Nordic Skiing

Vail

Backcountry Skiing

The 10th Mountain Division Hut and Trail System is one of Colorado's outdoor gems. This network of 29 huts is set in the mountains near Camp Hale where the decorated namesake World War II division trained. Skiers and snowshoers in winter (snowmobiles are not permitted to approach the huts) and hikers and mountain bikers in summer tackle sections of the more than 350 mi of trails linking new and rustic cabins on day trips or weeklong expeditions. Apart from the joy of a self-reliant adventure among rugged mountains, travelers enjoy the camaraderie of communal living (there are very few private rooms in the huts), and evenings spent swapping stories by the glow of a wood-burning stove or the twinkle of summer stars.

Maps and other information are available through the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association (1280 Ute Ave., Aspen, 81611. 970/925-5775. www.huts.org). Hut reservations should be made at least a month in advance.

If you aren't familiar with the area's backcountry trails, hiring a guide is a good idea. In Vail, contact Paragon Guides (Box 130, Vail, 81658. 970/926-5299).

Track Skiing

The cross-country skiing at the Vail Nordic Center (1778 Vail Valley Dr. 970/476-8366) is on a golf course. It's not the most beautiful route, but it's free.

Beaver Creek

Track Skiing

The prettiest place for cross-country skiing is McCoy Park, with more than 19 mi of trails groomed for traditional cross-country skiing, skate skiing, and snowshoeing, all laid out around a mountain peak. To reach McCoy Park, take the Strawberry Park chairlift -- a plus because it gets you far enough from the village that you're in a pristine environment. The groomed tracks have a fair amount of ups and downs (or perhaps because the elevation rises to 9,840 feet, it just seems that way).

Lessons, equipment rentals, and guided tours are available through Beaver Creek Nordic Sports Center (Strawberry Park Condo Bldg. at the bottom of Chair 12. 970/845-5313. 9-4).