Winter Sports
In addition to an average of 317 days of sunshine annually, the Nederland
area is blessed with good snow from November through April. However,
the first snow of the year often falls in September, and it is not unusual
to have a snow shower as late as July. As a result, winter snow sports
are as popular here as they are throughout the rest of the Rocky Mountains.
Skiing and Snowboarding
One of the fastest growing ski areas in the state is Eldora Mountain
Resort, located five miles from Nederland on the way to the town of
Eldora (follow the signs past the high school). There are first-rate
facilities for both alpine and Nordic skiing, telemarking and skate
skiing, as well as snowboarding. The area is growing in popularity for
its location, ease of accessibility (you don't have to worry about traffic
on I-70), new facilities, and value for skiers of all ability levels.
Private and group lessons are available all season. Open mid-November
through mid-April.
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
The groomed trails at Eldora Mountain Resort are excellent for cross-country
skiing, and lessons are available throughout their season. However,
many prefer the trails found in the national forest and Indian Peaks
Wilderness Area for the beauty of pristine snow and the solitude that
awaits those who head off on their own.
The trails used by hikers during the summer and fall are popular with
snowshoers and cross-country skiers alike. In addition to the ones described
in the Hiking section here are some other well used trails for winter
sports.
Brainard Lake Trails
Fourteen miles north of Nederland on Highway 72 is the turnoff to Brainard
Lake. From October through June this paved road is closed 2.5 miles
from the highway. At the gate, skiers and snowshoers can park and take
either the North or South Waldrop Ski Trails that go west paralleling
the road into Brainard Lake. The North Trail joins with the South St.
Vrain Trail just north of Pawnee Campground (which is closed) and ends
at the Brainard Cabin where you can warm up by the wood stove and heat
up some coffee or hot chocolate. The South Trail returns from Brainard
Lake via the Little Raven Ski Trail and Lefthand Reservoir Road to the
parking area. Of course, once you get to Brainard Lake, the Mitchell
Creek and Long Lake Trailheads lead to the challenge of high country
skiing.
Caribou
Five miles north and west of Nederland is the site of the old mining
town of Caribou. Take the Caribou Road just a half mile off of Highway
72 west of Nederland. The road is usually open all year. Park at the
town site above the working mine, strap on your skis or snowshoes and
head west for Caribou Flats, or perhaps all the way to Eldora following
forest service road #505. The area around the Caribou town site is also
a popular place for sledding and tubing during the winter. In all cases,
please respect the posted øPrivate PropertyÓ signs and stay on public
lands and trails.
South Boulder Creek Trail
The trailhead is at the East Portal of the Moffat Tunnel eight miles
west of Rollinsville. The snow in this area almost always is the best
in the area because of its proximity to the Continental Divide where
the snows blow over from Winter Park. See a description of the trail
under Heart Lake. There are also side trips possible to Forest Lakes,
Arapaho Lakes, Crater Lakes, and Iceberg Lakes to the west of the main
trail.
Fourth of July Road
When the snows come, the County Road Department stops maintaining the
road to the Hessie Trailhead and to Buckingham Campground. The 5ê6 miles
of what is, during the summer, a dirt road becomes a popular cross-country
ski and snowshoeing area. Street parking is limited in Eldora so please
park in a legal spot and be prepared to have lots of company along the
way.
|