t’s that time of year again and, right on schedule, snow has already landed in the High Country making us diehards start dreaming. Sadly, it’s been nothing but sunshine and heat since then. Hopefully the hardcore might soon find enough of the white stuff in high country to do a little sliding on their older rock skis but it could be weeks. I think we’re still dreaming and hoping for as much white stuff as we can get but it will be November at the earliest.
To really get your mouth watering for the snow season, Grand Nordic and Winter Park Competition Center are hosting the Annual Nordic Ski Swap and Expo at the Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center on Saturday, October 19, from 10am to 3pm. With the additional Expo of vendors and activities, we moved last year into the new Campers Hub building for the Swap as well as part of the parking lot to accommodate the vendors, clubs and businesses! Just pray for great weather…
Nordic ski equipment was somewhat hard to find last season and many normal outlets or shops are still catching up. The market for used or year-old gear is huge as many people are finally getting those newer sets of skis or boots. Still, if you see a good deal, grab it now as several local retail shops are having sales to clear out the old inventory to make way for the new.!
The Swap encourages individuals to sell their used gear – skis, boots, poles, roller skis, clothing, backpacks and other appropriate Nordic gear. Bring your gear to the Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center parking lot 8:30am to 9:30am Saturday, Oct 19 – download the equipment resale form on Grandnordic.org and fill it out before coming. If gear is marked correctly, your items can be placed on a table and will be processed through Grand Nordic. The shops offering club members discounts on full price merchandise have been encouraged to bring any gear they might have as well as the local retail shops represented on the All Things Nordic website skigrandnordic.org. The Swap and Expo is 10a until 3p when gear must be picked up or is considered donated to Grand Nordic. Some of the best local seasoned skiers will be on hand to offer buying and fitting advice. Whether your interest is skiing in tracks at resorts and ranches, skate skiing on similar terrain or spring crust, high country with clouds of powder and wild slopes or tamer backcountry on the network of summer trails that crisscross the Fraser Valley and are packed for snowmobiles and foot travel, the Swap will have something for you. And the prices are right!
If you have old gear to donate, the Grand County libraries have Donation boxes for Nordic equipment (no clothes please). We refurbish the gear, distribute to schools, people in need, or sell these items at the Swap at prices all can afford. Cleaning out your garage or storage closets? Upgrading your gear? Consider donating to Grand Nordic… for better equipment, we can give you a tax receipt!
Purchase your 2024-25 season Grand Nordic membership (for member discounts, specials and information blasts) and your YMCA family membership (which includes Nordic Skiing!). Look for information on Grand Nordic Free Lesson Days, the Ranch2Ranch Trek, the Third Annual Grand County Nordic Race series, and our latest in member benefits and Nordic partners. Check out the season training programs offered by the Winter Park Comp Center. Come meet the Snow Mtn Ranch Nordic Director Jeff Paulson and learn more about upcoming SMR plans and events. Better yet, come to the Campers Hub FRIDAY 18October 5pm to meet both Jeff and the new WP Competition Center Nordic Director Ross Williams and learn some dryland training techniques to get ready for the snow!
The Winter Park Comp Center features the Expo with ski reps showing their latest and greatest. We offer hourly door prizes for those willing to give their e-mail for a drawing ticket, bringing your own skis for a cleaning and wax by Toko, and even sit in on a waxing clinic. With food trucks on hand to help you though lunch, browse the retail shops, individual used gear, or shop at the Snow Mtn Ranch Nordic Center.
For more information, check the www.grandnordic.org website, call Diana Lynn Rau at Grand Nordic cell 970-887-0547, or Ross Williams WP Competition Center Nordic 231-632-9333. Visit the Grand Nordic Facebook page. Volunteers are always needed – call Ross at WPCC or Chris Lee [email protected].
