It's understandable if you choose not to go skiing this year.

But if you do go skiing, we figured you might like to do so away from the crowds.

Perhaps in an untouched ski area located in a snowy white expanse of Colorado, where lift lines literally do not exist.

Because there are no lifts. Because you'll be cross-country skiing. 

Meet Bluebird Backcountry, the newly-launched operation that's solely dedicated to the art of skiing on mostly flat land. It's scheduled to open December 24, pending snowfall, and will be anxiously awaiting your presence until then. In the meantime, you can buy your passes and start stretching.

Bluebird is situated along the Continental Divide near Rabbit Ears Pass, about 30 minutes from Steamboat Springs. It features 1,200 acres of inbound skiing, plus another 3,000 acres available for guided runs. There's also a heated basecamp and two mid-mountain warming huts 

Click into your bindings, and explore the mountain on your own by starting on one of the seven skintracks. Or book a guided session to go off-piste through fresh powder, where you likely won't see another soul all day. 

Now, it's also understandable if you have no idea how to cross-country ski. Or even own the right equipment. They have anticipated that, which is why they will be offering rentals and personal lessons, as well as backcountry classes that cover everything from the basics of navigating the terrain to avalanche preparedness. 

Until then, we'll offer a preparedness tip of our own.

Don't wear all-white.