Where to do some Cross Country skiing?

[gitrinec]

I'm looking to do some beginning cross country skiing this winter/spring any recommendations Colorado/New Mexico?

[STG]

gitrinec:

Were you the person who did the Wind River Range Ski trip? If so, how did it go?

What kind of terrain do you want to tour on: Groomed x-country tracks, un-groomed logging roads, open meadows, narrow trails? Also, are you looking for gentle/flat terrain or something steeper?

[gitrinec]

I actually didn't go until a few weeks ago and didn't go all the way back to Gannett Peak because I was heading up to Rainier, but I got a roundtrip of 16 miles in hiking, but I'm hoping to get there April 2017.. I'm wanting to get some flats and some hills but nothing too crazy as Id like to put some miles in and do some camping as well.. I posted some of my pictures here under a post someone created about hiking.

[STG]

gitrinec:

Isn't that country amazing! Were you impressed with the area? I will check out the photos.

I would think that you could get info about ski touring in whatever mountain range or community in Colorado or New Mexico you are interested in by googling ski touring and the place. Also, the Forest Service publishes travel maps for different forests in the inter-mountain west. The maps are large and cover many miles and give a general sense of the trails/roads for ATVs/snowmobile/ski touring. After you have decided on an area, a topo map or download would be helpful. You may already know all this?

[STG]

gitrinec:

Fantastic photos of the Winds! Recognize much of the terrain. Always enjoy photos from photographers point with the higher peaks in the background.

[satsuma]

For beginners, I'd start with track skiing. Best are Devil's Thumb Ranch and the nearby YMCA of the Rockies, both near Fraser, CO. These both are at high elevation (~8500 ft), might be hard on the lungs, depending on where you live.

Skip Eldora, the trails are pretty difficult and the elevation even higher.

[gitrinec]

Has anyone been to or heard anything about Enchanted Forest Cross country ski area in New Mexico, They have yurts you can stay in though I hear it's up for sale, the whole place but they've kept open so far.

[gitrinec]

Thanks Satsuma, I'll look into those as well.

[satsuma]

I am guessing you were asking about CO/NM since you were planning to drive. Since you have already been to WA State, I'll mention that one of the best areas for groomed track skiing (beginners to advanced) is supposed to be Methow Valley near Winthrop, WA. I haven't been there yet (only lived in WA one winter), but it's been highly recommended. It's not close to either the Seattle or Spokane airports, however--lots of driving. Nor is it close to me.