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Don't want to bother with lift lines? Then consider Nordic skiing at one of many Utah venues that cater to this aerobic sport. Here's a list of places to participate in classic or skate style cross-country skiing.
Soldier Hollow » The site of Nordic and biathlon events during the 2002 Winter Olympics, this center in Midway offers 31 kilometers of classic and skating trails, plus a biathlon range, and is considered part of Wasatch Mountain State Park. The adult day rate is $18, or $15 after 2 p.m. Juniors (7-17) rates are $9 and $6, respectively, and senior rates are $15 and $12. Children under 7 are free. Season passes are also available. The trails and lodge are open daily, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., from Dec. 5 through March 28. The facility offers lessons, clinics, rentals, a snowshoe trail, tubing hill and a lodge.
Call 435-654-2002 or visit soldierhollow.com for more information.
Mountain Dell Golf Course » The Utah Nordic Alliance (TUNA), in cooperation with Salt Lake City Golf, has permission from the city to groom classic and skating trails for a variety of ability levels at this Parleys Canyon golf course. The cost is $5 per day, $50 for a season pass for TUNA members, and $70 for a season pass for others. Juniors 15 years and younger ski free. Visit utahnordic.com for more information.
White Pine Touring Center » This Park City area center is Utah's oldest. White Pine manages 20 kilometers
Snowbasin » The Snowbasin Resort, east of Ogden, grooms and maintains 26 kilometers of Nordic trails, with both skating and classic style opportunities. Use of the trails, which begin near the Olympic parking lot, is free. Equipment rentals are available at the resort. Visit www.snowbasin.com/winter/nordic_skiing.asp for more information.
Solitude Nordic Center » There are more than 20 kilometers of trails at this center at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon between the Brighton and Solitude ski areas. An adult day pass is $15; a half-day, which starts at 12:30 p.m., is $10. Seniors over 70 and children 10 and younger are free. Season passes and equipment rentals are available. Call 801-536-5774 or visit www.skisolitude.com/winter/nordic_center for more information.
Sundance Nordic Center » You'll find rentals, lessons and more than 26 kilometers of groomed trail for skating and classic-style at Sundance in Provo Canyon. An adult day pass is $16, half-day $12. The junior (11-17) pass is $9 and $6. Seniors and children under 10 are free. Call 801-223-4170 or visit www.sundanceresort.com/explore/wnt_cc for more information.
Ruby's Inn » The skiing is free and rentals are available at this destination hotel near the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park. On years when there is enough snow, this can be the ultimate Nordic experience. The annual Bryce Canyon Winter Festival, held each year on Presidents Day weekend, is a must. Call 435-834-5341 or visit rubysinn.com/winter for more information.
Beaver Creek Ski Trail, Uinta Mountains » The six-mile trail between Yellow Pine and North Fork trailhead areas is groomed. This is a great family skiing destination. There is a $6 (three-day pass) fee to park along the Mirror Lake Highway. Dogs are allowed only on odd-numbered days. Call the Kamas Ranger District at 435-783-4338 for more information.
Mill Creek Canyon » Mill Creek Canyon, accessed at 3800 South and Wastach Boulevard, is popular with skiers looking for a quick workout close to home. Classic and skate tracks are set. Dogs are allowed in Mill Creek Canyon on odd days. There is a $3-per-car fee collected as you leave the canyon. A $40 yearly pass is also available.
Alta » Alta, at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon, offers 5 kilometers of groomed track. The Nordic Pass is $10 and a season pass is $99. Classic and skate ski equipment rentals are available. Visit alta.com/pages/xc.php for more information.
