There are so many Nordic events available all over the county in the next couple of weeks… so many are spectator friendly and most still need volunteers.
Full weekend ahead with chances of some new snow and full moon specials. Middle Park High School has again hosted the CHSAA Nordic State Championships at Snow Mtn Ranch with Skate on Thursday and classic on Friday. MPHS has some great skiers this year and we hope all have done well. Thank you to all who volunteered to help on signup genius available on skigrandnordic.org!
Nordic Events This Weekend –
Friday afternoon is the finale Nordic Festival for the Free Friday Kids Program at SMR 1p-230p with competitions, games, and prizes for everyone. For many years, our main sponsors for all those delightful prizes have been Christy Sports and B’Jammin Imagination Stores in Winter Park.
Full Moon skiing and snowshoeing highlight the coming weekend with Friday night 6-830p with a bonfire, snacks, and solar-lighted trail at Snow Mountain Ranch. Saturday 3p-8p, Pole Creek Golf Course has trails available with your dog – dinner reservations are recommended for the Bistro 28 Restaurant. Devils Thumb also has a guided full moon ski tour – for more information and to signup call 970-726-8231.
Saturday is the annual Sons of Norway FREE Barnelopet at Snow Mountain Ranch Legett building with registration starting at 930a. There will be soe instructi9n available from 10a-11a and “races” start at 1115a. The 1K, 2.5K, and 5K courses are open to all kids up to 16years old and everyone who finishes gets a medal. Reception afterwards features a light lunch. Skiis are available to reserve at Snow Mtn Ranch for free.
Sunday is the 1st annual Skiathlon at Devils Thumb starting at 9am in honor of Bill Chambers, a long-time valley resident, friend and XC Skier who passed in August. This approx. 12K event combines Classic skiing with a change to Skate skiing midway. It can be done by one individual or a team. The $55.00 registration fee includes beer and chili afterwards. Signup at skigrandnordic.org or call 970-726-8231 for further information. A minimum of 20 participants is required.
Devils Thumb also has another in their series of SkiJoring clinics starting at 11am. Easy and fun to learn, skijoring is a great way to get outside with your pup and enjoy the trails all winter. Bring your own pup, harness, and skis. Go to devilsthumbranch.com/events/ for more information or call 970-726-8231.
Nordic Events Next weekend –
The Winter Park Competition Center and Rocky Mtn Nordic present the Mike Elliott Youth Ski Festival at Snow Mtn Ranch March 2-3 for all kids 15 and under. The Festival is a non-sanctioned event. With Classic on Saturday and Skate on Sunday, registration is required by Feb 26. See skigrandnordic.org/events for details and to register.
The Granby Ranch Golf Course Nordic trails are hosting a Race Series make-up 15K/7.5K/3k Skate race on March 2. The afternoon races start at 2pm with parking at the Golf Course. There are no inside spaces available so dress for the weather. From 4-6p, participants move to the 2nd floor of the Granby Ranch Base lodge for Awards and Apres Ski with pasta toss or food station a la carte items available with $2 off draft beer in the event glass and live music upstairs in 8350.
Mark your calendars for the Snow Mountain Stampede March 9 and 10. This 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 the marathons or Ranch Hand buckle for the 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.
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 or text Grand Nordic at 970-887-0547. Volunteers are the heart of our events, and we love you all! Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is a sponsor of the Grand County Nordic Race series.
