The Nordic News

It Snowed!

While it’s been nice to enjoy one of the longest summer seasons we’ve seen in years, it’s also nice to see everything covered in a coat of white this week.

The Nordic Center is open, and we’ve been loving all the community interactions that brings. And we’ve been skiing! While not tons of snow, we did receive enough to make our first strides at Lily Lake and Splains Gulch. Fingers crossed for more snow in the coming week(s) so we can start operations in town.

In the meantime, get those skis ready, and we’ll see you up at Lily Lake!

The Nordic Center is Open

Jump Back Into Winter

The Nordic Center is open and ready to welcome you seven days a week through the season.

Bring your skis in for early-season maintenance. We’re running a Hot Box Special for just $35 through December 19. It’s basically a spa day for your skis that helps remove dirt and other impurities, enhances glide, and sets your skis up for success all season long.

We’re open from:

• 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. through November 26

• 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on November 27, Thanksgiving Day

• 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. starting November 28

Now is a great time to come pick up your season pass. Help us save plastic and bring in your pass from last year for an updated 2025-2026 sticker.

If you haven’t purchased one yet, don’t fret! A season pass gives you unlimited access to 55 km of nordic trails all winter. They also come with a whole bunch of amazing perks:

• 5 free ski or snowshoe rentals

• 30% off private lessons

• 30% off tours

• $35 off yurt dinners

Take part in our Food Drive to support the Gunnison Country Food Pantry. Donations of two or more non-perishable food items will receive a coupon for 10% off your next retail purchase. Items can be dropped off during open hours at the Nordic Center now until the end of the month.

While the snow is falling, and Lily Lake is skiing (thinly), we are not allowing equipment rentals until we have our trail system open in town. This will be at least through Thanksgiving and then we will reevaluate the status of our trails.

Thanksgiving Camp

Registration closes November 22

Looking to kick your nordic season off on the right ski? Join Thanksgiving Camp! It’s way more fun than a 5k Turkey Trot.

We’re offering a variety of skate and classic technique clinics for everyone, from never-ever to advanced skiers with CB Nordic and visiting PSIA-certified instructors. Camp runs from November 28 - 29, with a 5 km classic race on Sunday, November 30. This race is also the first in our Pinnacle Orthopedics Community Race Series with support by Salomon.

Registration for Thanksgiving Camp closes Monday, November 24 at 5 p.m.!

Colorado Gives Day

Make your donation go further

Colorado Gives Day is a fantastic way to show your true Colorado colors in support of your favorite non-profits in the state. While Colorado Gives Day is December 9, you can donate any time between now and then!

When you give via Colorado Gives Day, you directly support the trails, staff, and programs that make Crested Butte Nordic so special. These contributions help us maintain our 55 km of groomed terrain and expand opportunities for valuable winter recreation programming in our community.

Every donation counts towards the Incentive Fund and gives CB Nordic an extra gift on top of your valuable contribution.

Masters Community

First session starts December 2

The Masters Community is gearing up for another great winter. Whether you want to improve your technique, get a great workout, or meet the local nordic community, we look forward to welcoming you.

The first session starts Tuesday, December 2. Peruse the Program Guide for all the options.

Registrations for the first session will close on Friday, November 28 at 5 p.m.

Pinnacle Community Race Series

With support by Salomon

The Pinnacle Orthopedics Community Race Series with support by Salomon is back and ready to keep you competitively engaged all winter long. It doesn’t matter if you’re training for the Alley Loop, trying to see what your max sustained heartrate is, or if you’re just trying to hang out with some new friends, this race series is for the people!

• Leftover Turkey: November 30, 2025 

  • 5 km classic race on The Bench (pending conditions)

• Peanuts: December 13, 2025

  • 15 km skate race on the West Side Trails

• Frodo Baggins: January 17, 2026

  • 15 km classic race on the East Side Trails

• Son of an Alley Loop: February 1, 2026

  • 10 km skate/classic race on The Bench

• Cupid Shootout Biathlon Race: February 14, 2026

  • 5 km biathlon sprint skate race on The Bench

• Magic Meadows Meltout: March 1, 2026

  • 25 km skate race at the Magic Meadows Yurt with awards to follow.

Register for all six events in the series and save 20%.

Grand Traverse Registration

December 1 at 12 a.m.

The evil eye Grand Traverse will be here before we know it, and registration for the Triple Crown is currently open. This option is for athletes looking to compete in the ski, run, and bike in the 2026 calendar year.

General registration for all the individual events opens December 1 at midnight. The ski is expected to sell out quickly, so set your alarms and practice your midnight start.

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.