Thankfully, the snow keeps coming. Our prayers are being answered! But don’t stop now…we need more snow to welcome all the Nordic and other visitors to Grand County. We need more snow for our own enjoyment in this spectacular place we call home…more snow for the learn-to-ski programs for our kids…more snow for our family-oriented races so even the diehard ski racers feel great about the race courses and snow conditions.
When you have good snow, it is so much easier to put up with other harsh conditions like wind. Last Sunday for the first set of Grand Nordic Free Lessons, the wind was howling at YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch. I mean blowing sideways! Yet almost 150 hearty souls from ages 4 to almost 80 bundled up and braved the conditions to learn more about Nordic skiing. And they were rewarded with excellent instructors who took them to the trees – more peaceful places where the wind barely blew, and they were free to learn in relative comfort. And learn they did! Laughing and having almost too much fun. Even the kids want to go back out for more! If you missed these lessons because of the weather, sign up now for the Jan 12 classes or take a lesson at your local Nordic Center.
The day before, the Tommelfest had almost perfect weather conditions with great snow. Devil’s Thumb treated their people royally to great lessons, great food and Viking-style fun and games to open their 50th season. NSCD held classes for their students in the morning as well so it was a busy weekend all around. Also, Grand Lake Touring Center opened Thursday but with marginal conditions – bring your rock skis!
For the next couple of weeks, the trails will see people on Nordic skis for the first time, families trying to learn a sport they can all enjoy together and, in places, even take their dog, people scared to go down hills, and those that want to escape everyone else. All deserve to enjoy themselves and have fun so remember to be courteous and helpful when possible. Better skiers need to give the beginners some slack since they have better control. Remember water, some snacks and layers. When you ski, you use energy, particularly the kids, so have some extra treats along. If you are going to the backcountry, be sure to be prepared for variable conditions with the 10 essentials, and – most of all – tell someone where you are going!
Nordic programs start after the holidays for everything from kids learning to ski through the FVMRD or the Granby Recreation Department (sign up your kids now!) to the Faser Elementary and Granby Elementary schools starting Nordic ski lessons in January or February to free kids lessons at SMR. These programs need helpers from someone to help put on boots, to help get skis on and then just to ski around groomed tracks. Volunteers are always needed so all the kids have a chance to learn. The Nordic teams at the Middle School and High School have been practicing since the snow started falling and state-wide competitions start soon. The head coaches get a little pay, but most are volunteers, dedicated to seeing your kids get better, stronger, more confident and succeed. Grand Nordic Scholarships are available to kids needing financial help with fees, equipment for the older kids or assistance with advanced training through the Winter Park Competition Center Nordic program which has its own scholarships available as well. These programs offer a pathway for the more talented skiers to compete even to the National level. Find out more about these programs at the Grand Nordic club website www.grandnordic.org and volunteer to help if you have some time and/or talent to share. Questions? call or text Grand Nordic 970-887-0547.
Take a look at All Things Nordic in Grand County from retail shops to competition in the Annual Grand County Nordic Race Series starting in January, to Biathlon events, avalanche courses, and even where to ski on the www.skigrandnordic.org, created to show visitors what is here in Grand County . This year, Grand really has More K’s and More Days of Nordic skiing than anywhere else. Get out and enjoy our Paradise…
