Let’s just call our hamlet a Nordic nirvana. Steamboat’s four Nordic centers offer more than 120 kilometers of groomed trails for classic, skate skiing and snowshoeing, all within 30 minutes of downtown. As well as our four official Nordic centers are groomed trails at Steamboat Lake State Park and Vista Verde Guest Ranch and even (sometimes) free trails in the Silver Spur subdivision. For more rustic, do-it-yourself kick-and-glide options, try the trails on the West Summit of Rabbit Ears Pass (nine trails ranging from 1.6 to 7 miles); Dry Lake Campground on Buffalo Pass; or Spring Creek in town (just carry the proper equipment, be aware of changing weather and let someone know where you’re going). A sampling:
Howelsen Hill: You’ll likely share the trail with an Olympian at Howelsen Hill, whose 21km of trails are maintained by the city and often part of the Nordic combined World Cup cross-country circuit. They’re groomed three times weekly and in general are a bit steeper than other trails in the area. www.steamboatsprings.net/ski
Haymaker Nordic Center: Located south of town, Haymaker Nordic Center offers 8km of trails along the easy, rolling hills of the Haymaker Golf Course. Perfect for beginners and a fun area to work on technique, it also has a full-service shop, complete with lessons, rentals, retail and more, as well as 3km of snowshoe trails and 10km of fat bike trails. Reward yourself with a pampered lunch or hot toddy at its restaurant, now operated by Aurum. www.steamboatnordiccenter.com
Lake Catamount: The Catamount Nordic Center off Colorado Highway 131 offers a whopping 30km of groomed trails, characterized by flat, easy-rolling terrain and wide-open views of Lake Catamount and Pleasant Valley. It also offers lessons as well as dog-friendly trails (maximum two dogs/person). The trails are open daily, with the Club House restaurant open Wednesday through Sunday. www.catamountranchclub.com
Steamboat Ski Touring Center: The Steamboat Ski Touring Center serves up 14km of groomed Nordic trails through aspen groves along Fish Creek, offering some of the most scenic and accessible touring in the valley. The center also offers 10km of snowshoe trails, a full-service rental and retail store, and daily lessons. Refuel at the Picnic Basket with homemade soups, breads, hot drinks and more. www.steamboatnordiccenter.com
Steamboat Lake: Located 25 miles north of Steamboat on Routt County Road 129, the Steamboat Lake State Park Touring Center offers 15km of trails groomed twice a week by the Steamboat Lake Snow Club. Dogs are allowed but must be on a 6-foot leash. There are no services available so bring your own gear. It costs $10 per vehicle, with passes available at the park visitor center. www.parks.state.co.us/parks/steamboatlake
