Winter · Nordic

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in Aspen

Ninety kilometers of groomed trails that cost nothing to use, from the golf course in town to Snowmass. For a quieter day, a rest day, or anyone who doesn't downhill ski.

The Aspen Snowmass Nordic system grooms 90 km of free cross-country ski and snowshoe trails between Aspen, Snowmass and Basalt. Rentals and lessons are at the Aspen Cross Country Center, and several trails welcome dogs.

Details are from the Aspen Snowmass Nordic Council, checked September 28, 2026.

Paul Montiel · Aspen · Updated September 2026

IThe trails

Where to ski

Cost: Free: no trail pass is needed on the Nordic Council's 90 km.
Trail areas: Trails run through the Aspen Golf Course, the Snowmass Golf Course, Owl Creek, Maroon Creek Club and the Roaring Fork Club.
Rentals and lessons: The Aspen Cross Country Center offers private and group lessons, youth programs, rentals, demos and ski maintenance.
Dogs: Dog-friendly trails include Trail 40 on Marolt Open Space, Bernese Boulevard and Labrador Lane.Aspen with dogs
Snowshoeing: Snowshoes are welcome on the trail system.
Conditions: Grooming reports on Nordic Pulse and the Nordic Hotline (970-429-2039, extension 4), plus a live webcam.

IIWho it suits

A different kind of ski day

Non-skiers

Easy to learn on flat, groomed trails, and a way to be out in the snow without lifts. Aspen for non-skiers

Rest days

A gentle morning on the golf course trails between downhill days. Itineraries

Altitude

Cross-country is hard aerobic work at nearly 8,000 feet: start short on your first days. Altitude

Lunch out

Pine Creek Cookhouse, 12.5 miles up Castle Creek Road, serves lunch and dinner Wednesday to Sunday; reservations required.

Common questions

Is cross-country skiing free in Aspen?

Yes. The Aspen Snowmass Nordic Council grooms 90 km of free cross-country and snowshoe trails between Aspen, Snowmass and Basalt.

Where can I rent cross-country skis in Aspen?

At the Aspen Cross Country Center, which also offers lessons, youth programs and demos.

Can dogs go on Aspen's Nordic trails?

On designated dog-friendly trails, including Trail 40 on Marolt Open Space, Bernese Boulevard and Labrador Lane.

Around a quieter day

A driver to the trailhead, lunch arranged, and recovery at the end.

A black SUV waiting at the curb on a snowy street at dusk

Transport

A driver for the evening

3-hour minimumYear-round

A car and driver on call for dinner and the night out, so nobody hunts for a taxi at midnight.

From USD 210/hour

Yoga mats, blocks and a blanket laid out by tall windows in a mountain home, snowy slopes outside at sunrise

Wellness

Private yoga at the house

One hour, at the houseYear-round

A one-hour private yoga or meditation class at the residence, shaped to the group, with mats and props brought in and cleared away.

From USD 485/session

A treatment room prepared for an in-residence session

Wellness

In-home massage

60 to 120 minutesYear-round

A therapist at the residence after travel or skiing.

From USD 425/60 minutes

A fire lit in a mountain home living room, a cheese board, hot chocolate and wine set out, ski gloves drying on the hearth

Dining

Après, ready at the house

Ready when the lifts closeWinter

Come in from the mountain to the fire lit, something warm to drink and a spread laid out: set up while you ski by our chef or caterer, from groceries already in the house.

Check availability

Discover more

Sources

Aspen Snowmass Nordic Council · Pine Creek Cookhouse — checked September 28, 2026.

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Planning