beaver creek nordic ski area

This is a great, local Nordic ski area, maintained by donated time and services (local merchants support the mechanized trail maintenance. Some of the trails are very demanding but there are enough easier trails that most users can find a good route. It is reasonably closed to Lander (10 miles?) with good parking and a safe underground highway crossing. Lots of local competitions are held (races, biathlons, group activities) and the area seems well supported. I don't think there is a charge but users are expected to support the area through joining the users group. Given that it is a non-profit are run mostly by volunteers, I'd have given it a 5-star rating but I have to agree that there is a certain edge by some of the club members who seem put off by the less than expert users. The ski area is entirely on BLM and Forest Service land (ie public land) and should be available for the less than aggressively serious skiers without getting an "attitude" from the other users. Make sure you know the race schedule (it is posted online) because casual skiing is not allowed that day.

A decent place to ski for an afternoon but if you bring your dog be prepared to be browbeaten or even verbally chastised by some of the local ski clubbers who take nordic skiing way to seriously.

If you're going to utilize this area, be aware of two things: It is used by the local X Country team as a training area and for meets. Know the schedule, so you don't end up driving up to ski on a meet day. Number 2: If you are a less an expert skiier (like me) be aware that you may get run over by fast skate skiiers. Take a good look at the trail map before so that you know which routes are beginner, intermediate and advanced. Pretty area.

Easy access for locals from Lander. Very well maintained by a great crew of groomers

Beaver Creek Nordic Ski Area on South Pass is a community and volunteer run cross country ski area with 12 or so kilometers of groomed trails. The trails are groomed 2 to 3 times per week from November to March. You can ski there for free or better join the Lander Nordic Ski Association and help support the venue. The trails range from moderate to very challenging, the views of the Southern Wind River Mountains are magnificent. There is a biathlon range and a yurt with a wood stove for long lunches or overnights.