On the resort's East Mountain, bikers can take lessons and advance from beginner to immediate slopes at their own pace. After seeing this sport's popularity snowball, Keystone, Vail and several other Colorado resorts have joined Silver Creek in offering snowbiking. Like a vast white sea, waves of snow ripple across a mountain meadow to the forest edge. Except for quiet conversations, stillness prevails. The trail winds through a green corridor of tall, snow-tuffed pines.
Tree tops bend into question marks under the weight of the snow.
Holes created by poling reveal shades of blue in their depths. The only visible tracks are those freshly cut by the skiers. Several guest ranches stay open in the winter for cross-country enthusiasts. Vista Verde also offers day ski packages with lunch or dinner for vacationers not staying at the ranch. Many ski mountains also maintain Nordic trails.