The Nordic News

We’ve been planning for months and prepping for weeks. Finally, the Alley Loop collage of costumes and competition is here. In most respects, this will be a traditional looping of the alleys that you all know and love, but there are a few key differences to this year’s event, including an additional block of alleys and Elk Avenue, so be sure to read all the resources below so you know what to expect when you’re in town or on the trails this weekend. Check out the CB Nordic Website and Alley Loop Racer Manual for ALL the information.

We’re still looking for last-minute volunteer heroes! Email kylie@cbnordic.org for a volunteer shift.

Though the parade of Spandex-clad skiers flying through town may be the highlight of the season for many, there’s still plenty of skiing and fun to be had through April. Our entire trail system is open wall to wall – all 55km of glorious nordic skiing and snowshoeing fun. Join us for the Sunday Yurt Bistro after the Alley Loop this weekend, Yurt Trivia in a couple of weeks, and another round of Masters sessions through February to hone your nordic technique.

Can’t make the Alley Loop? We’re always looking for volunteers to help with our other fun events, the next of which is the Gothic Mountain Tour on February 18th.

Here’s to a snowy start to February. See you on the trail!

Alley Loop weekend is the best. This massive nordic race and costume party requires an orchestra of logistics that we could not pull off without the support of the Town of CB and an army of volunteers. Thank you for helping us put on the third-largest nordic race in the country!

Race Changes: This year, we’re adding an additional block of alley and Elk Avenue skiing to the course. All races will extend to 4th Street before turning up Elk. The race expo area will be located in the Post Office Parking lot.

Parking Restrictions: Parking restrictions will begin Thursday night and continue through Saturday late afternoon. Please take a look at the map on our website to make your trip into town this weekend as smooth as possible. We recommend parking at the 4 Way or the Crested Butte Community School and walking or using the bus to move around town.

Spectating the Race: It’s going to be a busy weekend. With over 1,000 racers and their families and friends supporting, Crested Butte will be full. We recommend spectating with your cowbells along Elk Avenue and at the corner of Elk and 1st Street. The expo area in the Post Office Parking Lot will be limited to racers only. 

Not Racing the Alley Loop: If you’re hoping to get in a good ski, your best bet is to ski on the East Side or The Bench Trails this Saturday. While it’s fun to cheer on the racers and check out the costumes on the West Side, please expect a little bit of chaos with the sheer number of folks out on the course. If you find yourself on the West Side Trails, please be mindful and keep your dog on a leash so everyone gets along.

Join us Friday, February 2nd, from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. on the 00 block of Elk Ave. for a “Try-It” Biathlon Event brought to you by Fischer Skis and CB Nordic. Come demo a pair of Fischer skate skis and learn to shoot an infrared rifle (no live bullets). Walk-ups are welcome and encouraged, or reserve your gear in advance, email joellen@cbnordic.org.

Then, once you’re hooked, sign up for Adult Biathlon Masters on Wednesdays and/or Saturdays through February. 

Olympic Champion, Cancer Survivor, and Active Mom

From her debut in Salt Lake City to a decisive sprint finish in Pyeongchang, Kikkan Randall defined her career through Olympic aspirations. Straight from her gold-medal performance to a cancer diagnosis, she barely had a chance to catch her breath before finding herself navigating life as a single mother. The film, KIKKAN, chronicles the life of the 5-time Olympian from childhood through her US Ski career to her return to Alaska.

Crested Butte will be hosting the American premiere of this documentary on Saturday, February 3rd, at 7 p.m., followed by a Q+A with Kikkan Randall after the film. Brought to you by Fischer Skis. The perfect end to Alley Loop weekend.

Want to read up on Kikkan before you brush arms with an Olympian at the 21k Skate? Check out this interview in Cross Country Skier.

Snowshoe or Ski Tours are 20% off for the month of February. Our experienced and friendly guides will take you safely into the backcountry around Crested Butte for a half or full-day tour adventure. All tours are private, and rental equipment is included. Register online with the discount code sweetheart to receive the February discount.

Somehow, we’re knocking on February’s door, which means our last Masters session is here. Sessions start Monday, February 5th. Sign up for Skate and Classic technique classes, Mom’s Power Hour, Silver Gliders, Adult Biathlon, or Performance Group.

If a full Masters session doesn’t work for your schedule, be on the look-out for pop-up sessions at the end of February and the beginning of March.

Yurt Trivia is back on Tuesday, February 13th. Take a mid-week break and head out to the yurt with a group of friends for a little skiing, friendly competition, music, pizza, and prizes. Tickets are $40, reserve your spot today.

There will be one more trivia night this season on March 13th.

Just two short weeks after the Alley Loop, we’re hosting the Gothic Mountain Tour. The race is full, but we’re looking for volunteers. We’re in need of check-in help, course marshalls, race dispatch, finish-line volunteers, and shuttle drivers. There’s something for everyone! Pick your shift here. Volunteer swag always included!

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.