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Best Cross-Country Ski Resort (2021)

USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

These are the best cross-country ski resorts in North America

This Cross-Country Ski Resort was voted the best four years in a row

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To experience a more peaceful side of winter 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. We began by asking a panel of experts to nominate their favorite cross-country resorts, and then our readers voted to help us crown a winner. 

  • Devil's Thumb Ranch

    Devil's Thumb Ranch
    Tabernash, Colorado

    Nearly 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

  • Tahoe Cross-Country Ski Area

    Tahoe Cross-Country Ski Area
    Tahoe City, California

    The Tahoe Cross-Country Ski Area has 65 km of groomed trails – more than 21 options for skiers of all levels, including high-altitude skiing with spectacular lake views. The area offers lessons and rentals to help skiers get started in the sport.
    Photo courtesy of Tahoe Cross-Country Ski Area

  • Bear Valley Adventure Co.

    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 Geminai Photography

  • Stokely Creek Lodge

    Stokely Creek Lodge
    Goulais River, Ontario

    Located in the Algoma Highlands just north of the U.S. border, Stokely Creek Lodge maintains 100 km 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.
    Photo courtesy of iStock / golero

  • Snow Mountain Ranch

    Snow Mountain Ranch
    Granby, Colorado

    The Nordic Center at Snow Mountain Ranch offers more than 120 km 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.
    Photo courtesy of Snow Mountain Ranch

  • White Grass Ski Touring Center

    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 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

  • Waterville Valley Resort

    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 Ski NH

  • Nipika Mountain Resort

    Nipika Mountain Resort
    Kootenay National Park, 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.
    Photo courtesy of Nipika Mountain Resort

  • Strathcona Wilderness Centre

    Strathcona Wilderness Centre
    Sherwood Park, Alberta

    Located a short distance from Edmonton in the western Canadian province of Alberta, the Strathcona Wilderness Centre offers over twelve kilometers of cross-country ski trails and provides special events and learn-to-ski programs for visitors of all ages. The center offers world-class groomed trails for classic Nordic skiing and skate skiing and sit-skis lessons for Para-Nordic skiers. Toddlers can enjoy the experience with pull-behind kinder shuttles or baby gliders.
    Photo courtesy of Bjorn Taylor

  • Jackson Ski Touring Foundation

    Jackson Ski Touring Foundation
    Jackson, New Hampshire

    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. The system includes 150 kilometers of trails spanning three river valleys.
    Photo courtesy of Jackson Ski Touring Foundation

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

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AlertAbout 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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10Best Editors

10Best Editors

10Best Editors

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.

Jonathan Wiesel

Jonathan Wiesel

Jonathan Wiesel

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.

Reese Brown

Reese Brown

Reese Brown

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.

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