Cross country skiing has a strong history and community here in Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley. Generations of skiers from recreational participants to Olympic level athletes have developed through the community and world class trail system. This guide serves as an introduction to cross country skiing and its offerings in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Why You Should Try It
Cross country skiing is a wonderful activity and sport that offers great views, fresh air and exercise at a level that you choose. It can be as simple as a walk on skis at the local cross country track or a challenging backcountry adventure on trails. In the time of social distancing it is a fantastic option for enjoying the outdoors while remaining COVID-19 safe!
Where to Start Cross Country Skiing
Aspen has the largest FREE system of cross country trails in North America with trails to cover all levels of skier ability. So whether it’s your first day or you’re a World Cup level racer there is always something new to enjoy and experience. We recommend to our first time and beginner skiers to visit the Aspen Cross Country Center.
The Aspen Cross Country Center at the Aspen Golf Course
The Ute Mountaineer has proudly owned and operated the Aspen Cross Country Center (often referred to as AXCC) since 1984. The center is a convenient spot to demo gear, take a lesson or head out on a guided tour. Although there are some changes to the daily operations at AXCC due to COVID-19 restrictions, we invite you to still visit our area’s cross country skiing headquarters.
Types of Cross Country Skiing
A group of classic skiers head out for a lesson.
Classic Cross Country Skiing
Classic XC skiing uses a natural movement similar to walking, but with skis on your feet and a lot more glide. Classic XC skiers will live in the parallel grooved tracks on a groomed trail. These classic tracks will guide you along and can be used in either direction. If another skier is coming toward you, one of you can smile and step out of the track to let the other pass.
Classic XC Skis fall into two categoies:
Waxable - Waxable skis create traction by using rub on grip waxes that are applied to the ‘kick-zone’ area in the middle of the ski. Although they may require more work, they can outperform waxless skis when the grip wax is well matched to snow conditions and temperatures.
Waxless - Waxless skis utilize either a fish scale pattern or a skin (think angled grippy carpet) to create traction in the kick zone of the ski. They provide a good balance of grip and glide in a variety of snow conditions. Waxless classic skis are usually considered to be lower maintenance than their waxable counterparts.
A groomed cross country skiing trail with classic tracks on the left and skating area on the right side.
Skate Cross Country Skiing
The ungrooved swath of an xc track is the home of the skate skiers. Skate skiing uses a more advanced technique to press into the edge of a ski and then glide forward on your other ski. It looks similar to how hockey players skate, but cross country skiers will be using poles as well. Skate skis do not have any fish scales or metal edges to focus on maximum glide and efficiency. The skate skiers tend to go faster than the classic skiers. It’s common practice and courtesy to yield to them if you are out of the classic tracks.
Backcountry Cross Country Skiing
Moving into the backcountry on cross country skis allows for total freedom and exploration. The skis are designed to work best off the tracks and in variable terrain and snow conditions. Backcountry XC skiing uses a similar technique to classic xc skiing with the key difference being the comfort in deeper ungroomed snow. Backcountry XC skis are usually slightly wider in size and have metal edges for added control.
As with any form of backcountry travel we must warn participants that, **Skiing or traveling outside of the groomed cross country skiing tracks and areas can lead to very serious and real dangers. It is necessary to have the proper education, experience, and equipment before doing any form of backcountry skiing.**
Cross Country Skiing Gear and Rentals
Each type of cross country skiing comes with variations in the core pieces of equipment. We carry skis, boots, poles, waxes, and clothing specific to each discipline at the Aspen Cross Country Center. As always, our staff there are happy to walk you through the in’s-and-out’s of each product.
AXCC also has a full range of rental products that cover beginners trying things for the first time to racers who want to demo the latest and greatest equipment.
Next Steps
Racing and Events
There is a variety of cross country races, events, and programs in the Aspen area to further develop your skills and participation.
Ski for the Pass - Ski For the Pass is a 7K classic race/tour from the winter closure gate east of Aspen on Highway 82 to the turnoff for Lincoln Creek Rd. It is the only day of the year that this closed section of Highway 82 is groomed for classic cross country skiing.
Other Cross Country Skiing Areas
We previously mentioned Aspen’s large and incredible system of cross country trails. Once you have honed your skills at our cross country center, consider exploring some of the other trails and networks in our area.
Rio Grande Trail - *New in 2020* The Rio Grande Trail between the Aspen Post Office and Stein Park at Cemetery Lane will not be plowed this winter, and instead will be groomed and snow-packed to accommodate multi-use recreational activities.
Hut Trips
Skiers head into a backcountry hut.
Colorado has a long history of building huts in the backcountry for visitors to ski to and enjoy overnight stays in the wilderness. Named after the storied World War II military division, the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association manages over 30 huts in Colorado and are the area experts on hut trips. These ‘huts’ are far from primitive shelters, they offer comfortable protection from the elements and beautiful scenery. Most huts require skiing along routes with potential avalanche hazards. As the Hut Division says, “We strongly suggest that someone in every group be experienced in evaluating avalanche and snow stability hazards and practicing prudent backcountry and winter mountain travel techniques.”
We hope this guide has been helpful and piqued your interest for cross country skiing. Questions? Comments? Good stories? Leave a note below, give us a call, shoot an email, or drop by the store to chat!
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