Winter Recreation Opportunities:
Regional XC-Skiing/Snowshoeing Program

Whether you are looking for well-groomed XC skiing/snowshoeing trails or getting into the backcountry to enjoy the solitude it provides, one of the 17 national forests and seven national grasslands within the Rocky Mountain Region will have a XC skiing/snowshoeing experience that is just right for you.

Follow these general guidelines to help ensure that you have an enjoyable and safe XC skiing/snowshoeing experience in your national forest:

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing weblinks: Click to go directly to links
Some important safety equipment to consider taking with you when XC skiing or snowshoeing in the backcountry:
- 10 Essentials - topographic map, compass, extra food, extra clothing, firestarter, matches, sun protection, a pocket knife, first-aid kit, and flashlight/headlamp (and extra batteries)
- Portable shovel - a critically important winter survival tool, which will assist you in digging snow caves in which you can survive a bitter, cold night. And, it's nearly impossible to dig someone out of an avalanche without a shovel
- Avalanche beacon - in avalanche country, consider carrying an avalanche beacon and know how to use it properly
Always check the weather forecast and avalanche conditions before you head out. Plan clothing, equipment and supplies accordingly.
Protect your skin and eyes from the sun and wind
Make a realistic plan and stick to it, always tell someone of your recreation plans
Travel responsibly by staying on designated roads, trails or areas
Obtain a map of the area you will be skiing or snowshoeing in and determine which areas are open to your type of travel and recreation
When stopping, step off the trail to leave room for other skiers to pass
On double-tracked trails, ski single-file except when overtaking
When a skier behind calls out "track," move to the right to give them room to pass
Yield the right-of-way to skiers, snowshoers and those passing or traveling uphill
All XC skiers and snowshoers should follow the ideals of Leave No Trace and practice the concept of Pack It In - Pack It Out.

For more detailed guidelines regarding responsible winter recreation on US Forest Service lands, please check out the Tread Lightly! information below:

Backcountry Snowsports – Tread Lightly!'s Responsible Recreation Tips brochure:
- Tread Lightly! website
- PDF file 344 KB
Responsible Recreation – Tread Lightly!'s Responsible Recreation Tips brochure:
- Tread Lightly! website
- PDF file 563 KB
Sharing Our Snow – Tread Lightly!'s Responsible Recreation Tips brochure:
- Tread Lightly! website
- PDF file 24.3 MB

Regional XC Skiing/Snowshoeing Information Map

Nordic skier enjoying a run through some tracks on the Black Hills National Forest, located in west-central South Dakota along the Wyoming border

The Rocky Mountain Region map below can be used as a starting place to find information regarding XC ski/snowshoe opportunities on US Forest Service lands located throughout our five-state region. When you move the cursor over the state you want to go XC skiing/snowshoeing in, a filled-in map outline and tool tip will appear. Click on the map outline to view that state's XC ski/snowshoe information map in a new window. Repeat the same process with the state map as with this map and you will be able to select the individual national forest or grassland that you would like XC skiing/snowshoeing information about.

Rocky Mountain Region XC Skiing/Snowshoeing Information Map

Recreation Quick Links

Winter Recreation Opportunities:Regional XC-Skiing/Snowshoeing Program

Regional XC Skiing/Snowshoeing Information Map

Related Recreation Links

Winter Recreation Opportunities:
Regional XC-Skiing/Snowshoeing Program