Nordic Centers in Grand County

Our local Nordic Centers have groomed trails for classic and skate skiing as well as equipment rentals, lessons, and retail shops. Each location offers trails for beginner to advanced cross country skiers with a variety of terrain, designated dog-friendly trails and snowshoe trails. Devil’s Thumb Ranch and Snow Mountain Ranch also have fat bike trails. Grand County features 3 Nordic Centers within 30 miles, as well as 2 downhill ski resorts, and 1 backcountry  ski area, and tons of other outdoor activities. For more information on each entity, click on their logo or website.

Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center at YMCA of the Rockies

Why ski at the Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center? Over 120 km of Nordic trails, fresh corduroy, and breathtaking mountain views is Y! With trails that suit all skill levels, from the first-time slider to the experienced competitive skier, Snow Mountain Ranch has something for everyone. Make it a day trip, or make it your home for the weekend. They have lodging options ranging from affordable hotel-style lodge rooms, to multi-room cabins with enough space to spread out. Let them show you why you should choose Snow Mountain Ranch as your base camp for winter adventures this ski season.

Nordic Skiing, Snowshoeing and Fat Tire Biking in Grand County, Colorado

Grand County is home to More Kilometers of Nordic Skiing and More Days available to ski, snowshoe, or ride your fat bike than anywhere in the nation! Our website www.skigrandnordic.org includes county-wide info & opportunities on All Things Nordic.  Every Nordic resort and most ranches offer Nordic trails groomed for classic and skate skiing for every level of skier as well as separate snowshoe trails and fat bike trails. Dogs mostly on leash are allowed on marked trails at every Resort.  One resort offers backcountry terrain with human-powered accent only and offers instruction to traveling safely in the mountains. Join Grand Nordic club at www.grandnordic.org and get regular email updates on Nordic happenings.  Free trails are groomed in Winter Park, Fraser, Granby and in-between by municipalities and Headwaters Trails Alliance with maps available from HTA or Chamber of Commerce.

Resorts usually offer lodging, groomed trails, and shops for equipment rentals, gear sales, and lessons. Most feature events during the season.  Guest ranches like the C Lazy U or Latigo offer similar but on a different scale. During Covid restrictions, the outdoors remains the safest place to be individually or with your family and Nordic gives you more isolation from crowds and noise in the scenic splendor of Grand County, CO.

Devils Thumb Ranch – just 75 miles from Denver, Devils Thumb Ranch has nearly 120km of groomed trails in the shadow of the Continental Divide.   Day passes and season passes are available to the public and they also offer many packages and discounts with lodging.  Passes include access to an outdoor ice-skating area.  The full service Activities Center offers equipment and clothing sales and ski and snowshoe rentals,  regular lessons for adults and children as well as private lessons, and tours. Many activities like sleighrides and amenities like the pool and spa are available for lodging guests only.   Their signature events include the Tommelfest and Stagecoach Classic.  Dogs on leash are welcome on specified trails and skijoring rigs and lessons are available.  Visit www.DevilsThumbRanch.com for current winter sports activities information or call 970-726-8231.

Grand Lake Nordic Center – The Nordic Center with over 35 miles of groomed trails sits less than a mile from Grand Lake below Rocky Mtn National Park and next to the Colorado River. The trees surrounding the trails were destroyed during the 2020 East Troublesome fire but Rec District management has done an amazing job restoring a large part of the area.  Both daily passes for adults and kids as well as rentals for both ski and snowshoe are reasonable and package deals are available. Ski lessons are available by appointment for all ages and experience.  Dogs are welcome on both a dedicated snowshoe and ski loop. Grand County kids ski free on Fridays. Call the Nordic Center at 970-627-8008 for details or visit www.grandlakerecreation.com/nordiccenter/.

Snow Mountain Ranch – Over 120km of groomed world-class terrain lies between Tabernash and Granby, meandering through pine forests and wide meadows in the shadow of Blue Ridge and along Pole Creek.  Early and late season are fabulous.  Dedicated snowshoe and Fat Tire bike trails crisscross over more than 5000 acres.  Dogs on leash are welcome on select trails.   Trail passes are complementary to YMCA members and overnight guests.  Day passes and season passes are available to purchase.  A five-punch card can be shared by family members but the best deal is annual family membership.  All passes include winter tubing, ice-skating rink, swimming pool, and Kiva Center.  The full service Nordic Center sells equipment and clothing and rentals on ski equipment, kids chariots, snowshoes, and fat bikes.  Demo gear is also available. Other amenities include dog-sledding, winter horseback riding and sleigh rides.  Package rates and deals, and a schedule of events are available at 970-887-2152 x 4173 or visit www.ymcarockies.org/nordic-center.

Bluebird Backcountry – Treat yourself to an inbounds backcountry ski area designed for learning and adventure at Bear Mountain near Kremmling combining the best elements of ski areas, guide services and true backcountry.   Experience human-powered accents, great ski-patroled terrain, backcountry rental and lessons, lodge and warming hut combined with offerings on backcountry and avalanche education.  Visit www.bluebirdbackcountry.com for season pass, day pass, and multipack information or email [email protected].