Skiing - Nordic & Downhill

Carbondale is an ideal place from which to explore hundreds of Colorado's ski trails, offering a variety of Nordic and downhill trails, which are often used by industrious snowshoers, too.

Nordic Skiing
Seven miles west of town you’ll find the Spring Gulch Nordic Trail System; visiting and local Nordic enthusiasts find its 12 miles of tracked trails ideal.  The trail system is maintained and operated by the Mount Sopris Nordic Council, a community-based non-profit organization. No fees are charged for the use of these trails, but membership in the Mount Sopris Nordic Council is encouraged. These tracks are for cross-country skiers only and no dogs are allowed.  All levels of skiers can find trails in this system that will suit their abilities.

Go south 18 miles to the Redstone Stables and check out the 5K cross country classic and skate ski course, along with a snow shoe trail.  Located right behind the coke ovens in Redstone.  Dogs are welcome!   

Head east to Aspen for some of the finest Nordic skiing in the country - all for free.  Trail systems link over 80 kilometers of pristinely groomed trails.

For backcountry trails, Nordic skiers head to Avalanche Creek just off Highway 133.  The route is good for both snowshoers and skiers, but no dogs are allowed.  The trail follows Avalanche Creek up a beautiful, steep-walled valley; once it enters the Wilderness Area past Avalanche Campground, you may need to break your own trail.

Another backcountry option is McClure Pass. Its altitude guarantees good snow conditions, and the route which climbs through a peaceful forest up to a ridge has a quiet beauty all its own. This route follows Ragged Mountain Road from the top of McClure Pass on Highway 133 for five miles to the end of the road.  The last section may involve breaking track in deep snow, so be prepared with gaiters and either skis or backcountry snowshoes.

Downhill Skiing
From Carbondale, head east to Aspen/Snowmass and you can choose from four different ski mountains.  Aspen Mountain is located in downtown Aspen.  With its steeps and bumps, it’s a mountain for intermediate to expert skiers.  Aspen Highlands has been a locals’ favorite for years, because of its expert terrain, groomed cruisers and the infamous Highland Bowl.  Buttermilk is known as the premier mountain for beginners with its wide rolling trails, but there are also black diamond runs for advanced skiers and snowboarders, as well as a challenging terrain park.  Snowmass has something for everyone - cruisers, steeps, terrain parks and half-pipes.  It’s often rated on of the best family resorts in the U.S. If you're in the need of some ski & snowboard rentals, visit the Incline Ski Shop in Aspen or Snowmass.

Sunlight Mountain Resort, 12 miles south of Glenwood Springs, offers an uncomplicated trail system with a variety of terrain for beginner to expert skiers and riders.  All the trails lead back to the main lodge, so it’s easily navigable for families.  The laid-back, friendly resort also has trails for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.


For more details, please visit the U.S. Forest Service, Aspen/Sopris Ranger District web page which lists many area trails by category. Also check out Aspen/Snowmass for more information covering Aspen and Sunlight Mountain Resort for Glenwood Springs.

Ski areas' environmental scores: Aspen gets an 'A'
-by Catherine Tsai, The Associated Press, The Aspen Times, November 24, 2008
A group that grades the environmental friendliness of ski areas in the West says 53 of the 83 resorts it reviewed this year boosted their scores, but seven received failing grades.  The resorts with the highest and lowest scores were both in Colorado. Aspen Mountain got an 'A' with a top score of 85.7, while Copper Mountain ranked lowest at 31.9 for an 'F,' the Ski Areas Citizens' Coalition said.

SkiCo planning $25M in upgrades
- by Aspen Daily News Staff Report, June 13, 2008
Even as Aspen Mountain opens this weekend for a last gasp of skiing, work is underway at the Aspen Skiing Co.’s other four mountains on $25 million worth of improvements.