The 35th Annual Snow Mountain Stampede stomps into Grand County this weekend drawing recreational skiers, local racers and national competitors to the rare opportunity to race both classic and skate marathons back to back in the same weekend.  Skiers completing both marathons will receive a Ranch Boss 100K belt buckle while those completing both 25K races will receive a Ranch Hand 50K belt buckle. These marathons are also the highest altitude marathon races in the country deserving top bragging rights.

This year the Stampede course will remain on Snow Mtn Ranch property using a 10K course and a 25K course.  The full 50K Stampede will ski two loops with the Freestyle races on Saturday and the Classic races on Sunday.  Each day a FREE 2K Kids race for ages 15 and under will start at 845am,  50K races start at 900am, 25K at 915am, and 10K at 930am. The Post Race BBQ is included with each race entry and has been moved to the YMCA Nordic Center.

There will also be a 25K tour or untimed race starting with the 25k racers for those that want to experience a 25k course.  Don’t know if you can handle the distance? Try it as an untimed tour to see if your body can handle it.

On-line registration closes at noon, Friday March 9.  To register, go to www.active.com/granby-co/winter-sports/34th-annual-snow-mountain-ranch-stampede-2018?int=  

Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center is featuring the Annual Stampede Equipment and Apparel Sale featuring 30-40pct discounts on everything!  Come stock up for next season…

Avoid the weekend traffic before the Snow Mountain Ranch Stampede by coming early and staying late! With a stay at Snow Mountain Ranch, you’re sure to get a full night’s sleep before the race. Bring the whole family and enjoy access to over 120K of groomed Nordic ski, snowshoe and fat bike trails, ice skating, tubing and so much more.

SMR always needs volunteers to help with registration and checkin Friday evening, Saturday Freestyle race day and Sunday Classic race day for the Stampede this weekend.  On course volunteers would help with aid stations, course marshalls, etc.  Some jobs need on-skis, others not.  Please contact Anne at Snow Mtn Ranch Nordic Center 970-887-2152 ext 4173 for more information.  

Low snow conditions across the state have forced cancellation of or contributed to low turnouts for races and events everywhere.  Recreational and competitive skiers alike have traveled to new areas chasing the rumors of good snow conditions. Our early season snows hit mainly the high country providing decent snow levels and creating good back country conditions.  While suffering in the early winter season, Grand County Nordic areas have been fortunate to get storms starting mid-January that have given our Nordic areas some of the best conditions in the country. Even Sun Valley was bare until they received almost 2 ft of snow last week.  Snow Mountain Ranch groomers have worked miracles with the God-given snow and the entire resort of over 120K of groomed trails has been open and attracting skiers from everywhere with excellent conditions.

Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center is featuring it’s Annual Stampede Equipment and Apparel Sale featuring 30-40pct discounts on everything!  Come stock up for next season…