If anyone needed further evidence as to why Winter Park, Colorado, should be their top choice destination for snow sports, then the results of the recent USA Today 10Best Awards should clear up any qualm. Both Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa and Winter Park Resort won their respective categories for Best Cross-Country Ski Resort and Best Ski Resort, making the area the best in North America for both Alpine and Nordic skiing.

On top of the best snowfall, best trails, and best views, the area’s winter events and competitions have skiers, snowboarders, and snow sport fanatics visiting from all over the nation and even the world. Starting each year as the first and one of only a few cross-country races in Colorado is Stagecoach Classic! Thanks to Devil’s Thumb Ranch and the Winter Park/Fraser Chamber, January 25, 2020, marks the 7th Annual for this classic-technique-only, cross-country ski race and tour.

Whether you’re an avid Nordic skier or just beginning to learn the sport, this race is a fun way to get out and experience the award-winning trails and historic route from Devil’s Thumb Ranch to Winter Park. Throughout either of the 30km or 15km courses, participants will have the unique opportunity to ski the off-the-map trail system through beautiful Idlewild Ski Area, connecting Tabernash, Fraser, and Winter Park. After passing the finish line, celebrate with an Odell Brewing Co. beer garden, DJ, food vendors, and awards ceremony at Hideaway Park! 

There’s still time to register! Participants can sign up online at bit.ly/stagecoach2020 through January 23, 2020. You can still register for the event over the phone on January 24th by calling Devil’s Thumb Nordic Center (970)-726-8231 during the hours of 8:00 AM through 6:00 PM. But hurry, because prices increase for registration at the event on January 25th.

Volunteer for Stagecoach Classic 2020

If you’re still not into racing through the crowd but want to experience the excitement, there are opportunities to help out the event by volunteering! Positions still needed include Registration Table, Aid Stations, Start and Finish Line, and more. Volunteers will also receive a Winter Park hat, as well as complimentary soup and drink. Contact Amy Robison for more information and to sign up at arobison@devilsthumbranch.com or (970) 363-7567.