What a weekend it was! Friday, kids who have never skied before were spread over the flank of the SMR Nordic center with grins on their faces and giggles in the air as suddenly they could glide across the snow and actually control where they go! The more experienced classic and skate skiers had already taken off for the hills. But the joy of these never-evers was infectious and people stopped to watch and admire the fun.
Saturday was a day for the Classic skier with colder temps and new snow to challenge the racers. Almost 100 skiers braved the weather with Ryan Sederquist turning in the best time overall of 53:39 for the 15k course with best woman Stina Boden finishing at 1:03:54. The 7.5k Short course leader was Lucas Wik crossing at 29:16 while sister Kajsa Wik led the women with a 32.30 finish. The 3k leader was Ben Kaune from EGMS at 14:58 with Elliott Adema leading the gals at 17.29. Great course with a solid base under the new snow.
The Grand Nordic free community lessons on Sunday were a huge success with about 230 people registered. But classes remained less than ten when Grand Nordic, WP Comp Center, CO Nordic Masters, Summit Masters, Snow Mtn Ranch and MP High School pooled their best instructors to share their knowledge. Those who had to cancel will have to wait until next December to try again but the resorts all have great instructors to help you out. Grand Nordic offers two free lessons each season.
If you haven’t signed up your 5-10 year-old for the free Fridays at SMR at 1p, go to www.grandnordic.org and go to youth programs as classes fill up almost every week now through the end of February. Parents can sign up to help and learn how much fun the kids have and how to keep them having that fun.
Saturday is Race 3 in the Grand County Race series, a 30k/15k/3k Skate challenge at SMR presented by Grand Nordic. The long race is two laps of a 15k course that will be perfectly groomed for skate. See details and signup to race or volunteer at www.skigrandnordic.org. Volunteers are desperately needed.
January 25 is Race 4 in our Series – 10th Annual Stagecoach Classic 30k/15k/3k ski race and tour starting and finishing at Devils Thumb Ranch Resort and Spa. An end of race celebration will be located at Broad Axe Barn with food and beer. Registration closes 12n on Friday Jan 24. For details and to sign up, visit https://www.devilsthumbranch.com/event/stagecoach-classic-2025/
Volunteers are also needed – go to https://www.skigrandnordi.org for all the race series event details-signups-and volunteering, sponsored by Grand Nordic and the Winter Park Chamber. The annual Ranch2Ranch is also available for signup at https://www.grandnordic.org.
Middle Park High School is hosting a CHSAA race for High School and Middle School athletes on Jan 25 at SMR combined with Collegiate Races on both Saturday and Sunday. Volunteers are always needed for this wonderful event through signup genius. Students can earn volunteer hours by helping with the races. Racing starts at 1030am.
New snow is predicted through the night on Friday but Shawn and David will have a good handle on the grooming for Saturday’s races. Dress in warm layers to be outside in the single digits and slight winds that are forecasted with good head and hands coverings. But go out and enjoy the races!
