Shourjo D.
Yelp
Very friendly staff, who are happy to get you situated with an inexpensive pass and equipment rental. The pass gets your access to snowshoes AND cross country skis, so you could conceivably do both in the same day for the same payment! I went two days on a recent visit to the area. The first day, I took a guided Snowshoe Adventure. I had never snowshoed before, but it was not a problem. They got me set up with the shoes as well as the winter boots to snap into them. Our guide, Henry, was very nice and took us out for over an hour, telling us about the area, historical anecdotes, and the different tracks in the snow that we came across. It was some parts history, some parts nature and wild life appreciation, and some parts physical activity. We even visited a fairly pristine cabin that predates the town's days as a resort. We also saw a moose during the tour! In addition to the tour, I wandered around the lower trails by myself that day, and did in fact see another moose. If you stick to the lower trails, it's quite doable - a good workout and you'll feel the thin air if you're not from Colorado (I'm from Texas). Two days later, on my second visit to the Nordic Center, I came with some friends and we rented snowshoes and drove further up the mountain to a more upper region of the park. I believe they said this portion was national forest land. The snowshoeing here was much more rigorous, the climbs and drops more significant than what you come across in the lower area trails. But it also legitimately feels like you are secluded and out in the woods. In our 2.5 hours hiking on this day, we probably only came across 4-5 other people. If you're up for the exertion and have the time and the water/snacks, definitely consider it. We all thought it was worthwhile! The Nordic Center is well-run and they will take good care of you. Definitely recommend visiting them, if you want a day where you gear shift away from sitting around the town or doing the downhill boarding/skiiing that most folks do.