Winter on many of America's Byways® means plenty of white landscapes, frosty views, and some of the greatest snow on earth. Whether you plan to hit the slopes for some high-speed downhill skiing, or set off through snow-hushed woods on a cross-country tour, you're sure to find perfect snow conditions on byways all across the country.
Ski Colorado
Over half of Colorado's 27 ski resorts can be found on or near one of America's Byways®. Visit Powderhorn Resort, a great high-altitude retreat along the Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway. Once you reach the top, you can either tackle the 1,650-foot vertical drop, or spend the day cross-country skiing over the 360,000 acres on the top of the Grand Mesa, the world's largest flat-top mountain.
Ski-racing at Telluride (CO) [3]
You can also find several world-class resorts nestled among the 14,000-foot peaks of Colorado's Rocky Mountains along the San Juan Skyway and Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway. When you're ready to take a break from the slopes, visit the Colorado Ski Museum Ski Hall of Fame located near Vail. In the museum, peruse a collection of over 1,500 photographs, artifacts, pieces of equipment, and articles of clothing representing over 130 years of Colorado skiing.
A Cross Country Tour of the North Shore in Minnesota
Skiing the North Shore Trail System (MN) [4]
The spectacular scenery of the North Shore Scenic Drive in Minnesota creates a breath-taking backdrop for a cross-country ski trip. While gliding along the North Shore Ski Trail you will be amazed at the beautiful winter scenery, including wildlife, birds, and frozen inland lakes and rivers. Expect a well-groomed trail, and because of abundant snowfall and mild temperatures along the shoreline you'll find ideal snow conditions during nearly half the year; from November through April. If you don't like to stick to the beaten path and prefer to break your own trail, there is plenty of untouched snow to go around.
Slopes and Trails in the East
Skiing is also a popular event during the winter along some of America's Byways in the East. The mountains there may not be as high as their cousins in the West, but that's okay, it makes for a shorter ride to the top. Find many exciting downhill resorts and winding cross-country trails on the White Mountain Trail in New Hampshire and the Coal Heritage Trail in West Virginia. For some of the best cross-country ski trails in the country, check out the Adirondack region along the Lakes to Locks Passage in New York. If you find there isn't quite enough natural snowfall to create the skiing conditions you're looking for, don't worry, most of these resorts have high-tech snow making equipment and will still provide plenty of fresh powder for everyone.
Get an intimate view of snow-covered rolling hills and the natural beauty surrounding these byways from high on a ski lift or right on the slopes themselves on your own ski adventure. From highly groomed cross-country trails to the untouched powder of the backcountry, skiers of all ages and abilities will be sure to find the perfect skiing conditions on America's Byways.
