The Nordic News

Halfway Through the Season

Thank you all for an amazing 40th Alley Loop. Even with low snow this year, we were so excited to be able to ski a mostly full course, and this event would not have been possible without your support. This year we had almost 95% of registrants actually toe the start line, with a near-record 1,218 racers. The competition was hot, and the costumes were fierce, and the weather was on-point for a fantastic day.

We rely on the support of the Town of CB and our neighbors along the course, and we can’t thank them enough for everything they do and put up with. The Alley Loop really is a celebration of this town, this community, and a whole lot of love. Thank you for keeping Crested Butte funky.

We’re keeping our fingers crossed for some good news on the weather front this week, but we dare not mention anything more than that for the sake of jinxing ourselves.

Now it’s time to do your snow dances.

Go wash your car. See you on the trails.

Comp Team & Jr. Programs

The kids are crushing it

The Comp Team is already over halfway through the regular season, and the team has had an excellent season so far. After three of the four regular-season race weekends, we have a handful of athletes in a good position to qualify for Junior Nationals. All of the athletes have come a long way since the beginning of the season - and, most importantly, have been having fun doing it! There’s one more JNQ coming up in Aspen next weekend before the Junior Nationals go down in early March in Cable, WI.

We introduced a new structure for our Junior Programs this year, including FUN’damentals, Development Team, Team Glide, and Race Prep Team. This past weekend, we had 10 of our Development and Race Prep Team members race their 3rd Junior Nordic Qualifier in Frisco, CO — showcasing all the skills they’ve been honing during their weekly practice sessions.

FUN’damentals has been charging forward with the older groups focusing on learning to skate ski, and Ski 4 PE kicks off again after the February break with our 3rd round of CBCS grades and Gunnison 3rd grade.

The energy that all these kids bring to the Training Area almost every day of the week is truly enjoyable. It really is the heart of our mission here at Crested Butte Nordic.

Kilometer Krush

How many kms can you put down?

We’re back for a 2nd year, and the competition is already hot!

From February 1 through March 8, you too could be a Kilometer Krush King or Queen. How? Simple. Go skiing on the CB Nordic trail system and log your miles on Strava, Garmin, or any other public-facing GPS app. Then go to cbnordic.org/kilometer-krush and input that information in the form.

We update the stats on the page every Tuesday.

The last day for skiing is March 8 and we’ll update the final table on March 10 and announce the winners. New this year, we’ll have an Overall Classic and an Overall Skate King and Queen. And like last year, we’ll have champions for the West Side, East Side, and The Bench.

Cupid Shootout

Pinnacle Orthopedics Community Race Series #5

Biathlon for the people!

That’s right, we have an open biathlon race on Saturday, February 14, for anyone who wants to race and/or try biathlon. Using our infrared rifle setups, this is a perfectly safe and fun way to try shooting and skiing, and is a great way to get into the sport for everyone.

We’ll be racing on Ruthie’s Run starting at 10 a.m. Distances are 5, 3, and 2 k.m. and registration is available online now.

This is race #5 in our Pinnacle Orthopedics Community Race Series, but you don’t have to have raced any of the other races to join this one.

Sweetheart Tour Special

20% Off Tours All February Long!

Snowshoe and Ski Tours are 20% off for the entire 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. Code must be applied at the time of reservation.

Gothic Mountain Tour

Sign up to Volunteer or Race!

Sunday, February 15, marks the 20th Gothic Mountain Tour. This unique skimo race circumnavigates the majestic Gothic Mountain and finishes (moose and avalanche willing) at the Magic Meadows Yurt.

If you want to race, there are still spots available for both divisions. While there is no crystal ball to predict what may or may not come from the sky this week, the CB Nordic staff did ski the Rec Course on February 7, and found course conditions to be in good shape.

We’re looking for volunteers to help! We really need course marshals and finish line support on Sunday.

March Yurt Dinners

Spring at Magic Meadows

As the days get longer and the nights get a little warmer, the Magic Meadows Yurt becomes even more of a special place to spend the evening. While none of our February dinners have space left, we do have openings for the March dinners, even around the dates of most spring breaks.

Don’t miss out on your opportunity for one of Crested Butte’s most magical dining experiences.

Nunatak Energy

CB Nordic Business Sponsor

Nunatak Alternative Energy Solutions is at the forefront of providing sustainable energy solutions that help organizations and homeowners reduce their carbon footprint while increasing efficiency. Nunatak specializes in solar power, energy storage, and energy optimization.

For the Crested Butte Nordic Center's new Outpost building, Nunatak's expertise was instrumental in making the facility both environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. The team designed and installed a cutting-edge solar energy system, which not only powers the building's operations but also significantly reduces energy costs. Their commitment to clean energy and sustainable building helps ensure that the Outpost aligns with the Nordic Center's commitment to environmental sustainability.

Nunatak Energy was also instrumental in providing an overhaul to the solar system of the Magic Meadows Yurt. This new system provides enough power to run lights, kitchen equipment, and music for an entire Yurt Dinner, Yurt Bistro, or special event without the use of a generator. Not only is it more environmentally friendly, but it’s also quieter and provides a better guest experience.

You Make All the Difference

Be Part of Our Community

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Crested Butte Nordic depends on your support to keep our trails world-class and our programs top-notch. Please consider making a gift to help us get more people outside, having life-changing experiences in the outdoors, all year long.

Interested in making a legacy gift to CB Nordic? Contact Executive Director Hedda Peterson, hedda@cbnordic.org, to learn more about how to make a gift that sustains CB Nordic so that future generations can experience the beauty and wonder of winter.