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Grand Nordic Corner: Free Nordic ski lessons this weekend

Diana Lynn Rau
Grand Nordic
A class participates in a free cross-country ski lesson at Snow Mountain Ranch in February 2024. Free Nordic ski lessons are planned for Saturday, Dec. 14, at Devil's Thumb Ranch and Sunday, Dec. 15, at Snow Mountain Ranch.
Linda Criswell/courtesy photo

It’s been a great snow start to the season, and this weekend is your chance for free Nordic lessons Saturday, Dec. 14, at Devil’s Thumb Ranch and Sunday, Dec. 15, at Snow Mountain Ranch.

Devil’s Thumb Ranch

The Nordic ski program at Devil’s Thumb Ranch is turning 50 this year, and the celebration starts Saturday with Tommelfest, a day of Nordic ski clinics and Viking-themed events. The guest ranch will offer complimentary classic and skate lessons with University of Colorado coaches and Devil’s Thumb ski instructors. A Nordic trail pass is required to participate ($20-$30), and equipment rentals are available for a fee.

The day starts at with registration from 8:30-10 a.m. at Broad Axe Barn with the free ski clinics following from 10-11:30 am. In the afternoon, the Norwegian Keg Toss from noon to 2 p.m. is great fun to participate in or watch. And don’t miss the new Stein Holding Contest at 1 p.m. followed by the Keg Toss finals at 2 p.m. Get a second chance at a free lesson with registration from 1-2 p.m. ahead of the clinics from 2-3:30 p.m. The event also includes retail deals, demos and Nordic-themed food.



To register, go to DevilsThumbRanch.com/events, or call 970-726-8231 for more information.

Snow Mountain Ranch

Then on Sunday, Grand Nordic is offering the first of two free lessons at Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center. Registration for morning classes is from 8:30-9:30 a.m. upstairs at the Nordic Center with afternoon registration starting at noon. The morning lessons start at 10 a.m. with classic classes and at 10:30 a.m. with skate classes for all ages and levels. The afternoon lessons start at 1 p.m. for classic and 1:30 p.m. for skate.



Many of the morning classes are already full, but there is more availability in the afternoon, with each class taking about 10 people. The lessons are free but require a trail pass ($14-$29). Grand Nordic members can receive a free pass and equipment rental if needed.  

For more details and to sign up, go to GrandNordic.org, or call or text 970-887-0547.

Free Nordic lessons will also be available Jan. 12 at Snow Mountain Ranch with the same offerings. These lessons have become so popular that the classes often fill up, so reserve your spot early. Or put yourself on the waitlist and show up as people often have to cancel at the last minute and a space opens up.

The free lessons have been a Grand Nordic tradition for over 30 years. Instructors come from a pool of the best skiers in the area, from Grand Nordic instructors, Winter Park Competition Center instructors, Colorado Nordic Masters and coaches from the various school teams and Nordic centers. 

Lessons are a fabulous way to get on track with your Nordic skiing or just learn a new sport. Find information on all things Nordic in Grand County at GrandNordic.org and SkiGrandNordic.org.

Diana Lynn Rau

Diana Lynn Rau is the president of Grand Nordic. She writes the Grand Nordic Corner column weekly during winter. You can contact her at president@grandnordic.org.


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