Cross-country and snowshoeing

Aspen/Snowmass has the most extensive free Nordic trail system in America, more than 65 km. of groomed trails called “Aspen’s fifth mountain.” The Aspen Nordic Council’s (800-525-6200; 923-3148) free system is accessible from Aspen or Snowmass and includes easy golf-course skiing as well as more difficult trails rising up to Snowmass.

In addition to the free trails provided by Aspen’s Nordic Council, Ashcroft Ski Touring Unlimited (925-1971) has 42 km. of groomed and set trails, and backcountry skiers can use summer hiking trails. Lessons and rentals are available. Other centers are the Aspen Cross Country Center (544-9246) on the Aspen Golf Course off Hwy. 82; Ute Mountaineer (925-2849); Braun Hut System (925-6618), which has information on trails to Crested Butte; and Snowmass Cross Country Center (923-3148) right in Snowmass where you can buy or rent equipment; get instruction, repairs and snacks. Trail access is free.

Hut systems connect Aspen with Vail on the Tenth Mountain Trail and with Crested Butte over the Pearl Pass. Guides are available and recommended. Call Tenth Mountain Trail Association for more information, 925-5775, or send e-mail to huts@huts.org.

Snowshoeing is quite popular in town, so ask about those programs at any of the cross-country centers mentioned here. In conjunction with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES), Aspen Skiing Company has naturalist-guided tours on Aspen Mountain and Snowmass. Tours include lifts, equipment and a snack; call 925-1220 or ACES at 925-5756 for reservations. You also can snowshoe up Aspen Mountain or Buttermilk at certain times and on certain runs. The lift ride down is free. Ask an Aspen Skiing Company concierge about this.