The Nordic News

Key Wested Butte Nordic

Spring break is here, so grab your sunscreen, shorts, and Hawaiian shirt and hit the trails.

While it might feel like the end of the season, and we are getting close, we’ve still got plenty of skiing to get to before our final day. Spring Clinics have only just started and continue until March 21. The Yurt Bistro has two more Sundays of fun. And we still have the evileye eyewear Grand Traverse to look forward to.

Despite the rumors that have swirled all season long regarding Alley Loop, Gothic Mt. Tour, and the Grand Traverse, we’ve managed to pull off 2/3 so far, and we’re optimistic that we’ll pull off 3/3. But we need your help to do it. Keep reading for ways you can help volunteer to pull off this amazing race, and rest assured that we’ve got some tricks up our sleeve and that we aren’t throwing in the towel on the GT.

Once you’re done reading, the only thing left is to get out and ski. Make the most of the last month of gliding season. It’s what Murray would want.

See you on the trails.

Murray Banks’ Celebration of Life

Tuesday, March 24 at the Center for the Arts.

The Crested Butte Nordic community is deeply pained by the passing of long-time coach, mentor, skier, and friend Murray Banks. His passion and mentorship have left a mark on countless kids and adults throughout the CB Nordic and broader Crested Butte community. A celebration of life for Murray will be held at the Crested Butte Center for the Arts on March 24 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Please join the community in celebrating a life well lived.

End-of-Season Sale!

Up To 55% Off

We're having our annual spring sale! You can find discounts of up to 55% off across the shop, including 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!

While there’s still good skiing out there, it won’t last forever. If you’ve decided to hang up a pair of skis for the season, bring them by the Nordic Center for a tune and storage wax before you stash them in the attic or under the deck. You’ll make your future self happy.

Spring Clinics

One-Off Clinics Through March 21

We know Hartman’s sounds appealing, but it’s not open yet.

What is open is CB Nordic, and we have a full lineup of Spring Clinics through March 21. Each clinic is $30, and most require a trail pass. This is the perfect way to fine-tune your technique at the end of the season so it’s ready for you next November when we’re back on the snow.

• March 11- Yoga for Nordic Skiing

• March 13- Climbing With Ease on Skate Skis

• March 14- Three-Dimensional Movement in Skate Skiing

• March 19- More Classic Glide, Please…

• March 21- Never-Ever Skate Ski Clinic

It’s Grand Traverse Season

Calling all volunteers!

You may have heard that we’re planning a little ski race to Aspen! You may have also been guilty of spreading the rumor that the GT is canceled this year. It’s not.

Festivities start Friday, March 27, and continuing through the weekend with the race start at Midnight on March 29. We’re once again looking for some volunteers to help us make this feat a reality. Join us for the following positions:

Crested Butte

• Ballroom Load-In

• CORSAR/Hunting/Fishing License Check

• Tracking Device Distribution

• Gear Check

• Gear Bag Loading

• Beacon Check

• Pre-Race Bib Check

• Brush Creek Shuttle Driver

Aspen

• Finish Line Prep

• Timing

• Food and Beverage Service

Sign up to volunteer below or email Spencer WareJoncas for more information.

Come Shovel Some Snow!

Help Us Prep the Training Area

With record warm temperatures this month, we have an urgent need to get the training area back in shape before Spring Break crowds arrive in town next week.

If you’re available, we’d love to have some help shoveling snow from The Ditch Trail hill into the training area. We’ll be meeting at 11 a.m. this Friday, March 13 to tackle this effort. Bring a shovel, sled, gloves, or just yourself. We appreciate the help!

KM Krush Winners

Impressive Effort by All Involved

After nearly a month of skiing, we have our winners for the 2026 Kilometer Krush.

• Overall Skate- Butch Hegeman (249.28km)/ Siga Andrew (185.91km)

• Overall Classic- Joellen Fonken (215.29km)/ Butch Hegeman (192.04km)

• West Side Champ- Butch Hegeman (278.73km)

• East Side Champ- Butch Hegeman (73.75km)

• Bench Champ- Butch Hegeman (88.83km)

Clearly, Butch is the guy to beat. Give him a high-five if you see him out on the trails.

Thanks to everyone that competed this year. For a full listing of results, head over to our Kilometer Krush page.

Tune in next February for the 2027 Kilometer Krush.

Yurt Bistro

Going strong through March 22

We've got two more Sunday Bistros for you this season. Stop by the Magic Meadows Yurt from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Sundays through March 22 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.

Crust Season

Respect Private Land

Please remember to stay on groomed trails when using the CB Nordic trail system. The majority of our trails are on private land, so any off-trail exploration means trespassing in someone’s backyard or violating our agreements on conserved land. The crust skiing most mornings is tempting, but please be sure to explore on public lands. Slate River Rd. and Washington Gulch past the Allen’s property are great options.

Montanya Rum

Sponsor of the Month

Montanya Rum is Crested Butte’s local distiller, specializing in high-end rum. Their Oro and Platino rums are a staple at all of CB Nordic’s Yurt Dinners, and add flavor and depth to signature cocktails created on-site each night.

Unwind after the slopes at Montanya Rum’s new Après Happy Hour, Monday–Thursday from 3–6pm, with $12 cocktails and 20% off appetizers. Their tasting room is located at 204 Elk Avenue in downtown Crested Butte.

Curious how high mountain rum is made in Crested Butte? Reserve a distillery tour online at montanyarum.com

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.