41st Annual Snow Mountain Stampede this weekend
It’s that time of year to test yourself! Have you trained hard enough this season to be able to handle back-to-back 50K marathons or 25K half-marathons earning that coveted RANCH BOSS or RANCH HAND buckle from Snow Mountain Ranch? It’s the only place in the nation to ski a Skate marathon on Saturday and a Classic marathon on Sunday but are you tough enough??
There are also distances of 12.5K and 3K each day for those not quite ready for the longer distances. Please note the 50K starts at 9am, 25K at 930am, 12.5K 10am, and 3K at 1005am. There is a kids 1K each day at noon. The post-race Barbeque included for both racers and volunteers is always fabulous!
The course will be a 25K loop around the perimeter of Snow Mountain Ranch involving two sled dog crossings and a road crossing. Sled dogs and cars will have the right of way so time your moves! Four aid stations will be available on the trail. With the new snow this week, expect great courses and spectacular grooming. Remember, youth up to age 18 can race for only $10 in any length race so it is the perfect opportunity for young racers to get racing experience.
Visit skigrandnordic.org to either register or volunteer. With the longer course, we desperately need more volunteers ! Or with beautiful weather expected for Saturday and Sunday, at least bring your bell and cheer on the racers.
Rocky Mtn National Park ranger-led XC ski tours and snowshoe hikes
The last two ranger-led cross country ski tours departing Kawuneeche Visitors Center in Rocky Mountain National Park at 10am are Saturday March 8 and March 15. Reservations up to 7days in advance are required at 970-586-1513 for participants 16 and older. Prior cross country skiing experience is needed and participants must have their own equipment and appropriate clothing.
Ranger-led snowshoe hikes are about 1-2 hours, are open to participants 8 and older and also require reservations. These are scheduled departing at 1pm Saturdays and Sundays through the end of March. Appropriate protective clothing and waterproof boots must be worn by participants. Snowshoes are provided but you might want to bring your own hiking poles. Be ready for hilly, uneven, snow-covered meadows and forest areas and learn something about the flora and fauna that call Rocky home.
For additional details, visit www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/winter=programs-west-side-near-grand-lake-co.htm
Alpenglow BOUNCE 5K Winter Dash Saturday
The Dash features a 5K Fun dash and the KFFR 88.3FM VIP Light-Up Party fundraiser at Rendezvous Event Center’s Green Room. The 5K starts at A-Frame Club where participants will snowshoe, cross country ski, fat bike or walk with snow cleats on the Fraser River trail to the Rendezvous Event Center. While on the trail participants will be greeted by music and lights! Sign up for the race and get your tickets to the KFFR Light-up party at https://www.playwinterpark.com/experience-events, scroll down to the calendar and click on Mar 8.
