FasterSkier

Tag: Devil’s Thumb Ranch

  • 2022 Top 10 Cross-Country Ski Resorts in North America

    2022 Top 10 Cross-Country Ski Resorts in North America

    For true skiing connoisseurs, cross-country skiing is where it is at. Downhill skiing might be a little more glamorous, more flashy, and make for the best GoPro videos, but nothing can beat the glorious joy and aerobic challenge of cross-country skiing.

    A far cry from the gravity-assisted ease of downhill skiing, your first attempt at strapping on cross-country skis might leave you baffled at the physics-defying skills required. But with a little perseverance (and a lot of perspiration) you’ll soon get into your stride, and suddenly a whole world of undiscovered trails and glorious, snow-covered treks (not to mention some of the best panoramic views in the world) will open up before you.

    If the idea of trying a different form of skiing this winter appeals, or you are looking for a new challenge, check out the top 10 cross country ski resorts in North America and discover this awesome sport for yourself.

     

    Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa

    Colorado boasts a significant number of the best cross-country skiing resorts in the US, and Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort and Spa sits right on top of the pile.

    The resort boasts over forty miles of glorious routes right through the Rocky Mountains, while the ranch and spa ensure that after a tough day of trekking you can rest and relax to your heart’s content, with hot tubs and fantastic dining options to seal the deal.

    As the sun set, it was so cold that the battery in my camera froze into a non-working lump during this late afternoon masters’ training session at Craftsbury Outdoor Center last January. But the masters kept skating in the cold, squeaky snow and I was able to get this image before the battery went dead. (Photo John Lazenby)

    Craftsbury Outdoor Center

    With over 50 miles of magnificent trails through field and forest by the shores of Big Hosmer Pond in Vermont, Craftsbury Outdoor Center is a pretty special place for cross-country skiers. Home to the largest ski marathon on the East Coast, Craftsbury is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cross-country skiing, and has a wonderful focus on sustainability and environmentalism which adds to the lovely atmosphere. Lodging here is a great option, with luxury options and lakeside cottages available, as well as saunas and a fitness room available.

    Mont-Sainte-Anne

    Just a short drive from Quebec, Mont-Sainte-Anne Cross Country Ski Center is one of the best spots in Canada to get off-piste (literally) and try your hand at cross-country skiing. With over 110 miles of trails (and a 100 mile network for skating stride) it is one of the biggest cross-country ski resorts on the continent. Set amongst the gorgeous landscape of the Laurentia Forest, every trail is a picturesque ride from shelter to shelter, cabin to cabin, and gorgeous viewpoint to gorgeous viewpoint.

    SuperCamp at Sovereign Lake/SilverStar (Courtesy Photo)
    A trailside photo from 2015 SuperCamp at Sovereign Lake/Silver Star (Courtesy photo)

    Silver Star Mountain Resort

    Just across the US/Canada border, Silver Star Mountain Resort is a genuine cross-country skiing treat. Over 35 miles of trails (and access to the extra 30 miles at Sovereign Lake Nordic Center), there’s always a new stretch of snow to discover, and it’s a great place to dip your toe into the exciting world of cross country skiing.

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    Sun Mountain Lodge

    Washington State boasts some of the most outstanding scenery in North America, which makes it the perfect setting for a cross-country skiing resort. As a result, Sun Mountain Lodge is one of the best places around to try Nordic skiing, and offers an outstanding network of trails with diverse terrain, as well as great facilities to match.

    Lone Mountain Ranch

    Over 50 miles of Big Sky trails make up Lone Mountain Ranch, which is almost always in the conversation when it comes to discussing the best cross-country skiing resorts in the United States. A fantastic all-rounder, the resort offers trails for every level, from newbies just starting out to grizzled veterans. With a backdrop of deep pine forest and rugged mountain peaks, it is the perfect spot to get to grips with Nordic skiing.

    November skiing at Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby, Colo. For the first time this year, a five-day camp was held for masters. (Courtesy photo)

    Snow Mountain Ranch

    Another awesome spot in Colorado about 85 miles west of Boulder, Snow Mountain Ranch boasts 75 miles of excellent cross-country trails through picturesque woods and along pretty mountain riverbanks. One of the best parts of Snow Mountain is the abundance of wildlife here – there’s a decent chance you’ll be sharing the trails with moose or elk!

    Bretton Woods with the Presidentials as a backdrop. (Photo: Bretton Woods Nordic)

    Bretton Woods Nordic Center

    The 2,000 acres of countryside that make up Bretton Woods Nordic Center are open from November to March, and are a great option if you want to sneak a bit of skiing in before you leave New York on a cruise.

     

    Bretton Woods Nordic Marathon. (Photo: Bretton Woods)

    With around 62 miles of trails that wind their way through the White Mountain National Forest, this is one of the most beautiful Nordic skiing destinations around.

    Mont Tremblant

    Set in the heart of the Laurentians, Mont Tremblant is another fantastic cross-country skiing option in Quebec, just northeast of Montreal. The resort is year-round, although the ski routes are usually only available in the winter season. One of the best features of Mont Tremblant is that the cross-country ski trails all connect up with other trails in neighboring towns, making multi-day treks a real possibility.

    New England’s Fabian Stocek (1) follows Rocky Mountain’s Jack Hill (6) in the U20 men’s 15 k freestyle mass start at Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vt. Stocek went on to win the Junior Nationals race by 7.5 seconds.

    Trapp Family Lodge

    Claiming to be the first cross-country ski resort in the US, the Trapp Family Lodge is one of the most elegant and sophisticated Nordic skiing destinations you are likely to find. The trails are beautiful, of course, but the icing on the cake is the delightfully Austrian-inspired setting of the lodge itself, which makes a wonderful place to wind down after a tough day skiing!

  • Madshus and Colorado’s Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort and Spa Team Up to Provide the Ultimate Winter Getaway

    madshus logo large

    SEATTLE, Wash. (November XX, 2015) – Madshus, the world’s leading performance Nordic ski company, is excited to announce its co-branded promotional contest with highly regarded Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort and Spa in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. This easy, enter-to-win contest brings the two leading brands in the Nordic industry–Madshus and Devil’s Thumb Ranch–together to promote the sport of Nordic skiing and get people excited about winter.

    “Everything about the contest is geared towards relaxation and creating a unique experience, from the Madshus skis and gear that winners will be receiving, to the amazing venue that Devil’s Thumb Ranch provides,” stated Carmi Schulman, US marketing coordinator at Madshus. “It truly is an opportunity to experience the best of what Cross-Country skiing has to offer.”

    Established in 1938, Devils Thumb Ranch Resort and Spa offers rustically upscale accommodations, fine dining and an array of winter and summer recreational activities to get people fully experiencing Colorado’s outdoors with its 6,000 acres of trails and spaces. Known for its Nordic trails, Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort and Spa turns into a winter wonderland come the snowy season.

    The contest will be opened to the public from November 15, 2015 to January 15, 2016 and anyone in the U.S. is encouraged to apply for a chance to experience the best of what Nordic skiing has to offer. Both Madshus and Devil’s Thumb have generously donated a grand prize package for one lucky winner valued at $5,000.

    The prize package includes:

    • Airfare travel for two
    • Two full set ups from Madshus including the Terrasonic Intelligrip Classic ski, Nanosonic Carbon Classic Boots, and Nano Carbon Race 100UHM Poles
    • Two nights stay at the Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort and Spa in its main lodge*

    *Not valid during holidays periods. Subject to availability. Blackout dates apply. Advance reservations required. Does not cover taxes or gratuity. No cash value. Does not apply to previously booked reservations. Does not apply to other promotions.

    • Two trail passes per person
    • Breakfast and dinner for two each day at Heck’s Restaurant

    For more information on this contest, and to enter, please visit madshus.com/devils-thumb-ranch-giveaway

    About Madshus

    The world’s oldest ski brand, Madshus’ Norwegian heritage dates back to 1906. From the original woodworking craftsmanship of its founder, to today’s state of the art production processes and materials, Madshus is the standard to which all other Nordic skis are held. Whether for World Cup level racing, fitness skiing, cruising, metal-edge touring, or cross-country downhill, Madshus continues to apply that same keen craftsman’s eye to each ski, boot, and pole it produces. Over 100 years since it’s founding, Madshus’ storied commitment to the art and craft of ski making resonates today in the same consistent standard of excellence all performance Madshus skiers have come to expect. Madshus is a member of the K2 Sports family of world-leading winter sports and outdoor recreational brands.

    About Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort and Spa

    Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa is a highly regarded and environmentally friendly year-round Ranch resort and spa offering rustically upscale accommodations, fine dining and an array of winter and summer outdoor activities. Located in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, 65 miles west of Denver and 10 minutes from Winter Park, Devilís Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa encompasses 6000 acres at the foot of the Continental Divide with two grand lodges, stables, spa, two restaurants and 130+km of groomed Nordic trails.

  • Devil’s Thumb Looking to Fill Nordic Positions

    Devil’s Thumb Looking to Fill Nordic Positions

    devils thumb ranch logo

    Job Title: Nordic Center Retail/Rental Staff and/or Instructor

    Classification: Seasonal – Full Time

    Department: Activities Center

    Reports To: Activities Manager

    ________________________________________________________________________

    Principal Purpose of Job: Teach the general public to cross country ski and assists in all aspects of the X-Country Center operation.

    Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

    ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

    • Greet guests upon arrival at the X-Country Center.
    • Assists guests with information on the X-C Program.
    • Assist guests with purchasing trail tickets and provide area maps
    • Handle cash/credit card transactions with the register.
    • Assist guests with purchasing merchandise.
    • Retail sales-hard and soft goods. Rental and demo equipment disbursement.
    • Maintenance of all rental equipment. Basic ski shop repairs and binding mounting.
    • Teach Nordic lessons.
    • Ice rink and sidewalks snow removal.
    • Ski instructor and tour guide.

    Other Duties:

    • Embrace and promote all facets of the Devil’s Thumb Ranch Guiding Principles: vision, mission, service guidelines, and values.
    • Exhibit job and product knowledge to accurately support and promote all Devils Thumb Ranch departments, amenities and programming ventures.
    • Be able to work a flexible schedule, work well under pressure.
    • Possess the necessary social skills to work with a broad based constituency and provide excellent customer service to all internal and external guests.
    • Demonstrate cooperative behavior with colleagues and supervisors.
    • Keep information confidential as directed in the confidentiality agreement and furthermore support and comply with all Sundance policies, procedures, and standards.
    • Be an ambassador of Devil’s Thumb Ranch inside and outside of work.

    Personal Attributes:

    • Be an ambassador of Devil’s Thumb Ranch inside and outside of work.
    • Support and participate in environmental programs associated with position: minimizing waste, recycling, energy conservation, purchase and use of sustainable products, education on environmental ethic, support vendors with similar ethic, decrease pollution levels, minimize the use of toxic chemicals, restore wild life habitats.

    Physical Demands:

    The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms, use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move more than 100 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and color vision.

    Employee will occasionally pick up fallen students.

    Education/Experience:

    QUALIFICATIONS
    To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
    High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Previous instruction and customer service experience required, preferably in the ski industry. Preferred areas of education; Recreation and Sales. Preferred area of experience; Coaching.

    TECHNICAL/COMPUTER SKILLS

    CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

    LANGUAGE SKILLS
    Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

    MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
    Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

    REASONING ABILITY
    Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

    Special Skills/Equipment:

    • Employees required to have the ability to Nordic ski.
    • Prefer track experience and knowledge of Nordic equipment.

    Wage Range:            10$-13$/Hour

    The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility.  It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences of relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

    For more information or to apply, fill out an application at www.devilsthumbranch.com.

  • Ellefson Talks Season, Birkie Plans at Governor’s Cup

    Ellefson Talks Season, Birkie Plans at Governor’s Cup

    TABERNASH, Colo. — On warm, overcast Saturday at Devil’s Thumb Ranch this weekend, Sylvan Ellefson (Ski & Snowboard Club Vail Team HomeGrown) cruised to a four-second victory in the 30 k freestyle at the Colorado Governor’s Cup. The event attracts elite and recreational skiers alike from around the state every year, and this time several top college athletes from Denver University and Colorado University joined the fray on an off weekend from the RMISA circuit. Rune Oedegaard (CU) took second to Ellefson and Andrew Dougherty (DU) was third. Lenka Palanova (Boulder Nordic Junior Race Team) won the women’s 30 k freestyle.

    With some high-stakes racing happening over in Minneapolis, we asked Ellefson about his decision to skip the Tour de Twin Cities, thoughts on season so far and where he plans to race next now that he’s found his racing legs again.

    Governor’s Cup 30 k Freestyle Results: Men | Women

     

  • Devil’s Thumb Ranch: Three Full Time Positions Available

    Devil’s Thumb Ranch: Three Full Time Positions Available

     

    Nordic Instructor- Full Time Seasonal

    We are currently hiring Nordic Instructors for the upcoming winter season.

    Responsibilities include

    • Teach Nordic classic and skate lessons to groups and individuals
    • Ensure a high level of guest service and safety
    • Assist with rental fittings, retail sales, and provide knowledge about services offered throughout the Ranch

    Requirements

    • Must be in good physical condition and able to work outside in cold winter conditions
    • Must have previous Nordic instructing experience
    • Retail sales and customer service experience preferred.

    This position begins in November and ends in mid-April.

     

    Trails Crew Member- Full Time Year round

    We are currently seeking a Full Time Year-Round Trails Crew Member to begin in August.   The Trails Crew Member will assist the Outdoor Program Manager in maintaining, developing and managing all aspects of our multi-use trail system.

    Responsibilities include

    • Maintain grooming of Nordic ski and snowshoe trails, including monitoring snow quality and quantity.
    • Maintain grooming equipment through thorough inspections to ensure it is in proper working order. Check fluid levels, bolts, belts, crossbars, track tension, etc.
    • Perform minor equipment repairs on grooming equipment
    • Assist Activities Center in all the preparation, coordination and execution of all activities programs and special events.   
    • Snow shoveling and labor intensive grounds work.
    • Assist in ice rink development and maintenance.
    • Assist with irrigation of agriculture meadows and forestry management.
    • Assist with planning summer activities such as trail maintenance or construction
    • Communicate daily trail conditions and weather reports to activities center staff and update website with pertinent information.
    • Communicate and cross-train in other departments in order to work effectively on the trail system.

    Requirements

    • High School Diploma required. College Education preferred but not required.
    • Minimum of 21 years of age.
    • Possess a valid Driver’s license and a clean driving record.
    • Basic First Aid and CPR desired, as well as willingness to assist in medical emergencies.
    • Prior Nordic Grooming experience preferred.
    • Must be able to work a varying schedule, to include early morning shifts, weekends, and holidays
    • Must be able to work in extreme and variable weather conditions
    • This is a VERY physical job position and requires a person of excellent health able to stand, walk, and lift items up to 50 lbs.

     

    Activities Center Assistant Manager- Full Time Year round

    We are currently accepting applications for an Activities Center Assistant Manager.   This is a full-time year round position to start in September.  This position is open to both internal & external applicants at this time.  The Assistant manager is responsible for assisting in the supervision and department over-site in the Activities Center (aka. Zach’s Mercantile).  Main responsibilities are to assist with inventory, paperwork, training of staff, and ensuring a high level of guest service at all times.  The Assistant Manager will coordinate, direct, and manage day to day operations in the absence of the Activities Manager, to include retail & rental operations and summer & winter programs.

    Additional responsibilities include

    • Coordinate and supervise inventory to include purchasing, ordering and cost control of retail items, food, clothing, ski equipment, rentals, etc
    • Train staff on an ongoing basis on job duties, retail/rental up selling, guest service standards, and shopper report standards
    • Assist the department manager with: scheduling, payroll, supervising, and mentoring of the Activities staff
    • Help in organizing and facilitating all summer and winter events including races, ski sales, meetings, retreats, and festivals in conjunction with Activities Manager and the Group Services Manager
    • Maintain a visible presence in the activities center and on the floor by working alongside employees to help serve guests

    Requirements

    • General knowledge of cross-country skiing, fly-fishing and mountain biking desired.
    • Must demonstrate a high-level of organizational skills, and be proficient with numbers and computer programs.
    • Management/supervisory experience is strongly desired.
    • Must demonstrate a willingness to work long hours and a varied schedule.
    • Knowledge of Point of Sale terminals and inventory management software preferred.
    • Merchandising and retail sales experience is strongly desired.
    • Ability to work flexible, demanding hours most of which may occur on your feet (ie. standing and/or walking)
    • This position does require acquiring knowledge of the DTR trail system, and therefore requires someone of good health able to Nordic ski, Mountain bike, Snowshoe, and/or hike the DTR trails.

    Benefits include:

    • Health Insurance with life insurance
    • Dental Insurance
    • 401K with 50% company matching
    • Paid Time off & Sick Time
    • Paid Holidays
    • Discounts throughout the property
    APPLICATIONS
    Apply for one of these positions here.

  • 23rd Annual Governor’s Cup Returns to Devil’s Thumb Ranch

    Jan. 30, 2010

    Registration still open!

    $5,000 in total purse money for 30km Skate

    Races for adults, kids & BBQ make this a day for racers and spectators

    Participate or spectate – the 23rd Annual Governor’s Cup returns to Devil’s Thumb Ranch on Sat., Jan. 30, 2010, for an action-packed and fun-filled day of competitive ski racing, kids ski races, awards post-race activities including a BBQ and live music in the historic Broad Axe Barn.

    WHAT:

    23rd Annual Governor’s Cup

    WHEN:

    Sat., Jan. 30, 2010

    9:30 am Mass start – Rachel’s Stomp — Kids 1km & 3km races

    12:00 pm Mass start for 30km Skate & Classic Races

    12:05 pm 15km Skate & Classic Races

    12:10 pm 5km Skate & Classic Races

    WHERE:

    Devil’s Thumb Ranch

    3530 County Road 83

    Tabernash, CO  80478

    970-726-8231 (Nordic Center)

    Devil’s Thumb Ranch is located 65 miles west of Denver and 15 minutes west of Winter Park off US Hwy 40 and County Road 83.

    REGISTER:

    Advanced on-line registration until 6 pm on Jan. 28, 2010  – No Race Day Registration

    http://www.active.com/skiing/tabernash-co/colorado-governors-cup-2010

    On-site late registration, Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Jan. 29th 3-7 pm ONLY

    PRIZE MONEY: (See below for information on prize money & awards)

    $5,000 total purse for 30km skate; awards, medals and other prizes for other races and age group winners

    RACE FEES:

    30/15 km races – $35 on-line; $50 late registration Jan. 29th (on-site only)

    5 km – $25 on-line; $35 late registration Jan. 29th (on-site only)

    3 km – $10

    1 km – Free

    WHAT IT INCLUDES:

    Race or tour registration fee, trail pass, feed stations along courses with coffee, hot chocolate, chocolates and cookies, wine & cheese, post-race/tour BBQ, live entertainment for all registered racers; additional BBQ tickets will be available for purchase for spectators, friends and family members.

    PRIZE MONEY & AWARDS:

    30km Skate — Prize money will be awarded to the Top 6 Male and Female finishers in the 30km skate.  A total purse of $5,000 will be awarded, equally distributed between men and women, as follows:

    1st Place $1000

    2nd Place $600

    3rd Place $400

    4th Place $250

    5th Place $150

    ABOUT:

    Whether you’re a hard core ski racer or casual weekend warrior, Devil’s Thumb Ranch’s more than 80 miles of groomed and tracked cross-country ski and snowshoe trails offer something for everyone, in one of the most breathtaking wilderness settings in the region.  The Governor’s Cup, one of the longest running cross-country ski races in Colorado, returns to Devil’s Thumb Ranch as a celebration of the seven-plus year transformation of this renowned cross country ski center into a year round, eco-friendly ranch resort and spa.  The openings of the base area 52-room main lodge, Ranch Creek Spa facility and casual dining restaurant, Heck’s Tavern, culminated the resort’s multi-year capital improvement program.

    DEVIL’S THUMB RANCH RESERVATIONS & INFORMATION:

    Make it a weekend and stay at the base area main lodge or in one of the luxury log cabins overlooking the Ranch, with rates starting at $260/night.  Visit devilsthumbranch.com for on-line reservations or call 800-933-4339 for more information on the Ranch, lodging, spa, dining and other recreation and leisure options.