It’s that time of year again and, right on schedule, snow has already landed in the Valley making us diehards start dreaming. Sadly, it has been melting quickly here in the lower areas but the hardcore might soon find enough of the white stuff in high country to do a little sliding on their older rock skis. Hopefully sooner this year but most of us are still dreaming and hoping for as much white powder as we can get …
To really get your mouth watering for the snow season, Grand Nordic and Winter Park Competition Center are hosting the Annual Nordic Ski Swap and Expo at the Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center on SATURDAY. October 21. With the additional planned Expo of vendors and activities, we have moved into the new Campers Hub building as well as part of the parking lot to accommodate everything! Just pray for great weather…
Many supply chains and therefore manufacturing companies for items worldwide have resupplied after the Covid19 pandemic but some items are still somewhat hard to find. Nordic ski equipment was hard to get last season and many normal outlets or shops are still catching up. The market for used or year-old gear is huge as many people are finally getting that newer set of skis or boots. Still, If you see a good deal, grab it now!
The Swap encourages individuals to sell their used gear – skis, boots, poles, roller skis, clothing, backpacks and other appropriate Nordic gear. Bring your gear to the SMR Nordic Center parking lot 830am to 930am Saturday Oct 22 – download the equipment resale form on Grandnordic.org and fill it out before coming. If gear is marked correctly, your items can be placed on a table and will be processed through Grand Nordic. The shops offering club members discounts on full price merchandise have been encouraged to bring any gear they might have as well as the local retail shops represented on http://www.skigrandnordic.org. The Swap and Expo is open to the public 10a to 3p when gear must be picked up or is considered donated to Grand Nordic. Some of the best local seasoned skiers will be on hand to offer buying and fitting advise. Whether your interest is skiing in tracks at resorts and ranches, skate skiing on similar terrain or spring crust, high country with clouds of powder and wild slopes or tamer backcountry on the network of summer trails that crisscross the Fraser Valley and are packed for snowmobiles and foot travel, the Swap will have something for you. And the prices are right!
Purchase your 2023-24 season Grand Nordic membership (for member discounts, specials and information blasts) and your YMCA family membership (which includes Nordic Skiing!). Look for information on Grand Nordic Free Lesson Days, the Ranch2Ranch Trek, the Second Annual Grand County Nordic Race series, and our latest in member benefits. Check out the season programs offered by the Winter Park Comp Center. Come meet the Snow Mtn Ranch Nordic Director Parker Anderson and learn more about upcoming SMR plans and events.
The Winter Park Comp Center features an Expo with ski reps showing their latest and greatest and offering hourly door prizes for those willing to give their e-mail for a drawing ticket, turning in old environmentally- unfriendly Fluorine waxes, bringing your own skis for a cleaning and wax by Toko, and even a waxing clinic. With food trucks on hand to help you though lunch, browse the retail shops, individual used gear, or shop at the Snow Mtn Ranch Nordic Center.
For more information, check the www.grandnordic.org website, call Diana Lynn at Grand Nordic 970-887-0547, or Bruce WP Comp Center Nordic 651-304-0647. Visit the Grand Nordic Facebook page. Volunteers are always needed – call Bruce at WPCC or Chris Lee [email protected].
