Devil’s Thumb Cross Country Center

This is my favorite XC (nordic) ski area. I have skied here for years. The trails used to be more extensive and secluded in the trees but the bark beetle devastation was terrain changing. However, they have changed up the routes some and taken advantage of the new found vistas by cutting down and removing the dead trees. They have made the best of the situation. Because XC trail areas do not have the advantage of man made snow that the downhill areas have, the season starts later and the conditions are more variable by weather. They groom the trails with tracks for classic skiing and a wide swath for skate skiing. Skating seems more dominant now. You can also snowshoe in some areas. Ski lessons are available as is rental gear.
There is now a full fledged resort on site. Going back some decades, there was only a small shop with rental gear, some gear and clothing for purchase and snack or soup options for refreshments. See the additional review of the resort for full descriptions of the amenities at the lodge but there is nothing lacking for your ski day, including nice options for a non-​skier with the group.
I love coming here. I did when it was rustic and I still do now that it is deluxe. The passes to use the trails are still incredibly inexpensive. So if that is all you want from the area, it is quite affordable. There is ample close in parking and a room to eat bag lunches nearby.

Excellent XC area, the best nordic center I have visited in Colorado. Devil’s Thumb has over 100K of trails to ski, with a variety of trails to suit your interest and skill level. Seriously, read that: over 100 km of trails! And not just a bunch of side-​by-​side trails on the flats. They have nice, open flats for mellow ski action and practicing technique, narrow tree runs, fun rolling terrain, and more steep, techical stuff, most with great views of the Indian Peaks. Once you ski away from the lodge, you really do feel like you are just skiing along a path. Snow is… well we do live in Colorado… They can get freeze-​thaw action and conditions can change throughout the day, esp. in late winter. I usually count on good snow though.
They do a Classic track and a Skate lane and DT staff seem to work hard to get trails in shape each day. Most trails are pretty wide, wide enough to accommodate Skate and XC traffic and two-​way traffic without causing friction. Some of the more technical runs are smaller and you do need look out for down-​hill traffic, but that’s OK, XC isn’t about bombing down runs with reckless abandon. Share the Piste!
I ski Classic XC and have a blast every time I go; I see a lot of Skate on the trails, too. Considering the amount of varied terrain, Devil’s Thumb must be a Skate paradise. They also have snowshoe-​only trails.
DT has a ski lodge, I just buy my ticket, I don’t shop; however, they do offer rentals including those sled things you tow the kids around in. I think they offer lessons too?
The lodge offers lots of other amenities, restaurant, bar, pool, sauna, camp fire, skate rink, horse-​drawn sleigh, etc… They frequently seem to have planned some sort of casual event or party.
I go several times a year, and I have a great time each time, and I always wonder why I don’t go more often. My only complaint is that the drive over the pass from Denver is really a pain. However, the XC at this place is worth it.

This place is a dream! I love to go cross country skiing there it’s fantastic with the crisp snow and the great wilderness. Visiting the barn were the horses are kept and petting them and feeding them sugar and apples they just love it. Having an Irish coffee after a run on the trail hit the spot. This is one spot you can’t miss.

My husband and I tried cross-​country skiing last year for the first time at Devil’s Thumb and got hooked. We’ve been here three times now, and plan to come again.
The folks at the Cross Country Center are incredibly nice and very friendly. We took lessons the first time we visited, and are glad we did. The instructor showed us proper form and gave us tips for going up and down hills. I constantly had to think of my posture (pelvis forward, abdomen tight, proper swing of arms) during my first attempt. My first inclination if I felt things were getting out of control was to stand up straight. Big mistake. You become more unstable and tumble. Fortunately, with completion of each track, the motion starts feeling more natural.
The Cross Country Center rents classic (Nordic) skis as well as skate skis. We only tried Nordic, but were unduly impressed by the skate skiers who flew by us effortlessly at what looked to be about 30 miles an hour. (Hyperbole, perhaps, but from our point of view, we were turtle-​slow to their rabbit speed). If cross country skiing isn’t your gig, they also rent snow shoes.
The grounds are breathtakingly beautiful (especially on the bright, sunny days that abound in Colorado), and the trails are very well kept. You can definitely get into a Zen-​like state as you glide your way through the many trails.
The Center also sells skis and all manner of outdoor gear. Since it’s on the ranch property, you’ll also find bathing suits, casual wear, and trinkets.
If you’re looking for a change of pace from downhill skiing, this is the place to go.

We visited Devil’s Thumb Ranch as a family this last January. We chose Devil’s Thumb with the understanding they were extremely dog friendly. We’ve been to many of your typical ski resorts but never a cross country nordic center.
As soon as we arrived, we were impressed. The grounds are gorgeous and staff friendly. Both our Golden Retrievers were welcomed with open arms and we were thrilled at the amount of other dogs that were also at the resort.
The staff is knowledgeable, friendly and fun. The trails range from easy to very difficult.
We will be back soon !

I’ve been skiing at Devil’s Thumb since the early 80s. Always my favorite in the area — Snow Mountain Ranch takes second.
The views are amazing. From the central meadow, you can see the Continental Divide and the eponymous Thumb; several of the hills have nice views across the valley.
Best trail choices: Waxwing and Marker Hill for classic on hills; Black 10 for a long, fast workout; Kestrel and Swindler for a ramble between old barns with a snack break at a yurt.
Over the last few years, the classic-​only trails have dwindled — some grown over, some cut wider for skating. I guess I’ve started skating over the last few years, so I’m part of the problem. Rancher Bob is still excellent, though.
The rental & gear shop is pretty reasonable (mostly Salomon boots; classic, skating, and light BC gear; good Swix /​Ibex /​Patagonia clothing selection). Pulks and skijoring (dog-​propelled skiing) gear also available to rent.
Grooming can be a little lackadaisical during /​after a heavy snow — if you can’t see across the meadow, you might be better off with kick-​and-​glide. Give them a day of sun, though, and they’ll have excellent smooth corduroy for the V1 /​V2 crowd.
You’ll have to ask someone else for opinions on the new spa, but for the skiing — you can’t beat Devil’s Thumb.