The 42nd annual Snow Mountain Stampede returns to Grand County on March 7–8, bringing the county’s oldest and only marathon Nordic ski races back to Snow Mountain Ranch.

The two-day event, hosted at Snow Mountain Ranch, features a skate race on Saturday, March 7, followed by a classic race on Sunday, March 8. The Stampede is part of the Grand County Nordic Race Series, with select distances counting toward series points.

“Waiting out the weather this winter has taken its toll on all of us, mostly staff at the Nordic Centers and the Grand County Nordic Race Series,” Grand Nordic President Diana Rau wrote. “Schedule, cancel or move, reschedule and pray for snow and colder weather. The best is yet to come this weekend.”

The course is set as a 12.5-kilometer loop. Skiers in the 12.5K complete one lap, 25K racers complete two laps, and 50K marathoners tackle four laps. Both the 25K short course and 50K long course count toward series standings.

“The course hopefully consists of a loop out from the CCOs and Ute, around Cranmer, out toward the Waterfall trail and back, around Gaskill almost to the Biathlon Range, back Gaskill to Lower Blue Ridge and in Tabernash,” said Rau. “Remember the weather can change everything … With the prospect of new snow this week and a great loop layout, Shawn and David will again work their magic for the best grooming possible.”

Start times for both days are:

• 50K (long course) – 9 a.m.
• 25K (short course) – 10 a.m.
• 12.5K – 10:15 a.m.
• 3K junior course (series points) – 10:20 a.m.
• Free 1K family tour – open to all ages

Skiers who compete both days, skate and classic, in either the 25K or 50K distances will earn a Ranch Boss or Ranch Hand silver belt buckle, a long-standing Stampede tradition. Race series winners will be recognized following Sunday’s events.

Registration is open for individual days or for the full weekend on the event website. Volunteers are also welcome, and there will be a post-race lunch. The end of season Nordic equipment sale is also happening throughout March, Rau said. 

“Consider donating your old equipment to Grand Nordic at the collection boxes in the Fraser and Granby libraries,” she wrote. “Grab your good pair of skis and head for early morning crust skiing in the meadows just into Rocky Mountain National Park. That might be it for this season …”