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10 best cross-country skiing resorts in North America, according to readers
Photo courtesy of golero // Getty Images
For a more relaxed winter sport, many turn to cross-country skiing. While Nordic trails are often offered at traditional ski resorts, some of the best cross-country skiing is found at dedicated resorts. To find the best spots for cross-country skiing, 10Best teamed up with a panel of experts, then we asked our readers to vote for their favorites. Here are the 10 best cross-country skiing resorts in North America.
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Photo courtesy of iStock / ferrantraite
No. 10: Great Glen Trails - Gorham, New Hampshire
Great Glen Trails, located just north of North Conway, New Hampshire, offers some of the state’s best cross-country ski trails, as well as a ski school and rental shop. Skiers of all ability levels will find a suitable option among the 45 kilometers of groomed and backcountry trails.
Photo courtesy of iStock / golero
No. 9: Stokely Creek Lodge - Goulais River, Ontario
Located in the Algoma Highlands, just north of the U.S. border, Stokely Creek Lodge maintains 100 kilometers of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It’s possible to ski for hours without seeing another human at this hidden gem known for its stellar snow conditions.
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Photo courtesy of Nipika Mountain Resort
No. 8: Nipika Mountain Resort - Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia
During winter, Nipika Mountain Resort transforms into a cross-country ski playground with 50 kilometers of groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing. Skiers enjoy varied terrain, from open areas with big mountain views to wooded paths along the Kootenay and Cross Rivers. The resort also maintains dedicated fat bike and snowshoe trails.
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Photo courtesy of Geminai Photography
No. 7: Bear Valley Adventure Co. - Bear Valley, California
Bear Valley Adventure Co. offers their guests more than 70 kilometers of groomed paths across 3,000 acres. Skiers can choose between 38 groomed trails for skate and track skiing and stop for a rest at three warming huts. It’s a particularly appealing option for families, thanks to its two kids’ trails and a groomed downhill practice area.
Photo courtesy of Trapp Family Lodge
No. 6: Trapp Family Lodge - Stowe, Vermont
This Austrian-inspired lodge in scenic Stowe, Vermont occupies 2,500 acres. The resort’s 96 rooms and suites include free Wi-Fi, Old World furnishings and access to amenities like nightly turndown service, heated pools and hot tubs, a fitness center, ski storage, campfires with s’mores and live piano on most days. Guests also enjoy access to 100 kilometers of cross-country ski trails, plus convenient access to downhill skiing at nearby Stowe Mountain Resort.
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Photo courtesy of Tahoe Donner Association
No. 5: Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center - Truckee, California
Tahoe Donner's 62-plus miles (100 kilometers) of trails wind through 2,800 acres of terrain. The resort, a favorite among Tahoe-area locals, includes four warming huts, a large variety of modern rental equipment and even some dog-friendly trails.
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No. 4: Waterville Valley Resort - Waterville Valley, New Hampshire
The Adventure Center at New Hampshire’s Waterville Valley Resort grooms some 70 kilometers of trails, all accessible from Town Square or the Alpine ski area. Explore the White Mountain National Forest on skate or classic skis, snowshoes or fat bikes (on select trails).
Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
No. 3: White Grass Ski Touring Center - Davis, West Virginia
Located in West Virginia's snowy Cabin Mountain range, White Grass Ski Touring Center maintains more than 60 kilometers of trails. The center also offers a variety of rentals, guided tours, lessons, a repair shop and a cafe serving wholesome, healthy and natural foods.
Photo courtesy of Snow Mountain Ranch
No. 2: Snow Mountain Ranch - Granby, Colorado
The Nordic Center at Snow Mountain Ranch offers more than 120 kilometers of cross-country skiing terrain in the Colorado Rockies. Easy loops cater to beginners, while longer trails with steeper climbs appeal to experienced skiers. Fat biking and snowshoeing are also available.
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Photo courtesy of Devil's Thumb Ranch
No. 1: Devil's Thumb Ranch - Tabernash, Colorado
Nearly 120 kilometers of groomed trails at the base of Colorado's Continental Divide make Devil's Thumb Ranch a favorite for skate or classic cross-country skiing. Beginners can sign up for private or group lessons, while more advanced skiers can push themselves in advanced technique clinics.
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About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
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The Experts
Chez Chesak
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor... Read More
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com.
Chez Chesak
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com.
Cindy Hirschfeld
Cindy Hirschfeld is the editor-in-chief of Cross... Read More
Cindy Hirschfeld is the editor-in-chief of Cross Country Skier magazine, the only print publication in North America devoted to the sport. A veteran ski journalist, she covers most things related to sliding on snow from her home near Aspen, Colorado. Cindy also freelances regularly for national magazines and newspapers, and is a frequent contributor to the New York Times travel section.
Cindy Hirschfeld
Cindy Hirschfeld is the editor-in-chief of Cross Country Skier magazine, the only print publication in North America devoted to the sport. A veteran ski journalist, she covers most things related to sliding on snow from her home near Aspen, Colorado. Cindy also freelances regularly for national magazines and newspapers, and is a frequent contributor to the New York Times travel section.
Jonathan Wiesel
Jonathan Wiesel splits his time between writing... Read More
Jonathan Wiesel splits his time between writing about cross-country skiing/snowshoeing and designing Nordic ski areas. He’s been a ski instructor and guide, ski patrolman, international trips planner and leader, and resort owner, and he’s written on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing for dozens of publications on three continents. Jonathan has also consulted on more than 200 Nordic projects across North America, from communities to four-season resorts, ranches to real estate. His latest strategy is working with U.S./Canadian Snowbelt golf courses to develop winter recreation. Originally a New Englander, he lives in Bozeman, Montana.
Jonathan Wiesel
Jonathan Wiesel splits his time between writing about cross-country skiing/snowshoeing and designing Nordic ski areas. He’s been a ski instructor and guide, ski patrolman, international trips planner and leader, and resort owner, and he’s written on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing for dozens of publications on three continents. Jonathan has also consulted on more than 200 Nordic projects across North America, from communities to four-season resorts, ranches to real estate. His latest strategy is working with U.S./Canadian Snowbelt golf courses to develop winter recreation. Originally a New Englander, he lives in Bozeman, Montana.
Kristen Lummis
Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in... Read More
Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in Western Colorado. The mom of two now-adult sons, Lummis broke into her writing career through snowsports, founding the website braveskimom.com in 2010 to provide family-friendly tips across a full range of winter topics. And while skiing is Lummis’ first true outdoor love, she grew up camping, hiking, biking, kayaking and traveling extensively with her family — pursuits that she continues today. She prides herself on unbiased opinions, based on activities and destinations she’s visited and experienced. Lummis is honored to be considered an “expert” for 10Best. Follow her @braveskimom on Instagram and Facebook.
Kristen Lummis
Kristen Lummis is a freelance writer based in Western Colorado. The mom of two now-adult sons, Lummis broke into her writing career through snowsports, founding the website braveskimom.com in 2010 to provide family-friendly tips across a full range of winter topics. And while skiing is Lummis’ first true outdoor love, she grew up camping, hiking, biking, kayaking and traveling extensively with her family — pursuits that she continues today. She prides herself on unbiased opinions, based on activities and destinations she’s visited and experienced. Lummis is honored to be considered an “expert” for 10Best. Follow her @braveskimom on Instagram and Facebook.
Kyle McCarthy
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of... Read More
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com, America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and The Family Vacationist e-newsletter provide destination reviews, tips and seasonal roundups for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.
Kyle McCarthy
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com, America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and The Family Vacationist e-newsletter provide destination reviews, tips and seasonal roundups for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.
Laura Sutherland
Laura Sutherland is a veteran travel writer who... Read More
Laura Sutherland is a veteran travel writer who specializes in culinary, craft beer, wine, ski, and family travel. She's the author of six travel guidebooks, including "The Best Family Ski Vacations in North America." Her articles have appeared in publications like Real Simple, Taste and Travel International, Parents, Family Fun, Writer's Digest, The Dallas Morning News, and Miami Herald. An avid skier since the age of four when she strapped on a pair of wooden skis at Yosemite's Badger Pass, she's since explored dozens of snow sports resorts through the United States, Canada and Europe.
Laura Sutherland
Laura Sutherland is a veteran travel writer who specializes in culinary, craft beer, wine, ski, and family travel. She's the author of six travel guidebooks, including "The Best Family Ski Vacations in North America." Her articles have appeared in publications like Real Simple, Taste and Travel International, Parents, Family Fun, Writer's Digest, The Dallas Morning News, and Miami Herald. An avid skier since the age of four when she strapped on a pair of wooden skis at Yosemite's Badger Pass, she's since explored dozens of snow sports resorts through the United States, Canada and Europe.
Reese Brown
Reese Brown is Executive Director of U.S./Canadian... Read More
Reese Brown is Executive Director of U.S./Canadian trade group Cross Country Ski Areas Association, and Nordic Director for Snowsports Industry America. He has worked in the snowsports industry since 1981 as a coach, event manager, promotional marketer and in project-based strategic development. Considered an industry expert and insider, Brown operates internationally to support and promote the sport of cross country skiing, growing public awareness and participation. Specific initiatives include managing the consumer program Winter Trails, an introduction to snowsports through cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Reese Brown
Reese Brown is Executive Director of U.S./Canadian trade group Cross Country Ski Areas Association, and Nordic Director for Snowsports Industry America. He has worked in the snowsports industry since 1981 as a coach, event manager, promotional marketer and in project-based strategic development. Considered an industry expert and insider, Brown operates internationally to support and promote the sport of cross country skiing, growing public awareness and participation. Specific initiatives include managing the consumer program Winter Trails, an introduction to snowsports through cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
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