Saturday was a perfect day for a Trek – the sky was clear, the air was still and it was warming up nicely from a fairly cold night. The Ranch2Ranch fundraising Trek last Saturday covered the best snow available at Snow Mtn Ranch for a fun Trek and the tracks were good. Only about 40 people thought Grand Nordic could pull it off but it was a great course with some challenging uphills, a beautiful viewpoint, some long downhills, and beautiful spots in the woods. Friendly East Grand Middle School and Middle Park High School team members at aid stations and claiming your bib when you were finished. These were the kids who most appreciated the scholarships funded primarily by the Ranch2Ranch. Some people skied 3 or even 4 loops of the 6k course! Granby Ranch highlighted their continued support giving away GR cowboy hats and more. Fischer and Swix gave away a beautiful sport bag, Bottle holder-pack, drink belts, hats, and more. What a fabulous day and a fantastic performance from groomers Shawn and David, and Jeff Paulson and the Nordic Center staff.
Sunday the Devils Thumb 30k/15k Stagecoach Classic showcased herculean efforts by the entire staff and volunteers to shovel snow into thin spots and make a useable course worthy of their high standard of food and beverages. Almost 40 racers attacked the 2-lap Long Course with David Norris triumphant in 1:11:08 followed by Ryan Sederquist and Egor Gavrilova. Top women were Jessica Yeaton in 1:28:35 followed by Ella Dewolf and Katie Lindquist. Men’s and Women’s leaders each received $1500, $1000, and $800 cash respectively. Over 30 racers competed in the Short Course with local Justin Fosha leading all the way, finishing in 41:56 chased by his son Chase Fosha and Jason Macaluso. Top women were Anna Gavrilova coming in at 53:34 followed by Emily Lovett and Emily Volkert. Local Tim Scholwalter, the lone 80+ entrant, was 24th overall. Men’s and Women’s leaders each received $1000, $800, and $500 cash respectively. But at age 15, Chase Fosha has returned his prize because he is still competing in High School.
Now is the time to do your best snow dances and help the weather pattern change this week into a predicted colder pattern with more snow so we can finish out the Nordic season. The Grand Nordic 30k/15k Sweetheart Skate race at Snow Mountain Ranch on February 14, VALENTINE’S DAY!, may use some higher elevation trails since that snow remains excellent. Register or volunteer at www.skigrandnordic.org. Unfortunately, the Norwegian Barnelopet, a local kids favorite, has been cancelled for February 21 due to lack of snow around the Legget Building at Snow Mountain Ranch but the State High School Championships have been moved from Vail to Snow Mtn for that weekend. Granby Ranch may have to go to the East Mountain Nordic trails to find 15k of usable trails for their February 28 skate race. We can only guess the 42nd Annual Snow Mtn Stampede 50k Classic and 50k Skate races will happen March 7 and 8 but, if anyone can do it, it will be the Snow Mountain Ranch wizards! We may not even have crust skiing this year! So, get on your dancing shoes…
