Usually these trails are groomed. Not today.
Two weeks ago, I made my alpine debut for 2011-2012 at Copper Mountain. Although four Colorado resorts are now open, we stayed in Western Colorado this weekend and hit the cross-country trails high atop Grand Mesa. One day after a big storm, “trails” was a bit of an exaggeration. And, being early birds, we had the pleasure of breaking trail for most of our ski. Still, it was a beautiful, snowy day in the mountains.
14 degrees when we started. 14 degrees when we finished.
Smiling in anticipation. Note the "vintage" skis.
The County Line trail map. County Line is maintained by the Grand Mesa Nordic Council.
The winter landscape.
My turn to break trail.
Tall trees. Deep snow. Winter is here.
When You Go…
Last season, I wrote about my friend Joy who cross-country skis with her young daughter and husband on Grand Mesa. The Grand Mesa trails are relatively flat and a great place for kids and families to try nordic skiing and enjoy this sport together in gorgeous, quiet, natural surroundings.
The Grand Mesa Nordic Council maintains two areas for groomed cross-country skiing on Grand Mesa. Skyway and County Line are both on top of the Mesa and their trails connect. However dogs are only allowed on the County Line trails.
In addition to grooming and maintaining trails, the GMNC offers ski clinics, sponsors a race series and promotes family nordic skiing. For more information on the Grand Mesa Nordic Council, their trail network and volunteer opportunities, and more, please visit the GMNC website.
Enjoy!
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Oh I can’t wait for cross country skiing here! Come on, SNOW! 馃檪
The snow is coming and coming and coming. Let’s go la nina!