Grooming Report
Don’t put your skis away just yet!
On Wednesday April 11, a cold front was bearing down on western Colorado. It will pass in the early evening and bring a shot of snow to the tired and dirty GMNC ski area. The groomers are off playing golf somewhere and the snowcat is on holiday until next season, but we are about to get some significant, fresh, white snowfall.
Snow will start Wednesday night and continue off and on through Saturday producing 4-8 inches. Winds will remain gusty from the SW.
The on Sunday the brunt of the storm will pass and turn our winds to a cold, moist, north flow. Expect another 5-10 inches Sunday into Monday with the temperatures staying below freezing for those days. Showers may linger into Tuesday when temperatures start to recover back above freezing in the afternoon. For Wednesday-Friday dry conditions return to the Mesa and surrounding valleys. Morning low and afternoon high temperatures will straddle the freezing mark helping to form a firm crust.
Powder skiing may be a lot of fun this weekend into early next week. Be aware of potential avalanche danger on steep slopes though, as the new snow will easliy slide off the old snow layer. Then watch for potential *sweet* crust skiing late next week after the snow has gone through 2-3 days of freeze-thaw. Crust skiing is best in the morning hours after a cold night and before the afternoon sun turns everything to slush. Check out the temperatures at Skyway here:http://raws.wrh.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/roman/meso_base.cgi?stn=CAGMS&time=GMT
Subtract 6 hours from the time at this site to get MDT.
Enjoy!
Mojo
Latest News
Meltdown and Series Results Posted
We had a wonderful and successful season of ski racing on Grand Mesa that was wrapped up by the Mesa Meltdown in sunny and warm fashion. Results for the Meltdown and the 4-Race Series Final Standings have now been posted and can be viewed under Events on the top menu bar. Thanks to all participants for helping us raise valuable grooming funds for next year. And a big thanks to our principle sponsors who kept the racers happy with their generous donations. Support these fine business friends: Clif Bar, REI, Honey Stinger, Justins Nut Butters, Cravens Coffee and Ela Family Farms. See you all in December when we start the fun all over again.
Tom, GMNC Race Director
CMU ski team’s Brooke Bosman earns All-American honors
Brooke Bosman (3rd from right) receives All-American honors
The Colorado Mesa University Nordic Ski Team qualified 8 skiers for the United States Collegiate Ski Association (USCSA) national championships held March 6-10 in Bethel, Maine. The CMU women’s team finished 4th overall in the championships. The men’s team did not receive a ranking, because they were racing without Dustin Wanstrath, who qualified to compete, but was forced to sit out at the last minute with a leg injury. Stoney Molina also qualified but did not travel to Maine. (more…)
Aschwanden and Daley poised to win race series
Christie Aschwanden and Terry Daley are in the best position to win the GMNC 2011-2012 Race Series that concludes with the Mesa Meltdown 20K this Saturday, March 10. Series standings after 3 of the 4 races in the Series can be viewed under Events. Brooke Bosman and Tre Anastasia would be serious contenders for the titles but will miss the Meltdown. They are chasing collegiate honors this weekend at the collegiate Nationals competition in Maine. Go Colorado Mesa Ski Team!
The Meltdown will be a fun 20K but if you can’t handle that much fun there is a 5K option. Both races start together at 11 AM at Skyway. REI has once again generously provided prizes for our Series winners. Good luck everybody! See you up top.
Tom, Race Director
Results, Second Annual Vintage Ski Race
-
- Tom Ela, Best in Show!
The Second Annual Vintage Ski Race took place last Saturday in between heats of the CMU Sprints. Competition was fierce. Dave Poling turned up with Asnes wooden skis and Paul Allen showed up with antique, hand-made poles. There was also a mysterious Russian sporting wooden skis and a long wool coat, and a skier who had hopped right out of the hot tub time machine.
But Tom Ela took home the coveted “Best in Show” prize. “I finally won a race!” said Tom, with a smile.
Thanks to all who came out to support the CMU Nordic Ski Team.
Grand Mesa Classic 10K results posted
Look for the 2012 Grand Mesa Classic 10K results under the Events tab. Thanks for great tracks, Doug! Thanks for great enthusiasm and skill, all you collegiate racers! Thanks for great snacks, Clif Bar and Justins Nut Butters! And, wow, thanks again for great weather whoever is responsible! Hope to see you all again at the Meltdown in March.
Tom, GMNC Race Director
