Nordic ski racing returned to Grand County for the second year this winter amid late snow with lots of wind. We had more smiling reunions of past fierce competitors, lots of storytelling, often exciting finishes, people laughing and crying all at the same time! After each race, new friends promised another reunion in a week or two wondering who would come out on top at the next competition. Little kids, who it seemed just recently learned to walk, were almost running on skis, giggling raucously as they chased each other for 1k or even 3k. Some at age 6 or 7 were already masters of kick and glide or skating, with their little legs going faster than anyone could imagine. It’s been a whirlwind season, with on and off snow, well-run events, and many renewed friendships. But the highlight for many was using the new Campers Hub at Snow Mtn Ranch! What an incredible facility, particularly for a winter events center (when not in use by lucky summer campers at Camp Chief Ouray as a dining hall and a hub for their summer activities!) The ace committee has put the big screen to full usage with almost immediate results and timing by Into Finn Air amongst day of photography and drone footage.
Throughout the season, the distances got longer, the workouts got more intense. People trained harder and got stronger. And now it’s time for the great finale. The 40th Annual Snow Mountain Stampede at Snow Mountain Ranch is this Saturday and Sunday offering a choice of a 12.5K, 25K or a 50K race Freestyle (commonly known as skate) on Saturday and Classic style on Sunday. There is even a 3K for kids 12 and under that is a part of the Grand Nordic series. Kids can join in for a chance at a roving Teddy Bear trophy each day for a 3K free fun race. If you haven’t registered, today (Friday) is the last day to register online at skigrandnordic.org as there is no day of registration. Bib pickup is at the Campers Hub SMR Nordic Center Saturday and Sunday morning from 730a-930am. Racing starts at 9am for the 50K, 10a for the 25K, followed quickly by the 12.5K and kids races both days. Both Start and Finish are in front of the Campers Hub so come on out to cheer on your favorites! We need more volunteers for Sunday – call Grand Nordic 970-887-0547 or click here to sign up online.
The Annual Stampede started in 1983-84 season when the current Nordic Center first opened and was, for many years, the highest marathon in the Country. It has operated every year except 2020 when the Ranch closed for Covid19 and the Stampede went virtual. Several years ago, the race became a two-day event and is the only opportunity in the country to do back-to-back marathons. Where else can you ski a 50K skate one day and a 50k Classic race the next day? Be the Ranch Boss and earn a 100K buckle for skiing the 50K each day or a Ranch Hand 50K buckle for skiing the 25K each day regardless of time. Now that is impressive! Such endurance… All racers get a fabulous BBQ complete with burgers, chicken, and elk brats which is also available for non-racers for $20 adults and $15 kids 12 and under.
The two Stampede events are also the last two races of the Grand Nordic Race Series and series awards will be presented after Sunday’s Overall awards for Classic races at 130p at the Nordic Center. The best four finishes for a series competitor in the 6-race series count toward their Series standing. Juniors 18 and under could enter most series races for only $10 – a great incentive to the younger crowd. The series is a cooperative effort by Grand Nordic, Colorado Nordic Masters, Winter Park Competition Center, Snow Mountain Ranch, Devils Thumb Ranch and Granby Ranch to return Nordic racing to Grand County and it has been great again in year two! It will only keep getting better…
NORDIC COURTESY
All forms of skiing, snowshoeing and other back country usage have common courtesies that are considered “rules” by some people. For example, cutting in lift lines or cutting in front of people skiing downhill is dangerous and is never courteous. Awareness of your surroundings and the level of accomplishment of the people around you is important in any kind of outdoor activity. More accomplished skiers need to show more patience.
Nordic skiing has many options. People are spread out on trails. When tracks exist on trails, learn the rules of the track. When coming fast down a track and encountering uphill skiers, it is not always easy to avoid them. Most of the time it is easier for the uphill skier to step out of the track and let the downhill skier pass. But this is not a hard and fast rule as the downhill skier may be very accomplished and can easily step out of the track while the uphill skier is struggling. The important issue is for experienced skiers to allow a struggling skier space and vice versa. Don’t be two or three across the trail blocking all those who want to pass. That is a recipe for trouble no matter what your experience. Hopefully this spring break, courtesy and patience can carry over into the Nordic Center or parking lot where people of all levels and ages are concentrated and often dogs are thrown into the mix.
Just being outdoors enjoying the sun and snow can be fun! Just keep trying and, with a few simple tips from an instructor, you can easily learn to succeed. Patience while you try is paramount. Rewards (yes that often means candy or other food!) work wonders because you or your kids are consuming energy and need to replace it but put food wrappers in your pocket and not on the trail. Water to rehydrate is another important issue as well as clothing adjustments for heat and cold. Move over to let other skiers pass. To keep kids’ interest, look for animal tracks and other gems of nature that present themselves and learn what to do when wild animals are present. Help each other. All good courtesies for life.
