The perfectly groomed trails laid down by the Telluride Nordic Association are ready for cross-country skiers at Lizard Head Pass, Trout Lake, and Priest Lake.
TNA maintains a daily corduroy surface for skate skiers and a traditional track for classic skiers. Dolores County crews and Andy Hutchinson, of Dolores, regularly groom the tracks, located on public lands.
"The conditions right now are perfect," said Lance Warring, TNA director. "Skate skiing and classic skiing are a great alternative to resort skiing."
TNA is working with the Uncompahgre National Forest on a plan to expand the Nordic trail system in the Trout Lake area, said board president Izar Eidsmo.
A couple miles of test track are expected to go in this year in a meadow between Trout Lake and Lizardhead Pass.
"We're in the final review process. They are studying whether there will be an impact on the lynx that travels through this area," Eidsmo said.
Two new trails have already been approved for grooming at Priest Lake.
Grooming operations, fuel, and equipment cost TNC $45,000 per year. The organization encourages the public to donate towards the trail maintenance. But because the trails are on public lands, donations are voluntary.
Yearly memberships are available, or users can donate what they can afford in boxes at the trailheads.
TNA is launching a capital campaign to replace their 1993 Pisten Bully 150 grooming cat.
"We depend on grants and donations to keep the operations going and pay our groomers," Eidsmo said. "Upgraded grooming equipment will be essential to successful grooming of expanded trails."
Skate skiing has gained in popularity in recent years. The style is a very aerobic, all-body exercise. Skilled skate skiers can cover a lot of ground quickly using a timed, skating technique requiring specialized skis.
Traditional cross-country skiers have a special track, and the skis are more suitable for breaking new trail and exploring the surrounding meadows and woods.
"The traditional skiers with experience can kick glide in the track with a lot of speed as well," Eidsmo said. "The trails are ideal for the 'shufflers' also, those who are there to relax, take it slow, and enjoy nature."
TNA offers cross-country skiing lessons in skate and classic. They also offer ski and snowshoe tours.
Their annual Butch Cassidy Ski Chase takes place Saturday Feb. 14, 2015. It's a fun event for all ages and abilities with options of 5k, 15k and 30k. The event will wrap up with a BBQ and prizes.
For more information on Nordic services, trail maps, and membership information, visit the website at http://www.telluridetrails.org/index.html
jmimiaga@cortezjournal.com