The Nordic News

Dear Friends,

After a three-month search process, we are excited to announce that Hedda Peterson will be stepping into the Executive Director role starting in June! While we’ll miss Christie greatly, we’re excited for her and pleased that Hedda will be joining us. Hedda’s skill at creating partnerships with multiple stakeholders, engaging the community, and managing complex situations will be a natural complement to the work Christie has done the last five years.

You may know Hedda from her role as District Manager at the Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District (Met Rec), where she has worked since 2019, or from her seven years at the CB Land Trust. A native of Vermont and a former Alpine ski-racer, it was at the Land Trust that Hedda discovered the joy of nordic skiing. “I was first hired to help monitor the Land Trust’s conserved land, and that included much of the Slate River Valley,” Hedda said. “I got to know the area in summer by bushwhacking through willows and wading through wetlands, so when winter came around, I was awed by the extensive nordic network out there. I was drawn to the sport, and it made me incredibly appreciative of the amenities we have right in our backyard.”

Now a few years later, Hedda has participated in 4 Alley Loops (everything from the 5K as a slinky-dog to the 21K) and 4 Grand Traverses, as well as volunteering to help with events. Her husband, JT Ryan, is also an avid nordic skier, and their 5-month old daughter Pippa’s first-ever outing was on Town Ranch. “It was a special experience to be able to move around there as a family so soon after Pippa was born,” Hedda told us. “What an amazing thing CB Nordic does for our community!” You’ll be seeing all 3 of them, plus their dachshund Lidl, around the Nordic Center. Be sure to stop by and say hello!

Sincerely,

The CB Nordic Board of Directors

Every year CB Nordic creates a Spring Newsletter that reflects on the past season. This year, we honor the impact Executive Director Christie Hicks has had over her five years with us. Check out this year’s Spring Newsletter to read about all the ups and downs of this winter of transition at CB Nordic.

One quick note: the newsletter is best viewed on a computer or in landscape format on your phone so you can best appreciate Xavier Fane’s beautiful photographs!

If you had a season pass this year (child, senior, adult, 10-punch, etc.) please take our end-of-season survey to help us determine what we did well and what needs work. As a community Nordic Center, we exist by and for you. We need your voice so we can best serve your needs! Plus, you’ll get entered to win a FREE Season Pass for 22-23! The survey will close June 1.

The Town of Crested Butte and Crested Butte Nordic are requesting proposals from local creative individuals for the creation of a one-of-a-kind art installation that will contribute to “placemaking” for the entryway to the Big Mine Park, on the northwest side of the Big Mine Warming House. This project is a component of the CB Nordic expansion of the Cat Barn. Learn more about the Big Mine Public Art project.

The Aspens are leafing. The wind is blowing. It’s only snowing sometimes. It’s the perfect time to visit The Alpineer to get your bike tuned up or to equip yourself for summer hiking. Open all off-season, visit them between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. As a long-time sponsor of CB Nordic, we’re pleased to support The Alpineer all four seasons a year!

Continuously run for three decades, The Grin & Bear It stands as Crested Butte’s oldest trail challenge. Historically presented as a sprint to Green Lake and back, this classic event has evolved to offer a 25k Loop competition, while still maintaining the traditional 15k Classic race. We’re already 30% full, so if you want to run with us this summer, be sure you register before we sell out!

A great CB tradition, the Chainless World Championships, is returning this summer! CB Nordic is helping out with the festivities by setting up our Race Arch for the finish-line. We need your help! The arch takes a few people to set up and take down. If you can help us from 2:30 – 3 p.m. and 6 – 6:30 p.m. with set up and take down, we’ll comp your entry to the Chainless. To help, email Events Director, Becky Nation, [email protected].

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.