Tag Archives: cross country skiing

Devil’s Thumb Ranch Full Moon Cross Country Ski

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winter park co cross country ski under moonMoonlit Cross Country Skiing Winter Park, CO

Looking to get out of the house and see how beautiful the evenings can be here in Winter Park and Grand County? There is not a more fun event than the Full Moon Cross Country ski at Devil’s Thumb Ranch.  There are two left this year, Feb 18 and March 19.

Head out to the Thumb and arrive a little before six and you are in for a fun, beautiful workout.  Join them for skiing, bonfires, marshmallows and hot chocolate under the full moon!  Get your cross country ski on and warm up with the bonfire and hot chocolate.

The event starts at 6PM and goes until 9PM.  No need to rush though as you can start pretty much anytime you like but need to be finished around 9PM.

If you haven’t been out to Devil’s Thumb you are missing one of Grand Counties treats!  With more than 100km of groomed trails nestled in the pristine and private Ranch Creek valley at the base of the Continental Divide, DTR is the premiere Nordic center for Colorado cross country skiing. Whether you enjoy skate, classic or snowshoeing; there’s something there for everyone.

Novices can start the day with a private or group lesson from one of their friendly instructors. More seasoned Nordic enthusiasts will find their advanced technique clinics helpful. And, of course, a wide variety of quality cross country ski equipment is available for purchase or rental - including infant sleds and skijoring rigs (cross country skiing with dog assistance). They are open seven days a week, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Don’t let the snow season get by without a moonlit night of skiing, head out and enjoy Devil’s Thumb Ranch one of the next full moon evenings.

Cross Country|Nordic Skiing at Devil’s Thumb Ranch

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When guests ask where they should go for a special meal, I always reply “Tabernash Tavern or Devil’s Thumb” and I’ve been to both several times. But one thing I have somehow missed for years is the main reason people go to Devil’s Thumb in the winter – cross country skiing (those who know what they are doing call it Nordic skiing).
Devil's Thumb Ranch

Ma & Pa hoofin' it at Devil's Thumb

Devil’s Thumb is the largest Nordic center in the Rocky Mountains with 100km of trails. My mom had her knee replaced last summer so alpine skiing isn’t an option and we wanted to get out of the house last week when my parents were visiting. So, we got out my parents’ 20 year old cross country skis and took a short drive over to Devil’s Thumb on a gorgeous bluebird day.

I rented equipment from a guy who said he grew up alpine skiing in Vermont but explained that cross country skiing was actually the first “skiing” sport and beat alpine by about 500 years.  Renting was cheap – maybe $15 and equipment seemed pretty nice to me. And the best part is it felt we had the place to ourselves. He said it’s only “busy” on weekends but busy to them is like April 30th at the resort (hint: resort closes April 18th).

Meadow Trail

We had lunch at a picnic table overlooking the trails (brought it with us) and then got started. We went slowly but soon got the hang of getting in the rutts (I’m sure there’s a more proper name but that’s what we called them) made by the custom snowplow that grooms the trails and cuts in 2 rutts so you can steady yourselves.  We skied for about 2 hours and it was just beautiful. Stayed on the Meadow Trail to Wapiti then Broken Barn and back on Ranch Walk. All flat, but over bridges, down a few small little hills, gorgeous scenery and a nice workout. Ten minutes into it, we wished we were as smart as the guy who passed us wearing shorts and a t-shirt. It was HOT. And my dad and I forgot face sunscreen so we looked silly for a few days afterwards. But, other than that, it was really a wonderful day.

If you need an alternative to downhill skiing for the young or the old, or just want to take a break and enjoy the peaceful serenity of Colorado in the wintertime, head over to Devil’s Thumb Ranch and find out what “classic” vs “skate” skiing is.  Plus, it’s cheap. Adults are $18 a day and kids 12 and under and the grandparents are only $8 a day.  Got little ones? They even have chariots so you can pull them along with you for $20.  Definitely wear shorts and a t-shirt if you’re going to pull that off.  

 Bring your lunch, some water, sunscreen!, and enjoy!  Or try the moonlight nordic skiing and have a drink or a full dinner afterwards.