Breckenridge Real Estate Blog

From a home in Breckenridge, Colorado—nestled between the Ten Mile Range and the Continental Divide off Highway 9—more and more residents are setting out to conquer the space beyond the ski resorts.  The Nordic Centers in Breckenridge and Frisco have seen a significant spike in attendance.  People are donning snowshoes for family hikes around Breckenridge CO real estate and Frisco real estate, and adventurously heading into the backcountry on snowshoes.

Near Breckenridge real estate, Summit County facilities include the Breckenridge Nordic Center, Frisco Nordic Center, Gold Run Nordic Center, Keystone, and more.

Along with cross-country skis, snowshoes are a key for anyone who wants to forage or explore the Rocky Mountain forested trails and vast valleys.  The ancients created snowshoes for winter survival.  Today’s shoes include a bit of modern technology, making them warmer, more comfortable, and easier to put on and take off.  One of the great things about snowshoeing is that people of all ages and skill levels can participate.  First timers take the trail slow like a walk or faster like a run.  Some start with a tour guide and freelancers take off on their own. 

The trails at Breckenridge are a good combination of wooded and open areas.  They are well marked and offer great views of surrounding mountain ranges.  Between the Gold Run Nordic Centre located in the Breckenridge Golf Club and the Breckenridge Nordic Centre located in the Peak 8 area are about 150 miles of snowshoe hiking trails to discover.  The City of Breckenridge owns Gold Run Nordic Center and maintains 12 kilometers of snowshoeing trails—some open and some wooded with access to back country trails.  The golf clubhouse serves as a hub for Gold Run’s activities during the winter.   An added feature at Breckenridge Nordic Center is the opportunity for guided snowshoeing tours—half-day, full day, and moonlight tours.  The tours include lots of interesting information about the forests and wildlife.  Each of these centers offer lessons, tours, and snowshoe and gear rentals.

Two miles south of Interstate 70, just off Highway 9, the Frisco Nordic Center and its attractive, log day lodge are on a beautiful peninsula protruding into Lake Dillon.  Trail passes, equipment, and maps are available to prepare the snowshoers for the 14 kilometers of dedicated snowshoeing trails.  Proper etiquette keeps snowshoers off the classical ski trails and allows them to move into the forested areas on single-track trails leading to more remote areas with nice lake views. 

Keystone also offers snowshoeing trails, rentals, and guided tours.  Claire Walter’s book Snowshoeing Colorado mentions numerous Summit County backcountry trails along with detailed information about length, difficulty, scenic attractions, and avalanche danger.

Always exercise caution during adventurous activities.  Experts recommend using ski poles with self-arrest heads.  Land on the toe side of the shoe to prevent injury, make double steps to keep from sinking, and refrain from stepping on another’s shoe—or your own!