Nordic Skiing On Grand Mesa

Christie Aschwanden spent over 120 days last winter Nordic skiing on the Grand Mesa. Yes, you read that right, 120 days. A former elite competitive classic and skate skier, Aschwanden raced all over Europe and North America. 

“I have skied all over the world, and we have world-class grooming, some of the best snowfall and snowpack in Colorado, and one of the consistently longest seasons in Colorado and probably the West,” says Aschwanden, Grand Mesa Nordic Council’s executive director.

She touts Nordic skiing on the Grand Mesa as “one of the most beautiful places in the world to ski, with wonderful, gentle, rolling terrain that’s interesting without being too difficult for beginners.”

Photos courtesy of Grand Mesa Nordic Council

Nordic skiing on the Grand Mesa is unique to most other areas around the world, because it is run and maintained by a community supported nonprofit organization — Grand Mesa Nordic Council (GMNC).

“Many other Nordic ski areas are commercial enterprises where you’ll spend $25-plus for a day pass,” says Aschwanden. “Accessibility and inclusivity are real core values of GMNC. We want to support everyone in the community regardless of their financial means.”

GMNC grooms and maintains 50 km (31 miles) of Nordic ski trail systems at or over 10,000 feet at three locations on the Grand Mesa — Skyway, County Line and Ward. The trail systems include high-quality classic and skate ski trails, as well as marked trails for backcountry skiing. With the area often getting more than 300 inches of snow per year, the professional grooming staff and top quality snowcat are capable of providing firm snowpack even after two feet of new snow.

GMNC trails are entirely on U.S. Forest Service land under a Special Use Permit that explicitly defines the rights and responsibilities within the ski area. Maintaining the land for skiing begins long before the ski season. Clearing trees and brush, installing signs, blue diamonds and poles come before the snow flies.

During the early season, trails are packed and rolled to establish the base, followed by extensive grading and shoveling to level the trails. When the snow has set up, tracks can be set with snowmobiles pulling a Ginzu tracksetter. 

Repairs are very expensive, so an adequate base of 24 inches that covers rocks and stumps is typically when the PistenBully 400 snowcat is put to work. Grooming costs are considerable and can run between $300 (snowmobile) to $750 (PistenBully) per day to groom the entire system. The goal is to provide skiable terrain every day, but with limited resources, daily grooming is not an option. The GMNC tries to make the best decisions possible to maximize donations.

“This year we are excited to offer a series of ‘Free to Learn’ clinics for adults,” shares Aschwanden. “It is part of our mission and commitment for more people to have accessibility and to learn the sport.”

Also new this year, GMNC.org is offering a new grooming report program online with better, real-time information. You can even get a current weather and road condition report on their website, as well as trail, ski school and event information. 

“Nordic skiing on the Grand Mesa is beautiful, serene and magical,” says Aschwanden. “I wish everyone got the chance to experience it.”

How You Can Help

Grand Mesa Nordic Council has been supporting cross country skiers since 1990. GMNC is governed by a volunteer board of directors from local communities. Many other volunteers are needed and relied on for special programs and events, such as races, social events and membership information tables.

GMNC relies entirely on voluntary contributions and grants to fund trail grooming and maintenance operations. Nearly 80% of their operating funds come from annual donations. Aschwanden says they do not have obligatory trail fees and are happy to accept what people are able to donate.

Suggested donations are:
$10/day

Season pass:
$30 student
$75 individual
$125 family

Additional donations are welcome and greatly appreciated in order to meet operation costs.

 Originally published in the Winter 2022-23 issue of Spoke+Blossom.