Photo by Matt Stensland
Nordic Options The Steamboat region’s four Nordic centers offer more than 120 kilometers of groomed trails for classic cross-country and skate skiing, as well as snow-shoeing, all within 30 minutes of downtown.
Howelsen Hill
Lake Catamount
You’ll likely share the trail with an Olympian at Howelsen Hill. Located in the heart of downtown, its 21 kilometers of trails are maintained by the city and Steamboat Springs Nordic Council, and are part of the Nordic Combined World Cup cross-country circuit (trail manager Jeff Nelsen was Chief of Course for the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics). From late December through March, the trails (20 percent beginner, 20 percent expert, 60 percent intermediate) are groomed three times weekly. In general, they’re a bit steeper than other trails in the area. Note: The Howelsen complex is not a full service touring center; skiers must have their own equipment. Cost: $8 per day. Info: www.steamboatsprings. net, 970-879-4300.
Part of a private development, the Catamount Nordic Center off Coloardo Highway 131 offers 30 kilometers of groomed trails, characterized by flat, easy-rolling terrain and wide open views of Lake Catamount, Mount Baldy and Pleasant Valley. The owners have extended a welcome to the community so respect private property. For dog lovers, the area also offers 10 kilometers of dog-friendly trails (cost: $2 per dog, maximum two dogs per person). All dogs must be on a leash and no dogs are allowed Friday through Sunday. The trails are open daily, with the Club House restaurant open Wednesdays through Sundays. The center also offers lessons, including a new four-week clinic Fridays. Rentals are $17 per day. Cost: $18 per day. Info: www.catamountranchclub.com, 970-871-6667
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Steamboat Ski Touring Center
Steamboat Lake
At the Steamboat Ski Touring Center, nearly 14 kilometers of groomed Nordic trails wind through aspen groves along Fish Creek, offering some of the most scenic and accessible Nordic skiing in the valley. The trails are rated novice to advanced and are groomed for both classic and skate skiing. The center also offers 10 kilometers of forested snowshoe trails, as well as a full-service rental and retail store carrying the latest in cross-country ski and snowshoe equipment. It also offers daily lessons taught by area experts. Refuel at the “Picnic Basket” with hearty homemade soups, breads, hot drinks and more. Cost: $18 per day ($16 late arrival after 1 p.m.); rentals $13. Info: www.steamboatnordiccenter.com, 970-879-8180
Open for the past eight years, the Steamboat Lake State Park Touring Center is just 25 miles north of Steamboat Springs on Routt County Road 129. The area usually opens by Christmas, with trails groomed by the Steamboat Lake Snow Club. Dogs are allowed but must be on a 6 foot leash. The center features 15 kilometers of groomed beginner and intermediate trails, with grooming twice per week. There are no services available, so bring your own gear; meals are available at the Clark Store Deli, Glen Eden, Hahn’s Peak Cafe and Hahn’s Peak Roadhouse nearby. You also can rent trailside cabins from the marina (970-879-7019). Cost: $7 per vehicle (passes are available at the park visitor center or self-service station). Info: 970-879-3922, http://parks. state.co.us/parks/steamboatlake.
Winter 2013-14 Explore steamboat | 63