The Nature Connection is excited to announce a full line-up of family-friendly outdoor opportunities to help you and your loved ones explore the magical, snow-covered forests of the Grand Mesa and thrive during the long winter months ahead.
Holiday Ski Share: December 16th 3pm-5pm
@ The Nature Connection:
Do you have guests coming for the holidays? Looking for a healthy outlet while the kids are off school? The cross country ski trails on the Grand Mesa are perfect for beginners this time of year. Take part in our “Holiday Ski Share” and check out a few pairs of cross country skis for your friends or family. Gear check out and fitting will occur from 3pm-5pm at our headquarters in Hotchkiss. Sizes and availability is limited. Click here to RSVP to let us know you are interested, however final availability is first-come-first serve.
The Holiday Lending period is from Dec. 16th – Jan. 5th/6th. The $20/kid and $40/adult price is well below market rental prices and is a fundraiser for our kids programming. Once you have your skis, visit our Explore Local Ski Trails page to learn about family-friendly spots to ski over the holidays.
Family Fun Day: December 17th. 10am-2pm
@ County Line Trailhead.
Join the Grand Mesa Nordic Council and the Nature Connection in celebrating the joys of sliding on snow. On Saturday Dec. 17th, we will offer our first pop-up ski lending day where we bring a full trailer of skis, boots and poles to the County Line Trailhead and offer everyone the chance to try out cross country skiing on the beginner-friendly trails. Family Fun Day is a collaboration between the Nature Connection and the Grand Mesa Nordic Council. There will be kids activities like races and games to get the littles excited about cross country skiing. We ask for a $10 donation per person. No reservations are required. The event goes from 10am-2pm weather permitting.
Pop-Up Ski Lending: January 21st and February 11th. 10am-2pm
@ County Line Trailhead.
Have you ever wanted to try out cross country skiing? The groomed trails on the Grand Mesa are an excellent place to learn. Pop-up Ski Lending is when we bring our full trailer of skis, boots and poles to the County Line Trailhead and offer everyone the chance to slip, glide and slide those winter blues away! We ask for a $10 donation per person. No reservations are required. Lending goes from 10am-2pm weather permitting. Check our Facebook for updates.
Check Out Snowshoes at the Cedaredge Library
Did you know that the Cedaredge Library has snowshoes that you can check out with your library card? Stop by during library hours (check the website first) to pick up some snowshoes and go for an adventure. We recommend heading up the Grand Mesa to Ward Lake, one of the first winter trailheads on Hwy. 65. Explore the awe-inspiring aspen groves or get lost in the glittering glades near the lake; the choices are endless. $10 donation gets you a one-week check out of snowshoes and poles.
