Nordic Events in Grand County, Colorado
Winter Park, Fraser, Tabernash, Granby, Grand Lake, Hot Sulphur Springs, & Kremmling, CO
Pre-Season Nordic Ski Gathering • Friday, October 23
As the colors change and the temperatures drop, we’re getting excited for the 2026–2027 Nordic season at Snow Mountain Ranch! Join us from 5-6 PM at the Schlessman Family Camper Hub at Snow Mountain Ranch for a Pre-Season Nordic Ski Gathering.
With new additions to our trail system, fresh programs, and exciting events ahead, we invite you to kick off the season with us at the Pre-Season Nordic Ski Gathering.
Meet Nordic Director Jeff Paulson, enjoy a dryland training session, and learn about future plans for our Nordic Center.
Enjoy refreshments, connect with fellow skiers, and enter to win a YMCA membership! It’s a great way to meet other cross-country enthusiasts and get the skinny on the skinny-ski season.
Nordic Ski Swap & Expo • Saturday, October 24
Grand Nordic’s annual Ski Swap & Expo is Saturday, October 24th, from 1pm-5pm at the Campers Hub and Nordic Center at Snow Mountain Ranch, YMCA of the Rockies.
- Buy/sell new or used equipment
- Get gear buying assistance
- Vendors, activities, equipment reps & more
- Event information, annual meeting & presentations
- The NEW Grand Nordic Storage trailer will be on display
- The Snow Mountain Prinoth Snowcat will be on display. Come caress the cat.
Tentative Schedule:
- 12-1pm: Register your gear to sell (or donate)
- 1-4pm: Nordic Ski Swap
- 3-4pm: Wax Clinic
- 4-4:15pm: Annual Meeting – Want to join the Grand Nordic Board? Nominate yourself or a friend by email or text or call us at 970-887-0547
- 4:15pm: Presentations & Slideshows
Presentations & Slideshows:
- James Howe on the 2026 Birkie
- Ed Kim on racing the 2026 Masters World Cup in Italy
- Maggie Michalowski on the 2026 Holmenkollen in Norway
- Ben Kaune on his experience at the 2026 Junior Nationals
- Liz Hampton behind the scenes as a press reporter covering cross country skiing at the 2026 Winter Olympics
- Meet your local coaches lightning round with Chris Michalowski & Grand Nordic Gliders, Jon Kuhns & EGMS, Dan Jamison & MPHS, and Ross Williams & the Winter Park Comp Center
All proceeds benefit Grand Nordic’s Youth Programs.
Fall Fest @ SMR • Saturday, October 24
On the same day of Grand Nordic’s annual Ski Swap & Expo, enjoy Fall Fest 1-4pm at the Nordic Center parking lot at Snow Mountain Ranch, YMCA of the Rockies.
Great food, fall kids crafts, games, wagon rides and more! Wagon rides generously provided by Rocky Mountain Stables.
Sauna House
The Cedar Sauna House will be setup for the season and the sauna will be hot on Saturday, the 24th! Walk-in or online bookings available. $25/75 min sessions. Open to the public. Book online at cedarsaunahouse.com
FREE Nordic Ski Clinics • Sunday, December 13
Learn to Classic & Skate Ski For Adults & Kids! Join us for free lessons at YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center. Trail Passes & Rentals 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.
Stay tuned for online registration!
Red Barn Relay • Friday, January 1
A Cross Country Ski Race for Casual Skiers to Competitive Duos! Join us for the 2nd annual Red Barn Relay at YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center, on Friday, January 1st. There’s 5K & 10K Relay options, and team categories for adults, kids and parent/child. Open to all ages, abilities and ski styles. All proceeds benefit Grand Nordic’s Youth Programs.
Grand Nordic Gliders • Sundays, January 3-March 7
Calling all 3rd-5th graders! Come join the Grand Nordic Gliders Grand county’s youth cross country ski team! Learn to classic and skate ski while playing games, practicing technique and exploring groomed trails. Our emphasis is on skill building, teamwork and a love of winter sports. No racing experience needed. Practices will be Sundays 1:00-2:30pm, January 3rd- March 7th, at YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center. Program Cost $100 • Optional Season Ski Rental $35 • Scholarships Available.
Free Friday Kids Lessons • Fridays, January 8 thru February 26
The Kids Nordic Ski Program 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. The program will be offered on Fridays 1:00-2:30pm, at YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center, starting January 8 ending February 26, 2027. Please arrive 30-45 minutes prior to lessons to get equipment and trail pass which are provided for the duration of the lesson. Classic, skate and never-ever lessons are available with a maximum of 25-30 students total. Parents are encouraged to help and will received trail pass and equipment for the duration of the lesson if helping. Call or text Diana Lynn Rau at 970-887-0547 or email president@grandnordic.org for further information. Pre-registration is REQUIRED ONLINE. Online registration is usually available starting in November/December. Please only sign up for the dates you plan to attend.
FREE Nordic Ski Clinics • Sunday, January 30
Learn to Classic & Skate Ski For Adults & Kids! Join us for free lessons at YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center. Trail Passes & Rentals 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.
Stay tuned for online registration!
Ranch 2 Ranch XC Ski Trek • Saturday, February 6
Cross Country Ski Snow Mountain Ranch to Granby Ranch! Starting at Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center & ending at Granby Ranch, or turning around and ending back at Snow Mountain Ranch to double your distance. Registration fee discounted for Grand Nordic Members (Non-members pay regular fees). All proceeds benefit Grand Nordic’s Youth Programs.
Stay tuned for online registration!
Grand County Nordic Race Series • January – March
The 2027 Grand County Nordic Ski Race Series consists of 8 Nordic races at different locations, both skate and classic, with long and short course options. Races are typically held between early January and mid-March. Save on entry fees when you sign up for the whole series. It’s like getting 8 races for the price of 6! If you can’t do the whole series, you can race in individual races. Race schedules are usually announced in September with registration opening late October/November.
Colorado Biathlon Events
Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa Nordic Events
Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa is offering a variety of Nordic events during the winter season.
For more information, check out their events calendar or call the Activity Center at Devil’s Thumb Ranch at 970-726-8231.
Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Events
Snow Mountain Ranch, YMCA of the Rockies is offering a variety of Nordic events during the winter season.
For more information, check out their events calendar or call the Nordic Center at Snow Mountain Ranch at 970-887-2152 ext. 4173.
Granby Ranch Events
Granby Ranch has some great events planned for the winter season.
For more information, check out their events calendar or call Granby Ranch at 888.850.4615.
Winter Park Resort Comp Center Nordic Program • late-November thru mid-April
Season information for the Winter Park Competition Center Winter Nordic Programs can be found on the Resort’s website.
Click here for details on the WP Comp Center Nordic Program
Winter Park Resort Comp Center Nordic Program • Summer Training
Participate in the Sports Performance dryland strength and conditioning program as well as a dedicated Nordic training series throughout the summer and fall. Nordic training offerings may include the Adventure series, Rollerski series, and Agility series.
Click here for details on Summer Training with WP Comp Center Nordic Program
Grand County Backcountry Clinics and Courses
- Free Clinics: Learn about avalanche safety, tour planning, and terrain management.
- Avalanche Safety Education: Attend AIARE 1 courses at Berthoud Pass, Broome Hut, or Winter Park Resort.
- Avalanche Rescue Course: Gain essential skills for responding to avalanche emergencies.
- Intro to Backcountry Skiing or Splitboarding: Get started with backcountry skiing or splitboarding.
- Click here for 2026-2027 schedule
Get the Latest Nordic News
Follow us online to stay up-to-date on Nordic news:
- Signup your email at GrandNordic.org
- Visit the Facebook page for updates at facebook.com/grandnordic
- Join the Grand Nordic Community Bulletin Board group to buy and sell Nordic gear, get assistance with gear buying tips, connect with other Nordic skiers, and plan ski day meetups on the trail. To join the group, go to Grand Nordic’s Facebook page, click on “Visit Group” to go to the group page. Then click the Join Group button. An administrator of the group will approve your request, usually within one day.
Annual Events
Nordic Ski Swap:
Typically held at the end of October each year.
Free Nordic Ski Lessons
Grand Nordic puts on Free Lessons every season. Be sure to become a member to take advantage of this great opportunity.
Full Moon Ski
Saturdays, December-March
at Grand Lake Nordic Center &
at Pole Creek Golf Course
Find more details at grandlakerecreation.com
and at polecreekgolf.com
Grand Nordic Calendar
Events are color coded by category:
• Red = Grand Nordic Club Events • Blue = Grand Lake Nordic Events
• Green = Snow Mountain Ranch Events • Orange = Devil’s Thumb Ranch Events
• Purple = Colorado Biathlon Club Events • Brown = Events outside of Grand County