Winter Sports
Enjoy the winter wonderland that is the Umpqua National Forest. A variety of winter sports for all ages can be found on Forest.
Skiing/Snowboarding
- Whether you are looking for well-groomed beginner or intermediate runs or the steep and deep of a double-black diamond run our national forests offer ski areas that provide a skiing or snowboarding experience that is just right for you. These ski areas range from world-class resorts hosting World Cup races to local ski areas that are great for family-style skiing.
- National Forests host 122 ski areas across the country, including iconic resorts like Vail, Snowbird, and Mammoth, but there are plenty of quieter areas too for visitors that want to avoid the crowds.
- Before heading out, always be sure to check with the local ranger district or avalanche.org for avalanche danger in the area.
Sledding/Tubing
- Whether you are sledding or tubing on a groomed hill at a developed area or on a hill in an undeveloped area, several of our national forests will have a sledding/tubing experience that is just right for you.
- Because they are hard to steer, the best place to use a tube is in a tubing park - often found at ski resorts. Your best bet for information is to call the local ranger district office and inquire about any local tubing hills.
- Currently, there are only four national forests that provide information regarding sledding/tubing opportunities on US Forest Service lands located throughout our five-state region. Those national forests are:
- Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre & Gunnison National Forest: Located in western to southwestern Colorado
- Pike & San Isabel NFs and Cimarron & Comanche National Forest: Located in central to southeast Colorado and southwestern Kansas
- Rio Grande National Forest: Located in southwestern Colorado
- White River National Forest: Located in central Colorado
- Sledding/Tubing Safety Tips
- Make sure all equipment is in good condition, free of sharp edges and cracks
- Sled on spacious, gently sloping hills with a level run-off at the end so the sled can safely stop
- Check slopes for bare spots, holes and obstructions, such as fences, rocks, poles or trees
- Do not sled on or around frozen lakes, streams or ponds
- Sit on top of the sled with feet pointing downhill; never sled headfirst
- Dress warm, and wear thick gloves or mittens and heavy boots to protect against frostbite and injury
- Before heading out, always be sure to check with the local ranger district or avalanche.org for avalanche danger in the area.
Snowmobiling
- USDA Forest Service manages snowmobiling on National Forest lands, allowing it in designated areas while prohibiting it in others, including wilderness areas, and requiring adherence to specific regulations for safety and resource protection.
- Designated areas
- Snowmobiling is permitted in designated areas, often marked with orange diamonds or other signage, and on unplowed Forest Service roads that are not formally closed.
- Closed areas
- Snowmobiles are prohibited in wilderness areas, Research Natural Areas, and other sensitive areas.
- Closed by snow convention
- A road is considered closed to wheeled motorized use when there is one foot of snow.
- Forest orders
- Opening and closing dates for snowmobile use can change based on snow conditions, so always check for current Forest Orders or contact local offices.
- Trail maintenance
- Many snowmobile trails are maintained through partnerships with state agencies, local snowmobile clubs, and the Forest Service.
- Registration
- Snowmobiles must be registered with the appropriate state agency.
- Equipment
- All sleds must have a headlight, a red rear light, a windshield free from jagged edges, and a fully functional brake.
- Windshields
- Windshields are mandatory, or the operator must wear eye glasses, goggles, or a protective face shield.
- Stay on trails
- Snowmobilers must stay on designated trails and avoid closed areas.
- Responsible recreation
- Follow the principles of "Tread Lightly!" to ensure responsible recreation and minimize environmental impact.
- Before heading out, always be sure to check with the local ranger district or avalanche.org for avalanche danger in the area.
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
- If the crowds at ski resorts aren’t for you, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing can be a great way to enjoy the solitude of National Forests in winter. With everything from Nordic centers where beginners can find help with lessons and equipment, to groomed trails where experienced skiers can test their technique, National Forests are full of cross-country adventures for all ages and abilities.
- Before heading out, always be sure to check with the local ranger district or avalanche.org for avalanche danger in the area.
Search for Winter Sports Opportunities
Bailey Connect Trail
The Bailey Connect Trail is used with Mount Bailey Trail #1451, Bailey Connect Trail, and Hemlock Loop for a combination of 9.0-mile single track and dirt road for the more experienced mountain…
Basket Trail
The easy, 1.1-mile Basket Trail is part of the Lemolo Lake Cross Country Ski Trails: others include Poole Creek Loop, Pipeline Trail, and Sidewinder Trail. Most of these trails generally follow…
Broken Arrow Connect North Trail
This is an easy 8.5 mile cross-country trail which includes 5.3 miles of campground roads in Diamond Lake Campground and 3.2 miles of road in Broken Arrow Campground. These trails are groomed by the…
Broken Arrow Connect South Trail
This trail connects Broken Arrow Campground to Dellenbeck Trail #1460, a great bike path that travels 11.5 miles around Diamond Lake. This connect trail is an easy 0.3-mile trail. The trail is open…
Cinnamon Butte Trail
It is 1.5 miles to the Cinnamon Butte Trail junction on your left and another 1.5 miles to the top of the butte (elevation 6417 feet). Beyond the Wits End Trail junction, the trail proceeds north…
Cinnamon Butte Trailhead and Sno-Park
Site Open
It is 1.5 miles to the Cinnamon Butte Trail junction on your left and another 1.5 miles to the top of the butte (elevation 6417 feet). The 41-foot fire lookout tower was built in 1955 and moved to…
Dellenback Trail
This is a well-maintained paved trail that winds around Diamond Lake. Perfect for both biking and hiking for people of all ages, this trail takes you through many unique places in the recreation…
Hemlock Butte Cabin
Site Open
Hemlock Butte Ski Cabin is a three-room cabin that was built by the Edelweiss Ski Club. This winter cabin has enough space to accommodate eight people. Access to the cabin is via the Hemlock Butte…
Hemlock Butte Trail
The Hemlock Butte Trail begins about 2 miles up the Three Lakes Trail (shared with snowmobiles) and a right turn at the first intersection on the Bailey Connect Trail (shared). Ski east for about 0.2…
Horse N' Teal Lakes Trail
This trail circles Horse and Teal Lakes, two high elevation mountain lakes located near the south end of Diamond Lake. The 1.6-mile trail meanders through lodgepole pine stands and open meadows with…