The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
There will be free trail passes on Wednesday, clinics for all abilities Thursday through Saturday, a Kids Camp, a race and more. All it takes is one good snow and we’ll be skiing. If weather does not cooperate, clinics will be dry land style. All clinic costs include a complimentary Crested Butte Nordic trail pass.
Round Robin Refresher Clinic (Classic Technique)
Thursday, November 24, 9 to 11:30 a.m.
The Round Robin Refresher is a fun way to get back onto skis and refresh your muscle memory. Participants of all ability levels will practice skills and drills with a variety of instructors “round robin style.” Clinic cost includes a day trail pass.
Full-Day Clinics
Friday and Saturday, November 25-26, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
We offer full-day skate and classic clinics with professional instruction and video analysis for recreational through advanced ability levels. Participants will be divided into groups at the outset of camp based on ability. Groups will be comprised of no more than eight students per instructor. Less experienced skiers will get frequent breaks with refreshment in a heated enclosure. Race-minded skiers will have the opportunity to receive instruction from former Olympian Ingrid Butts, masters world champion Murray Banks, and internationally renowned instructor Ross Matlock.
Video analysis of your technique will be captured and reviewed on snow to maximize your learning experience. Full-day clinics on Friday and Saturday include a morning and afternoon session, separated by a lunch break. Sessions run approximately 2.5 hours. The full-day clinic fee includes complimentary hot soup lunch at the Nordic Center.
Half-Day Introductory Lessons
Friday and Saturday, November 25-26, noon to 3:30 p.m.
We will be offering half-day, afternoon sessions for individuals curious about trying skate and classic disciplines for the first time. These group lessons will be geared to introducing “never-ever” participants to classic and skate technique.
Kids Camp ($15)
Friday and Saturday, November 25-26, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Our Kid’s Camp provides kids grades K through sixth an opportunity to experience the “fun”damentals of classic skiing with on-snow games, obstacle courses and winter adventuring. Understanding that younger kids may not be inclined to spend a full day outside on snow, campers will have the option in the afternoon to experience the Trailhead Children’s Museum. After being served soup lunch at the Nordic Center, kids will be chaperoned by camp instructors to the Children’s Trailhead Museum in Mt. Crested Butte, for an afternoon of indoor free play. Kid’s Camp registration includes ski equipment, instruction, hot soup lunch and Children’s Museum admission.
U16 Junior Training Camp
Join us for two and a half days of skills, drills, games and easy distance skiing on Crested Butte’s awesome trail network. This camp is designed especially for young skiers who are not quite ready to join their teammates at the West Yellowstone Camp, but want to get a jump on their technique and fitness for the coming season.
Equipment Rental and Fischer Demos
A wide selection of the Fischer skate equipment will be available for demo Friday through Sunday. Gear will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
You may reserve Crested Butte Nordic Classic and Skate rental equipment at a 25 percent discount when you register online. Equipment can be picked up on site at the Crested Butte Nordic Center. We encourage anyone renting gear to get themselves fit a good 30 minutes ahead of their scheduled clinic.
Alley Loop Points Series Race #1
Sunday, November 27, 10 a.m.
The Alley Loop Points Series is made up of five races that start during the Crested Butte Nordic Thanksgiving Ski Camp and end two weeks before the Alley Loop Nordic Marathon. The races are a perfect opportunity to get in shape for the Alley Loop and are open to all ages and ability levels. Points will be awarded in each of the five races, with the top five male and female cumulative point winners receiving awards for their outstanding commitment to Nordic racing in Crested Butte. Overall point winners will be awarded after the last race at the Magic Meadows Yurt.
Fast Wax Clinic
Saturday, November 26 at noon, Crested Butte Nordic Center
Over the lunch hour, Fast Wax rep Brian Smith will present a clinic covering basic wax selection for specific temperature ranges, base prep and proper scraping and brushing techniques.
Winter Kick-Off Celebration
Saturday, November 26 at 6 p.m., Historic Crested Butte Railroad Depot
Join visiting and local Nordic community members for a social gathering to commemorate the camp and to share our aspirations for the coming winter season. Meal options include meat or vegetarian lasagna, salad and bread sides. Beer, wine or soft drinks also included. Dinner tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for kids. Tickets may be purchased through online registration.
