Nordic Ski Kickoff and New Trail Plans Arrive Saturday
Austin, CO · November 6, 2026
A sharp November chill is settling in over the orchards this morning, just in time for a weekend packed with winter prep and community gatherings.
The Lead
With early snow already dusting the upper slopes of Grand Mesa, winter recreation across the valley shifts into high gear this weekend. The Grand Mesa Nordic Council hosts its annual Delta County season kickoff tomorrow afternoon at The Yarrow Taproom. GMNC maintains more than thirty miles of groomed cross-country ski trails across the Skyway, County Line, and Ward systems without municipal tax dollars, funding grooming equipment and operations solely through memberships and local contributions.
Organizers will unveil progress on the new Skyway Station warming facility alongside detailed trail improvement projects during a presentation at four o’clock. Valley skiers, snowshoers, and winter newcomers can renew seasonal passes, pick up trail maps, and connect with grooming crew volunteers over local ciders and snacks before the official trail grooming begins later this month.
Local Pulse
Winter Gear Library Opens Community Bookings Community Families can reserve free cross-country skis, snowshoes, and sleds online through The Nature Connection starting this morning.
Planning Commission Opens Two Board Seats City Hall Registered city electors can submit applications to the municipal clerk to help evaluate local zoning and development proposals.
Today's Outlook
- High 59°F · Low 39°F — Overcast
- Grab a steady jacket for an overcast day hovering in the fifties.
What's On Around Town
Today
One Delta County Annual Meeting The Grove (1970 S Main St), Delta, 4:30–7:30 PM Hear regional economic updates and connect with valley business leaders tonight.
Vietnamese Street Food Pop-Up The Hearth (138 Grand Ave), Paonia, 5:30 PM Savor authentic street food dishes and seasonal comfort food downtown.
Community Climbing Night Cedaredge Middle School Gym (845 SE Deer Creek Dr), Cedaredge, 6:00–8:00 PM · $5 Scale indoor top-rope routes and boulder with loaner gear available.
Tomorrow
- Holiday Card Crafting Workshop Maloney House at Delta County Fairgrounds, Hotchkiss, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Agricultural Mental Health Legacy Film 124 W 6th St, Delta, 4:00 PM · Free
- Canyon Creek Comedy Showcase The Historic Potato (138 Grand Ave), Paonia, 8:00 PM · Paid
Sunday
- Pre-Holiday Yoga and Sound Retreat Delta Public Library (211 W 6th St), Delta, 9:30 AM
Spotlight & Story
- Ferganchick Orchard Rock Art Site
- Tucked along the sandstone edges near Austin, petroglyphs here trace back nearly two thousand years. Created by Western Archaic hunters, Uncompahgre Complex wanderers, and later Ute travelers, the carvings earned a quiet listing on the National Register in 1983.
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