cross country ski with mountain views in Winter Park, CO

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

Nov 1, 2025

Volunteers needed for Ski for Light, Snow Mountain Ranch Feb 1-8 2026 Ski for Light International is looking for volunteers to assist in a variety of roles. Here are a few: a) Greeters: on Sun Feb 1, 2026. You will be assisting a visually-impaired skier...

Nordic Centers Opening Dates

Nov 14, 2025

Grand County's wonderful Nordic Centers are preparing for the upcoming winter season and have announced their opening dates, weather permitting. Tune up your skis and get ready for the 2025-26 season! Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center: November 24th Snow Mountain...

Biathlon Seeking Race Officials

Nov 7, 2025

We are just a few short weeks away from when registration for the first Colorado Biathlon Club (CBC) race is set to open (🙏please snow please🙏) and they need to start filling in competition and range officials for, well, every race except the season opener. As an...

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.

Learn more about the Nordic Race Series

Series Sponsored by

Tommelfest @ DTR on Saturday, December 13th

Raise your glogg (old-fashioned Swedish spiced wine) for Devil’s Thumb Ranch’s annual Tommelfest celebration! Kick off the beginning of the winter season at their Viking-themed Nordic festival with free skate & classic cross country ski lessons from DTR Ski Instructors & CU Ski Team Coaches, keg toss, Swedish meatballs, and more–all in the spirit of the first cross-country skiers from Norway and Sweden where the sport originated. Plus there’s special Tommelfest winter retail savings for apparel and gear!

In the event that snow conditions do not support Nordic Ski Clinics, alternate outdoor activities (Nordic dryland drills) will be substituted.

See the Schedule & Register for Clinics

free cross country ski lessons at Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center

Registration is Now Open for Free Lessons on December 21st

The first free lesson day has been rescheduled to December 21st. Learn to Classic & Skate Ski for adults & kids at YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center. Trail Passes & Rentals are FREE to Grand Nordic Members (Non-members pay regular fees). Morning & afternoon lessons with instructors from Grand Nordic, Winter Park Competition Center, and Colorado Nordic Masters.

Register for a Morning Lesson

Register for an Afternoon Lesson

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.

Learn More about Kids Programs & Register