Skiing in Colorado

200 spots1 townUpdated weeklyFree to access

Skiing · 200 spots

Colorado's skiing scene goes well beyond the resort map. The state has a deep network of cross-country and ski touring routes that range from flat riverside glides to serious backcountry pushes, and the 280 listings on Roamze reflect that range. On the easier end, the Rio Grande Trail offers a mellow, accessible track that shows up repeatedly across the state's trail systems, while the Maroon-Snowmass Trail and Old Maroon Creek Bridge area give beginners a taste of ski touring near Aspen without committing to technical terrain. Step up in difficulty and you'll find moderate workhorses like Cooper Loop, Frisco Bay, Owl Creek Nordic Trail, and the Benedict Trail — routes that reward skiers who can handle some elevation change and variable snow conditions. If you're looking for a real workout, Hanimal's Trail and Buzzsaw sit at the hard end of the difficulty spectrum and will test your technique. The Howelsen Meadows Trail near Steamboat Springs and the Lakeshore Perimeter Trail round out a solid mid-difficulty roster. Season typically runs December through March, though higher-elevation routes like Wheeler Lakes Trail and East Maroon Trail can hold snow into April. Most trails are free to access, but a handful — like Meadowood Dog Trail — are private, so check access status before you drive out.

Frequently asked questions

What skill level do most of Colorado's cross-country ski trails require?

The majority of listed trails fall in the moderate category, including Cooper Loop, Frisco Bay, Owl Creek Nordic Trail, and Labrador Lane. If you're a confident beginner who can handle gentle climbs and ungroomed snow, routes like the Rio Grande Trail, Saratoga, and Bernese Boulevard are genuinely easy and a good place to start. Hanimal's Trail and Buzzsaw are listed as hard and assume solid skate or classic technique plus the fitness to handle sustained effort.

When is the best time of year to ski these trails in Colorado?

Most cross-country routes are skiable from mid-December through early March. Higher-elevation ski touring routes like East Maroon Trail and Wheeler Lakes Trail often hold good snow into April. Early morning is generally best after a fresh snowfall, before afternoon sun softens the surface at lower elevations. Avoid late-season afternoons on south-facing trails, where snow can turn to slush quickly.

Do I need a pass or permit to ski these trails?

Most of the trails listed here are free to access on public land. The notable exception is Meadowood Dog Trail, which is listed as private — confirm access before heading out. Some groomed Nordic areas in Colorado charge a trail fee, so if you're targeting a specific groomed system, check with the local Nordic center directly.

What gear do I need for Colorado cross-country and ski touring routes?

For moderate cross-country trails like Cooper Loop or Howelsen Meadows Trail, classic or skate skis with appropriate boots and poles are sufficient. Ski touring routes like Maroon-Snowmass Trail and East Maroon Trail call for backcountry or AT gear with climbing skins, since you'll be breaking trail and managing variable terrain. Regardless of route, carry layers, a repair kit, water, and a map or downloaded GPS track — cell coverage is unreliable in most of these areas.

Are any of these trails dog-friendly?

Meadowood Dog Trail is explicitly named for dog access, though it is private land so verify current permissions. Many public trails in Colorado allow leashed dogs, but groomed Nordic tracks typically prohibit them to protect the ski surface. Check the specific trail listing on Roamze or contact the managing agency before bringing a dog on groomed routes like Frisco Bay or Owl Creek Nordic Trail.