Nordic Adventure Awaits: Embrace the Thrill of Our Winter Race Series!

In spite of the milder weather and sunny spells, the snow remains intact, and Nordic conditions are quite favorable for this season.

On the numerous kilometers of Nordic pathways in Grand County, it’s possible to ski for hours without encountering anyone — even during peak holiday times. Whether you’re gliding on the groomed trails at resorts and guest ranches, the community trails maintained by Headwaters Trails Alliance, or the extensive Denver Waterboard trails prepared for water diversion dam access, you find yourself in Nordic paradise.

For those fortunate enough to receive new equipment for Christmas, congratulations! If you’re no longer in need of your old gear, consider donating it to Grand Nordic. When organizing your garage, you can leave unwanted gear (no apparel) in our Nordic collection boxes located at the Fraser and Granby libraries.

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The equipment will be refurbished and sold for $10 or $20 to those who cannot afford to spend $100 or more on new cross-country skis, boots, or poles. For growing children, inquire with local Nordic centers regarding their seasonal rental programs, including the Snow Mountain Ranch trade-up initiative.

If you haven’t obtained your new gear yet, check out the fall equipment testing edition of Cross Country Skier magazine. This testing took place at Snow Mountain Ranch in March, mainly by local skiers invited by Grand Nordic. This marked the second consecutive year of local testing, and plans are in place for a repeat in the spring.

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Race series

Whether you have new equipment or older gear like mine, come and join us for some amazing races in fabulous locations!

In 2025, Grand County Nordic Ski Racing is organizing eight Nordic races, featuring both skate and classic styles, with options for long and short courses. It’s recreational skiing for some, while for others it’s a serious competition. This is your opportunity to participate, irrespective of your age or skill level. There are also options for children and families.

Select a race or choose to participate in the series, gradually increasing your distance leading up to the series finale at the Snow Mountain Stampede.

Points will be allocated for each event completed. You can take part in as many or as few events as your schedule allows. Points from all events completed in the category under which you registered will contribute to your overall series ranking.

Every event will provide a long course, a short course, and a 3K junior course for participants aged 12 and younger. The Snow Mountain Stampede and the Devil’s Thumb Stagecoach may offer additional distances that will not be counted towards points for the series.

Participants aged 18 and under only pay $10 to enter. For adults, the long course fees range from $60 to $90 depending on the venue and event.

This series is among the primary fundraising efforts for youth Nordic programs in Grand County. If you’re interested in participating but prefer not to race, register to volunteer.

Diana Lynn Rau serves as the president of Grand Nordic. She authors the Grand Nordic Corner column on a weekly basis throughout winter. You can reach her at president@grandnordic.org.