The Beauty of Nordic Skiing at YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
With over 120 kilometers of Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking trails set amongst some of the most beautiful landscape in the Centennial State, YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch is the perfect place for your family's Nordic ski getaway. Their cozy cabins provide a relaxing setting for a romantic weekend away or an off-the-beaten track trip with your favorite friends. Whomever you decide to bring, you're sure to enjoy the beautiful scenery and invigorating sport of Nordic skiing at Snow Mountain Ranch. Presented by YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch.
The Beauty of Nordic Skiing at YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
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YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch is located less than 70 miles from Denver in Grand County, near Winter Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and the town of Grand Lake. Surrounded by stunning natural scenery, Grand County is also full of authentic Colorado culture, endless outdoor adventure, and the added benefit of far less crowds than other, more frequently visited regions of Colorado.
Photo courtesy of YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
The Beauty of Nordic Skiing at YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
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One of the best parts about Nordic skiing is that it's an approachable sport for the whole family. Snow Mountain Ranch's Nordic Center has shorter, loop trails for beginners that stick by the lodge so that skiers can get plenty of practice before heading out on tougher, farther out terrain.
Photo courtesy of YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
The Beauty of Nordic Skiing at YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
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Groomed trails provide the best terrain for the smoothest ski. Snow Mountain Ranch meticulously maintains their trails to give their guests the best experience possible.
Photo courtesy of YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
The Beauty of Nordic Skiing at YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
Updated
One of the best ways to learn to ski and build a community around Nordic skiing is to take a lesson. The Nordic Center at Snow Mountain Ranch offers free programming for the whole family on select weekends throughout the winter, including free guided snowshoe hikes and free Nordic ski lessons for all ages. Trail pass and lesson are both included for free. You can bring your own gear, but rentals are offered for an additional charge.
Photo courtesy of YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
The Beauty of Nordic Skiing at YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
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Classic Nordic skiing technique is the most accessible for beginner skiers. It utilizes a "kick-and-glide" technique with a swinging arm and leg motion to move along the snow. Snow Mountain Ranch offers full package classic ski rentals so you don't need to bring any of your own ski equipment.
Photo courtesy of YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
The Beauty of Nordic Skiing at YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
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Some of the trails at Snow Mountain Ranch take you past the Rowley Homestead, the home site of a hardy family that moved to Grand County from Denver in 1919. Today, you can see the restored buildings, including barns, cabins, and some farm equipment they left behind.
Photo courtesy of YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
The Beauty of Nordic Skiing at YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
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YMCA of the Rockies began restoration of the Rowley Homestead in 1971 and restoration efforts continue to this day.
Photo courtesy of YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
The Beauty of Nordic Skiing at YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
Updated
Just ask any of the 25,000 skiers that enjoy the Nordic Center every year: the range of beginner, intermediate, and expert terrain make this one of the most accessible Nordic centers around.
Photo courtesy of YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
The Beauty of Nordic Skiing at YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
Updated
Situated at an altitude of 9,000 feet, the trails at the Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic center offer endless views of the surrounding mountains. There's no better way to enjoy the outdoors!
Photo courtesy of YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
The Beauty of Nordic Skiing at YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
Updated
If you're headed up to Grand County with a group of friends, why not all take a Nordic lesson? The Nordic Center at Snow Mountain Ranch offers one hour group lessons for skiers of all levels. Call 888-573-9622 to make a reservation.
Photo courtesy of YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
The Beauty of Nordic Skiing at YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
Updated
Skate skiing technique utilizes a style similar to ice-skating. The skier pushes off of the inside edge of the ski to glide across the snow. This is an aerobic style that can propel the skier quite quickly if desired. It's also a more advanced technique.
Photo courtesy of YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
The Beauty of Nordic Skiing at YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
Updated
If you're an advanced Nordic skier and are interested in testing your endurance and skill, Snow Mountain Ranch hosts an annual race called the Snow Mountain Stampede. It's a 50 kilometer race to be held on March 10, 2018 with a BBQ and awards ceremony at the finish. It's the fourth of four races in the Colorado Nordic Race Series.
Photo courtesy of YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
The Beauty of Nordic Skiing at YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
Updated
Some basic Pro Tips can help you have the best day possible on the trail: Stay hydrated. Even though it’s cold, you’ll need to make sure that you don’t overexert yourself without refueling, and Carry an insulated pack to keep your water from freezing with an insulated bladder pack. Don't forget to stretch before and after your ski to stay limber and avoid unwanted soreness. And finally, practice, practice, practice. Cross-country skiing can be one of the most invigorating and peaceful ways to spend a day in the outdoors in Colorado. The more you practice, the more you’ll feel like skiing is becoming second nature.
Photo courtesy of YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
The Beauty of Nordic Skiing at YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
Updated
Make a day of Nordic skiing with a friend by renting gear at Snow Mountain Ranch's full service ski shop, enjoying the trails, and then winding down and warming up with a snack and warm drink at the Nordic Center's Skinny Ski Cafe.
Photo courtesy of YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
The Beauty of Nordic Skiing at YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
Updated
There's no better way to end a beautiful winter day than to go for a ski in the beautiful landscape at dusk at Snow Mountain Ranch.
Photo Credit: Scott Pope, courtesy of YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
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