The Nordic News

December marks not only the fun and festive holiday season but also our season of giving. A HUGE thank you to all who donated through Colorado Gives Day. As a nonprofit, our ability to thrive and provide is largely dependent on the generosity of our donors. We wouldn’t be who we are without you. Thank you for helping us spread the joy of winter.

Speaking of joy, we’re thrilled to share that we have reached The Outpost fundraising finish line. Thank you all for helping us achieve this decade-long dream. Construction is scheduled to wrap up at the end of the year. We’ll regain our practice area and start transitioning our operations. The Murray Banks Team Room will house youth and adult programming downstairs. The upstairs will house our administrative offices and conference room. This will allow the existing Nordic Center Warming House to have more space for retail and rentals. And then, we can turn our sights toward creating a true community gathering space upstairs. We look forward to welcoming you to the new building in January. The future of CB Nordic is bright!

In the meantime, this early December storm has allowed us to open up more terrain on the east and west sides. Come pick up your season pass, sign up for Masters, rent a pair of skis or snowshoes, and enjoy the trails. The skiing is glorious!

Thanks to the generous storm, the trails are in excellent condition. Ruthie’s Run, Town Ranch, and Pooch’s Paradise are now open and groomed. Check the Trail Report for daily trail openings and condition updates. Bear in mind that early-season conditions exist and can change rapidly with warming temperatures this week. Stay safe and respect any trail closures.

At CB Nordic, we love feedback from your experiences out on the trail. Please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts. Your suggestions help us improve our grooming and trails for the whole community!

The first event in our Pinnacle Orthopedics Community Race Series is coming up this Saturday, December 9th. The Solstice Classic Races are a fundraiser for the CB Nordic Team. Races will be held on Ruthie’s Run on The Bench, with the kids’ 3k at 9:30 am and the adults’ 5k at 10:00 am. Bib pickup starts at 8:30 am at the CB Nordic Warming House.

Sign up for the whole series before Friday, December 8th for a 25% discount.

CB Nordic Team Head Coach Ben Theyerl will share the fine art of waxing nordic skis at the upcoming Community Wax Clinic. Join us in the CB Nordic Team Room on Wednesday, December 13th at 5:00 pm. This session will be informative, fun, and include hints of Northwoods humor. No preregistration necessary, open to all skiers, just come by and glean some waxing wisdom. A suggested donation of $20 per adult will go to the CB Nordic Team.

Once you’re ready to tackle your own skis, stop by the community wax bench or replenish your tuning supplies in our retail shop.

We have a few spots left in our youth Backcountry Skills Programs! Sign the kids up for fun and informative courses to prepare them for a life of outdoor recreation in the snow. Based in Gunnison, no problem! Our Gunnison-based programs for 2nd graders and up begin in January. All youth programming includes entry into our four fun and festive kids held throughout the winter.

We’ve extended our hot box special until December 17th. Regularly priced at $50, this $35 special is a great way to take care of your skis and prepare for a full season of skiing. Drop your skis off today and come check out our Green Sticker Sale. We’re offering 30% off all of last year’s merchandise in the shop. Maybe it’s time for a new jacket or pair of gloves!

We strongly encourage all season pass holders to pick up their passes before December 18th to avoid holiday traffic. Enjoy minimal lines at the Nordic Center and quiet trails before the holiday rush. Stop by to pick up your pass or update an old one this week! We’re open from 8:00 am to 6:00 p.m. daily.

And if you haven’t bought your season pass yet, there are always extra perks. All CB Nordic season pass holders receive 50% off Durango Nordic day passes.

Looking for a cozy, rustic place to stay while visiting Crested Butte? Need a place while training for the Alley Loop or Grand Traverse? Whatever your lodging needs, be sure to check out the Pioneer Guest Cabins located up Cement Creek. Pioneer is close enough to town to enjoy all the delights Crested Butte has to offer but removed enough to enjoy the peace of winter in the mountains. For more information or to book a stay, explore the Pioneer Guest Cabins online.

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.