Cross Country Ski in Grand County, Colorado
More Ks, More Days • Ski Early, Ski Late • Endless Trails • Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe • Close to Denver
Grand Nordic’s mission is to promote All Things Nordic in Grand County, Colorado. Bringing together resources in this website, Grand Nordic has compiled all the county has to offer, including World Class Nordic areas, ranches offering groomed Nordic skiing (also called Cross Country Skiing), recreation districts and town recreation departments offering kids lessons, NSCD offering both adaptive and adaptive competitive programs, Colorado Biathlon training and competition, School teams in Middle School and High School, Competition programs for all ages, free skiing in the Center of town and free trails connecting towns for miles across the county or on golf courses.
Volunteer for Ski for Light
Ski for Light International at Snow Mountain Ranch is February 1-8, 2026. Ski for Light (SFL) is looking for volunteers to greet participants. On Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 2-6pm, they will be greeting visually-impaired skiers as they arrive via bus from DIA. SFL...
This Weekend is the Relay & Races
The weekend was perfect for the Grand Nordic 15k Skate Race on Jan10 and the Snow Mountain Ranch Annual 15k Classic Jan 11 with single digit temps overnight and clear sunshine and mid-twenties to thirties mid-day with almost no wind. The racers skied like the...
Line Of Fire Screening
NEW UPDATE: Due to legal threats made to CBC and Cameron Kirkegaard from one of the alleged abusers named in the December 2024 Associated Press Article, we have made the difficult decision to postpone our screening of “Line of Fire” scheduled for January 17 at Snow...
Grand County Nordic Race Series
Grand County Nordic Ski Racing is putting on 8 Nordic races, both skate and classic, with long and short course options. There are kid and family options with Junior races for ages 13 and under, and a Family/Kids Tour for all ages. By signing up for the race series, you save on the individual race cost. Compete with fellow racers for the best score of the series.
We have 3 great partner venues that host the events:
- Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby
- Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Tabernash
- Granby Ranch in Granby
If you would like to be involved but don’t want to race, we’ll have a volunteer sign up online for each race.
Series Sponsored by 
NEW! Red Barn Relay • January 17th
The Red Barn Relay is a cross country ski race for casual skiers to competitive duos! All proceeds benefit Grand Nordic’s youth ski programs.
Teams of two can register for either the combined 5K or 10K race. 5K racers will each ski one 2.5K lap while 10K racers will each ski two 2.5K alternating laps. This is a freestyle race and classic or skate skis can be used. Expect lots of action and passing!
In a nod to world cup tradition, winning teams will receive a prize of cheese from Ft. Collins’ Mouco Cheese! We will have snacks and awards following the races. So find a partner and let’s kick off the new year with a fun day out on the trails!
Governor’s Cup • January 25th
Devil’s Thumb Ranch is thrilled to bring back the Governor’s Cup 25K Skate-only cross-country ski race. This is part of the 2026 Grand County Nordic Ski Race Series! The event will start and finish at Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa. An end-of-race celebration will be held at Broad Axe Barn, which will include food and beer. Check out this year’s new cash prizes!
Event Prizes:
- $1,500 for 1st overall winner, men’s & women’s
- $1,000 for 2nd overall winner, men’s & women’s
- $800 for 3rd overall winner, men’s & women’s
Stagecoach Classic • February 8th
A Devil’s Thumb Ranch tradition! Now scheduled for February 8th. The 30km skiers will do two 15km laps. The course consists of beautiful rolling terrain. Elite skiers have been known to double pole the whole race. It’s always a “top shelf” experience at DTR.
Event Prizes:
- $1,500 for the 30k and $1,000 for the 15k, 1st overall winner, men’s & women’s
- $1,000 for the 30k and $800 for the 15k, for 2nd overall winner, men’s & women’s
- $800 for the 30k and $500 for the 15k, for 3rd overall winner, men’s & women’s
FREE Kids Friday Lessons • January 9 – February 27, 2026
The Free Fridays Kids Nordic Ski Program is held on Fridays in January and February at YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center. It offers ski instruction for beginners and more accomplished skiers ages 5-10, skiing games, winter nature activities, and ends with a Nordic Ski Festival and prizes for all. Pre-registration is REQUIRED. Classic, skate and never-ever lessons are available with a maximum of 30 students total.
NEW! Grand County Gliders • January 4 – March 8, 2026
This new program for 2026 is designed for 3rd-5th graders. Classic & skate skiing, trail games, snacks! Practices focus on classic and skate skiing techniques, games on skis, and adventures exploring groomed trails. No racing experience required—our emphasis is on skill-building, teamwork, and a love of winter sports.
Call or text Grand Nordic at 970-887-0547 with questions or to volunteer.
Nordic Centers
Grand County is a cross country skiing mecca with 3 Nordic Centers with pristine groomed trails, rentals, lessons, & gear.
Free Trails
Enjoy free access to groomed or packed trails, maintained by towns, recreation districts, local trail organizations and clubs.
Ranches
Relax when you book your lodging at the same place that you can enjoy cross country skiing on beautifully groomed trails.
Backcountry Trails
For those who enjoy breaking trail in the peaceful quiet of the snowy forest, Grand County has miles and miles of trails to offer.
Events
Competitive Programs
School Programs
Adaptive Program
Special Thanks To Our Sponsors & Supporters
