Cross Country Skiing Fort Collins

Cross-country skiing in Fort Collins offers a variety of trails and opportunities for both beginners and experienced skiers. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely glide through scenic landscapes or a challenging backcountry adventure, Fort Collins has something to offer.

What are the Best Cross-Country Skiing Trails Near Fort Collins?

  1. Lory State Park: Located just west of Fort Collins, Lory State Park offers multiple trails with varying difficulty levels, making it a great destination for cross-country skiing enthusiasts.

  2. Blue Lake Trail: Situated in the upper reaches of the Poudre Canyon, the Blue Lake Trail offers a 4.75-mile one-way trail with beautiful views of Blue Lake surrounded by towering mountains.

  3. Meadows Trail to Zimmerman Lake: This trail system offers two options: a 1.5-mile steep trail and a 9-mile more demanding trail that goes through the Neota Wilderness area, gaining an elevation of 1,970 ft.

  4. Zimmerman Lake Loop Trail: A 3.1-mile trail in the Upper Poudre Canyon, the Zimmerman Lake Loop Trail is considered more difficult but popular for its late-season snow and downhill areas.

  5. City Park Nine Golf Course: Located in the center of Fort Collins, the City Park Nine Golf Course offers beginner cross-country skiing opportunities.

  6. Horsetooth Mountain Open Space: West of Fort Collins, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space provides multiple trails with varying difficulty levels and beautiful snowy vistas.

  7. Cache la Poudre River Canyon: This area offers many trails with fantastic opportunities for cross-country skiing.

  8. Trap Park: Located in the upper reaches of the Poudre Canyon, Trap Park offers a moderately difficult trail that follows a small canyon for 11.5 miles.

What are the Free Cross-Country Skiing Spots in Fort Collins?

Cross Country Skiing Fort Collins

  1. City Park Nine Golf Course: Located in the center of Fort Collins, the City Park Nine Golf Course offers free cross-country skiing opportunities when there is enough snow.

  2. Collindale Golf Course: This golf course also allows cross-country skiing when there is enough snow.

What are the Most Popular Cross-Country Skiing Spots for Beginners in Fort Collins?

  1. City Park Nine Golf Course: Located in the center of Fort Collins, the City Park Nine Golf Course offers beginner-friendly trails and a “trail counter” to tally day use for skiers.

  2. Lory State Park: With its multiple trails and varying difficulty levels, Lory State Park is a suitable destination for beginners.

  3. Blue Lake Trail: The shorter, easier trail option on the Blue Lake Trail makes it a popular choice for beginners.

What Rental Services and Lessons are Available for Cross-Country Skiing in Fort Collins?

  1. Eldora Nordic Center: Located 21 miles west of Boulder in Nederland, the Eldora Nordic Center offers rentals, season passes, group lessons for kids and adults, and private classes.

  2. Angles Ski, Board, & Fly Shop: Located in Longmont, this shop offers cross-country equipment rentals locally.

  3. Fort Collins Nordic Group: This group provides timely updates and trail conditions on their Facebook page.

Reference:

  1. Visit Fort Collins: Outdoor Winter Recreation Round-Up in Fort Collins
  2. Longmont Magazine: Take Your Skis Cross-Country in NoCo
  3. UCHealth: Nordic skiing in Colorado: Seven great spots for cross-country skiing

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