By Cate Rushton
Cross Country skiing is different than alpine, or downhill skiing. Instead of charging down a steep incline, cross country skiers traverse quiet, serene landscapes. There is plenty of this serenity in Utah. From a past Olympic venue to a less-frequently visited
resort in Southern Utah, every cross-country skier is sure to find trails to suit their tastes and skills.
Soldier Hollow
In 2002, the Winter Olympics was held in Salt Lake City, Utah. Soldier Hollow hosted cross-country ski events. Future Olympians and other athletes still train here. The facility offers 23km of trails. Near the trails, visitors will find a 7,000-square-foot Competition Center, and a day lodge where tired skiers can enjoy a meal or beverages. Soldier Hollow is located 53 miles east of Salt Lake City.
2002 Olympic Drive
Midway, Utah 84049
(435) 654-2002
Solitude Nordic Center
Part of the Solitude Ski Resort, this facility is located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, a beautiful location at 8,700-foot elevation. The resort offers 20km of trails and has lessons and clinics for those who wish to learn cross-country skiing, or improve skills. There is a day lodge with rentals and snacks.
12000 Big Cottonwood Canyon
Solitude, Utah 84121
(801) 534-1400
Sundance Nordic Center
Sundance is located in Provo Canyon and offers 26km of groomed trails. The Cross Country Center offers rentals and demo equipment, along with lessons for skiers of all ages and abilities. Separate snowshoe trails are available here as well.
8841 N. Alpine Loop Road
Sundance, Utah 84604
(801) 225-4107
The Homestead Cross-Country Ski Center
The Homestead is a resort offering many activities, restaurants and lodging. The Cross-Country Ski Center has 12km of groomed trails. Their staff will be happy to show you where you can find an additional 100km of trails outside of their resort.
700 North Homestead Drive
Midway, Utah 84049
(888) 327-7220
Brian Head Resort
Located in Southern Utah, Brian Head tends to be less crowded than the resorts closer in proximity to Salt Lake City. This resort offers 10km of groomed trails, and another 32km of ungroomed trails.
329 South Highway
143
P.O. Box 190008
Brian Head, Utah 84719
(866) 930-1010
About the Author:
Cate Rushton has been a freelance writer since 1999, specializing in wildlife and outdoor activities. Her published works also cover relationships, gardening and travel on various websites. Rushton holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Utah.
