Nordic centers across the state are now closed, but many of Colorado Cross Country Ski Association’s Nordic locations still provide outdoor adventures with stunning views in the summer. Ever wonder what the snow covered trails look like without snow? Many of these locations, including Breckenridge, Frisco, and Devil’s Thumb Ranch, open their trails to hiking and biking throughout the summer months. In addition to these activities, our locations also provide lodging, event hosting, and unique experiences, such as zip lining or even disc golf.
The “Oh Be Joyful” Lodge is the heart of Breckenridge Nordic Center. In the winter this is where guests come to rent ski equipment and warm up after enjoying the winter trails. Events are hosted in the winter, but summer time is the prime season for weddings, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, fundraisers, and other family or community events. Amidst colorful wildflowers and looming trees, this peaceful, secluded location is located one-half mile above Main Street in Breckenridge. Additionally, the edge of the lodge’s expansive lawn, large enough to host an outdoor wedding, leads to trail heads for family-friendly hiking and biking adventures!
Devil’s Thumb Ranch, any time of the year, is an enchanting vacation destination. Lodging is provided onsite for those who wish to stay a while. Daily activities offered at the ranch include horseback riding, zip line tours, fly fishing, swimming, hiking, and mountain biking. For the thrill seekers, try zip lining. The longest zip line runs 1,600 feet, and top speeds can reach 40 miles per hour. If this is not enough of a thrill, just think of the view!
It is not only guests who get to enjoy the amenities of Devil’s Thumb Ranch. Hiking and mountain biking are available to the public for a small daily visitor fee of $10. The trails are a part of the 600 mile-network of trails in the Fraser Valley, located just outside of Winter Park, Colorado.
Although the Frisco Nordic Center is closed through the summer, the Frisco Adventure Park is open for operation! The park offers a different experience than many of the other Colorado Cross Country Ski locations. At the park, families can come for biking, skating, disc golf, friendly baseball games at the ball fields, wagon rides, and, of course, hiking. Many of these activities are free to the public, such as the bike park, skate park, and Peak One Disc Golf Course. The bike park includes four different amenities for all ages to test their skills on: the pump track, the slopestyle course, the dirt jump facility, and the dual slalom course. Peak One Disc Golf Course is a 19-hold course open to the public, except when rented for the day. This course is available for scheduled private games and tournaments at $350 per day.
Thunder Mountain Lodge in the Summer
Fishing, boating, hiking, mountain biking, and ATVing — Thunder Mountain Lodge is the perfect place to find solidarity in Grand Mesa National Forest. Fishing opportunities are ample here, with over 300 lakes in Grand Mesa which is home to five different species of trout: brook trout, brown trout, native cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and Snake River cutthroat trout. Canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards are all available for 2-hour, half-day (four hours), and full-day rentals. Unlike the previous destinations mentioned, Thunder Mountain Lodge allows ATVing and off road trail riding, so definitely put them on your bucket list!
Colorado Cross Country Ski Association partners with 18 different locations across the state. Call ahead to see which summer adventures and activities are available at our other locations!