The Nordic News

Spring skiing is upon us. Time to get out there and make the most of these beautiful groomed trails.

Much like last season, March has come in like the Lion we’ve referenced in the past. We are proud to have had our trail system open “Wall to Wall” for some time now. Folks are raving that they got up to ski some of our signature trails like Rudy’s Rollers, Middle Earth and Mordor in pristine conditions. On the West Side, the trails have been as magical as they get, pun intended. Paradise Park and Red Lady Loops even got some realigning to enhance the uniqueness of the Crested Butte Nordic trail system. As we move into spring, we can expect great skiing conditions courtesy of the deep snowpack. We are looking forward to runoff filling our lakes and rivers, but watch out for running water in and under the snowpack.

Though the temperatures are getting warmer and the snow softer, we have lots planned for the last five weeks of nordic ski season. There are two more Masters pop-up clinics coming your way – one skiing and one painting in the next two weeks. As always, the yurt schedule is packed with trivia and Sunday bistros. We’re calling all volunteers for GT weekend at the end of the month. Plus, registration is open for the Beer Ski and Grin and Bear It.

The skiing is magnificent! See you on the trails!

We’re official. We have our certificate of occupancy, and we’ve moved into The Outpost. We’re so excited to share this new space with you. The kids’ programs are settling in downstairs, and the floor is already covered in ski wax. Our admin offices have moved upstairs, and we’d love to show you around next time you’re in the area.

We’re in the process of cleaning out the Warming House upstairs and are working on transitioning it to a community gathering space. At the end of the week, the space will be open for you to leave your shoes while you’re skiing and have tea with friends after a workout. We will continue to improve the space and add cozy touches through the spring and summer.

Classic Glide Technique
We’ve got a pop-up clinic coming your way this Friday, March 8th. Join us at the Nordic Center from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. to improve your classic glide and finish out the season strong. The clinic is $15/skier – pay at the front desk. Email kylie@cbnordic.org for more information or to reserve a spot.

Plein Air Painting Class
Join us for an immersive journey into the world of plein air watercolor painting on the CB Nordic Trails! Plein air, meaning, “open air” in French, refers to the practice of painting outdoors directly from nature. This enriching class offers you the opportunity to look at the nordic trails from a different perspective as you learn the fundamentals of water color painting en plein air. This class will meet on Wednesday, March 13th, from 2 – 4:30 pm at the Magic Meadows Yurt. All painting materials will be provided. The class is $55/skier – pay at the front desk. Email linsey@cbnordic.org for more information or to reserve a spot.

Trail passes are required.

Get unlimited skiing for the remainder of the season! Pass prices for the 2023/2024 season are now just $200 – and $170 for seniors. You can purchase a pass online or stop by the Warming House, where our staff can get you set up for fun. Be advised that this is not a pre-sale on passes for the 2024/2025 season.

We’re also having our annual spring sale! Starting March 6th, all inventory will be discounted by 20%. This includes all apparel, waxes, gloves, hats, glasses, and more. If you’ve been thinking about a new pair of ski pants, some spring-weight gloves, or want to stock up on waxes for next year, now is the time.

There’s still lots of fun left to be had at the Magic Meadows Yurt.

Yurt Trivia
The last Yurt Trivia is just one week away. Join us on Wednesday, March 13th, from 6 – 10 p.m. $40 admission covers a trail pass, pizza, appetizers, non-alcoholic beverages, and one entry to the ticketed giveaway. Will your team snag a win or the whole series?

Yurt Bistro
We’ve got three more Sunday Bistros for you this season. Stop by the Magic Meadows Yurt from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Sundays through March 24th for pastries and other treats, hot drinks, local coffee, and soup next to a warm fire or out on the sunny deck. Grab your skis and trail pass, and head on out to the yurt.

Yoga at the Yurt
Yoga at the Yurt returns this Saturday, March 9th! Book your spot today with Thrive Yoga. $45 per person includes a Fireside Yoga class, use of a travel mat, tea, and a trail pass to get to and from the yurt. Rental gear can be reserved at cbnordic.org.

You may have heard that we’ve got a ski race to Aspen shaping up! The 26th Grand Traverse Ski is right around the corner with festivities starting Friday, March 29th and continuing through the weekend. So, we’re calling all volunteers. If you’re feeling inspired to be part of this amazing race, we need a few more key people in CB and Aspen. Sign up here or email Hannah at hannah.lang@cbnordic.org for more information.

The Beer Ski is back. To celebrate closing weekend, join us on Saturday, April 13th for the 3rd annual Beer Ski. You can compete as an individual or collect your favorite three friends to join in the fun. Feeling adventurous? Sign up for the half-time Tequilla Bonus Round.

Green Lake may be frozen right now, but think of how good a mid-run dip will feel come July. Crested Butte’s oldest trail challenge is back. Registration is now open for the traditional 15k sprint to Green Lake and back, as well as the newer 25k loop. Join us on Saturday, July 13th for this fun community event. Rumor has it, there might be a little dirt showing at Hartman Rocks. Time to start throwing some running into your weekly training.

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.