Suggested Trail Routes
Crosscut’s Favorites
Loops, out-and-backs, lollipops, and more… We have curated our eight favorite jaunts below. With four beginner options, two intermediate options, and two variations for those looking to push their limits, there’s truly something for everyone. Each of these routes connect a series of trails to create a special experience.
Forsythe Loop
(Includes segments of: Five Rings + Forsythe Meadow + Crosscut Return)
2.2 km/1.4 miles | 179 ft total climb and total descent | 2-way route that starts at the Nordic Center
“Nice and easy” best describes this loop. Perfect for the beginner skier, or anyone wanting a gentle ski through aspens and the edge of a meadow.
Elevational Profile:
Lighted Loop
1.7km/1.0 miles | 123 ft total climb and total descent | 2-way route that starts at the Nordic Center
This 2km route includes the first section of Five Rings, descends a short section of the Crosscut Loop to a landmark known as Four Corners, and then takes the Crosscut Return back to the Nordic Center. The Lighted Loop starts and finishes at the Nordic Center.
Meadow Loop
(Includes segments of: North Bangtail + Meadow + S. Bangtail)
3.4km/2.1 miles | 273 ft total climb and total descent | 1-way route that starts at the Nordic Center
A beautiful, easy route that circumnavigates the edges of a picturesque meadow in a true loop. The Meadow Loop has a few rolling hills, passing by the Warming Shelter before returning towards Jane’s Gate. This one-directional loop is a green trail with one blue feature — don’t be surprised by Whiskey Gulch! A fun dip and small climb to the “Whiskey Gulch” intersection, and a second small rollercoaster as you begin your return to Jane’s Gate.
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Crosscut Loop
(Starts and finishes at the Pumphouse on Five Rings Trail)
2km/1.3 miles | 115 ft total climb and total descent | 2-way trail
Perfect for beginners, this trail is relatively flat and provides lovely scenery as it passes through beautiful aspen groves and around a great big meadow called the Forsythe Meadow. This trail is two-way — look out for other skiers and keep to the right around corners.
Elevational Profile:
Montagne’s Meander
(Starts and finishes at the Lookout)
1.8km/1.1 miles | 148 ft total climb and total descent | 1-way trail
Montagne’s Meander is the alternative trail going out from Lookout Point. This trail loops back close to Lookout, following beautiful, rolling terrain through lodgepole forests as it circumnavigates a high point known as Downey’s Butte. Montagne’s Meander is mostly one-directional, with a short section of two-way traffic. Always be aware of other skiers and your surroundings.
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Aspen Loop
(Starts and finishes at the Pumphouse and utilizes Five Rings + Aspen + Forsythe + Crosscut)
2.1km/1.2 miles | 190 ft total climb and total descent | 2-way trail
A favorite intermediate loop, with rolling hills and beautiful stretches through old growth Aspen groves.
Elevational Profile:
Logger’s Loop
(Includes segments of: One Way + Warming Shelter + Going Out + Logger’s + Meadow + Going Home)
10.2km/6.3 miles | 981 ft total climb and total descent | 1-way route that starts at the Nordic Center
A relatively steady climb from the base area all the way past past Moose Junction, brings you to the South Fork of Brackett Creek logging road. Once on the old road, Logger’s is relatively flat for a couple of kilometers, before making another short climb to the high point. Then, you’ll have earned the fun, long downhill stretch back to Times Square, above the Warming Shelter. Note that Logger’s “Loop” doesn’t make a true loop, as it begins and ends in different locations. Recommended for intermediate and advanced skiers.
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Outer Perimeter
(Includes segments of: North Bangtail, Meadow, Lookout, Going Out, Logger’s, Norway, Logger’s Return, Five Rings, South to Sweden, Aspen, Crosscut Loop, Bridger Creek)
16.22km/10.1 miles | 1496 ft total climb and total descent | 1-way route that starts at the Nordic Center
Linking all the perimeter trails together allows intermediate and advanced skiers to experience a sampling of the best Crosscut has to offer. The total outer perimeter distance loop is about 15.5 km, a route that covers gently rolling terrain as well as challenging climbs and descents.
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