The Mt Sopris Nordic Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit which oversees operations of the Spring Gulch Nordic Trail System in Carbondale, CO. Since 1987, Spring Gulch has been the cross-country ski hub for the lower Roaring Fork Valley, with 27+ kilometers of trails groomed for both skate and classic, open to the public at no cost from mid-December through late-March.
Our operations would not be possible without the generous financial support of our community members, local business partners, and government grants. Though we provide this beloved amenity for free, it is certainly not free to provide. Every dollar counts toward covering the costs - over $800 per day! - of operations, including fuel, equipment and maintenance, staff hours, insurance, web hosting, and more.
What makes it so special? Despite being just seven miles from downtown Carbondale, skiers feel whisked off-the-grid as they wind through gambel oak and aspen groves, ascending toward historic mining paths that offer breathtaking views of Mount Sopris and the West Elk Range. Spring Gulch is nestled into a large parcel of privately owned land that has been conserved and managed by the North Thompson Cattlemen's Association, ensuring our trails will always have a "wild west" feel.
Spring Gulch is also home base for local youth programs, with over 150 skiers aged 5-19 learning to ski or training competitively on our trails. Adult programs and community events are also hosted throughout the season in partnership with Colorado Mountain College and local outdoor retailers.
Thank you for your support and interest in our organization. We'll see you on the trails!
The purpose of MSNC is to provide quality cross-country skiing at Spring Gulch to the Roaring Fork Valley community and its visitors; to make that asset available to the public at no cost; to support organizations that use the area for education, training, or nordic ski instruction; and, especially, to provide the best possible experience when skiing at Spring Gulch.
The Mt Sopris Nordic Council oversees trail operations and support of the Spring Gulch Nordic Trail System in Carbondale, CO. Founded in 1986, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization includes eight volunteer board members and one part-time, year-round executive director. Seasonal grooming staff are hired between November and April.
The trails at Spring Gulch host over 22,000 skier days per year, serving as the primary cross-country ski hub for the lower Roaring Fork Valley and it's visitors.
Organization name
Mount Sopris Nordic Council Inc
other names
Spring Gulch Trail System
1986
Tax id (EIN)
84-1037532
Category
Recreation & Sports, Environment
Organization Size
Small Organization
Address
PO BOX 246Carbondale, CO, US, 81623
Basalt, CO, US
Glenwood Springs, CO, US, 81601