For sustainable winter fun that’s easy on the pocket book and the environment, head to Devil’s Thumb Ranch 65 miles west of Denver and 15 minutes west of Winter Park Ski Resort and come recreate on 100km of groomed and tracked cross country ski and snowshoe trails. For some added fun and recreation, join in on one of the Ranch’s upcoming events that range from a season kick-off Tommelfest party to full moon ski and snowshoe tours, skijoring clinics (you and Fido skiing together!) or for some adrenaline pumping, the annual Governor’s Cup ski race.
Trail System & Equipment
The Ranch features 100+ Km of groomed track and cross-country ski/snowshoe trails as well as outdoor ice skating rink, sleigh rides and tubing hill. Lessons and equipment are available through the Adventure Center, including skijoring harnesses and leashes and chariots for parents who want to trailer toddlers on the ski trails.
2010/2011 winter events at Devil’s Thumb Ranch include:
Nov. 20
Ski trails open (conditions permitting)
2010-11 Trail pass fees:
$18 day guests
$12 overnight guests
$13 ski club members
$8 Kids under 12 or over 65 years of age
Season Passes:
Adults: $180/person by 12/11/10; $240 thereafter
Kids under 12 and over 65: $80 by 12/1; $120 after
Punch Card: 5 days for $70; 10 days for $140
Family passes, Ski Club Member rates, Local Business Passes and Joint Snow Mountain Ranch passes also available
Dec. 25
Full Moon Ski, Skate & Snowshoe
Time: 6:30 to 9:30 pm
Celebrate the joys of the holiday season under a moonlit, star-studded sky and don skis, snowshoes or ice skates and enjoy an evening on the trails. Warm up at the bonfire, roast some marshmallows and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate
Cost: $5 trail pass, $5 rental equipment
Jan. 22
Full Moon Ski, Skate & Snowshoe
Time: 6:30 to 9:30 pm
Don skis, snowshoes or ice skates and enjoy a moonlit evening on the trails. Warm up at the bonfire, roast some marshmallows and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate
Cost: $5 trail pass, $5 rental equipment
Jan. 31-Feb. 1
Snowsports Industry Association (SIA) Snow Show & On-Snow Nordic Demos
Devil’s Thumb Ranch hosts the on-snow Nordic Demo Days for the industry-wide trade show and its attendees, who come to Denver to catch the latest on trends, equipment and marketing related programs.
Cost: Free to credentialed SIA Show attendees and media
Information: www.snowsports.org
Feb. 18
Moonlight Grand Huts Progressive Dinner
Times: 5:30 and 6:30 pm for dinner tour starts
Cost: $50/adult, $15 for kids 15 years and younger
Information & reservations: www.grandhuts.org
Don cross-country skis (or snowshoes) and traverse by moonlight to three outpost areas and enjoy a five-course artisan-style dinner at Devil’s Thumb Ranch, while helping to raise money for the Grand Huts Association. Finish at the Broad Axe Barn, bid on Silent Auction prizes and enjoy live music until 11 pm.
Proceeds benefit the Grand Huts Association (GHA), a Colorado nonprofit corporation organized with the long term vision of linking the Grand County backcountry with a system of eco-friendly huts that can be used year-round for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, biking and other non-motorized outdoor pursuits.
Feb. 18
Full Moon Ski, Skate & Snowshoe
Time: 6:00 to 9:00 pm
Don skis, snowshoes or ice skates and enjoy a moonlit evening on the trails. Warm up at the bonfire, roast some marshmallows and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate
Cost: $5 trail pass, $5 rental equipment
Mar. 19
Full Moon Ski, Skate & Snowshoe
Time: 6:00 to 9:00 pm
Don skis, snowshoes or ice skates and enjoy a moonlit evening on the trails. Warm up at the bonfire, roast some marshmallows and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate
Cost: $5 trail pass, $5 rental equipment
Mar. 26
Backyard BBQ
Time: Noon
Celebrate a great season and enjoy a BBQ, beer, fun and prizes. Stay for the afternoon, après ski and segue into the full moon ski, skate and snowshoe!
Cost: TBA
For more information about Devil’s Thumb Ranch, visit http://www.devilsthumbranch.com.
