Most of the colors in the aspens have faded and now the once-colorful leaves adorn the ground. But the snows that now crown the mountains make us think about the coming winter.

Soon the ground will be covered in white. Some of us are looking forward to the snow, some of us are wishing for more time on the bike. I like to think that, as of Nov. 1, it’s time for snow and bring it on!

For now, look over your winter gear and see what you need, get your ski passes set up and, after this last warm spell, start putting away the summer bikes and rafting gear lovingly cleaned up. The Alpine Ski swap was just two weekends ago and the Nordic Ski Swap is still coming up Oct. 30. Sell the gear you no longer use or have just outgrown – bring it to the YMCA/SMR Nordic Center from 5-6 p.m. to register and tag it at the price you want. Stay from 6-8:30 p.m. and look through last year’s gear offered by other individuals, Devil’s Thumb Nordic Center, YMCA-Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center, and maybe others.

Nordic skis, boots and poles for classic, skate, and backcountry for people of all sizes as well as snowshoes, maybe roller skis, bells, hats and lots of other clothing. Take advantage of our gear buying assistance if you are not sure what length ski to choose, what stiffness, or whether you want skate or classic, or whatever your questions may be. And bring a small dessert to share for the Potluck.

Get your annual membership for Grand Nordic – a real deal at $25 for individuals and $40 for families. We offer discounts at Nordic centers and many shops year round. Buy your Nordic passes at early season rates for Devil’s Thumb, Snow Mountain Ranch, and Grand Lake. Find out the dates of our free Nordic lessons offered at each of the three major Nordic areas starting in December – both equipment and trail passes are included for members. Get the scoop on the mid-winter ski treks from Devil’s Thumb to Winter Park and Granby Ranch to Snow Mountain Ranch and other events scheduled for this winter. Blasts sent out to your email by our webmaster will keep you up to date on local events and races or check our website http://www.grandnordic.org for details and signup information .

Put it on your calendar now for Friday, Oct. 30, 6-8:30 p.m., this year at YMCA/Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center. Get ready for being happy in the winter ahead. Pray for snow!

Trail work

Monday is the last scheduled Headwaters Trails Alliance workday on the Fraser to Granby Trail on the YMCA Bridge and Beaver dams east of the YMCA entrance on Highway 40. There will be work on both sides of the highway by Lawson Ranch and CDOT working on the pond and dams below the YMCA Bridge as well. We meet at the YMCA parking lot at 9 a.m. Monday dressed for sloppy wet work in high boots or even waders if you have them. Lunch is provided for those who sign up. Call 970-726-1013 or 970-887-0547 for questions or to sign up.

Trails vote

Trail maintenance and permanent funding for trails are such an important part of our economy in Grand County. I encourage people in the towns of Fraser and Winter Park to consider funding trails through taxes. I know that we all hate the idea of more taxes but sometimes a small amount from many different people, particularly those visiting and using those very trails, makes a huge difference in how much we can afford to build and maintain the quality system which attracts them.