbit Trail • Rentals • Lessons • Tours

SCOTTS COBBLE NORDIC CENTER

GETTING THERE Nearest airport: Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK/KSLK) is 20 minutes away.

programs in alpine touring and backcountry skiing.

Events will feature cross-country ski and fatbike demo days, ski bonfires at lean-tos, full moon ski celebrations and after-school ski programs.

The new Scotts Cobble Nordic Center is free for residents of Keene, Lake Placid, Wilmington, Tupper Lake and the Tri-Lakes region.

Founded in 1938 by the Town of North Elba, Scotts Cobble stands 2,549 feet in elevation.

“One mention of Scotts Cobble in this town brings up memories and stories of the first time skiing, skiing with friends after school, the infamous tow rope and infinitely wide smiles,” says the Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society. -JC

Scotts Cobble Nordic Center c/o High Peaks Cyclery 2733 Main St, Lake Placid, NY 12946 518-523-3764 mail@highpeakscyclery.com www.highpeakscyclery.com

Trail Fees Non residents $10/day Room Rates $$

31 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

The facility lasted for 35 years, helping beginner skiers transition to bigger ski hills in the region. Sadly, as larger ski hills became more popular, Scotts Cobble closed.

After 50 years of the area being closed, High Peaks Cyclery, owned by Brian and Karen Delaney and family, is re-opening the Scotts Cobble Nordic Center this season.

The re-opening aims to continue the long-standing and historic Nordic ski tradition in Lake Placid, “...and connect with other local trails to enhance the XC-ski experiences,” says Brian Delaney.

The new Scotts Cobble Nordic Center will feature 10+km of groomed trails for skating and classic (set tracked) skiing, a lit trail network of 10km, a Jack Rabbit Trail connection to a village 5km to the west, a heated ski lodge with restrooms, lockers and showers.

The ski lodge’s upper level offers a full restaurant and a warmup/hangout area. Also included are a ski shop with lessons, tours, wax room, ski school, waxing clinics, and a rental centre for cross-country skis, snowshoes, fatbikes, sleds, backcountry skis and alpine touring/ telemark gear.

At the Demo Center for Fischer, Rossignol, Salomon, Swix, the professional staff will also offer introductory

ATTRACTIONS Lake Placid Olympic Museum, FISU World University Games January 12-22, 2023, Empire State Winter Games, Olympic sites

HIGH PEAKS CYCLERY

Eighty-five years ago, Lake Placid opened and developed the Scotts Cobble Ski Area for the local ski community. Thousands of students learned to ski at the centre.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES Snowshoeing, fat biking, alpine touring, backcountry skiing

DESTINATION BC/DAVE HEATH

FERNIE, B.C. The massive peaks of the Canadian Rockies snag clouds across southeastern British Columbia, unloading steady blankets of snow over the tracks and trails of Fernie, BC. A classic ski town with a cool local vibe.

TOURISM FERNIE/VINCE MO

32 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

Part of the renowned Powder Highway, and only 6.4km (4 miles) from historic Downtown Fernie, is Fernie Alpine Resort — a world-class skiing destination with an annual average snowfall of 30 feet. This ski-in ski-out resort features five alpine

bowls, 10 lifts and 142 runs for all abilities.

In addition, Fernie Alpine Resort is part of Fernie’s four distinct areas that offer incredible cross-country skiing opportunities on over 45km of groomed, track-set trails.

The Elk Valley Nordic Centre features 10km of groomed trails and a warming hut in beautiful, sheltered forest surroundings; Fernie Alpine Resort XC offers 14km of groomed and track-set cross-country trails for beginner, intermediate and advanced classic and skate skiers. The Montane area is just minutes from downtown Fernie with 10km of beautiful trails that are dog-friendly, while Fernie Golf Club has 12km of groomed trails ideal for beginners.

The 5km Scandia Loop, on the resort’s multi-use trail system, is quite popular with the locals, while treks such as the 3km Double Creek Loop are open only for snowshoers.

Others, like Hobbit’s Trail multi-use routes, are frequented by fat bikes and snowshoe stompers.

The Fernie Nordic Society offers lessons, and XC skiing rentals and lessons are available at Fernie Alpine Resort on the daily groomed Silk and Manchuria multi-use trail system. Equipment rentals are also available in town from GearHub Sports.

The spectacular views from Fernie Alpine Resort encompass the area’s deep powder, accessible on most winter days. Among the 2,500 skiable acres, there’s plenty of variety for all levels of sliders, including beginners who favour the lower mountain. Fernie’s five bowls, Currie, Timber, Siberia, Cedar and Lizard, offer gentler terrain in the open bowls and challenging steeps off the ridgelines.

Fernie Alpine Resort also offers complimentary twohour daily mountain tours, with Winter Sports School pros who glide around many of the 142 named ski runs, while novices can arrange a lower-mountain tour.

Fernie offers a diverse range of both on-mountain and in-town accommodations to suit different budgets, ranging from hotels and luxurious condos, to chalets, tiny homes, and capsules/PODs as well.

DESTINATION BC/@ANATOLETUZLAK

REGION BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA ACCOMMODATION On-mountain and in-town options from hotels and luxurious condos, to chalets, tiny homes, and capsules/PODs DINING Countless dining styles & options, local brewery, distillery, coffee and chocolate makers

ATTRACTIONS Fernie Alpine Resort – ski-in ski-out with five alpine bowls, 10 lifts and 142 runs for all abilities, cat skiing with Island Lake Catskiing or Fernie Wilderness Adventures, historic downtown Fernie GETTING THERE Nearest airports: • Calgary Int’l Airport (YYC) – 3-hour drive • Glacier Int’l Airport, Kalispell, MT (FCA) – 2-hour drive • Daily shuttle & charter service available with Tunnel49 Fernie Visitor Information Centre 102 Commerce Road Fernie, BC V0B 1M0 www.tourismfernie.com

TOURISM FERNIE/VINCE MO

Fernie’s historic downtown features countless dining styles and options in locally owned restaurants, cafés and bars. Sampling local craft beer at Fernie Brewing Company or small batch spirits at Fernie Distillers should definitely be on one’s bucket list when visiting. Add to it locally roasted coffee at Rooftop Coffee Roasters, invigorating kombucha from Fernie Alpine Springs or the oh-so-rich hot chocolate at Beanpod Chocolate, Coffee and Gelato, and you can be sure your après ski excursions will hit the mark.

Ski season at the Fernie Alpine Resort runs from early December until early April. Early March is when Fernie’s biggest winter celebration takes place. Griz Days is a weekend festival of competitions, activities and live entertainment for the whole family, both in-town and onmountain, and the 2023 event will mark the 46th season.

Summer in Fernie is an adventure-fest as well, including fabulous mountain biking, low-valley and alpine hiking, history, arts and music events amidst brilliant summer wildflowers, along with famed fly fishing on the Elk River.

To be sure... Fernie, BC has it all. -JA

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES Downhill skiing, cat-skiing, fat biking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, fly fishing, spa and wellness

Trail Fees $15, or $25/day for families (Fernie Golf Course, Elk Valley Nordic Centre), Free (Fernie Alpine Resort, Montane) Room Rates $$-$$$$

33 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

MATT KUHN

TOURISM FERNIE/VINCE MO

XC SKIING • Early December to early April • 4 unique crosscountry trail systems • Warming hut • Rentals in town • Lessons • Dogs allowed on select trails

Nestled in the Spray Valley Provincial Park within the Kananaskis Mountains, Mount Engadine Lodge is situated in one of the most scenic parts of Canada.

NICK FITZHARDINGE

34 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

Built in 1987, the Lodge sits on the edge of a mountain meadow valley which was part of the bid for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.

Peaks surround the lodge from every direction, and one peak is Engadine Mountain, where the lodge got its name.

An award-winning, year-round resort, the Lodge offers a rustic feel and the fine amenities associated with a true back-country resort. When the snow flies, Engadine Lodge becomes the perfect place to cross-country ski and explore the mountain meadows and trails.

Fat bikes and snowshoes, which are free for overnight guests, are also a great way to get out and explore what the provincial park has to offer.

All meals are included with your stay at Mount Engadine Lodge. A two-course breakfast awaits all overnight lodge guests, and the Lodge also provides a packed lunch to take on your cross-country ski or snowshoe adventures.

You will want to make sure you get back in time for afternoon tea service featuring daily baked goodies, fresh fruit, local meats and refined cheeses, offered to help you refuel after a day of adventure.

Dinner is a multi-course gourmet affair and a unique dining experience with local ingredients, seasonal vegetables and delicious desserts to top off the day.

The rooms vary from cozy and comfortable options in the main lodge with views that overlook the meadow and mountains, to pet-friendly cabins with balconies for larger groups, and even five luxury glamping tents for year-round use with full ensuite bathrooms and private decks.

You can also book a yurt for a truly unique experience.

All rooms look down on the valley and offer spectacular views. Keep in mind that there are only 14 rooms overall, and things can book up fast.

For those looking for even more cross-country ski adventures, the Lodge isn’t far from the Mount Shark Cross Country Ski’s 15km network of out-and-back groomed ski trails on rolling terrain with spectacular views.

MOUNT ENGADINE LODGE

MOUNT ENGADINE LODGE

REGION ALBERTA, CANADA ACCOMMODATION 15 rooms in total with cozy and comfortable rooms in the main lodge; pet-friendly cabins with balconies for larger groups; five luxury glamping tents with full ensuite bathrooms, private decks and a yurt

ONE PEAK CREATIVE

ONE PEAK CREATIVE

AMENITIES Free Wi-Fi in main lodge, pets OK in many rooms (fee applies), mountain views, private balconies, yoga retreats DINING All-inclusive multicourse gourmet dinner, afternoon tea service with daily baked goodies, fresh fruit, local meats & refined cheeses, packed lunches for pick-up, Sunday brunch XC SKIING • Late Nov. to April • XC ski trails on site • 15km at Mount Shark Cross Country Ski • 10.3km at Rummel Lake trailhead • Rentals • Lessons • Guides

ATTRACTIONS Alpine Helicopters, Canmore Nordic Centre GETTING THERE Nearest airport: Calgary Airport (YYC) 158km away 36km south of Canmore, 62.5km to Banff Mount Engadine Lodge 1 Mount Shark Rd, Canmore, AB T1W 0B9 587-807-0570 mountengadine@ castleavery.ca www.mountengadine. com

Room Rates $$$

35 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

The Rummel Lake trailhead, which is across the road from Mount Engadine Lodge, offers a 10.3km route that gradually climbs for 2km and then loops around the lake back to the start.

A mere 46km to the north, the Canmore Nordic Centre offers a multitude of world-class trails.

The Lodge can also arrange a true northern-style highspeed dog sledding course. For the ultimate Kananaskis experience, nearby Alpine Helicopters offers an indescribable view of the mountains and wilderness.

In summer, the meadow is filled with wildflowers.

Guests can make use of the vast trail system on site and surrounding area for mountain biking and hiking.

Mount Engadine Lodge is a destination that offers amazing views, comfort and dining that is best in its class.

For a back-to-nature, relaxing and exhilarating experience, you’ll take home memories that will last a lifetime. -CR

HERRY HIMANSHU

PAUL ZIZKA

NICK FITZHARDINGE

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES High-speed dog sledding, fat biking, snowshoeing

PHOTOS: TOURISM SAULT STE. MARIE

36 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

SAULT STE. MARIE Sault Ste. Marie offers some of the best skiing east of the Rockies and a true winter experience with fabulous trails, scenic vistas, glacier-scoured hills, ancient forests and — most importantly — monumental snowfalls.

For Nordic skiers, Sault Ste. Marie has over 150km of groomed trails in two unique destinations. Stokely Creek Lodge has 100km of these trails, with both classic and skating trails spread over 12,000 acres amidst the spectacular Algoma Highlands.

It is also consistently voted one of the top five greatest places to cross-country ski in North America.

The lodge first opened in 1976. With as much as 15 feet of snow each season, it features an extensive well-marked trail system, groomed for classic and skate skiing, with six cozy warming huts.

Snowshoeing has taken off in a huge way, and Stokely is blessed with more than 25 kilometres of dedicated snowshoe trails.

Rates are all-inclusive, covering Scandinavian-style lodging, home-cooked meals from the in-house chef, skiing, snowshoeing, a sledding hill (and sleds) for the kids, a sauna and more. You can book accommodations in the lodge, cabins or chalets, most with private baths.

It’s worth mentioning the dining options in more detail because lodging at Stokely is a fully rounded five-star experience. For breakfast, enjoy such delights as blueberry pancakes with locally produced maple syrup. A delicious lunch of deli sandwiches or thick-crust pizza can be made to-go and enjoyed in one of the six warming huts found on the trails. When you return for dinner, perhaps indulge in a six-ounce filet mignon with blackberry merlot sauce topped off with homemade rhubarb pie. You get the picture — Stokely Creek Lodge is a true winter pleasure.

Stokely is one of those rare cross-country ski-in skiout destinations, open for day skiers as well, where you ski around half a kilometre to reach the lodge while your baggage is transported for you. All parts of the extensive trail system begin right at the front door of the Lodge.

You can rent skis and snowshoes, as well as arrange group

REGION ONTARIO, CANADA ACCOMMODATION Scandinavian-style lodging at Stokely in the lodge, cabins or chalets, most with private baths. Many options in Sault Ste. Marie AMENITIES Two Scandinavian saunas & CANSI Level 2–certified instructor at Stokely, cozy clubhouse at Hiawatha Highlands DINING Stokely features a fivestar dining experience.

Hiawatha has refreshments in their clubhouse & many options in Sault Ste. Marie XC SKIING • Late Nov. to March • 100km of groomed classic & skating trails & six cozy warming huts at Stokely • 50km of groomed classic & skate trails at Hiawatha • Rentals • Lessons • Tours ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES Snowshoeing, fat biking, backcountry skiing, sledding ATTRACTIONS Ice Caves tour for Stokely guests, Art Gallery of Algoma and Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre GETTING THERE Nearest airports: Sault Ste. Marie (YAM/ CYAM) at 21km; 35km to Chippewa County Int’l (CIU/KCIU) in Michigan Tourism Sault Ste. Marie 99 Foster Drive, Sault Sainte Marie, ON P6A 5X6 (705) 759-5442 t.anderson@cityssm.on.ca www.cityssm.on.ca

Trail Fees Trails included with overnights at Stokely, daily adult fee is $17.85 at Hiawatha Room Rates $$

37 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

or private lessons with a CANSI Level 2–certified instructor.

For a true winter experience amidst the beautiful backdrop of Northern Ontario wilderness, Stokely Creek Lodge offers an outdoor adventure experience like no other.

Hiawatha Highlands is an amazing winter wonderland with a Nordic ski buzz that’s hard to match, and it’s conveniently only 10 minutes from downtown Sault Ste. Marie.

With over 50km of professionally groomed trails, for both classic and skate skiing on three unique systems, Hiawatha’s cross-country skiing is a local favourite with something for all levels of skiers.

The Pinder system has 10km of green and blue trails with just a hint of elevation, while the beautiful Red Pine network offers more of a challenge with 15km of trails for those looking for some hills and climbs and a great workout.

Hiawatha’s stunning 23km Crystal Creek system offers a variety of graded trails surrounding the creek and waterfalls.

Check out the 2km Kinsmen night skiing section within the Crystal Creek system, or enjoy more than 9km of snowshoe trails that run parallel to the ski trails. Fat biking has also grown in popularity, and Hiawatha Highlands now offers more than 9km of trails to enjoy.

The cozy clubhouse is a great hub for passes, refreshments, rentals, or a place to warm up before your next excursion.

For a perfect day of cross-country skiing adventures, find out why Hiawatha Highlands is one of the most popular places to experience winter in Sault Ste. Marie. -JC

REGION ONTARIO, CANADA ACCOMMODATION Comfortable rooms at Pretty River Valley Country Inn in Nottawa, Gables B&B in Stayner, or Creemore Station B&B in Creemore AMENITIES 8,000-square-foot lodge, full-service Pro Shop

XC SKIING • Late Nov.-April • 30km of trails for skate and classic • Immaculate grooming • 350cm of annual snowfall • Dog-friendly ski trail Teal’s Tango • Night skiing Wednesdays and Fridays starting in Jan. • Lessons • Rentals ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES Snowshoeing, fat biking ATTRACTIONS Amazing views of Georgian Bay, close to Blue Mountain

38 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

GETTING THERE Nearest airport: Toronto Int’l Airport (YYZ), 1.25 hrs away 10km South of Collingwood

Highlands Nordic 1182 Concession 10 S, Clearview Township, Duntroon, ON L0M 1H0 705-444-5017 (main) or 705-444-6959

Trail Fees Adults $35, Juniors (8 to 19) $30, Seniors $30, Children (under 7) free, Fat biking $20, Snowshoeing $20 Room Rates $$

PHOTOS: DEAN HELIOTIS

DINING On-site cafeteria with chili, hot chocolate, coffee, famous Rice Krispie squares and carrot cake

HIGHLANDS NORDIC

A family-friendly destination, Highlands Nordic is located in one of the oldest forest ecosystems in eastern North America.

One of Ontario’s premier outdoor centres, it’s renowned for immaculate grooming on 30km of trails for skate and classic cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking with amazing views of Georgian Bay and bountiful nature.

Bring your dog and enjoy Teal’s Tango, their dogfriendly ski trail for leashed pets. In January, you can enjoy night skiing on Wednesdays and Fridays for an enchanting evening of cross-country skiing.

The 8,000-square-foot lodge includes a cafeteria that offers a friendly atmosphere and serves up chili, hot chocolate and coffee, along with their famous Rice Krispie squares and carrot cake.

Highlands Nordic is an expert at equipment sales, fittings and service bench repairs with great deals on beginner packages for both classic and skate skiing.

The full-service Pro Shop has it all from recreational to world cup race calibre skis – along with classic and skate rentals for all ages. You can even get your wood skis pine tarred. New for the 2022/23 season are fatbike rentals.

Private lessons are also available in classic and skate techniques for individuals and families.

For nearby accommodations, the recommended spots are Pretty River Valley Country Inn in Nottawa, Gables B&B in Stayner, or Creemore Station B&B in Creemore.

With nearby Georgian Bay’s lake effect, Mother Nature produces 350cm of annual snowfall on average — that’s 12 feet for those of you who don’t speak metric.

Just over two hours from Toronto, Highlands Nordic is well worth the visit for your next cross-country ski adventures. -JSM

REGION NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR, CANADA ACCOMMODATION Two Seasons Inn in Labrador City, free Wi-Fi, cable TV, gym, restaurant and bar AMENITIES Chalet on site with bar, food services, BBQ Pit, fireplace, restrooms, Wi-Fi, media equipment, extensive rental inventory, ski lessons

Founded in 1975, it features over 32km of groomed trails for classic and freestyle technique with 8km lit for night skiing and snowshoeing. The rustic, log-sided chalet offers a bar, food services, BBQ Pit, fireplace, restrooms, Wi-Fi & media equipment, along with friendly staff.

The club’s world-class Koch Trail System was designed

by U.S. Olympic medallist Bill Koch and Dartmouth College’s Al Merrill, for the 1983 and 1985 FIS World Cup Championships.

All trails are maintained daily each winter by Alf Parsons, a renowned, World Masters multi-medal winner, who uses a modern PistenBully 100 groomer.

With an extensive rental inventory for classic and freestyle skiing, snowshoes and child sleds, you’ll also find warming cabins, along with programs for youth, women, and seniors, including all levels of instruction.

A high-performance training centre for elite Canadian cross-country ski teams, the club has hosted 47 Great Labrador Loppets, national and international championships, and World Cup competitions. To top it off, Menihek Nordic will also be hosting the 2024 Canadian National Masters Championships.

Boasting a ski season that’s longer than five months, Labrador City is a snow monster receiving early snowfall and over 14 feet of snow per season amidst cold temperatures.

Enjoy comfortable lodging and fine dining in town at the Two Seasons Inn, which also offers conference and business facilities as well as an exercise room. Après ski, kick back at Maverick’s Lounge located in the Pizza Delight — enjoy live music, your favourite beverages, along with delicious pizza or pasta as you refuel for more adventures on the trails. -JW

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES Downhill skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling ATTRACTIONS Arts and Culture Centre, Edmund Montague Exhibit Hall GETTING THERE Nearest airport: • Wabush Airport (WYK) within 10 minutes; PAL Airlines from Montréal to Wabush; Air Canada from Montréal to Goose Bay (YYR); no direct connections from U.S. • 1,250km from Montréal Menihek Nordic Ski Club P.O. Box 38, Smokey Mountain Rd, Labrador City, NL A2V 2K3 709-944-5842

MAVERICK’S LOUNGE

Located only 3km from quaint Labrador City, Menihek Nordic is the epicentre of cross-country skiing in Atlantic Canada.

PHOTOS: MENIHEK NORDIC SKI CLUB

MENIHEK NORDIC SKI CLUB

XC SKIING • November – May • Average annual snowfall of 170” • 32km groomed for classic and skating for novice, intermediate and advanced • 8km lit for night skiing & snowshoeing • World-class Bill Koch Trail System • Warming huts

menihek@crrstv.net Menihek Nordic Ski Club (google.com)

Room Rates $$

39 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

KAISER PHOTOGRAPHY

DINING Pizza Delight with Maverick’s Lounge inside (live music) at Labrador City

GREAT ESCAPES Best Nordic Ski

Enjoy 30km of family-owned and expertly-groomed classic and skate trails, plus 20km of snowshoeing on beautifully mapped and marked routes, only 3/4 of a mile above Main Street in Breckenridge. Mountain meadow views beneath the Ten Mile Range in legendary forests designed for all abilities. Expert retail and rentals, adult/youth, professional instruction and Snowcat Adventure Tours. Elevation 9,800’+ with 280” avg. annual snowfall, and snowmaking for consistent skiing.

Open Thanksgiving to mid-April. www.breckenridgenordic.com

FAIRMONT LE CHÂTEAU MONTEBELLO, QC A true winter wonderland is in the heart of nature. Make Fairmont Le Château Montebello your next destination to discover a new great ski escape.

Our enchanted forest is best discovered on cross-country skis!

Exploring the trails surrounding the resort is a great activity to enjoy a beautiful winter day.

Glide away on 15km of perfectly groomed trails for all levels. After a day in the snow, cross-country ski lovers can soak in the warmth of the world’s most unique sixsided fireplace.

40 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

www.fairmont.com/montebello

See you out there...

MARQUETTE COUNTY, MI With spectacular views, 180”+ of annual snowfall and 400+ miles of designated trails, winter in Marquette County is a Nordic skier’s paradise. Hailed as one of the snowiest cities east of the Rockies, skiers can wind through pine-filled forests, past frozen waterfalls and around scenic vistas to discover the county’s picturesque terrain throughout the long winter season. The Noquemanon Trail Network (NTN) boasts 60+ miles of freshly groomed, snow-packed singletrack trails perfect for skiers. www.travelmarquette.com

TAHOE XC SKI AREA, CA With more than 50km of superbly groomed skate and classic trails, you can enjoy spectacular Lake Tahoe views, three warming huts, and two snowshoe-specific trails. After your day of adventure, enjoy delicious food, weekends only at the Free Heel Café. In early March, we co-host the iconic Great Ski Race, a 26km loop event for all abilities. Seniors 70+, and youth under 19, ski for free. In addition, there is a wide variety of great lodging and food options in nearby Tahoe City. www.tahoexc.org

SALOMON

BRECKENRIDGE NORDIC CENTER, CO

...MORE GREAT TRAILS

TAKE ON A NEW CHALLENGE: SKI ACROSS AMERICA Gather a team of friends and family to tackle 250 to 4,509 km of cross-country together this winter.

Supporting Central Cross Country Skiing (CXC Skiing) Nordic Rocks for Schools program that provides elementary and middle school students an opportunity to experience cross-country skiing at their local schools. nationwiderun.org/ski

CCSAA CROSS COUNTRY SKIING DIRECTORY Eaglecrest Ski Resort Juneau 907-790-2000 8km Lodging nearby www.skijuneau.com

Juneau Nordic Ski Club Juneau (907) 457-4435 50km Lodging nearby www.jnski.org

Kachemak Nordic Ski Club Homer 80km Lodging nearby www.kachemaknordicskiclub.org

Mat-Su Ski Club Palmer (907) 745-7547 50km Lodging nearby www.matsuski.org

Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks Fairbanks (907) 457-4435 25km Lodging nearby www.nscfairbanks.org

Dakota Ridge Winter Rec. Area

Tahoe Cross Country

Durango Nordic Ski Club

Sechelt 604-885-6800 20km Lodging nearby www.scrd.ca/dakota-ridge

Tahoe City 530-583-5475 65km Lodging nearby www.tahoexc.org

Durango (970) 385-2114 20km Lodging nearby www.durangonordic.org

Sovereign Lake XC Ctr.

Tahoe Donner Cross Country

Frisco Nordic Center

Vernon 250-558-3036 105km Lodging nearby www.sovereignlake.com

Truckee 530-587-9484 115km Lodging nearby www.tdxc.com

Frisco 970-668-5270 27km Lodging nearby www.frisconordic.com

Sun Peaks Resort

Tamarack Lodge Resort

Gold Run Nordic Center

Kamloops 250-578-5408 37km Lodging on-site www.sunpeaksresort.com/ski-ride/ nordic-skiing/explore-nordic-skiing

Mammoth Lakes 760-934-2442 30km Lodging on-site www.TamarackLodge.com

Breckenridge 970-547-7889 30km Lodging nearby www.goldrunnordic.com

Colorado

Howelsen Hill

Whistler Lost Lake Cross Country Ski & SnowshoeTrails Whistler 604-935-8248 32km Lodging nearby www.whistler.ca

Aspen 970-429-2023 90km Lodging nearby www.aspennordic.com

California

Breckenridge Nordic

Bear Valley Adventure Company

Alberta

Bear Valley 209-753-2834 65km Lodging nearby www.bvadventure.com

Strathcona Wilderness Centre

Kirkwood XC Ski Area

Sherwood Park 780-922-3939 12km Lodging nearby www.strathcona.ab.ca

Arizona Arizona Nordic Village Flagstaff 928-220-0550 40km Lodging on-site www.arizonanordicvillage.com

British Columbia Cypress Mountain

Aspen/Snowmass

Kirkwood 209-258-7248 80km Lodging nearby www.kirkwood.com

Mt. Shasta Nordic Center Mt. Shasta 530-926-2142 23km Lodging nearby www.mtshastanordic.org

Breckenridge 970-453-6855 30km Lodging nearby www.breckenridgenordic.com

Steamboat Springs 970-879-8499 21km Lodging nearby www.steamboatsprings.net/131/ Howelsen-Hill-Ski-Area

Latigo Ranch Kremmling 970-724-9008 50km Lodging on-site www.latigotrails.com

Crested Butte

Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center

Crested Butte 970-349-1707 45km Lodging nearby www.cbnordic.org

Granby 970-887-2152 100km Lodging on-site www.ymcarockies.com

Eldora Nordic Center

Telluride Nordic Association

Nederland 303-440-8700 40km Lodging nearby www.eldora.com

Telluride 970-728-1144 30km Lodging nearby www.telluridenordic.org

Rim Nordic Ski Area Running Springs 909-867-2600 12km Lodging nearby www.rimnordic.com

W. Vancouver 604-922-0825 19km Lodging nearby www.cypressmountain.com

www.xcski.org

43 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

Alaska

NORDIC SKI CENTRES

Pineland Farms

Keweenaw Resort

New Gloucester 207-688-4690 26km Lodging nearby www.pinelandfarms.com

Mohawk 906-289-4403 10km Lodging on-site www.keweenawmountainlodge. com/activities/skiing

Quarry Road Trails Waterville (207) 680-4744 13km Lodging nearby www.quarryroad.org

Rangeley Lakes Trail Center Rangeley 207-864-4309 65km Lodging nearby www.xcskirangeley.com

Sugarloaf Outdoor Ctr. Carrabassett Valley 207-237-6830 50km Lodging on-site www.sugarloaf.com/nordic

Massachusetts Great Brook Farm Ski Touring Ctr. Carlisle 978-369-7486 16km Lodging nearby www.greatbrookski.com

Maple Corner Farm Granville 413-357-8829 20km Lodging nearby www.maplecornerfarm.com

Vista Verde Ranch

Galena Lodge

Steamboat 970-879-3858 20km Lodging on-site www.vistaverde.com

Ketchum 208-726-4010 50km Lodging nearby www.galena.com

Connecticut

Sun Valley Nordic

Winding Trails Farmington 860-677-8458 20km Lodging nearby www.windingtrails.com

Idaho BCRD Nordic Hailey 208-788-2117 130km Lodging nearby www.xcskisv.com

Bogus Basin Boise 208-332-5390 40km Lodging on-site www.bogusbasin.com

Associations 44 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

Donnelly 208.325.1000 20km Lodging on-site www.tamarackidaho.com

Maine Carter’s Cross Country Ski Center Bethel 207-824-3880 50km Lodging on-site www.Cartersxcski.com Bridgton 207-647-2425 27km Lodging nearby www.fivefieldsfarmx-cski.com

Harris Farm XC Ski Center

800-225-5697 www.crosscountryskiny.com/

Great Lakes Winter Trails Council 231-271-6314 www.michigan.org/property/greatlakes-winter-trails-council

Bethel 207.200.8240 40km Lodging on-site www.woodsandtrails.org

Solbakken Resort Lutsen 800-435-3950 32km Lodging on-site www.solbakkenresort.com

Montana Bridger Ski Foundation Bozeman (406) 587-2445 70km Lodging nearby www.bridgerskifoundation.org

Crosscut Mountain Sports Center Bozeman 406 586 8094 35km Lodging nearby www.crosscutmt.org

Dog Creek Lodge & Nordic Center Olney 406-881-2071 27km Lodging on-site www.dogcreeklodge.com

Homestake Lodge Whitehall (406) 284-1725 35km Lodging on-site www.homestakelodge.com/xc-skiing

Michigan

Last Chance Nordic Ski Club

Ironwood 906-932-3502 75km Lodging on-site www.abrski.com

Boyne Mountain Resort

Forbush Corner Nordic

Nordic Heritage Outdoor Center

Grand Marais 800-346-2203 77km Lodging on-site www.golden-eagle.com

Waltham 781-891-6575 15km Lodging nearby www.skiboston.com

Thompsonville (855) 995-5146 30km Lodging on-site www.crystalmountain.com/ski/ cross-country-trail-passes/

Inland Woods + Trails

Golden Eagle Lodge

Weston Ski Track

Crystal Mountain Resort

Dayton 207-499-2678 40km Lodging nearby www.harrisfarm.com

Biwabik 800-688-7669 35km Lodging on-site www.giantsridge.com

Glacier Nordic Club

Boyne Falls (231) 549-6088 10km Lodging nearby www.boynemountain.com/snowsports-academy/cross-countryskiing-programs

Fort Kent Outdoor Center

Giants Ridge Ski & Golf Resort

Windsor 413-684-0148 27km Lodging nearby www.thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/ berkshires/notchview.html

ABR Trails

Five Fields Farm

SkiNH

Cross country Ski Areas of NY

Notchview Reservation

Tamarack Resort

802-223-2439 www skivermont.com/ 800-887-5464 www.skinh.com

Erving 800-859-2960 25km Lodging nearby www.xcski.org/find-a-ski-area/743/ northfield-mountain-ski-center

Sun Valley 208-622-2250 40km Lodging nearby www.sunvalley.com

Fort Kent 207-631-9589 27km Lodging nearby www.fortkentoc.org/trails/

Ski Vermont

Northfield Mountain Recreation Center XC

Minnesota

Frederic (989) 889-2843 25km Lodging nearby www.forbushcorner.com

Presque Isle 207-764-2525 26km Lodging nearby www.nordicheritageoc.org

www.xcski.org

Whitefish (406) 862-9498 38km Lodging nearby www.glaciernordicclub.org

Helena 20km Lodging nearby www.lcnsc.org

Montana’s Yellowstone Country Bozeman www.visityellowstonecountry.com/ nordic-skiing

Rendezvous Ski Trails c/o W. Yellowstone Chamber W. Yellowstone 406-646-7701 35km Lodging nearby www.skirunbikemt.com

New Hampshire Bretton Woods Nordic Bretton Woods 603-278-3322 100km Lodging on-site www.brettonwoods.com/nordic

Eastman XC Grantham 603-863-4500 36km Lodging nearby www.eastmannh.org

Franconia 603-823-5542 35km Lodging on-site www.franconiainn.com

Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center Gorham 603-466-2333 40km Lodging on-site www.mt-washington.com

Green Woodlands Lyme 50km Lodging nearby www.Greenwoodlands.org Waterville Valley Nordic Center

Gunstock XC and Snowshoeing Center

Black River Environmental Improve.

Asso. BREIA Boonville 315-942-2299 50km Lodging nearby www.breiax-countryski.org

Oregon

Sundance Nordic Ctr. Sundance 801-223-4170 19km Lodging on-site www.sundanceresort.com/winteractivities/nordic-center/

Mt. Bachelor XC Center Bend 800-829-2442 56km Lodging nearby www.mtbachelor.com

Garnet Hill Lodge XC Ski Center

White Pine Touring / Jans Sports

Pennsylvania

North River 518-251-2444 55km Lodging on-site www.garnet-hill.com

Crystal Lake Ski Center Hughesville 570-419-1736 30km Lodging on-site www.crystallakeskicenter.com

Lapland Lake XC Ski & Vacation Center Northville 518-863-4974 38km Lodging on-site www.laplandlake.com

Quebec Mont Sainte Anne Cross Country

Mohonk Mountain House

Beaupre 418-827-4561 212km Lodging on-site www.mont-sainte-anne.com

Gilford 800-486-7862 50km Lodging nearby www.gunstock.com

New Paltz 845-255-1000 50km Lodging on-site www.mohonk.com

Jackson Ski Touring Foundation

Mountain Trails XC

Jackson 800-927-6697 93km Lodging nearby www.jacksonxc.org

Tannersville 518-589-5361 35km Lodging nearby www.mtntrails.com

Ste-Adiele www.skidefondlaurentides.com

Mt. Washington Valley Ski Touring & Snowshoe

Olympic Sports Complex @ Mt. Van Hoevenberg

Intervale 603-356-9920 40km Lodging nearby www.CrossCountrySkiNH.com

Lake Placid 518-523-2811 50km Lodging nearby www.orda.org

Mont-Tremblant 819-681-7394 65km Lodging nearby www.morinheights.com/Crosscountry-Snowshoe-Trails

Nordic Skier/Wolfeboro XC

Osceola Ski & Sport Resort

Wolfeboro 603-569-3151 30km Lodging nearby www.nordicskiersports.com

Camden 315-338-3638 20km Lodging nearby www.skiosceola.com

Pine Hill Ski Club

Osceola Tug Hill XC Ski Ctr. Inc.

Sunapee 20km Lodging nearby www.pinehillskiclub.com

Camden 315-599-7377 28km Lodging on-site www.uxcski.com

Tamworth Outing Club

Paul Smiths College

Chocorua 10km Lodging nearby www.tamworthoutingclub.org

Paul Smiths 518-3276241 40km Lodging nearby www.paulsmiths.edu/vic/ski/

Waterville Valley

Pineridge Cross Country

603-236-4666 76km Lodging on-site www.waterville.com

Petersburgh 518-283-3652 35km Lodging nearby www.pineridgexc.com

New Jersey

Ontario

High Point XC Ski Center

Gatineau Park

Vernon 973-702-1222 15km Lodging on-site www.xcskihighpoint.com

New Mexico Angel Fire Resort Nordic Center Angel Fire 575-377-3055 12km Lodging nearby www.angelfireresort.com

Reseau Plein Air Morin-Heights

Utah

Vermont Catamount Outdoor Family Center Williston 802-879-6001 35km Lodging nearby www.catamountoutdoor.org

Craftsbury Outdoor Center Craftsbury Common 800-729-7751 85km Lodging on-site www.craftsbury.com

Edson Hill Stowe 802 253 7371 9km Lodging on-site www.edsonhill.com

Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center Grafton 802-843-2400 30km Lodging nearby www.graftonponds.com

Memphremagog Ski Touring

Mountain Dell (TUNA)

Newport 802-334-7676 25km Lodging nearby www.mstf.net

Salt Lake City 11km Lodging nearby www.utahnordic.com

Mountain Top XC Ski Resort

Nordic United Logan 801-648-9020 30km Lodging nearby www.ogdennordic.com

Ogden Nordic

Chittenden 802-483-2311 60km Lodging on-site www.mountaintopinn.com

Prospect Mountain Nordic Ski Center

Eden 801-648-9020 Woodford 802-442-2575 IN THIS DIRECTORY 30km Lodging nearby 30km Lodging nearby In this directory are memberswww.prospectmountain.com of the Cross Country Ski ogdennordic.com ABOUT CCSAA

Cross Country Ski Areas Association (CCSAA) is a non-profit organization representing member ski service providers. The Association’s purpose is to promote the growth and improve the quality of cross country ski operations in North America.

CCSAA is a resource to the ski area operator, providing industry information to members; stimulating improvements within the industry; and sponsoring debate and idea exchange within the organization. CCSAA acts as a clearinghouse of information on cross country skiing to the media.

CCSAA is a 501-C-6 non-profit association as defined by the IRS. Contributions or gifts are not deductible as charitable.

CCSAA is governed by a 16 member, elected Board of Directors.

The Association maintains headquarters in New Hampshire, staffed with a full-time executive director. For more information on CCSAA membership contact:

Soldier Hollow

Areas Association. Whether it’s called a cross country ski area, an outdoor center, an adventure center, a nordic center, a ski resort or a touring center; these places specialize in winter fun and invite you to their trails for the best cross country skiing and snowshoeing. www.xcski.org There’s more complete information at www.xcski.org where you can link directly to individual ski areas and businesses. Daily snow conditions and a nordic events calendar are also on the site.

Trails Noted in the Directory are a ski area’s machinegroomed trails. Some areas have additional kilometers of trails which are left ungroomed for a different ski or snowshoe experience. XC trails are generally measured in kilometers which are .6 miles and abbreviated by km.

Rikert Nordic Center

Midway 435-654-2002 31km Lodging nearby www.soldierhollow.com

Ottawa 800-465-1867 200km Lodging nearby www.canadascapital.gc.ca/gatineau

Ripton 802-443-2744 55km Lodging nearby www.middlebury.edu http://www.middlebury.edu/about/ facilities/rikert

603.239.4341 | www.xcski.org

Hardwood Ski & Bike Oro Medonte 705-487-3775 44km Lodging nearby www.hardwoodskiandbike.ca

OUR FEATURED MEMBERS

Aurora Insurance Fischer Skis Great Glen Trails, NH Golden Eagle Lodge, MN Lapland Lake, NY Lone Mountain Ranch, MT

Royal Gorge, CA standard signs indicate relative These national standardThese signsnational indicate relative difficulty of ski trails at each area. Please Pacific Yurts difficulty of ski trails at each area. Please choose trails Rossignol Skis to yourand ability and fitness. choose trailsCAappropriate toappropriate your ability fitness.

Tahoe Donner, Tourism Whistler, BC Viking, VT

Rentals Most nordic centers rent ski equipment. We

haverent notedski the exceptions in theWe Directory. and exceptions in the Directory.

Rentals Most nordic centers equipment. haveSnowshoes noted the children’s pulk sleds may also be available to rent. Inquire Scenic Caves Nordic Centre Aspen/Snowmass Nordic Snowshoes rental also gear before leaving home.

Methow Valley Sport andTrails children’s about pulk available sleds may be available to rent. Inquire about available rental Association, WA Trail System, CO Lessons Since most cross country ski areas offer Mont-Sainte-Anne, QC Black River Environmental Collingwood 705-446-0256 before leaving home. lessons, we don’t mention it in each listing. Be sure to Improvement Association, NY gear Mooney’s Bay Cross-Country

HIGHLIGHTED SKI AREAS & ASSOCIATIONS

New York

27km Lodging nearby www.sceniccaves.com

Bearpen Mountain

Stokely Creek Lodge

Prattsville (518) 299-0011 10km Lodging nearby www.bearpenmountain.com

Regroupement Ski de fond Laurentides

Park City 435-649-6249 20km Lodging on-site www.whitepinetouring.com

Goulais River 705-649-3421 100km Lodging on-site www.stokelycreek.com

Bretton Woods Nordic, NH Camp Sagawau Nordic, IL Colorado XC Association, CO The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, AB Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, NH Jackson Ski Touring Foundation, NH Lapland Lake XC Ski & Vacation Center, NY Lone Mountain Ranch, MT

Ski Centre, QC

ask when lessons are available. After a couple hours of

Tourism Whistler, BC Trapp Family Lodge, VT

primary concern for the nordic center. Please inquire with

Nipika Mountain Resort, BC the skills a lifetime ofwe enjoyment.

Lessons SinceVT most crossinstruction countryyou’ll ski have areas offerforlessons, don’t mention it in each listing.

Rikert Ski Touring, Instruction helps even an experienced skier to improve.

CA Be Royal sureGorge to XC,ask when lessons areOnavailable.

After a centers couplearehours Dogs Trails Not all nordic able to of instruction you’ll have the Station Duchesnay, QC Tahoe Cross Country, CA welcome skiers with their dogs. Many ski area trails cross skills forDonner, a lifetime of enjoyment.

Instruction helpsaccess evenforanskiers experienced skier to improve.

Tahoe CA private property and protecting is of

the skicenters area before dog.

Dogs NotWVall nordic arebringing ableyour to welcome skiers with their dogs. Many ski area WhiteOn GrassTrails Touring Center, Snowshoeing Most cross country areas invite HIGHLIGHTED RETAIL OUTLETS trails cross private propertysnowshoers and protecting fornordic skiers is of primary concern for the nordic to use theiraccess trails. Some centers L.L. Bean ORS Direct SkiRack for snowshoers. Be sure to ask center.

Please inquire with designate the ski trails areaspecific before bringing your dog.

HIGHLIGHTED VENDORS which trails are for snowshoeing. If the trails are shared

Aurora Insurance Fischer Skis

Madshus Pacific Yurts Prinoth LLC

Rossignol

with xc skiers, stay off the groomed tracks and yield to

Salomon USA Snowshoeing Most crossskiers. country areas invite snowshoers to use their trails. Some nordic centers designate trails specific for snowshoers. Be sure to ask which trails are for snowshoeing.

OUR SPONSOR If the trails are shared withCCSAA xc appreciates skiers, stay off the groomed tracks the support of General Mills, Nature Valley and yield to skiers.

Granola Bars. Their program helps CCSAA to promote cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Look for your sample Nature Valley Granola Bar the next time you visit one of our U.S. ski centers.

www.xcski.org

Page 2

Official publication of

Cross Country Ski Areas Association

45 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

Franconia Village Ski Center

SKI STORES Maine

Minnesota

Akers Ski

Gear West

Andover (207) 392-4582 www.akers-ski.com

Long Lake 888-781-0953 www.gearwest.com

LL Bean

Montana

Freeport 800-441-5713 www.llbean.com

Michigan Cross Country Ski HQ Roscommon 800-832-2663; 517-403-3947; 989-821-6661 home www.crosscountryski.com

Scanidia Ski & Sport

Sylvan Peak Mountain Shop Red Lodge 406-446-1770 www.sylvanpeak.com

Colorado Boulder Nordic Sport Boulder 303 482 2365 www.bouldernordic.com

Troy www.scandiaskiandsport.com

Ute Mountaineer

Massachusetts

Aspen (970) 925-2849 www.utemountaineer.com

Berkshire Outfitters Adams 413-743-5900 www.berkshireoutfitters.com

Wisconsin Minocqua Winter Park Ski Shop Minocqua (715) 356-1099 www.mwpskishop.com

Sleepy Hollow Inn Ski Ctr. Huntington 802-434-2283 35km Lodging on-site www.skisleepyhollow.com

Timber Creek XC Ski Area Wilmington 802-464-0999 14km Lodging on-site www.timbercreekxc.com

Trapp Family Lodge Stowe 800-826-7000 65km Lodging on-site www.trappfamily.com

Viking Nordic Center Londonderry 802-824-3933 17km Lodging nearby www.vikingnordic.com

Wild Wings Ski Touring Ctr. Peru 802-824-6793 25km Lodging nearby www.wildwingsski.com

Woodstock Inn & Resort Nordic Center

46 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023

Woodstock 802-457-6674 45km Lodging on-site www.woodstockinn.com

Washington

Stevens Pass Mountain Resort Nordic Center Leavenworth 206-812-4510 28km Lodging nearby www.stevenspass.com

Alpina Sport

Salomon

www. alpinasportsus.com/nordic/

www.salomon.com

Endurance Enterprises

SWIX

www.endurance-enterprises.com

www.swixsport.us/

Fast Wax

TOKO

www.skifastwax.com

www. tokous.com/

Fischer

VEMO Sports

www.fischersports.com

www.vemosports.com

Madshus

Whitewoods

www.madshus.com

https://eriksports.com/

White Grass Touring Center

Rossignol

Yukon Charlie’s

Davis 304-866-4114 40km Lodging on-site www.whitegrass.com

www.rossignol.com

https://yukoncharlies.com

Winthrop (509) 996-2211 200km Lodging on-site www.sunmountainlodge.com/activities/winter-activities

West Virginia Elk River Touring Center Slaty Fork 304-376-9519 25km Lodging on-site www.elkriverwv.com/cross-countryskiing

Wisconsin Friends of Lapham Peak Delafield 262-646-3025 20km Lodging nearby www.laphampeakfriends.org/skiing

49 Degrees North Mtn. Resort

Wyoming

Chewelah 509-935-6649 25km Lodging nearby www.ski49n.com

Jackson Hole Nordic

Leavenworth Winter Sports Leavenworth 509-548-5477 26km Lodging nearby www.skileavenworth.com

Methow Valley Ski School Winthrop 509-996-3287 200km Lodging nearby www.methowtrails.org

EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS

Sun Mountain Lodge

Jackson Hole 307-739-6399 200km Lodging nearby www.JHNordic.com

Park County Nordic Ski Associatuon Park County 19km Lodging nearby www.pcnsawy.org

www.xcski.org

M A DSHUS GE T SYOU T H ER E

I N N O VAT I N G

C R O S S

C O U N T R Y

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