SKI MOUNT MASSIVE GOLF COURSE

posted by BILL HOUGHTON

WHAT TO KNOW:  The golf course at Leadville (Mt Massive) is another winter option in the area. It is a primitive, rustic, minimally operated location but provides a great practice area for classic or skate skiing at minimal cost ($10 in 2020). The area is adjacent to the Turquoise Lake groomed trails and provides connections thereto. The operator complimented us on picking an exceptional day as many days the wind quickly covers the set tracks, so be forewarned. The clubhouse provides a warm place to change clothing or just put on your boots. As noted in the photos, there are frisbee targets around the course. Helpful hint: If the kids can take their skateboards to the slopes, why not take your frisbee and play ski disc golf?

GETTING THERE: The instructions to reach the area are deceptively easy - Take Hwy 24 west for 120 miles and turn off just before Leadville. But along the way you have to turn north before Buena Vista. Drive toward Leadville but on the ninety degree turn, just before Stringtown, turn left onto CR 300. Drive west on CR300 for almost a mile before turning right (north) onto CR 5. The Golf Clubhouse is about 2 miles north on the left side of the road. The instructions are easy but it takes about 2 1/2 hours to get there (and that is not including stops for coffee or breakfast).

ON THE TRAILS:  Being a golf course, there is not much up and down. With a few small exceptions for short hills, it is a great place to practice and perfect your technique for either kick and glide (in the tracks) or skating (out of the tracks). Depending on the strength of the wind, there are a couple of trails - Cheryl’s Shuffle or Lori’s Loop - that go into the woods that might provide some shelter.  Pro Tip:  Most trails provide great views of the tallest peaks in the state.

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