The 6th annual Ranch2Ranch XC Ski Trek Fest was held last weekend on February 9th. An annual fundraiser for youth cross-country skiing in Grand County, the event started at Snow Mountain Ranch and traveled an impeccably groomed 12k trail, ending at the base of Granby Ranch with a BBQ lunch catered by Granby Ranch. Over 100 participants took part in the trek, and about 15% of the field took full advantage of the excellent conditions afforded by all of this year’s snow and went round-trip, turning at Granby Ranch and skiing back to Snow Mountain Ranch.

“This was the highest number and best event so far”, said Grand Nordic president, Diana Lynn Rau. “It highlights the tremendous trail system we have right here in our backyard.” Rau added, “the partnership with Granby Ranch, Snow Mountain Ranch and Brian Mountain Ski Patrol, as well as our wonderful volunteers makes this event work so well”.

Next on the horizon for nordic skiing, on Sunday, March 3rd, Latigo Ranch in Kremmling hosts the Latigo Loppet, a 15k and 30k event. On the following weekend, March 9th and 10th, Snow Mountain Ranch hosts the Snow Mountain Stampede, where nordic skiers can ski up to 50k each day that weekend. The event allows participants to “Be the Boss” and it “is the only place in the US with back to back 50k races”, said Rau.

There is still plenty of great skiing to be had in Grand County. Get out there!  For more information about Grand Nordic visit their website at GrandNordic.org

        Photos courtesy of Stephen Lee and Casey Malon