Winter in Colorado doesn't mean slowing down—it simply invites a shift in how we move. For Justin and Nancee Gold, Nordic and uphill skiing offer two complementary ways to stay active, social, and connected to the mountains throughout the entire season.
"All you really need is the desire to earn your turns,” Justin says. “Uphill skiing slows everything down and makes familiar terrain feel new again.”
Two Disciplines, Two Rhythms
Uphill skiing is rooted in simplicity. It requires minimal technical training and rewards patience, conversation, and effort. Moving steadily uphill, often before chairlifts spin, transforms ski areas into quiet social spaces where the journey matters as much as the descent.
Nordic skiing offers a different kind of challenge. Whether skating or skiing classic, it's a full-body workout built on technique and rhythm. It feels less like skiing downhill and more like a dynamic walk, jog, or run through groomed trails, no lift lines, no crowds, just consistent movement.
“There’s always something to improve in Nordic skiing,” Nancee says. “Every season I notice progress, and it’s inspiring to watch people who make it look effortless.”
Favorite Front Range Spots
Both Justin and Nancee point to Eldora as their favorite local destination for both Nordic and uphill skiing. Just a short drive from Boulder, it’s easy to squeeze in a morning session and still be home by midday. The Nordic center is known for its challenging terrain—earning its reputation right from the first uphill stretch—while Uphill Fridays before chairlifts open have become a social staple.
For Nordic-focused outings, Devil's Thumb Ranch and Snow Mountain Ranch stand out. With expansive trail networks, terrain for all levels, biathlon ranges, and skijoring-friendly routes, they’re ideal for both beginners and seasoned skiers.
Terrain & Conditions
What makes great Nordic terrain often challenges uphill skiers and vice versa. Nordic skiing thrives on groomed, rolling trails, while uphill skiing shines in steeper terrain and fresh snow. Choosing the right discipline often comes down to conditions, and that flexibility is part of the appeal.
Gear Essentials
Nordic skiing requires discipline-specific gear: skate and classic skis, boots, and poles aren’t interchangeable, but rentals make it easy to experiment before committing. Proper fit and smart layering are essential.
For uphill skiing, boots and bindings designed for climbing are key, along with trimmed skins. A small backpack helps manage layers and carry skins on the descent.
Local Shops
For both sports, the Golds recommend:
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Boulder Nordic Sport
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Neptune Mountaineering
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Tin Shed Sports (Nederland)
These shops offer not only gear, but expertise and plenty of trail wisdom.
Getting Started
Their advice is refreshingly simple: start with community. Take a lesson or clinic for Nordic skiing to build strong fundamentals, and try uphill skiing with a friend who knows the flow. Most importantly, don’t get discouraged; progress comes quickly with consistency.
Community & Connection
Nancee credits Eldora’s women’s Nordic program with helping her build skills and lasting friendships. Justin points to Uphill Fridays as a chance to reconnect with friends or meet new ones while also staying active. Both sports naturally foster connection through shared effort and time outdoors.
One Perfect Winter Day
If conditions are fresh and snowy, uphill skiing is hard to beat—quiet skin tracks, steady effort, and a rewarding descent. On busy weekends or days without new snow, Nordic skiing offers a calmer alternative, with groomed trails and consistent movement. For first-timers, classic Nordic skiing on mellow terrain provides an approachable entry point that prioritizes comfort, views, and confidence.
A Different Way to Winter
Together, Nordic and uphill skiing offer more than just winter workouts. They create space for connection, routine, and reflection, ways to stay active while embracing the slower, quieter rhythm of the season.
For Justin and Nancee Gold, these sports aren’t about chasing conditions or checking boxes. They’re about showing up, moving with intention, and finding joy in winter, one stride at a time.