10 best ski resorts for cross-country skiing in North America

from USA TODAY 10Best

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). Here are the best cross-country ski resorts in North America, according to 10Best readers.

10. Tahoe Cross-Country Ski Area - Tahoe City, California

Image courtesy of Tahoe Cross-Country Ski Area This ski area has 65 km of groomed trails for skiers of all levels, including high-altitude skiing with spectacular lake views. Lessons and rentals help skiers get started in the sport.

9. White Grass Ski Touring Center - Davis, West Virginia

Image courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Located in the Cabin Mountain range, this ski center maintains more than 60 km of trails. They also offer a variety of rentals, guided tours and lessons.

8. Nipika Mountain Resort - Kootenay National Park, British Columbia

Image courtesy of Nipika Mountain Resort During winter, this resort transforms into a cross-country ski playground with 50 km of groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing.

7. Gatineau Park - Chelsea, Quebec

Image courtesy of Ahunt / Wikimedia Commons Gatineau Park comprises 139 square miles of outdoor space – one of the most-visited parks in Canada. Come winter, the park features one of the largest cross-country ski trail networks in North America.

6. Crested Butte Nordic - Crested Butte, Colorado

Image courtesy of Crested Butte Nordic Crested Butte Nordic grooms 50 km of trails for Nordic skiing, skate skiing and snowshoeing. Skiers can access the trail system right from town.

5. Jackson Ski Touring Foundation - Jackson, New Hampshire

Image courtesy of Jackson Ski Touring Foundation Skiers at Jackson glide past quintessential New England sights: covered bridges, quaint villages and steepled churches. The system includes 150 km of trails.

4. Waterville Valley Resort - Waterville Valley, New Hampshire

Image courtesy of Ski NH The Adventure Center at New Hampshire’s Waterville Valley Resort grooms some 70 km of trails, all accessible from Town Square or the alpine ski area.

3. Snow Mountain Ranch - Granby, Colorado

Image courtesy of Snow Mountain Ranch 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.

2. Bear Valley Adventure Co. - Bear Valley, California

Skiers at Bear Valley can choose between 39 groomed trails for skate and track skiing and stop for a rest at three warming huts.

1. Devil's Thumb Ranch - Tabernash, Colorado

Image courtesy of Devil's Thumb Ranch 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.