Snow Mountain Ranch: Skiing and Biathlon-watching (experienced-beginner event)

Snow Mountain Ranch: 75 miles of varied trails in Grand County with outstanding views of the Continental Divide. For some in the group this is their favorite nordic center in the state. For this event we will be doing a relatively easy ski and checking out the biathlon sprint race taking place on the trails that day (this is the very cool skiing-and-shooting sport). There will break a for lunch and more skiing. Additionally for those who wish to hang out afterwards, an ahpray-ski is available at a deluxe private cabin at the ranch (note: actual cabin may not match description).

In order to participate in this event you must carefully read the following in its entirety, read all posts in the comments below, and reply promptly to all direct messages from the event organizer.

You must also complete the club’s activity waiver. This only needs to be done once. The waiver requires your real first name, your real last name, a valid email address, an online signature, and then a click on a confirmation link sent to that email address. This should take only a couple minutes. If you do not complete the waiver within 24 hours of signing up for this event you will be removed from the event. There are good reasons for asking you to perform this basic task, which is to protect the club and its volunteers.

Here is Snow Mountain's trail map: https://www.ymcarockies.org/content/uploads/2024/01/NordicMap_Web.pdf
The biathlon range is in the lower right, off the Swenson trail. Our route that day is TBD.

To participate you must have a intermediate level of aerobic/physical fitness (see “Aerobic / physical fitness levels”), and you must be an experienced-beginner level nordic skier (see “Somewhat arbitrary nordic ski skill levels”).

If you have any questions about your ability to participate in the event from a fitness or skills standpoint just message the organizer directly. If you cannot finish the tour then getting back to the nordic center is your responsibility.

Given Meetup has effectively broken its meeting location feature, we will be meeting here:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/uX3rKus5di7rgvyG7
This is the nordic center; we will meet behind the building where the trails are.

You must know how to dress properly for the weather and your level of activity, remain hydrated, eat enough food, have working equipment, and other such basics. A complete list can't be provided here. This ain't Denali of course, but you should know how to care for yourself on the trail.

Expected weather and trail conditions will be shared in the comments thread. Please do not post your opinion on conditions or the terrain unless you have recent facts specific to our route. If you decide not to come there is no need to tell the rest of us why you don't think it's going to be fun.

All attendees must be signed up here as Meetup members, which also means minors cannot attend the event. If the tour is full, exceptions can't be made to add more people. Dogs are not permitted on the tour.

Do not expect any messages sent the morning of the event to be seen.

And lastly please be sure to read:

• “Be on time and don't be a flake”
• “Have a good attitude”