Third Party Trail Use

Crested Butte Nordic is a private, nonprofit organization that maintains 55 kilometers of winter trails for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking. CB Nordic is obligated to ensure that the uses of its trails are compatible with the trail rules, trail easements and agreements, and planned CB Nordic programs and events. Most of CB Nordic trails cross private property. The rules that govern our trails are decided on by the landowners we partner with and are often based on underlying conditions that you might not be able to see, like wetlands or wildlife habitat. Therefore, proposed uses of CB Nordic trails must be thoughtfully vetted, justified, and assessed. Recognizing that third party trail use can sometimes conflict with our allowable and planned uses, CB Nordic has outlined the following protocol for reviewing and evaluating third party trail use requests.

When is permission needed?

Generally, permission to utilize CB Nordic free and paid trails is needed when:

• The event or program/outing is organized or publicized. 

• Participation involves a fee (charge to a participant), including donations to other nonprofit organizations.

• The event or program creates a product for commercial use.

• The event or program may conflict or compete with CB Nordic’s established uses, such as skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, or planned events and programs. 

Review the CB Nordic Third Party Trail Use Protocol to see if you need permission. 
The protocol is a streamlined process through which CB Nordic responds to use requests reasonably and fairly. The protocol applies to all CB Nordic paid and free trails.

What is the process to request permission?

• File a request using the Request Form below.

  • Please note that if your requested use includes making use of CB Nordic trails that traverse land administered by the U.S. Forest Service (Mordor, Middle Earth) or the Bureau of Land Management (Mike’s Miles), you are required to have the necessary USFS and/or BLM permitting in addition to CB Nordic approval.

• Applications cost $100 for nonprofit users and $300 for commercial users. Only applications accompanied by fee payment will be considered.

  • Application fees will be waived for the 2024-2025 season. Fees will be required for all trail use requests in the 2025-2026 season.

  • Payment can be made through the CB Nordic Donation Form. Checks can be dropped off at the Nordic Center or mailed to PO Box 1269, Crested Butte, CO 81224.

• CB Nordic will review all requests and respond to applicants within 60 days.

  • We will make every effort to review 2024-2025 requests quickly, as the season is already underway.

• CB Nordic may approve, approve with modifications, or reject requests at its discretion.

• Approved trail use requests will be made in writing and signed by both parties.

Questions? Email info@cbnordic.org.