5 Crested Butte Nordic Trails You Must Ski

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With about 55 kilometers (about 34 miles) of immaculately groomed track around the Town of Crested Butte, CB is the Nordic Ski Capital of Colorado. You can enjoy all of these trails, get ski rentals, and lessons in advance on the Crested Butte Nordic Center website.

1. Magic Meadows

Photo: Xavier Fané

Magic Meadows Trail starts at the Peanut Lake Trailhead 1 mile west of Crested Butte in the Slate River Valley. This trail is most popular for accessing the Magic Meadows Yurt where special yurt dinners are held on a regular basis. It winds around the lake and into some lovely pine tree woods. For more info, click here.

2. Skyland

Photo: Crested Butte Nordic Center

Take a tour through the golf course and the willows surrounding town with the Skyland trails (CC and Golf Course). These intermediate blue trails gain a bit of elevation, which offer even better views of the upper valley and Whetstone Mountain. If you're looking for something close to town, but peaceful and quiet then be sure to grab a trail pass and head Skyland way.

3. Mike’s Mile

Mike's Mile takes skiers all the way out the Slate River Valley to Gunsight Bridge. The trail is on an old rail grade leftover from Crested Butte’s rich mining history.

4. The Bench - Ruthie's Run

Photo: Xavier Fané

The Bench provides an iconic view of town that will have you falling more and more in love with Crested Butte. Head out for a late evening ski and enjoy the “city” lights.

5. Town Ranch

Close to town (just behind the school) and dog friendly, Town Ranch is the perfect loop for getting a couple long laps in, whilst enjoying the wide vistas of the surrounding mountains.

Map

Click the map below for a comprehensive overview of nordic trails in Crested Butte, including our 5 picks from above.

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Dog-Friendly Trails

If you're hoping to bring your furry friend along with you on the next nordic ski outing, dogs are welcome on many trails! A few are free, and the others that allow dogs with a trail pass are only $7 a day ($65 a season) to help cover the cost of maintaining dog trails and pet waste stations. Also, no more than 2 dogs may accompany any pass holder. Don't forget dog owners must be vigilant in picking up their dog’s waste. Click here for more info.

East Side Trails
  • Town Ranch
  • Riverbend Trail
  • Rec Path (leash required)
West Side Trails (Trail Pass required)
  • Pooch’s Paradise
  • The Beaver Trail
  • Mike’s Mile
  • Kapushion Alley (no pass required)

Lessons and Backcountry Tours

New to cross country skiing? Learn from some of the best instructors at the Crested Butte Nordic Center. Backcountry tours are also available for those wanting to safely explore local valleys. For more info on lessons and tours: Click Here

Featured Lodging

Elevation Hotel

  • Crested Butte's Only Slopeside Hotel
  • Mountainside Accommodations
  • Home of multiple culinary concepts, bars and lounges: José, the Matchstick Lounge & the billy barr
  • Pet friendly • Family Friendly
  • 3 Hot Tubs • Spa + Fitness Center
  • On-Site Guide Services
  • On-Site Ski + Bike Rentals

Take up to 25% OFF with promo code: travelcb
500 Gothic Road • (970) 251-3000Directions

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Elevation Hotel and Spa is Crested Butte’s only slopeside hotel. No matter the season, Elevation’s mountainside accommodations offer stunning views and unrivaled access to trails and the lifts at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. New must-see culinary concepts, bars and lounges include José, the Matchstick Lounge and the billy barr.