Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-Country skiing (Dave Heath photo)
For a change of pace and a workout for different muscle groups, visit Golden's network of cross-country ski trails, located just a five minute-walk from the day lodge of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.
Golden Nordic Ski Club
The Golden Nordic Ski Club maintains 32km/21mi of 6m/20ft wide trails, which are groomed for both skating and classic techniques. Much of the area is forested, rolling terrain, with approximately 50% rated beginner, 40% intermediate and 10% advanced. There's a small warming hut in the middle of the trail system, and a couple of scenic viewpoints – the views across the valley are awesome. A section of the trail system is set on Golden Golf Club property.
Dawn Mountain
Dawn Mountain is known for excellent early season snow conditions. In fact, the Canadian National Team uses Golden as a training facility.
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Cross-Country Ski Events
With a membership base comprising 10% of the town's population, this active club hosts the Huckleberry Loppet in February, a classic-style race over distances of 1km/0.6mi for kids, and up to 22km/14mi for grown-ups. Thursday afternoons can be busy at Dawn Mountain, as the Golden Rabbits (a children's nordic ski training group) meet at 4pm for their weekly romp.
Lessons
Lessons for beginner and intermediate skiers are available from a certified CANSI instructor and CCBC Coach. For more details, check the Golden Nordic Ski Club website.
Nordic Ski Rentals
Classic equipment rentals and tickets are available from Canyon Creek Outfitters at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, while both classic and skate equipment can be rented from Selkirk Sports, on 9th Avenue North in downtown Golden.
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Things To Do
Winter Activities