Telluride Nordic Association

The Telluride Nordic Association is a Colorado 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the education and enhancement of Nordic Skiing for individuals of all ages and abilities in the Telluride Region.

What We Do

TNA pursues its mission through the maintenance and development of winter recreational trails and facilities, cross-country ski races, and associated educational and community events. In order to ensure the fulfillment of this vision, TNA is dedicated to working with the U. S. Forest Service, other relevant public agencies, private landowners, local businesses, schools and volunteers to provide high-quality, safe and affordable winter recreational opportunities to the public.

TNA professionally grooms and maintains trail systems for cross-country skiing at Priest Lake and Trout Lake under permit from the USFS, and, the River Trail in partnership with San Miguel County. TNA hosts the Butch Cassidy Ski Chase, and provides lessons, clinics, tours, rentals and youth programs through the Nordic Center in Town Park. TNA is an equal opportunity provider.

Telluride Nordic Association Board of Directors + Staff

  • Eric Trommer

    Board President

  • Bill de Alva

    Treasurer, President Emeritus

  • Sarah Landeryou

    Secretary

  • Hill Hastings

    Board Member

  • Mark Campbell

    Board Member

  • Lois Major

    Board Member

  • Kirsten Horning

    Board member

  • Naani Sheva

    Executive Director

History

Developed Nordic skiing trails have been in existence in the Telluride area since the mid-1970s. The first snowmobile-groomed trails were centered around the old log barn at Adams Ranch. Trails were often pre-groomed by dragging an old bedspring behind the snowmobile before the track was set. TNA’s Butch Cassidy and 50-kilometer Telluride Classic ski races were initiated at this location. In the late seventies, the 50-kilometer Wilson Mesa Classic race was held on Wilson Mesa. The Telluride Ski Resort maintained the trails at that time and the first Nordic director Dave Powers was hired. The barn still exists but is now a scenic fixture along the Telluride Mountain Village golf course. The trails of that time have morphed into the now-existing multi-use trails in and along the golf course and some of the present-day alpine ski runs.

Cross-country skiers have utilized the Trout Lake railroad grade since the late 1970s. Machine grooming of the Trout RR Grade did not start till the 1990s. Once skate skiing came into existence in the early 1980s, Nordic enthusiasts required wider and more thoroughly groomed trails.

The Telluride Nordic Association was incorporated in 1990. TNA was organized for charitable and educational purposes and to encourage public participation in the sport of cross-country skiing in the Telluride Region. In May of 1995, the IRS issued a determination letter that recognized TNA is a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Ski Like Ivar

Ivar Eidsmo was a past president of the Telluride Nordic Association board of directors and was a significant force in the development of the Telluride Nordic Center and the regional network of trails, bridges, grooming equipment and instructional programs. Thanks in part to Ivar's dedication, devotion and hard work, Telluride now offers one of the premier Nordic skiing experiences in the Western United States.

Ivar was a Level 2 USSA-certified ski instructor and recreational ski racer. He loved to teach lessons, conduct clinics and share his knowledge with others. Through the years he participated in many premier cross-country ski racing events across the US and Norway. He traveled to Norway, to participate in one the oldest cross-country ski races, the Birkebeiner, a 54km race which takes you over two mountain passes and ends in Lillehammer, Norway’s home to the 1994 Olympic Games. He was a true global ambassador for the sport.

Ivar recognized that introducing the next generation of skiers to the sport was essential for its growth, and he was instrumental in establishing a junior Nordic program in Telluride. It's a program that is dear to his heart and continues to grow every year with donations and grants forequipment, coaching and team gear.

Nov 4, 1944 to June 24, 2020