The trails at the Frisco Nordic Center offer views of the Tenmile Range, Gore Range and Lake Dillon.

It seems many of the aerobic freaks who win randonee events also Nordic ski. Also, many cyclists use it for cross-training in the winter. It’s not my goal to become an aerobic freak or race bikes, but staying fit while playing outdoors (rather than in a gym) is pretty appealing. And so I discovered skate skiing at the Frisco Nordic Center in Summit County, Colorado.

I admit, it was much harder than I anticipated. When it came time to add poles to the equation, I really flailed. But like those on vacation who feel obligated to get in a full seven hours when purchasing day lift tickets, I was determined to get my money’s worth of skate ski lesson, rental and trail pass. [Read more →]

Summit County, Colorado: Skiing and Snowboarding in Montezuma Bowl, Arapahoe Basin

“Just turn!” says boyfriend.

Tears well up in girlfriend’s eyes.

“Just turn … like this,” says boyfriend, who proceeds to demo the move.

Anyone who skis or snowboards in Summit County (or anywhere in Colorado) has probably witnessed this scenario more than a few times. They’ve watched the scene explode into tears, yelling and possibly a call to ski patrol. Maybe they’ve even been part of it. [Read more →]