How the Michalowski Family is Building an Affordable Nordic Ski Team for Grand County Kids

It’s an apt coincidence that the Michalowski family literally has "ski" in their name. For Granby parents Chris and Maggie and their children, Kit and Quinn, their deep love for the outdoors is only rivaled by their dedication to public service. This winter, they are combining those passions by launching two new initiatives focused on making nordic skiing more affordable and accessible for local children.
 

New Youth Cross Country Ski Team

The Michalowskis recognized the high cost of youth sports, especially the necessary equipment, as a major obstacle for many mountain families. Partnering with Grand Nordic, a non profit that promotes cross country skiing, they are launching a new youth cross country ski team for 3rd-5th graders this winter called the Grand Nordic Gliders.

"Our motto is 'as many kids as possible for as long as possible,'" said Chris Michalowski. He emphasized that skiing shouldn't be reserved only for those who can afford expensive equipment, and their goal is to create a path for any kid in Grand County to experience the sport. "Hopefully this team can get kids on the snow having fun," Michalowski added, expressing his hope that the program will become a feeder for the middle and high school teams and a catalyst for a lifelong love of skiing.

With the support of local sponsors, Grand Nordic has purchased all-new classic and skate skis as well as boots and poles. The team offers the gear for a modest season rental fee of $35, drastically reducing the cost of entry. Chris and Maggie, along with other Grand Nordic members, will serve as volunteer coaches.

The team is scheduled to meet on Sundays at 1 p.m. at the Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center, starting January 4. Youth will also have the option to compete in the local Grand Nordic Race Series. The cost is $100 for the program and $35 for the ski rental fee, which includes skate and classic skis, boots and poles. Families can register at grandnordic.org. Scholarship opportunities are also available. 

The Red Barn Relay

To fundraise for the new team and launch the New Year, the family along with friends Katie Genadek and Erin Austin, created the Red Barn Relay, a fun, partner-oriented cross-country race that features skiing past the picturesque red barn at Snow Mountain Ranch.

The event is scheduled for January 1st, offering a healthy way to start the new year. Working with Grand Nordic and securing sponsors, the Michalowskis kept entry fees minimal and affordable: $30 per team of two for the 5K race and $40 per team of two for the 10K race. All proceeds will benefit Grand Nordic’s youth programs.

In a nod to World Cup traditions, the winning team will receive cheese instead of a traditional medal from Boulder based MouCo Cheese. Register for the Red Barn Relay >
 

The Michalowskis credit the community’s broad support for making these initiatives possible.

“When kicking around the idea to start the new youth team everyone I talked to in the community said ‘yes, how can we help,’” Chris shared. “There’s a long history of cross country skiing in Grand County and many in the community want to ensure that local kids have the opportunity to continue that legacy.” He extended thanks for grants from the Granby Rotary, Fraser Valley Lions Club, and Mountain Parks Electric, which funded the initial gear shipment, and offered "Huge thanks to Igor Guzior at Fischer Skis, Two Pines Supply and Snow Mountain Ranch for making this happen."

About the Michalowski Family

The Michalowskis’ new winter initiatives build on years of local service. Chris is a Granby Town Trustee and runs a popular youth climbing team, the Never Summer Senders. Maggie created the powerful Crew Program, which provides high school students with an alternative education path focused on mentorship and hands-on outdoor experiences, incorporating activities like climbing, rappelling, and expansive outdoor adventures.

Through their ongoing work—from leadership in the Town Hall to volunteering on the ski tracks—Chris and Maggie Michalowski are focused on enriching Granby by ensuring more local children have affordable access to the mountain lifestyle.