VAIL NORDIC SCHOOL
Snowshoe, Cross-Country, and Backcountry ski tours for all levels. Come explore the wilderness around Vail on one of our private or group tours. We also offer Telemark on Vail Mountain. Explore a side of Vail you’ve never seen before! All group tours & lessons for ages 14 and up unless otherwise noted.
Vail Nordic School activities are operated under special use permit with the White River National Forest.
HISTORY OF NORDIC SPORTS
Long before it was a sport, cross-country skiing was a necessity of daily life as a form of transportation from Scandinavia to Siberia.
It evolved into a sport sometime in the late 18th century, once more reliable forms of transportation were developed.
Cross-country skiing hit the big times when it was featured in the 1988 Olympics, though many people have been practicing the recreational form (also known as touring) for a couple of centuries.
Over the past few decades the genre evolved, and now, Nordic sports also include Telemark skiing, snowshoeing, AT touring and splitboarding.
best workout in the world
If you thought downhill skiing or snowboarding kept you in great shape, try a day on a pair of cross-country skis and you’ll understand why these athletes are so unbelievably fit.
This is because Nordic skiing uses virtually every muscle in your body to propel you forward.
In fact, many experts recommend that you spend time strength conditioning before you begin cross-country skiing as a serious hobby.
Because Nordic skiing uses both the “push” and “pull” muscles on both your upper and lower body and uses your core to keep you stabilized, there is virtually no other sport on earth quite as effective at keeping you in peak physical health and helping you burn calories.
In fact, cross-country skiing burns more calories per hour than any other sport or exercise, maxing out at nearly 1,100 calories per hour.
Please arrive 35 minutes prior to all tour start times to get outfitted, etc.
Cross-Country Lessons & Tours
Our tours for the beginner on up utilize the spectacular wilderness areas that surround Vail. Cross-Country skiing is where it all started. We meet at the Golden Peak Nordic Desk. Reservations are not required. For private tours, see specialty tours. All guests are provided water.
Beginner XC Classic Lesson (On Set Track)
- Monday/Wednesday/Friday
- 1PM -3:30PM
- Cost: $99 (includes all equipment)
Beginner XC Classic Lesson & Tour
- Monday/Wednesday/Friday/Sunday
- 10AM -1:30PM
- Cost: $99 (includes all equipment)
Intermediate XC Tour
For the classic XC skier who understands the basics and wants to get miles in while still improving technique.
- Tues., Thurs., Sat.
- 10AM -1:30PM
- Cost: $99 (includes all equipment)
For more information visit the Vail Nordic Desk at Golden Peak, or call 970-754-3200 or 970-754-3210 between 8:30 & 9:45 AM.
Our group leaders will take you into the surrounding wilderness as you learn about the area history, wildlife, and natural surroundings. All abilities welcome. For Private Tours, see specialty products.
Daily Group Tours
- 10am-12:30pm
- Cost $99: Includes all equipment (snowshoes, boots, poles & water)
Please arrive 35 minutes prior to all tour start times to get outfitted, etc.
Professionally Guided Tours: Sign up for one of our many private or group tours and have a guide show you some of the wilderness trails surrounding Vail while giving you a different perspective on techniques and your surroundings.
Flora and Fauna: Whether you go with a guide or with family and friends, Nordic activities help you slow down and observe so much more of the beautiful trees and winter wildlife that’s all around you in the Rocky Mountains.
Unparalleled Vistas: Venturing into the wilderness and backcountry around Vail is the greatest reward when you’re participating in any Nordic sport.
For more information, visit the Vail Nordic School at Golden Peak, call 970-754-3200 or 970-754-3210 (between 8:30 & 9:45 AM).
All Nordic Products are offered as Private Tours, either as half-day or full-day programs, in addition to our specialty programs below. Includes: Snowshoe, Cross-Country Ski Tours, Backcountry Ski Tours (note this tour has a max of 4 people), and Family Tracks Tour. Let us help you meet your Nordic and backcountry desires and fitness needs.
Telemark lessons are not included in below pricing, see Telemark Private Tours. Check out our play more and save with the Nordic sampler.
Half Day:
- 9:00AM - 12:15PM or 1:00PM - 4:15PM
- Cost: $230 for 1 guest, $345 for 2 guests, $45 for each additional guest (up to 7XC or 8 SS)
- All equipment provided with exception of Backcountry Ski Tours, for these you must provide your Tele (rentals available), AT, or split board gear. Please note, split boarders need to bring their own skins.
Full Day:
- 9:00AM - 3:30PM
- Cost: $345 for 1 guest, $480 for 2 Guests, $55 for each additional guest (up to 7 XC or 8 SS)
- All equipment provided with exception of Backcountry Ski Tours, for these you must provide your Tele (rentals available), AT, or split board gear. Please note, split boarders need to bring their own skins.
Reservations highly recommended 72 hours in advance or more during holidays.
Back Country Tour: Join us on your Tele, AT, or Split Board gear for a day of learning back country travel techniques, avalanche awareness, how to use the tools of the trade, and more. Geared towards the intermediate skier and above.
Family Tracks: Geared towards parents and kids 5 and older. We will use snowshoes or XC skis based on family's desires and availability.
Nordic Sampler: Geared to the person looking for different Nordic experiences. Join any half day $99 tour, pay full price the first 2 days and then on the third day pay only $31 to participate in the product you enjoyed most as available per schedule. The 3 tours must be completed in 7 days from the first tour.
Rentals
Classic Cross Country Gear & Telemark Gear
- Available daily before 9:45AM at the Golden Peak Nordic Desk
- Cost: $35/day
To book or for more info on any of these offerings, call 970-754-4390.
Telemark is the art of skiing downhill with your heel and body free to move in a more natural way. Come and free both your heel and your mind. Join us to learn new on-mountain skills or just improve your current abilities. Also check out our great backcountry ski experiences.
Please arrive at Golden Peak Nordic Desk 35 minutes prior to start time with all equipment for all activities.
Telemark Programs
Telemark Lessons Beginner
- Tuesdays 9:00AM - 12:00PM
- Levels 2-4
- Cost: $99
Telemark Lessons Intermediate
- Tuesdays 12:45 - 3:45PM
- Levels 5-7
- Cost: $99
Free Heel Fridays (Telemark never-evers)
Time to try something new? Then join us for Free Heel Fridays. Geared to the first time Telemarker.
- Fridays 1:00 - 3:30PM
- Cost: $45 (Lesson only)
- Equipment included based on availability
- Minimum of 2 students required
Vail Telemark Workshops
- Workshops: Jan. 13th, Feb. 10th, Mar. 10th
- 9AM - 3:30PM
- All levels welcome
- Cost: $115 (pre-register and save $10, call 970-754-4390)
Private Telemark Lessons (based upon availability)
- Half Day: 9AM - 12:30PM / 12:45 - 3:45PM
- Full Day: 9AM - 3:30PM
- Good for up to 6 people
- Reservations required
- Cost: Half Day $ see alpine pricing, Full Day $ see alpine pricing.
Backcountry Ski Tours
Backcountry touring - what’s it all about? Skins, beacons, probes, shovels? Join us for a day and put it all together by learning the basics of backcountry travel. Bring your Tele, AT, or Split Board and find out.
- Wednesdays (Full Day)
- 9AM - 3:30PM
- Cost: $149 (includes skins (for AT & Tele) , shovels, probes, beacons, pack if needed, and water) ( Min 2 - Max 4 people)
Backcountry Workshops
- Workshops: Jan. 6th & 26th
- 9AM -3:30PM
- Intermediate Skiers and above
- Cost: $115 (pre-register and save $10, call 970-754-4390) (includes skins (for AT & Tele) , shovels, probes, beacons, packs if needed, and water)
- Note: please arrive at Golden Peak Nordic Desk 35 minutes prior to start time with all equipment
- If you have your own Avey Gear bring it and learn to use it
For more information visit the Vail Nordic School at Golden Peak, call 970-754-3200 or 970-754-3210 between 8:30 & 9:45 AM.