Cross Country Skiing in Durango

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Durango, Colorado, offers an exceptional cross-country skiing experience with numerous trails and facilities catering to both beginners and experienced skiers. From the scenic Hermosa Creek Trail to the high-altitude adventures of Molas Pass, Durango provides a diverse range of cross-country skiing opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

What are the Top-Rated Cross-Country Skiing Trails in Durango?

  1. Hermosa Creek Trail:
  2. Rating: 4.3 stars from 90 reviews.
  3. Difficulty: Difficult.

  4. Features: Part of the Hermosa Creek Trail system, which includes Bolam Pass, offering scenic views and varied terrain.

  5. Old Lime Creek Road:

  6. Location: Above Cascade Canyon, just after Purgatory Resort.

  7. Features: A mellow out-and-back road suitable for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, offering views of the San Juan Mountains and the canyon below.

  8. Molas Pass – Colorado Trail Segment 25:

  9. Location: Off the summit of Molas Pass.

  10. Features: Scenic high alpine trails with lakes and meadows, part of the Colorado Trail.

  11. Andrews Lake:

  12. Location: Halfway between Durango and Silverton.

  13. Features: Diverse terrain for nordic skiers, with no groomed trails, allowing skiers to break their own trails.

  14. La Plata Canyon:

  15. Location: 5 miles from Durango on CR 124 towards Hesperus.
  16. Features: A multi-use winter recreation area with groomed trails for a few miles before becoming unmaintained.

Where Can I Rent Cross-Country Skiing Gear in Durango?

Cross Country Skiing in Durango

  1. Durango Nordic Center:
  2. Location: Across Highway 550 from Purgatory Resort.
  3. Rental Options: Nordic and skate skis, snowshoe equipment.

  4. Pricing: Day passes and season passes available; visit Durangonordic.org for pricing information.

  5. Pine Needle Mountaineering:

  6. Location: Downtown Durango.
  7. Rental Options: Nordic and skate skis.

  8. Pricing: Not specified, but known for friendly service and expertise.

  9. Ski Barn:

  10. Location: Two locations in Durango, with the 3533 Main Avenue location carrying XC skiing and snowshoe rentals.
  11. Rental Options: XC skiing and snowshoe rentals.
  12. Pricing: Not specified, but known for their experience and reputation in the Durango skiing community.

What Other Winter Activities Can I Enjoy in Durango?

  • Snowshoeing: Available at various locations, including Old Lime Creek Road and Andrews Lake.
  • Fat Biking: Not permitted at the Durango Nordic Center, but available at other locations.

What Should I Know About the Overall Skiing Experience in Durango?

  • Rules: No dogs are allowed on trails at the Durango Nordic Center, and fat biking is not permitted.
  • Schedules: Trails are groomed daily at the Durango Nordic Center, with hours from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
  • Seasonal Considerations: Snow conditions can be monitored via the Cascade #2 Snowtel site.

Reference:

  1. https://www.alltrails.com/us/colorado/durango/cross-country-skiing
  2. https://www.durango.org/blog/post/cross-country-skiing-durango/
  3. https://www.purgatory.ski/activities/nordic-skiing/

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