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Photos courtesy Christie Aschwanden Nordic skiers from across the state gathered on the Grand Mesa to compete in two days of racing at the Skyway trails system. The event was quickly organized because snow conditions in other areas of the state were not suitable for competitive events. Conditions are improving thanks to a winter storm which moved through the state on Sunday and Monday.More than 100 college, junior and youth Nordic skiers from around the state braved frigid temperatures Sunday, Dec. 9, at Skyway on the Grand Mesa to compete in the second day of the 2012 Grand Mesa NRL. Teams from Durango, Boulder, Summit County, Steamboat, the University of Colorado and the University of Wyoming competed in the event.

Baxter Waltermire of Hotchkiss competed in the J4 (age 10-11) 3k skate and classic events.

The race, hosted by the Grand Mesa Nordic Council and attended by some of Colorado's top nordic competitors, was the first of the season for those chasing national ranking points to qualify for the U.S. Cross-country Junior Nationals and World Junior Championships.

The two-day event included a Nordic skate race on Saturday, Dec. 8, and a classic race on Sunday. The event, normally hosted by the Summit Nordic Ski Club in Breckenridge, was cancelled this year because of the lack of snow. Until Sunday, the Grand Mesa Nordic trail system was about the only place in the state with enough snow to groom trails for Nordic skiing.

"The Grand Mesa Nordic Council agreed to take on this event early last week to help support the sport of Nordic skiing," said GMNC president Annie Murphy of Grand Junction. "An incredible team of Nordic Council volunteers came together on very short notice to host a top-notch event."

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