Zimmerman Lake TH

Trip

Backcountry Nordic Skiing – Zimmerman Lake TH

Backcountry Nordic Ski Trip

  • Sat, Feb 28, 2026
  • Northern Colorado
  • Backcountry Nordic Skiing
  • Adults
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 6.8 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 780 ft
  • Pace: Moderate

We will leave a car at the Meadows trailhead and begin the ski from the Zimmerman Lake trailhead. We will ski up to the lake on an old logging road. Although I have done this without skins, it is much easier and requires much less energy to use at least kicker skins. At the lake we will ski a very nice trail that goes around the lake. We will then continue the trip by skiing down the Meadows trail through the trees. The trail winds a bit and if there hasn't been some recent fresh snow, sections of the trail can be icy. We will continue down the trail and before we cross Long Draw Road, there are some nice powder runs we can ski if we/you want. We will then continue down the trail, crossing Long Draw Road and continuing to the Meadows trailhead.

Note EMAIL the trip leader at fccmcguy@gmail.com BEFORE registration opens. The meeting time and place will be emailed to participants a couple days before the trip. The trip will require a shuttle. ALSO NOTE the trailhead is about 1.5 hours from Fort Collins.

Route/Place

Zimmerman Lake TH


Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Waxless (fish scales), wider backcountry nordic skis with metal edges are recommended. The trail can be difficult with waxable, skinny skis without metal edges, so they are not recommended (it is tough to get the wax right because conditions tend to change along the trail). Folks with these skis have had problems on previous trips.

We may encounter some wind. So be sure you have your wind gear; windproof outer shell, face protection (I like a buff), eye protection (either sunglasses or goggles) and of course hat and gloves. And we always want everyone to have the Ten Essentials on all trips.

If anyone has any questions or requires more information, please contact me via email at trout.bill@gmail.com or call/text me at 970-980-7781

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