The 2026 Grand County Nordic Race Series schedule was announced on Wednesday. Eight races will take place across five weekends this year.

Schedule:

• Jan. 10 – Grand Nordic 15K skate @ Snow Mountain Ranch (short course = 7.5K)
• Jan. 11 – Snow Mountain Classic 15K classic @ Snow Mountain Ranch (short course = 7.5K)
• Jan. 24 – Stagecoach Classic 30K classic @ Devil’s Thumb Ranch (short course = 15K)
• Jan. 25 – Governor’s Cup 30K skate @ Devil’s Thumb Ranch (short course = 15K)
• Feb. 14 – Grand Nordic 30K classic @ Devil’s Thumb Ranch (short course = 15K) (in the email release, it says, Sweetheart Skate at Snow Mountain Ranch, but on the website, it lists the above 30K classic)
• Feb. 28 – Granby Ranch Skate 15K skate (short course = 7.5K)
• March 7 – SMR Stampede 50K skate @ Snow Mountain Ranch (short course = 25K)
• March 8 – SMR Stampede 50K classic @ Snow Mountain Ranch (short course = 25K)

Cost is $400 for the entire series, $360 for the short course and $80 for the junior series (18 and under 3K courses).

To register, visit skigrandnordic.org.

Andrew Weinstein and Ella Dewolf were the 2025 series champions. Former U.S. Ski Team member David Norris and Olympian Jessica Yeaton were winners at the 2025 SMR Stampede 50K skate.

Seder-Skier take: These are really well-run races and serve as fantastic fitness builders for events like the Alley Loop, Birkie, etc. Everyone should try (at least once) to do the back-to-back 50Ks at the SMR Stampede. If you have perfect weather (which can happen), it’ll be the best weekend you ever have on skis. If it’s gnarly (which also can definitely happen….) then you’ll make some truly unforgettable memories :)….If you haven’t been out to Snow Mountain Ranch, it’s worth a visit. Their new nordic center makes logistics for the event (changing, testing, post-race awards, meal, etc.) really nice, even for families with little kids. Still waiting for them to allow overnight camping/parking at the venue….

I haven’t decided officially on where/when I want to race, but I’m expecting to hop into 1-3 of the January events. Looking forward to seeing some familiar faces out there!