Royal Gorge XC Resort to Offer Expanded Programming for Winter 2026-2027

Thanks to the fantastic success of the redesigned youth programs at the resort this past winter, Royal Gorge XC will offer expanded teams for the 2026-2027 season.

New team offerings for the coming season will include middle school age racing, junior racing, gap year programming, pro level racing and masters training groups.

Youth programming will remain the same as offered this past season, with groups comprised of young skiers from Kindergarten through 8th grade with a focus on skill development and fun.

The new racing and training focused offerings will put into place a full ladder of nordic ski development at Royal Gorge XC, allowing every level of skier to see the complete range of possibilities this life-long sport can offer.

Programs will be headed by Will Sweetser, now in his 33rd year of professional coaching. An expanded staff of U.S. Ski and Snowboard certified coaches will support programming and lead the Royal Gorge XC Teams as they represent the resort and Far West Nordic in local, regional and national racing.

All programs will be competitively priced, with both à la carte and full menu pricing options. Registration for programs will open at SkiReg.com by April 1, 2026.

Royal Gorge XC Programs 2026-2027

Manzanitas — Grades K–2
Fun, fun and more fun. Saturdays only. Classic skiing focus. Weekend and seasonal rentals available.

Aspens — Grades 3–5
Fun, coordination and skill development weekend program. Classic and skate skiing. Limited racing opportunities for those interested.

Lodgepoles — Grades 6–8
Fun, skill development and fitness focused weekend program for middle schoolers. Independent Middle School racing and limited racing opportunities for those interested.

Devo — Ages 12–15
September through March programming options, both fall/winter and winter only. Summer camp offered. Coached sessions held 3 days per week. Local and regional race support with experienced, certified coaches.

Comp — Ages 15–19
June through March programming options, both full year and winter only. Coached sessions held 4 days per week on average. Local, regional, and national race planning and support with experienced, certified coaches.

Gap Year — Ages 18–20
By application only. Program limited to 5 athletes. 4–5 days per week in conjunction with Pro Team. Head coach: Will Sweetser.

Pro Team — Ages 19+
By application only. Program limited to 5 athletes. Individual training and competition planning. Job opportunities. Coaching requirement. Head coach: Will Sweetser.

Senior/Masters Training Groups — Ages 21+
Multiple training groups offering beginner to expert skate and classic training. From “learn to” to racing level groups. 1–3 days per week. Scheduled in conjunction with youth and junior training groups and offering race/experience travel.

Registration opens April 1, 2026 at skireg.com/rgxc-nordic-ski-team-2026.