10 best cross‑country ski resorts in the U.S.

When Julie and I visited Salt Lake City last year, we signed up for a cross‑country skiing lesson. Neither of us had tried it before, and we quickly learned it’s a sport that takes patience. Julie found the cold and a few tumbles tough, while I was hooked right away. Our instructor was wonderfully patient with both of us, and the experience showed me how rewarding Nordic skiing can be.

That experience sparked my curiosity about where the best places in the country are to try cross‑country skiing. As it happens, USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards recently highlighted the top resorts. I dug into their list, added details from resort websites, and pulled together practical notes on ski seasons, rentals, and lessons. Whether you are a beginner or looking to expand your skills, these destinations offer memorable ways to embrace winter.

Garnet Hill Lodge — North River, NY

• Season: Mid‑November to mid‑April

• Rentals/Lessons: Full rentals, apparel sales, PSIA‑certified lessons for all ages

• Highlight: Coyote Club program for kids ages 6–10

Nestled in the Adirondacks, Garnet Hill offers more than 50 km of groomed trails and a welcoming lodge atmosphere. Families will appreciate the dedicated children’s program, while adults can explore trails suited to every skill level.

Galena Lodge — Ketchum, ID

• Season: Early December to mid‑April

• Rentals/Lessons: Nordic ski lessons available

• Highlight: Semi‑backcountry yurts and renowned food

Community‑owned and surrounded by the Boulder Mountains, Galena Lodge offers both classic and skate skiing. Stay overnight in yurts or refuel with hearty meals after a day on the trails.

Minocqua Winter Park — Minocqua, WI

• Season: Early December to late March

• Rentals/Lessons: Wide variety of rentals, PSIA‑certified instructors

• Highlight: Nordic Wolves and Pups youth program

Set in Wisconsin’s Northwoods, Minocqua Winter Park features glacier‑carved terrain and trails for all levels. Families will appreciate the rental options and youth programs.

Breckenridge Nordic Center — Breckenridge, CO

• Season: Late November to late April

• Rentals/Lessons: Gear fitting, online video tutorial, lessons for all ages and abilities

• Highlight: Family‑run lodge built from 90% recycled materials

Just minutes from downtown Breckenridge, this Nordic center blends sustainability with hospitality. Trails are groomed for both classic and skate skiing, and the lodge offers a welcoming spot to warm up after a day outdoors.

Maplelag Resort — Callaway, MN

• Season: Mid‑November to April

• Rentals/Lessons: Instruction for all levels

• Highlight: Rustic cabins, wood‑fired saunas, large spa/hot tub

Maplelag offers a cozy, nature‑immersed experience. Trails range from gentle loops to adventurous routes, with wildlife sightings adding to the magic.

Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center — Truckee, CA

• Season: Late November/early December to April

• Rentals/Lessons: Extensive rentals, private lessons, clinics

• Highlight: Dog‑friendly trails and daily grooming

With 2,800 acres of alpine terrain, Tahoe Donner is a favorite among locals. Lessons range from beginner packages to advanced clinics, making it ideal for all skill levels.

ABR Trails Foundation — Ironwood, MI

• Season: Mid‑November to early April

• Rentals/Lessons: Beginner‑friendly Salomon Escape skis, lessons available from experienced instructors

• Highlight: 100+ km of groomed trails, dog‑friendly routes, Early Snow Loop

Michigan’s Big Snow Country delivers diverse terrain and reliable snow. Rentals are designed to make learning easy, and lessons are offered by passionate local instructors. The Early Snow Loop helps extend the season by opening trails sooner with less snowpack.

LOGE Glacier — Essex, MT

• Season: Late November to late April

• Rentals/Lessons: Gear rentals, 1.5‑hour lessons

• Highlight: Sauna, hot tub, cocktails after skiing

Located near Glacier National Park, LOGE Glacier offers scenic Nordic trails with mountain views. After skiing, relax in the sauna or hot tub.

Bear Valley Adventure Co. — Bear Valley, CA

• Season: Mid‑November to mid‑April

• Rentals/Lessons: Group and private lessons, clinics

• Highlight: Warming huts and Meadow Café

Bear Valley combines family‑friendly trails with expert instruction. Its elevation supports a long season, and warming huts make it a welcoming winter destination.

Devil’s Thumb Ranch — Tabernash, CO

• Season: Late November to April

• Rentals/Lessons: Private lessons, rentals including child sleds and skijoring rigs

• Highlight: Spa, yoga, heated pool, dog‑friendly trails

Just west of Denver, Devil’s Thumb Ranch blends rugged adventure with refined comforts. Skiers can explore extensive trails, take lessons, and unwind with spa treatments or yoga.

Beginner Tips for Cross‑Country Skiing

My first lesson taught me that small adjustments make a big difference. Here are some beginner tips to help you get started.

• Practice balancing on one leg before putting on skis

• Start on flat or gently rolling terrain

• Shuffle forward with small strides

• Use the herringbone technique to climb hills

• Walk down steep slopes if you are new

• Take a lesson to build confidence

Where We Learned to Ski

To close, I wanted to share our own first experience with Nordic skiing.

Solitude Nordic & Snowshoe Center — Salt Lake City, UT

• Season: Mid‑November to late April/May

• Rentals/Lessons: Full rentals available; private and group lessons offered

• Highlight: Nordic Nights torchlit trails and Snow & Flow yoga + snowshoe event

Our introduction to Nordic skiing took place here, and the experience was unforgettable. The drive up the canyon felt like a storybook scene, with snow‑covered spruce, fir, and aspens lining the rushing stream. At the Nordic Center, Eric and Mark welcomed us warmly and patiently guided us through the basics.

Julie appreciated Mark’s efforts even though the cold and falls made it harder for her to enjoy the outing. I, on the other hand, loved every moment — the crisp mountain air, steady snowfall, and breathtaking scenery quickly won me over. Mark compared alpine skiing to an amusement park, crowded and thrilling, while cross‑country skiing offers a quieter connection to nature.

For those who prefer alternatives, Solitude also provides snowshoeing. Special events like Nordic Nights, where trails are lit by torches and candles, and the Snow & Flow yoga‑snowshoe program, make this center stand out as both beginner‑friendly and uniquely atmospheric. And if you are planning a trip to Salt Lake City, don’t miss my guide to things to do in Salt Lake City other than skiing.

The Joy of Nordic Skiing 

Cross‑country skiing offers a unique way to embrace winter, combining fitness, scenery, and adventure. Whether you’re drawn to the Adirondacks, the Rockies, or the Sierra Nevada, these resorts provide trails, rentals, and lessons to make the sport accessible. My first lesson showed me how rewarding it can be, and I hope this list inspires you to try it for yourself.