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5 Colorado Cross-Country Skiing Trails That Are Perfect for Beginners

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woman cross country skiing in the rocky mountains of colorado

Colorado is a cross-country skiing paradise. Even if you're new to the sport, you can still have a blast playing in the snow while exploring ghost towns, mining ruins, and railroad relics. In today's post, I'll share my 5 favorite Colorado cross-country skiing trails that are accessible from Denver, Boulder, and the Front Range. All are suitable for skiers of all skill levels, including beginners.

Tips for a safe XC ski in the backcountry

All of the following ski trails follow dirt roads, bike paths, and hiking trails into remote areas. It's important to prepare for wintery conditions, high altitudes, and emergencies. Here are some tips to help:

  • Dress warm and bring extra clothing. Many visitors underestimate the fierceness of Colorado's wind, blowing snow, and freezing temperatures! For tips, check out my post on how to layer winter hiking clothes. I also have posts on layering winter pants and keeping your feet warm.
  • Always carry the 10 essentials of hiking survival gear.
  • Be sure to wear plenty of mineral sunscreen. Winter is actually one of the worst times in Colorado for sunburn. Right now, I'm totally into Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen. The bottle actually turns blue when UV hits it to remind you to reapply!
  • Do you know how to spot avalanche terrain? Colorado leads the nation in avalanche fatalities, and cross country skiers at increased risk. Check out this post to learn the basics of avalanche safety.
  • Colorado's high altitudes can wear you out and even make you feel sick. To help your body adjust, try to spend a day or two resting in town before hitting the trails. For more info, check out my post on altitude sickness prevention tips.
  • Ski traffic is a constant annoyance on Colorado's highways throughout the winter. To beat the crowds, try skiing on week days. If you must travel on I-70 on a weekend, leave very early (5 a.m. from Denver) and try to return in the early afternoon.
  • Road conditions can change quickly in the winter. For updated travel info, visit CO Trip.

Now about those cross country ski trails ...

All of the following trails can be explored on free-heel skis with basic NNN bindings. Because these are off-trail tours, I recommend using skis with metal edges. Most REI stores and many independent outfitters in Colorado can rent you the appropriate gear. You shouldn't need skins for any of these trails.

While these trails are generally beginner-friendly, remember that poor snow conditions can turn an easy trail into an advanced one! New beginners will generally do best on fresh powder, so try to hit these after a snowfall. Remember, it's always better to descend on foot if you find yourself out of your depth.

1. Bakerville-Loveland Trail

  • Location: I-70 exit 221 (Bakerville)

  • Type: Out and back

  • Round Trip Distance: 10 mi.

  • Elevation Gain: 1,000 ft.

  • Max Elevation: 10,800 ft. (base of Loveland Ski Area)

  • Wind Hazards: Moderate

Known affectionately as the BLT, the Bakerville-Loveland Trail climbs along a bike path from the parking lot at Bakerville to the Loveland Ski Area. If Loveland Ski Area is open, you can enjoy a hot drink in the lodge before making a fun descent back to your car.

Note that Bakerville is a ghost town with no services. If you've climbed Grays and Torreys Peaks in the summer, you've probably driven past the winter lot at the base of Stevens Gulch Road. In winter, skiers and climbers generally park next to the burned out chimneys that are all that's left of the town.

A popular alternative is to leave a car at Bakerville and shuttle to Loveland Ski Area, then ski down the BLT.

2. Boreas Pass Road

  • Location: Breckinridge. Turn east on Boreas Pass Road in town and follow it to a winter a road closure.

  • Type: Out and back, with some optional loops

  • Round Trip Distance: 10 mi.

  • Elevation Gain: 500 ft.

  • Max Elevation: 11,481 ft. (Boreas Pass)

  • Wind Hazards: High

Boreas Pass Road is a gorgeous place to ski when the wind isn't screaming. Skiers of all levels will be wowed by open views of the Tenmile Range and the Blue River Valley. This dirt road follows the bed of the old Pacific Railroad, passing an old water tower and other artifacts.

A popular day trip is to ski from the road closure to Boreas Pass on the Continental Divide. On the pass, you'll see some historic markers, a box car, and the Section House, which is part of the 10th Mountain Division hut system.

The gentle grade of Boreas Pass Road is very forgiving, even for brand new beginners. To up the challenge level, try skiing the other (less traveled) half of the road from the town of Como (in South Park) to Boreas Pass.

3. Brainard Lake Ski and Snowshoe Area

  • Location: Indian Peaks Wilderness, on the Peak-to-Peak Highway (CO-72) near the town of Ward

  • Type: Trail system

  • Round Trip Distance: Many possibilities

  • Elevation gain: Many possibilities

  • Max Elevation: ~10,700 ft. (north end of ski area, possible to continue higher with proper skills and gear)

  • Wind Hazards: Moderate

In winter, Brainard Lake is home to a network of excellent cross country ski trails. Options range from snow-covered roads to backcountry trails that climb above the ski area to frozen alpine lakes. On weekends, it's often possible to stop at the Colorado Mountain Club Cabin near Brainard Lake to warm up by the stove and enjoy coffee and cocoa. (Suggested donation: $1.)

Be warned that the winter parking area is often battered by hurricane force winds. However, if you put your head down and run to the woods with your skis, you'll often be rewarded with calmer conditions.

On a recent outing, we climbed the eastern end of the Little Raven Trail (a steep warm-up) to the cabin. However, since there were about 20 pairs of skis in front of the cabin, we opted to skip the crowds and ate our lunch outside. Because we had a ton of fresh powder we descended on the Waldrop Trail (black). But we could also have returned via the Colorado Mountain Club Trail (blue).

Click here for a map of the Brainard Lake Ski Area with trail descriptions. Note that dogs are not allowed on some ski trails.

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Soak it in! So refreshing and inspiring.

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4. Coney Flats

  • Location: Indian Peaks Wilderness. From Ward, drive 2.5 mi. north and turn left on County Rd. 96. Follow the road about 2 mi. to a trailhead and small parking lot on the north side of Beaver Reservoir.

  • Type: Out and back, some possibilities to loop

  • Round Trip Distance: 6.4 mi.

  • Elevation Gain: 600 ft.

  • Max Elevation: 9,800 ft. (Coney Flats Trailhead)

  • Wind Hazards: Moderate

This is a fun, rolling trail that climb through the forest from Beaver Reservoir to the Coney Flats summer trailhead. From the meadow at Coney Flats, you'll enjoy sublime views of rugged Sawtooth Mountain (12,304 ft.). Then retrace your steps, making a nice downhill run to the cars in the last mile.

Part of the excitement of skiing Coney Flats is getting to the trailhead. As you drive along the north rim of Beaver Reservoir, watch for deep snowdrifts formed by the wind. On our last visit, we had to dig my friend's Suburu Outback out of one such snow trap.

Note that parking is limited at the trailhead, so arrive early on weekends.

Click here for a trail map and description of the area.

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"He came to a gap in the saw tooth range..."

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5. Mayflower Gulch

  • Location: From Summit County, take I-70 Exit 195 past Copper Mountain Ski Resort and head south on Colorado 91. The trailhead is about 6 mi. down on the left.

  • Type: Out and back

  • Round Trip Distance: 4 mi.

  • Elevation Gain: 700 ft.

  • Max Elevation: 11,600 ft. (ruined cabins)

  • Wind Hazards: Moderate on road, high near cabins

This short-but-sweet ski tour is rich in history and offers some of the most spectacular views in Colorado. If possible, try to hit it on a weekday when the crowds and traffic are thinner.

The trail leaves the parking lot and climbs a dirt road. As you gain elevation, you'll start to spot pointy Pacific Peak (13,957 ft.) through openings to your left. You'll also pass some interesting mining ruins.

The woods eventually open into a spectacular alpine cirque (glacier-carved bowl). Go left at a fork to reach some well-preserved cabin ruins beneath Atlantic and Drift Peaks. Note that the valley walls are steep enough to avalanche, so keep a safe distance.

Return by taking a fast, fun ride down the road. Be careful of hikers, snowshoers, and especially dogs. (I almost took out a French Bulldog on my last visit).

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Blasts in the backcountry ⛷

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There you have 'em. My 5 favorite Colorado cross-country ski trails for beginners.

Got a favorite one I missed? Comment below to share.

Originally published Feb. 5, 2019.