Our kids have done well. Last week kids-coaches-families from High Schools over the state came again to Winter Park Resort and Snow Mtn Ranch for the State skiing championships. Our facilities are in demand, our volunteers are in demand, our groomers, our trails, and our organizers are in demand. Grand County has become a central cog in this wheel of youth or specialized competition. Congratulations to all of us who dream, conceive, build, maintain, inspire, organize and volunteer – together, we make magic! It takes all of us working together and we thank everyone of you! Our kids show what we all can accomplish…
And the season isn’t done yet. This weekend there is a 15K/7.5K/3K Nordic Skate race at Granby Ranch Golf Course starting at 2pm Saturday which is a part of the Grand County Nordic Race Series. Awards are in the Base Lodge with Apres-ski food specials and music. The Mike Elliott Youth Ski Festival at Snow Mtn Ranch for all kids 15 and under is filled with races and fun and is presented by the Winter Park Competition Center and Rocky Mtn Nordic. Classic is Saturday and Skate is Sunday.
The 40th Annual Snow Mountain Stampede March 9 and 10 is the only opportunity in the Country to ski 50K or 25K skate one day and then 50K or 25K Classic the next day. Earn your famous Ranch Boss buckle for completing both marathons or Ranch Hand buckle for completing both half marathons by completing both days. There will also be a 12.5K and Junior 3k each day. This is a super fun spectator friendly event as the race courses circle around the Nordic Center and the Campers Hub Event Center. Avoid the Denver traffic and spend the night before the races.
See skigrandnordic.org/events/ for details plus a discount code for lodging at Snow Mtn Ranch. If you want to be part of these events but not a racer, sign up to volunteer at skigrandnordic.org/grand-nordic-race-series or call-text Grand Nordic at 970-887-0547. Volunteers are the heart of our events!
CCCSA says whether you’re racing or volunteering, let your brain rest. Set time aside for mental quiet. Get into a regular routine filled with feel-good warmups or music you love before a competition or any kind of test. Smile and surround yourself with cheerful company or psyched teammates. Excited cheering fans can make such a difference. Encourage yourself much like you would praise your dog – good girl, you can do it, you did it! Develop a sense of purpose and let it carry you through the season.
These thoughts can apply to everyday life and keep us living well. All year long, practice those skills that mimic your objectives, whether they are physical skills, mental skills, increasing power or holding back emotions. Nourish you body, trade recipes with others to find things that fit your likes and dislikes but still make raw fruit or vegetables or salads appealing. Grab naps or plan to get 8-10 hours of sleep at night. Taking a conditioning class can also help your social and communication skills.
Competition or just being outside on the trails, being with your friends or just your dog, can help be demanding, yet it can also be relaxing. Practice that smile with a healthy dose of cheeriness or kindness and it can help your whole life attitude…
