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YMCA of the Rockies-Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center opens Friday

Diana Lynn Rau
Grand Nordic President

The Snow Mountain Ranch sits on 5,200 acres just off U.S. Highway 40 between Tabernash and Granby. It is a year round playground offering over 100 kilometers of groomed trails for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing, sleigh rides and other winter activities as well as mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, Frisbee golf, zip line, climbing wall and other summer activities.

One of the best groomed Nordic Centers in the country, you can cross country ski from mid-November until mid-April with terrain accommodating beginners in loops around the Nordic Center to more challenging terrain suitable for even Olympic racers. And be sure to ski with your dog on the dog loop next to the Center.

The Nordic Center’s full-service ski shop is where you will find great deals on lessons and rental packages. They also have the latest Nordic gear and apparel for sale. To re-energize, visit the Skinny Ski Cafe opening about Thanksgiving, and enjoy a light snack or warm up with a bowl of soup and a sandwich.



New this year, a simple family one-year membership for $200 includes Cross country skiing, sledding, tubing, ice skating, swimming pool and Kiva activities like basketball and roller skating, in addition to all the summer activities. You can rent cross country ski equipment, sleds, tubes or ice skates or bring your own but the activities are included. And you get discounts on lodging.

Regular trail fees are $15 per day with a $10 fee for Grand Nordic members and reduced rates for youth and seniors. There is a season pass for seniors ages 61-69 for $100. For the occasional skier, there are punchcards for 5 days at $50 and 10 days for $90. The joint Nordic pass with Devil’s Thumb includes only Cross country skiing for $260.



Opening day Friday, Nov. 19, is a free ski day for everyone and every Wednesday is a free ski day for locals. Snow Mountain Ranch has Moonlight ski evenings on Dec. 18, Jan. 15 and Feb. 12.

The Denver University Guest Clinic is scheduled for Dec. 12 with the cost to be announced. The annual Classic Race is scheduled for Jan. 8 8. Grand Nordic will be having free lessons at the Y on Jan. 30 with free equipment and trail pass included for all Nordic Club members. Other YMCA events like Ski for Light or the Barnelopet are scheduled in January and February with regular Colorado Biathlon events every week or two.

The season winds down with the famed Snow Mountain Stampede on March 5. Check out their brand new website at http://www.ymcarockies.org and click on Snow Mountain Ranch and Nordic Center for details or to sign up for any events.

The free kids program starts Jan. 7 with both Friday and Sunday afternoons for kids 5-15 and runs every weekend in January and February ending with a Nordic Festival on Feb. 25. Trail pass and equipment are provided with parents assistance welcome.

– Visit the Grand Nordic Website for more information http://www.grandnordic.org or call Diana Lynn Rau at 970-887-0547


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