When we think of the largest ski resorts in the United States, we usually point toward Park City with its 7,300 acres or Palisades Tahoe with its 6,000 acres. Those are the largest in the U.S., but there’s a category of resort that’s often left out in the largest ski resort discussion: cross-country resorts.
North America’s largest XC resort isn’t as large as Park City, and it’s nowhere near the mass of Whistler Blackcomb, but at 6,000 acres, Royal Gorge XC Resort deserves to be in the conversation.
Royal Gorge features 6 distinct trail systems with 8 different warming huts, all spread over 6,000 acres. It seamlessly integrates with the Village at Sugar Bowl, another major California ski resort. Visitors can engage in some classic striding to XC skating and snowshoeing, all with some stunning views of the Sierra.
Season passes to Royal Gorge cost just $489 for an adult, much less than the scary prices you might see at an alpine resort. Of course XC resorts don’t need to run and maintain chairlifts, but they still groom and do a lot of maintenance around the trails. Daily passes for adults, meanwhile, cost just $50, or $55 on holidays.
