Winter can be long, but don’t let that stop you from getting outdoors! On Climate Ride’s newest learning adventure, you’ll spend three days immersed in a spectacular winter wonderland while working on your Nordic ski skills. We’ll teach the art of skate skiing, a Nordic skiing style that has exploded in popularity because it combines incredible fitness, winter motivation, and a vibrant outdoor community. For beginners to even the most advanced skiers, our team of expert coaches will host training sessions throughout the day that will launch your love for “skinny skis”. Classic or Skate, we’re here to help you take it to the next level.
A little more about skate skiing. The NYT said it best: “Then a friend introduced me to skate skiing, “classic” Nordic’s zippy younger brother. If traditional Nordic skiing is a walk in the woods, then skate skiing — which was born only in the 1970s — is more like trail running. It’s swooping. It’s fast. It’s graceful. It’s even a bit sexy, something its buttoned-up older brother has never been accused of. No wonder that more runners and cyclists have discovered the discipline as a great winter counterpart.”
The location of our Nordic ski camp is the beautiful 6500 acre Devil’s Thumb Ranch, nestled at the base of Colorado’s continental divide. With 120km of trails, it has been ranked the top Nordic center in the U.S. year after year. Devil’s Thumb Ranch is also recognized as a winter resort that is a leader in sustainability. In the time of COVID, this is a good place to gather with our social distancing protocols that allow us to spend time together safely. The Ranch has strong COVID policies, our activities will take place outside, and there are safe meal and dining options to suit your needs.
With our expert coaching and team building, this Climate Ride weekend will challenge, inspire, and surprise you as you ski and connect with like-minded people dedicated to advancing sustainability. Climate Ride charitable events bring together bright minds, breathtaking locations, and an unforgettable combination of passion and purpose. Proceeds from this event will directly support Climate Ride’s work (no beneficiary selection). To learn what is included when you reach your fundraising commitment, please read more in the FAQ below.
If you’re ready to sign up and ski, click above to register! Due to lodging space at the Ranch, this event is double occupancy for hotel rooms, so please sign up with a friend or partner. Due to COVID, Climate Ride cannot take on the responsibility of pairing you with another skier. Space is limited to 18 people.
Start:
Camp opens at Devil’s Thumb Ranch at 12:30 pm on Friday, January 22. Please be sure to eat before you arrive or there are grab and go options at the cafe at the Ranch. (The Camp includes lodging the night of January 22 and January 23. If you would like to book additional nights of lodging at Devil’s Thumb Ranch before or after the camp, please email [email protected]).
Your room check-in is 4 pm at the latest on January 22. The locker area at the Ranch has showers and storage for your luggage until check-in.
End:
Camp ends at 3 pm on Sunday, January 24. If you need to return to the airport in Denver, it is a 2-hour drive. Please do not book flights before 6 pm.
Devil’s Thumb Ranch is located in Tabernash, CO, approximately 2 hours from Denver, CO. Google Map here.
If arriving at Denver International Airport (DIA), you can rent a car, or take a train from the airport. If you take the train, go from DIA to Union Station, then Union Station to Fraser Station which is near the Ranch. You can arrange with the hotel staff to pick you up.
We selected Devil’s Thumb Ranch for its strong COVID protocols, its incredible access to trails, its wonderful outdoor areas with fireplaces for safely gathering, and ease of ski rental.
What’s included:
What’s not included:
Emily Lovett lives in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Her roots come from Michigan where some of her best childhood memories are XC ski outings she took with her family. After college and 6 years working in the corporate world, she moved to Steamboat in 1995 and began instructing and coaching skiing. Emily coached the Steamboat High School XC Ski Team for 8 years and continues to coach various masters groups and instructor/coach clinics around the country. She Co-directs the West Yellowstone Ski Camp and Steamboat Nordic Camp. Emily is the coach of the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) Cross Country Team and holds a US Ski and Snowboard XC L200 Coaching Certification. Her other interests include hiking, biking, and yoga. In the summer months, Emily organizes and guides hiking and biking trips throughout North America and Europe.
Katie Lindquist lives in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Growing up in snowy Minnesota, XC skiing was a family pastime. “My mom actually taught me how to pine tar my skis on the laundry room ironing board!” As a lifetime competitive cyclist, XC skiing was a natural winter training progression. Moving to Steamboat Springs permanently in 2000 allowed easy access to ski and bike trails, no longer having to drive an hour plus to recreate she flourished as an elite xc skier, cyclist, and coach. Katie and Emily are co-founders and direct both Catamount Nordic and the Steamboat Springs Nordic Camp. Katie is a certified Professional Ski Instructor of America (PSIA) and USA Cycling Coach and still competes at the elite level in both XC ski and bicycling races. Her other interests include hiking, travel, and of course food and wine!
All participants need to have skate ski or classic equipment (or you can rent from the Ranch). You’ll need to pack for a high-intensity winter workout. Our Ski Guide will include a detailed packing list. Please bring any additional snacks or electrolyte brand that you prefer. You’ll also want to be prepared for socializing outdoors so bring your down jacket and warm gloves. The Ranch has a geothermal heated outdoor pool, so don’t forget your swimsuit!
Please visit our COVID-19 Policies and Procedures Page.
We want to keep everyone as safe as possible during this trip, so we recommend being very cautious and it is mandatory to follow the recommended protocols for preventing coronavirus infection for at least 3 weeks before the event. We recommend getting a COVID-19 test, self-isolating as much as possible, and take extra care when traveling to the event.
All instruction will take place outside. Each training group will be six people. We will require masks when gathering. There will be ample hand-washing and hand sanitizer.
How will meals be handled on this trip?
With an abundance of caution, you’ll have breakfast in your rooms. Lunch will be on your own so you can eat outside on the deck or in your room. The Ranch has very strict COVID policies for dinner. We will have staggered dining times and very spaced seating. You can choose to dine with people in your ‘Covid bubble’. Otherwise, you are welcome to have dinner in your room.
What happens if the event has to cancel?
No worries, we will hold your fundraising for a future event in 2021 or 2022.
This is a special Climate Ride Funders Trip and the proceeds directly support Climate Ride’s work. Your fundraising on Climate Ride will benefit the programs and efforts of Climate Ride. You are helping us grow the organization to become an advocacy powerhouse that engages people in the world of active environmental philanthropy and sustainable solutions. Because of this, you cannot select from the beneficiary list. All donations are tax-deductible.