The Nordic News

As we welcome back the light at the end of the week, we have much to be grateful for this holiday season. We are grateful for the abundance of skiable terrain in December. We are grateful for the bustle of the Nordic Center as we welcome back our community from near and far. We are grateful for the possibility of snow in the forecast this coming weekend.

We also have so much to look forward to with a full winter season ahead. We’re looking forward to the return of Yurt Trivia and Sunday Bistros in January. We’re looking forward to more friendly competition at the Pinnacle Orthopedic Community Race Series, including our first-ever 5k Burly Buster. We’re looking forward to two more Masters Community sessions. And of course, we’re looking forward to a full winter of skiing.

For those of us who live for winter, this is simply the best time of the year. We wish you a happy and healthy holiday season and a peaceful New Year. We’ll see you on the trails.

The Nordic Center, located at 620 2nd Street, will remain open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., 7 days a week, through the holidays. This includes Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Stop by and do some last-minute holiday shopping. We have great outdoor apparel for the trail or around town, the latest Skida hats and buffs, and wares from local artists.

A quick reminder that holidays are busy at CB Nordic. Please reserve equipment and purchase passes online to avoid long waits and to claim your gear before we run out of your size.

The Slate River resident moose family is back. This winter, we’re trying something new. Following Colorado Parks & Wildlife guidance, Mike’s Mile will be closed to dogs and open to humans when moose are in the area. Look for this sign where Pooch’s Paradise turns into Mike’s Mile.
You can also find the Moose Status at the bottom of the daily Trail Report.

Here are a few moose safety resources:
Moose and Dogs: Tips to Avoid Injuries and Keep Your Distance
5 Must-Know Winter Safety Tips for Nordic Skiers

Thank you for helping us maintain access to this beloved trail as we live and ski with the wildlife in the area.

Do you have your season pass yet? It’s not too late. Season passholders have unlimited access to all 55km of groomed trails all season. Plus, every season pass holder receives five free days of rentals, 30% off lessons and tours, and $50 off yurt dinner reservations. And youth passes are always free with the purchase of an adult season pass in the same household.

New this year, we’re offering Progressive Private Lessons (open to anyone in the community). Want to hone your skills with more individualized feedback? This is a great opportunity. Book three private lessons for the price of two – that’s just $290 with a savings of $145. You pick your instructor and schedule the lessons when it works for your schedule. You can sign up for Progressive Private Lessons at the front desk.

This week marks the end of the December Masters session. After a week break over the holidays, the January session starts the first week of the new year. You can read more about our offerings in the Masters Program Guide. The deadline to register for January sessions is December 29th by 5 p.m. Get more out of winter and sign up for Masters. There’s something for everyone.

If you’re returning for a second Masters session this year, check your email for a 10% off code. Email Joellen Fonken, joellen@cbnordic.org, for more information.

Sign your kids up for exciting and engaging half-day nordic adventures! Programs are available over the holiday break from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., except Christmas Day. Local and visiting kids will enjoy ski touring through our forested trails, picnicking in the sunshine, and exploring new terrain. Skiers will focus on fun while learning safe and efficient nordic skiing techniques. Winter adventure skills, shelter building, and mountain awareness will be presented in age-appropriate skill sessions. Email Alex Riedman at alex@cbnordic.org for more information or to sign up.

We’re thrilled to host another year of Yurt Trivia. Join us January 17th, February 13th, or March 13th. Reserve your seat today. Tickets are $40/person and include pizza, veggies, one alcoholic drink, unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, and two raffle tickets. Additional beer and wine will be available for purchase.

Pick your team wisely.

If you bring your dog to ski on the Crested Butte Nordic trails, you must abide by our Dog Trail Policies. We love to be able to offer dog friendly trails, but this is a privilege that must be maintained by the care of dog owners.

Please: 

Keep dogs under control. Do not allow dogs to chase or bark at other skiers.

Poo bags are not allowed to be left on trails anywhere for any length of time. Dog doo carrying clips are available for purchase at the warming house to make it easier to carry bags with you.

Don’t be that person and look the other way when your dog poops on the trail. Unclaimed poop is smelly, unsightly, ecologically toxic, and makes a nasty mess of the grooming tillers. Please do your part to keep our trails clean and open to our furry friends.

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.