(EMAILWIRE.COM, September 29, 2011 ) WINTER PARK, Colo. -- The first morning dustings have appeared as northern Colorado’s Snow Mountain Ranch prepares for another snow-filled season.

Leading to over 100 km of cross country and snowshoe trails is Snow Mountain Ranch’s full service Nordic Center. Here guests can rent or purchase equipment, sign up for lessons, get trail maps, or warm up with a cup of soup in the Skinny Ski Cafe. Over 30,000 skiers visit Snow Mountain Ranch’s winter trails each year. Trails are open to cross country skiers and snowshoers of all abilities and in recent years have been expanded to include canine companion trails. Beginners can practice on short loops while experienced skiers can train on steep, longer trails. Guided snowshoe hikes are offered through the programs department for all levels.

For competitive skiers the annual Snow Mountain Ranch Classic in January 2012 and the 29th Snow Mountain Stampede in early March are favorites. Beginners can learn from Denver University professors at an early season guest clinic. Snow Mountain Ranch is also home to the Colorado Biathlon Club’s winter events. More information about Nordic activities and events can be found at http://www.ymcarockies.org/smrnordicraces.htm.

Complimentary cross country ski and snowshoe trail passes and Winter Fun Park passes are provided to overnight guests. The Winter Fun Park pass is perfect for families wanting to enjoy other snow activities such as ice skating, tubing, and sledding. Also available at Snow Mountain Ranch are hot cocoa and dinner sleigh rides provided by Sombrero Stables.

Downhill skiers and snowboarders can take advantage of Snow Mountain Ranch’s affordable lodging rates and proximity to Winter Park, SolVista Basin, and Mary Jane ski areas. Alpine ski and snowboard rentals and gear are available on site at Snow Mountain Sports.

Located 30 minutes outside Rocky Mountain National Park, Snow Mountain Ranch is a 5,100 acre resort-style property operated by YMCA of the Rockies. In addition to winter activities a number of on-site facilities offer indoor fun during the colder months. This includes an indoor pool complete with water slide and rock climbing wall, the Kiva activity center with basketball courts, bouldering wall, and roller skating rink, the craft shop with a variety of arts and crafts projects, a library, and plenty of cozy fireplaces to snuggle up at. Accommodations at Snow Mountain Ranch include hotel-style lodge rooms, pet-friendly cabins, multi-bedroom vacation houses, and an expanded yurt village.

For more information about Snow Mountain Ranch and the Nordic Center visit www.ymcarockies.org or contact Laura Field at Lfield@ymcarockies.org.

YMCA of the Rockies
CONTACT: Laura Field
PHONE: 970-215-4222
EMAIL: Lfield@ymcarockies.org
WEB: www.ymcarockies.org
View YMCA of the Rockies media kit

Contact Information:
YMCA of the Rockies
Amy Shadell
Tel: 970-568-7423
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