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Nordic Valley
The Nordic Valley trails wind around the ski slope above the resort west of
Eden. The trails form a zigzagging loop 2.8 miles in length. The base
altitude is 5400 feet, with 350 feet of elevation change.
View to the southwest from the parking
area. The brown stripes on the slope at mid-picture are trails. Pictures
and review August 2014 by Bruce. |
| From the base, you can find a side of the loop by heading
for the bottom of either ski lift then turning uphill. The south lift is
just past the edge of the parking area; the north lies past the resort
building. The two sides of the loop were connected by a faint trail on
mowed grass at the time of my ride.
In the parking lot, looking northwest, with the lodge at far right. |
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The trails are nicely cut, with a fairly smooth riding base.
The rate of climb is pleasant, whether clockwise or counterclockwise. (The
race route ran counterclockwise in 2014.)
Looking northwest up the slope. You
can barely make out a couple of riders on the trail as it crosses grassy
areas. |
| The trail is a fun ride, and suitable for beginners.
Although not a high-voltage destination trail, it makes a fine racing loop
or a good recreational ride while you're in the area.
Corey heads through the race timing
area as he sprints between the descent on the south trail and the climb on
the north. |
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Getting there: From I-15, take exit 347, Ogden 12th
South. Head east towards the mountains, and the street will enter Ogden
Canyon. Drive about 5 miles up the canyon. At Pineview Reservoir, turn
left across the dam. Stay on SR 162, turning left at the road fork north
of the reservoir. When you reach the Maverick in Eden (4.5 miles from the
dam), turn left again to stay on 162. Drive 2.4 miles until SR 162 joins
3500 West, turn left (south). Stay straight on 3500 West until you reach
the resort parking (on your right) in around a mile.
Cat 1 course view. The timing station is at the yellow dot. The
expert section (in the trees at middle bottom) is very narrow trail with
plunges, twists, and tight turns. |
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