The Grand Nordic Club Promotes Nordic Skiing with Resources, Education, Programs + More
Outdoor enthusiasts are the heartbeat of Grand County, and the Grand Nordic Club is the epitome of a grassroots, share-what-you-love organization that promotes outdoor recreation here in the Winter Park area. Nordic skiing in the Rocky Mountains for recreation dates back over a century - early settlers in the Fraser Valley began cross-country skiing for sport in the early 1900s, taking advantage of the copious amounts of snow that fall on our beautiful valley all winter long.
The glue that binds the Grand County Nordic skiing community together had its inception in 1993. The Grand Nordic Club was founded to serve our community and promote Nordic skiing by providing "educational, recreational, social, and adventurous opportunities" from Winter Park to Grand Lake. Our local resource for all things cross-country skiing, Grand Nordic has a heart for spreading the love of Nordic skiing to all ages and abilities in this winter wonderland we call home. From free programming to ski swaps to sharing the best classic and skate-ski trails, this local nonprofit is committed to giving everyone who is interested the opportunity to access Nordic skiing here in Grand County.
NORDIC SKI PROGRAMMING
The programming the Grand Nordic Club provides is such a gift to our community. We love that they offer FREE cross-country ski lessons to kids ages 5-10 at Snow Mountain Ranch on Fridays in January and February.
They also typically offer a couple free Nordic clinics for adults and kids each year. Clinics are open to all ages and abilities. The club is truly committed to spreading the love of cross-country skiing to all!
NORDIC RACE SERIES
Grand Nordic partners with Colorado Nordic Masters to offer a race series every year in Grand County. With venues like Snow Mountain Ranch, Devil's Thumb Ranch, Latigo Ranch, and Granby Ranch, race participants have access to world-class skate and classic Nordic skiing. All registration fees go to Grand Nordic Club, helping support youth Nordic ski scholarships. If you'd like to get outside on your skinny skis and support at great cause at the same time, you can sign up here!
ANNUAL SKI SWAP
One of our favorite annual events is the Grand Nordic Ski Swap. Just before the snow settles in each year (typically the third Saturday in October), the nonprofit hosts an opportunity for people to buy and sell high-quality Nordic skis, boots, and poles. Held at the YMCA's Snow Mountain Ranch (off Highway 40 between Tabernash and Granby), the event is a staple for cross-country skiing beginners and enthusiastic county-wide.
EDUCATION + INFORMATION
If you're looking for a place to cross-country ski this winter, Grand Nordic can help point you in the right direction. They offer a wealth of information around available trails and access. Learn about local Nordic centers, guest ranches with Nordic trails, free trails, and backcountry cross-country skiing access.
Grand Nordic's website also shares about other local cross-country programming, avalanche safety training opportunities, and the National Sports Center for the Disabled's adaptive Nordic and biathlon program.
SUPPORT
Grand Nordic offers plenty of opportunities to support their cause! One of the easiest ways to support the club is to become a member. Members receive so many benefits: discounts on trail passes at Snow Mountain Ranch; deals on merchandise at Snow Mountain Ranch, Icebox Mountain Sports in Fraser, Local Experience in Fraser, Christy Sports in Winter Park, Boulder Nordic Sports, Le Feet Lab in Winter Park, and Colorado Adventure Guides’ avalanche safety courses; and registration discounts to Grand Nordic events like the annual Ranch 2 Ranch Trek.
If you've popped into one of our local Grand County Library District branches, you might've noticed a box of used Nordic ski gear. People are welcome to drop off used gear or snag one of the donations if it suits their needs. Otherwise, Grand Nordic refurbishes the gear and distributes it to schools or people in need.
You can also volunteer for the free youth lessons, sign up for the race series and other events, or donate financially. Feel free to reach out to learn more about opportunities to support Grand Nordic: call/text Diana Lynn Rau at 970-887-0547 or email president@grandnordic.org.
SEE YOU ON THE TRAIL!
Whether you're breaking trail in the woods or taking advantage of groomed trails this winter, we hope to bump into you out there! And if out-your-backdoor cross-country skiing is on your radar, reach out to learn more about current listings and neighborhoods with quick and easy access to Nordic skiing in Grand County!
Leave A Comment