It was cloudy with no wind but cold – perfect conditions for a Nordic race! The Snow Mtn Ranch groomers, Shawn and David, had transformed the little snow available into a magical course that was solid, smooth for skating, well-laid out and well-signed. The race committee had worked miracles moving the race from Granby Ranch golf course to the Snow Mtn Ranch trails in about 10days. But everything was perfect!
The crowd was small, only 70-some racers but maybe some people didn’t think it could be done in the snow conditions they thought existed. Now they are believers. The webscorer system makes it easy to register and, blended with the bibs containing chips, instantaneous finish details can be displayed on the huge screen at the new Campers Hub next to the Nordic Center. What a wonderful facility! This race committee has figured it out and has the perfect place to showcase their efforts! More to come…
The 15K Skate race was led by Matt Rossman (47:25) barely beating out Eric Meyer (47:26) with Sam Troje (48:15) fighting Logan Miyauchi (48.18) close behind. The women were led by Eva Smith (57:38) battling Jill Sorenson (58:23) and followed by Maria Wik (59:32). Age classes ranged from 19-69 in 10year age groups for all races.
The 7.5K Skate race was led by the women with Kasja Wik (28:46) ahead of Saylor Archie (28:52) and Christina Weber (30:25) followed by the men Tim Feldman (32:04), Niiaz Ibragimov (32:50) and Patrick Brower (32.59) in close succession. Age classes ranged from age 11-69.
Lexi Weinberger (13:03) led the 3k race with Benjamin Kaune (14:30 battling with Tad Enos (14:36) for second and third with the women’s leader Indigo Archie (17.53) not far behind. Ages ranged from 7-13.
Complete results can be found on the Race Series page.
Cookies and hot chocolate were provided by the Finnoffs as well as prizes for overall winners. Hopefully another event will be scheduled at Granby Ranch in early February as they were so helpful and willing.
SMR CLASSIC SATURDAY JAN 13
The Annual 15K/7.5K Snow Mtn Classic is slated for a similar course on Saturday 13Jan. With the additional snow forecasted for this week, the course promises to be excellent as well as challenging. Go to the Race Series page and for the description and to signup. Remember there is no race day registration.
DEVILS THUMB 30K/15K/3K STAGECOACH CLASSIC JAN 20
The races become progressively longer and the next in the series is the 9th annual 30km, 15km, and 3k kids classic-only cross-country ski race and tour! The event will start and finish at Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa. An end of race celebration will be located at Broad Axe Barn with food and beer. For more information go to skigrandnordic.org or https://www.devilsthumbranch.com/event/stagecoach-classic-2024/ Again, no race day registration.
FREE FRIDAY KIDS LESSONS AT SMR STARTING 12JANUARY THRU 23FEBRUARY.
The Kids Nordic Ski Program by Grand Nordic at Snow Mtn Ranch starts January 12 through Feb 23 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. Please arrive 30-45 minutes prior to lessons to get equipment and trail pass which are provided by Snow Mtn Ranch for the duration of the lesson. Classic, skate and never-ever lessons are available.
Registration is required – go to www.skigrandnordic.org, move down on the home page and click on Grand Nordic Free Friday kids program and follow the link to the Signup Genius signup. Grand Nordic contact Diana Lynn Rau at 970-887-0547 or email [email protected]. Parents are encouraged to help and will receive trail pass and equipment for the duration of the lesson if helping. Hot chocolate and bites of energy are available at the end of the lesson.
Granby Rec Department starts their after school Cross Country Cruisers program January 24 running through February 21 for grades 2-5. Call 970-887-3961 for details or register online at www.granbyrec.activityreg.com by January 17. The Granby Elem School program starts with dryland training Feb 6-8 and on snow practice the remainder of February. Email [email protected] for details. FVMRD after School XC program operates on Tuesdays with Session 1 February 6-27 and session 2 February 5-19 for ages 7-10. Signup at www.fraservalleyrec.org. All these programs need parent volunteers.
Get involved, try racing with your family, or help your kids learn to ski.
