Vibe:

Frosty forest bathing

Drive time:

One and a half hour drive from downtown Denver, depending on traffic.

Tip:

Don’t leave Frisco without a quick stop at Foote’s Rest Sweet Shoppe, a charming Main Street storefront serving decadent fudge, candy, and scratch-made lunch and dinner fare.

With 37 kilometers of serene trail accessible every day of the week (conditions permitting), the Frisco Nordic Center is the perfect place for families of all ages to try cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Hit the Trails

For families and first-timers, the best entry-level trails are Chickadee, Tex’s Trot, and M’Rezy. Whether you’re skiing or snowshoeing, daily trail passes cost $25 for adults and teens. Children 12 and under get in free.

Classic cross-country lessons are held daily and include a full-day trail pass. Group snowshoe tours are a great deal at $50 for adults and $30 for children ages eight to 12, including snowshoe rentals and a trail pass.

Gear Up

No gear? No problem. Rentals are offered on-site at the cozy log cabin lodge. Daily classic and skate ski rentals range from $10 to $30, boots and poles included. Snowshoe rentals run from $10 to $20, and for an extra $15 parents can pull very young children in a special low-slung Nordic sled.

Stay Warm

Everyone in your party needs a wicking base layer, snow pants, and a good winter coat. Other musts include waterproof gloves, a hat, merino wool socks, sunscreen, and water. Snowshoers should arrive with sturdy waterproof boots.

Extend the Fun

Did a giant tubing hill catch your child’s eye on the way in? Head across the street to the Frisco Adventure Park for a thrilling, hour-long session on a multi-lane tubing hill ($28 per person). Tubing reservations must be made in advance online. If you’re digging the low-key vibe, opt instead for a few runs on Frisco Nordic Center’s free sledding hill. Don’t forget to BYO sled.