The Mt Sopris Nordic Council is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit which manages the Spring Gulch Nordic Trail System, just outside of Carbondale. Since 1986, Spring Gulch has been the hub for cross-country skiing in the lower Roaring Fork Valley, with 28+ kilometers of trails groomed daily for both skate and classic, free and open to the public from December through March.
Operations would not be possible without the generous financial support of community members, local business partners, and grants. Though we provide this treasured winter resource for free, it is far from free to provide. Every dollar of your donation offsets essential costs - over $1000 per day! - including fuel, equipment purchasing and maintenance, staff wages, liability insurance, parking area upkeep, and more.
What makes Spring Gulch so special? Despite being just seven miles from downtown Carbondale, skiers feel whisked off-the-grid as they wind through gambel oak and aspen, ascending toward historic mining paths that offer breathtaking views of Mount Sopris and the western Elk Range. Spring Gulch is nestled into a large parcel of private land, with winter access generously granted by the North Thompson Cattlemen's Association and Crystal River Ranch. The majority of Spring Gulch is protected under the Jerome Park Conservation Easement, 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 with AVSC on our trails each year. Seven local schools rely on Spring Gulch for outdoor education field trips, serving over 300 students annually. 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 20,000 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