Sue French Smith
Current Age:
65
Years Skiing:
10+
Home Trails:
Devil’s Thumb Ranch
#1 Ski Accessory:
Split-finger leather gloves
We sat down with Susan French, a 65-year-old Nordic skier who fell in love with the sport after moving to Tabernash, Colorado. For years, downhill skiing was her activity of choice, but living near two world-class Nordic resorts—Devil's Thumb and Snow Mountain Ranch—changed that. What started as a way to rehab her knees from downhill injuries turned into a passion for Nordic skiing. Peaceful, crowd-free trails and the chance to reconnect with nature made cross-country skiing her new go-to way to enjoy the mountains. Susan volunteers with Grand Nordic and works part-time at Devil's Thumb's ski shop. With years of experience, Susan shared her expert advice with us.
Overview—Centrally Located with Incredible Views
When winter descends on the Vail Golf Club, it becomes the full-service Vail Nordic Center, offering 17 kilometers of groomed skate and classic skiing trails, 10 kilometers of scenic snowshoe paths, and 13 kilometers of fat bike trails. Open daily, the center provides lessons for all ages, along with rentals for skis, snowshoes, and fat bikes. A well-stocked pro shop features top brands like Fischer, Salomon, and Rossignol, offering gear, clothing, and accessories for Nordic and backcountry adventures. The center also offers full waxing, repairs, and binding services. After hitting the trails, guests can enjoy a hearty lunch or hot drinks at Grill on the Gore. With its daily groomed trails, top-tier facilities, and a welcoming lodge area, the Vail Nordic Center is a winter sports haven for skiers and snowshoers of all levels.
Quick Facts
- 120km of Trails
- Trail Passes
- $30-$40/Adult or $25/Adult Lodging Guest
- $20-$35/Seniors (70+)
- $15-$20/Youth 6-12
- $0-$10/Kids 5 & Under
- Offering Group and Private Lessons ranging from $50-$70 Per Person
The Vibe at Devil’s Thumb and Snow Mountain Ranch
With its welcoming community and laid-back atmosphere, Devil's Thumb offers a relaxed environment for solo outings or social skiing with friends. Whether you’re enjoying a quick loop around the trails or pushing your limits on the more challenging routes, this location caters to all experience levels, making it a top destination for cross-country skiing in Colorado. Don’t skip the crepe shack on Saturdays: buy your ticket in the Nordic shop, ski roughly 2 miles, and turn in your ticket for a crepe mid-ski.
Trail Highlights
- Best Short Loop: Left Field at Devil's Thumb – About a mile long and impeccably groomed daily, this loop is perfect for a quick workout.
- Best Long Loop: Blue Extra with loops around Swindler and Sawmill – This trail offers stunning scenery and a variety of terrain. Swindler and Sawmill are great for setting a rhythm on skate skis.
Essential Packing Tips
- Sunscreen: The high-altitude sun is no joke, so don’t forget to protect your skin. Even on cloudy days, UV rays are strong, so slather on that SPF before hitting the trails.
- Lip Balm: Chapped lips can ruin a day out on the snow. A good lip balm with SPF will keep your lips hydrated and protected from the elements.
- A Complete Checklist: The best way not to forget anything is with a handy checklist. Susan shared hers:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Backpack or waistpack
- Tissues
- Energy cubes or gel
- Energy bar or sandwich
- Lip balm
- Hat
- Gloves
- Phone
- Ski pass
- Water
Favorite Nordic Accessory
- Leather Split-Finger Gloves: These gloves offer the perfect balance of warmth and flexibility. The split-finger design keeps your hands warmer than regular gloves while still giving you the dexterity you need for skiing. Plus, they look cool too!
Locals Favorites
- Best Grub: Maverick’s in Granby for homestyle cooking and Tabernash Tavern for Après-ski.
- Best Craft Beverage: Check out downtown Fraser for a plethora of craft beverages. Choose from a couple of breweries, a winery, and a distillery.
Must Do’s
- Crepe Shack: Be sure to hit the crepe shack on Saturdays—it’s a must! Start by grabbing your ticket at the Nordic shop, ski 1.5 miles, and then trade in your ticket for a delicious crepe to fuel up mid-adventure.
- Tommelfest: Kick off the ski season with Tommelfest at Devil’s Thumb Ranch, a festive Norwegian-inspired event happening mid-December. Enjoy fun activities like the traditional keg toss, savor a delicious buffet featuring authentic Norwegian cuisine, and take advantage of free skate and classic ski lessons. Plus, don’t miss the great retail discounts in the shop!
- Stagecoach Classic Nordic Race: Don’t miss the Stagecoach Classic, one of Devil Thumb’s premier Nordic race events. Whether you're a seasoned racer or prefer the touring option, this a great opportunity to socialize and enjoy the trails at your own pace.
Environmental Stewardship
Several organizations are dedicated to maintaining the Fraser River and the trails in the area. If you enjoy your time here, Susan encourages donations to groups like Headwaters Trail Alliance or the Grand Foundation. Additionally, she advises everyone to clean up after themselves, respect wildlife, and keep dogs on a leash to protect the environment.
Must Know Trail Etiquette
- Keep dogs on a leash to ensure safety for all skiers and wildlife.
- Respect the trails—don’t walk on ski tracks.
Wildlife and Nature
Moose are common in the area, so it's important to keep your distance, especially if calves are around. For a fun scavenger adventure, look for animal tracks in the snow and try to find as many as possible. Be sure to download a snow tracks guide before heading out.
Advice for Beginners
Susan encourages everyone to take a lesson when starting out. “It’s the best way to ensure your enjoyment of the sport,” she says. A lesson will get you off on the right “ski” from the start.
Clothing and Gear Tips
Dress in light layers and avoid heavy snow pants and downhill snow gear, as they can be too warm for Nordic skiing. Susan also suggests checking out the Grand Nordic ski swap for affordable gear options in October.
Sound Advice for Travelers
For the best experience, stay at Devil’s Thumb Ranch; you’ll love the convenience of ski-in, ski-out access, making it easy to enjoy short, leisurely skis with cozy breaks in between. For variety, consider exploring other Nordic centers in the area, like Snow Mountain Ranch. Be sure to leave an extra day to adjust to the elevation, and plan ahead by researching trails, rentals, and conditions online. This will help you find the best trails for your skill level and stay updated on current conditions. The ski shop offers top-notch advice, rentals, and Nordic gear for purchase, ensuring you’re well-equipped for your day on the trails. Keep in mind Heck’s restaurant is for guests only, but both Hallowed Grounds coffee shop and the Ranch House restaurant are open to everyone—Hallowed Grounds is perfect for breakfast and lunch, while the Ranch House is available for dinner. And don’t forget, the crepe shack is a Saturday must-visit!
Community Vibe
Devil's Thumb Ranch is warm, welcoming, and laid-back, making it a great place for both newcomers and experienced Nordic skiers. Whether you're looking for peaceful solitude on the trails or friendly conversations in the ski shop, Devil's Thumb fosters a sense of connection and appreciation for the natural beauty of the area. The staff is knowledgeable and always happy to offer advice, whether you're a seasoned skier or just starting out.
For more details, visit Devils Thumb Ranch.