The Nordic News

We’re through the holidays and into 2022! That means it’s time to take a deep breath and reassess what you want your winter to look like. Thankfully, CB Nordic has dozens of programs and services to help you get the most out of winter, starting right now.

Want to learn to skate ski? Book a lesson or join a Masters clinic.

Have a goal to ski twice a week? Sign up for one of our Pinnacle Orthopedics Community Races. The FUNSKI 5K is a great option if you’re just looking for a little accountability and community to be sure you get out on the tracks.

Training for the GT? Remember to sign up for the Gothic Mountain Tour before it sells out. (We have about 60 spots left.)

Planning your costume for the Alley Loop? Don’t forget about the Alley Loop Club Clash. Get 6 of your friends together this year to compete as a team for cash prizes.

For us, starting the year on the right foot means that we’re hunkering down a bit to recover from the holidays, the epic snow storm, and a COVID surge in our community. Please be aware that the Nordic Center is currently closed to public entry. We are still open for all of our services and programs. We are just asking that you reserve or shop online, and then we’ll greet you outside for pick-up of equipment. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we try to stay open and stay healthy!

Given the rate of community spread of the COVID-19 virus in Gunnison County and a recent surge in cases among our staff, Crested Butte Nordic has decided to close the Big Mine Warming House to the public for the time being. We are still open for rentals, sales, day passes, lessons, and programs; we’re simply moving to outdoor interactions, including outdoor ski pick-up. It is more important than ever to reserve your rental equipment and day passes in advance online. Customers can also shop online for retail items and reserve online for ski service. ⁠ ⁠ We know this may cause some hiccups in your plans. Please know we are doing our best to keep you safe, keep our staff safe, and stay open. Thankfully, skiing and snowshoeing are still safe, fun, and accessible, so get out on the trails and enjoy!

• Pinnacle Orthopedics and Sports Medicine is honored to support the Nordic community and all that CB Nordic does for skiers’ health and wellness! We’re really looking forward to some fun competition at this winter’s Pinnacle Orthopedics Community Race Series. We hope to see you out there, but if for some unfortunate reason you have an injury, ache, or pain, you can contact Dr. Elfenbein anytime at 970-672-1980 or through our website https://pinnacleorthocolorado.com.

The Pinnacle Orthopedics Community Races are a fun way to break up your skiing routine. As competitive as you want them to be, these races are a great way to meet new folks, try new things, and increase your fitness. Join us on Saturday, January 8 for a classic ski 10K or the FUNSKI 5K at Ruthie’s Run. Register online in advance, then bib pick-up starts at 8 a.m. at the Nordic Center. Kids’ 1K/3K race starts at 9:30, adult 10K race starts at 10 a.m., and the FUNSKI race starts at 10:01 a.m. Come with warm layers so you can hang out with us at the After Party sponsored by Eddyline Brewery! Not ready to race? We need volunteers! You can join in the fun without all the sweating. Sign up here to volunteer.

The 2022 Alley Loop will take place on February 5. We’re returning to the traditional one-day format, but we’ve moved the 5K to the afternoon so some of our marathoners and half-marathoners may be able to jump in for fun! We’ve also added a TEAM prize purse, the Alley Loop Club Clash, with $3,600 for first place and money going 5 teams deep! How does it work? Get yourself a team of 6–one person for each event (5K freestyle, 10K freestyle, 21K skate & classic, 42K skate & classic); your team must include two women. Register for the Alley Loop with a Team Name. Then, race! Your team will be scored “cross-country style”, and the lowest score wins. Email [email protected] if you’re interested in helping out, or register on our website.

The Gray Hares (recreational skiers ages 50 and beyond) are starting to meet for their weekly Wednesday skis. Gray Hares are NOT uber-athletes, but social animals who love to go out as a group, get some fresh air, enjoy the views and camaraderie as they ski. A lot of chatting goes on, generally. A small number of us are more aggressive skiers and will keep a faster pace. Some people go out for coffee, snacks, or lunch etc. afterwards. There is no fee for signing up to be a “Gray Hare”, but Nordic Ski Passes are required to participate. If you’d like to be kept in the loop about where they’re meeting, email Charley Dumas, [email protected].

The Backcountry Bistro is back this Sunday, January 9. Swing by the Magic Meadows Yurt between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to buy a la carte brunch items, including soup, pastries, and hot beverages. A trail pass and nordic skis/snowshoes are required to get to the yurt. Please remember, no dogs at the yurt. See you at the Bistro!

Join us for a weekend of fun racing at the Marilyn Mancini U14 Festival up on the Bench! This festival is dedicated to the memory of Marilyn Mancini, one of our beloved CB Nordic community members who passed away last year. Marilyn was known for her warmth, generosity, and dedication to our youth programs, being one of the founding members of the CB Nordic team in the 1990s. If you’re over 14 you can still race with us in our Pinnacle Orthopedics Community Races. You can also volunteer and share in the joy and accomplishment of our community of youth racers! (Please note, the volunteer shifts for this event are under Community Race #3 and #4).

Join us and the Chamber of Commerce for Business After Hours on Tuesday, January 25. We’ll start with a free learn-to-ski session at 4 p.m., followed up by snacks, conversation, and a giveaway for some sweet CB Nordic items, including a free lesson! All are welcome, but especially if you’re a business in town, this is a great way to network with other like-minded folks.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Crested Butte Nordic depends on your support to keep our trails world-class and our programs top-notch. Thank you for all the time, energy, and money you donate to make us a true community nordic center.