Slower alternative on skis has become this winter’s savior

By Neill Pieper

Despite COVID-19 putting a hitch in many of our recreational activities, one often-overlooked activity is bucking the trend.

Exercise and recreation will be a little tougher to access this winter with COVID-19 throwing a wrench into the plans of most workout facilities. Crowded ski resorts are also experiencing restrictions with reservation systems and distancing measures. But as is common with Coloradans, people are getting creative and finding new ways to elevate the heart rate.

It might be time to #FreeYourHeel and explore winter’s often-overlooked pastime. Cross-country skiing has often played second fiddle to the behemoth downhill skiing industry, yet cross-country skiing has been making its presence known in mountain towns.

Enter Frisco Nordic Center, which is a brief drive from the Front Range and in the heart of ski country. Run by the Town of Frisco, the Nordic Center offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing and a free sledding hill. While there is something for everyone, the cross-country skiing really stands out. Exercise, killer views and social distancing are all part of the equation.

Frisco Nordic Center. Photos: Todd Powell

Pete Swenson, Nordic Manager in Frisco, sums up the experience nicely. “Frisco has the best views in the state. Really! Also, the diversity of terrain is unmatched for a 30 kilometer Nordic Center,” he says. “We have pancake flat beginner terrain from the lodge as well as expert terrain in hills as challenging as anything in the state.”

Vanessa Agee, Communications Director for the Town of Frisco, agrees that there’s something for every interest level and there’s some practical implications as well. “It's not all tough, but, boy, skate skiing three times a week can whittle away at a beer belly!”

Swenson agrees. “Cross country skiing can provide hours of peaceful, low heart rate, low-impact exercise,” he says. “Conversely, for people looking for a true full-body workout or cardio exercise, there’s no better workout than intense cross-country skiing.”

And social distancing? While crowds have increased, the Nordic Center believes they are well equipped for an expected uptick in usage this season. “Cross-country skiing certainly solves the social distancing problem for exercise,” Swenson says

The Center has implemented COVID-19 procedures to help protect users this season. No indoor seating or warming will be allowed in the lodge, so guests should plan to turn their cars into their basecamp. All guests will need to be prepared for outdoor winter conditions because trail-pass sales, lessons, tour bookings and rentals will be scheduled outdoors.

So, there’s no excuse to let that pandemic body carry on any longer. Get up, get out and get some exercise while also enjoying Colorado’s beautiful winter wonderland. Whether you check out Frisco’s Nordic Center or one of the nearly 30 other Nordic ski areas, there is truly something for everyone.

Nordic Trail and Sign on Snowy Day_Credit Todd Powell_filled.jpg — Frisco Nordic Center. Photos: Todd Powell

About Frisco Nordic Center
Hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., 7 days a week
616 Recreation Way in Frisco
Phone: 970-668-2570
Website: FriscoNordic.com

Get Your X-Country on, Wherever You End Up

Ashcroft Touring
Nestled in the Elk Mountains close to Aspen, Ashcroft Touring offers miles of cross-country skiing. What’s even better than the touring? Heading to the legendary Pine Creek Cookhouse for a gourmet lunch or dinner. Earn that champagne!
Location: Aspen
pinecreekcookhouse.com/winter/

Grand Lake Nordic Center
While skating 35 kilometers of trails, you can enjoy views of Arapaho National Forest and Rocky Mountain National Park at the Grand Lake Nordic Center. The trail system also offers terrain for snowshoers and a dog-friendly area.
Location: Grand Lake
grandlakerecreation.com/nordiccenter/

Eldora Nordic Center
Known for its downhill skiing, Eldora also features a Nordic ski experience tucked away from the alpine ski area. Ski past “old-growth forests, meander across expansive alpine meadows, and showcase dramatic mountain backdrops” and maybe bring your downhill skis for some afternoon turns.
Location: Nederland
eldora.com/things-to-do/nordic-center/nordic-center-at-eldora

Crested Butte Nordic
Ski right out of bed and onto the trails! Crested Butte Nordic maintains a whopping 50 kilometers of trails that start right in town. Other features and amenities include fine dining at a trail-side yurt, fat biking trails and ice skating.
Location: Crested Butte
cbnordic.org