Now that Mother Nature has done her part in leaving us a generous helping of much-needed snow to play on, the Durango Nordic Center is doing theirs, opening 18 kilometers of meticulously groomed Nordic and traditional cross country ski trails. The facility, which operates on land across the higway from Durango Mountain Resort, features a wide range of trails, from scenic beginner loops to the classic heart attack zones of North Loop and the Power Connection. This winter, the Durango Nordic Center will host a variety of events and workshops,with races being held most Saturdays. For more information on this years winter fun, check out www.durangonordic.org.

A pair scoot along Leo Bruell leads the way around the Lake Loop. Perfectly groomed corduroy and sunny skies await. Roxie Vangemeren, left, and Shannon Cruise enjoy a snack outside
the rustic warming hut. XC skis and poles hang in abundance inside the Nordic Centers
hut.