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Best Cross-Country Ski Resort (2017)

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Few activities can compare to cross-country skiing for the opportunity to experience a quieter, more serene side of winter (with a killer cardio workout to boot). While many alpine ski areas also offer Nordic trails, some of the best cross-country skiing is found at dedicated resorts. 

  • White Grass Ski Touring Center

    White Grass Ski Touring Center
    Davis, W.V.

    Located in West Virginia's snowy Cabin Mountain range, White Grass Ski Touring Center maintains more than 37 miles (60 km) 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 White Grass Ski Touring Center

  • Tahoe Donner Cross Country Center

    Tahoe Donner Cross Country Center
    Truckee, Calif.

    Tahoe Donner's 62-plus miles (100 km) of trails wind through 2,800 acres of terrain. The resort, a favorite among Tahoe-area locals, includes five warming huts, a large variety of modern rental equipment and even some fat biking and dog-friendly trails.
    Photo courtesy of Tahoe Donner

  • Devil's Thumb Ranch

    Devil's Thumb Ranch
    Tabernash, Colo.

    Nearly 65 miles (120 km) 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
    Photo courtesy of Devil's Thumb Ranch

  • Mont-Sainte-Anne Cross-Country Ski Center

    Mont-Sainte-Anne Cross-Country Ski Center
    Beaupré, Quebec

    With 124 miles (200 km) of trails, Mont-Sainte-Anne Cross-Country Ski Center maintains the largest Nordic ski trail system in North America. Situated in Quebec's beautiful Laurentian forest, the trail system includes several shelters, including the famous Chalet du Fondeur.
    Photo courtesy of Mont-Sainte-Anne Cross-Country Ski Center

  • Latigo Ranch

    Latigo Ranch
    Kremmling, Colo.

    Skiers have a lot of terrain to choose from at Colorado's Latigo Ranch, including more than 30 miles (48 km) of groomed trails and 200 miles (322 km) of powder-covered backcountry terrain. Day skiing is available for guests who don't plan to stay the night, and an equipment shop offers rentals–no lugging equipment across country.
    Photo courtesy of Latigo Ranch / Facebook

  • Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre

    Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre
    Vernon, British Columbia

    High elevation, mild winter temperatures and a long season make Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre a worldwide favorite. The center's 31 miles (50 km) of trails connect with those of Silver Star Mountain Resort to create the largest daily set system in North America. The season kicks off with the November Nordic Festival, races into high gear with the US SuperTour and celebrates May skiing with the Spring Fling, all on natural snow.
    Photo courtesy of Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre

  • Lone Mountain Ranch

    Lone Mountain Ranch
    Gallatin Gateway, Mt.

    In partnership with Custer Gallatin National Forest, Lone Mountain Ranch offers Nordic skiers 53 miles (85 km) of groomed woodland trails through some of North America's most spectacular mountain terrain.
    Photo courtesy of Lone Mountain Ranch

  • Silver Star Mountain Resort

    Silver Star Mountain Resort
    Vernon, British Columbia

    Canada's largest network of daily-groomed trails can be found at Silver Star Mountain Resort in Vernon, British Columbia. The resort includes 34 miles (55 km) of trails ranging in difficulty from green to black, as well as lift access, warming huts and a multi-use Night Loop for after-dark skiing beneath the lights.
    Photo courtesy of Silver Star Mountain Resort

  • Jackson Ski Touring Center

    Jackson Ski Touring Center
    Jackson, N.H.

    The Jackson Ski Touring Foundation operates a Ski Touring Center with some of the East Coast's most popular groomed and backcountry trails. Skiers glide past quintessential New England sights–covered bridges, quaint villages and steepled churches.
    Photo courtesy of Lincoln Benedict / Jackson Ski Touring Foundation

  • Methow Trails

    Methow Trails
    Winthrop, Wash.

    With more than 120 miles (200-plus kilometers) of trails, Methow Trails in Washington is the largest Nordic ski area in nation. Four separate areas are connected by the Methow Community Trail, which takes skiers across a suspension bridge spanning the Methow River.
    Photo courtesy of Methow Trails

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We asked our readers to vote for their favorite North American nordic resorts, and the results are in!

The top 10 winners in the category Best Cross-Country Ski Resort are as follows:

  1. White Grass Ski Touring Center - Davis, W.V.
  2. Tahoe Donner Cross Country Center - Truckee, Calif.
  3. Devil's Thumb Ranch - Tabernash, Colo.
  4. Mont-Sainte-Anne Cross-Country Ski Center - Beaupré, Quebec
  5. Latigo Ranch - Kremmling, Colo.
  6. Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre - Vernon, British Columbia
  7. Lone Mountain Ranch - Gallatin Gateway, Mt.
  8. Silver Star Mountain Resort - Vernon, British Columbia
  9. Jackson Ski Touring Center - Jackson, N.H.
  10. Methow Trails - Winthrop, Wash.

A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to picked the initial nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote. Experts Peter Ashley, Reese Brown (Cross Country Ski Areas Association), John Morton, Liz Stephen and Jonathan Wiesel (Nordic Group International) were chosen based on their knowledge and experience of the North American nordic ski scene.

Congratulations to all these wining resorts!

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Peter Ashley

Peter Ashley

Peter Ashley

Reese Brown

Reese Brown

Reese Brown

John Morton

John Morton

John Morton

Liz Stephen

Liz Stephen

Liz Stephen

Jonathan Wiesel

Jonathan Wiesel

Jonathan Wiesel
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