On Feb. 9, the Mount Sopris Nordic Council hosts the 33rd Annual Ski for Sisu fundraiser at Spring Gulch. In recent years, the event has been a multi-day fundraiser, with participants accumulating kilometers of nordic skiing over the course of a week, give or take. This winter, the event reverts to its original format: a one-day bonanza when participants clip on their skinny skis and celebrate the sport with friends and family. 

Rachel Bachman Perkins, executive director of the Nordic Council, shared details with The Sopris Sun in a recent interview. Perkins has a stacked cross-country skiing resume. She moved to the Valley in 2012, and has spent years apiece coaching the Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club’s (AVSC) nordic team and the Colorado Rocky Mountain School team, in addition to teaching. This all came after racing for the Clarkson University team in Upstate New York. She has also written for the leading cross-country skiing journalism outlet FasterSkier.com 

The interview has been edited for length and clarity. 

Why the shift back to a one-day fundraiser?

As a “community-powered ski area,” Spring Gulch thrives because of the collective efforts of local skiers who contribute funds, time, materials and services. Ski for Sisu is our chance to come together and celebrate this remarkable achievement, by enjoying a long tour with a friend, sharing a big après-ski barbecue and connecting with other skiers over a shared love for this special place.

This year, we decided that the one-day format best supports the energy, excitement and camaraderie that Sisu embodies. So, we’ve let go of the hybrid format to recapture that vibrant, in-person celebration. [It’s] a true community celebration. 

What would you like to highlight about the Feb. 9 celebration?

Ski for Sisu isn’t about racing or competition — it’s about setting a personal distance challenge.

This year, we’ll have marked courses for 3.5k, 10k, 12.5k and 15k options, plus a 1k kids’ loop and fun games in the field. 

Prizes will be awarded to the skiers who log the most kilometers and the participant who raises the most funds. After skiing, join us at the Thompson Trailhead for a FatBelly Burger (veggie options available!), snacks, drinks and sides to celebrate your efforts.

The day will also feature a silent auction packed with amazing local goods, outdoor gear and opportunities for a night out on the town. 

Where do you recommend skiers rent gear, if they don’t own equipment? 

Independence Run & Hike and the Aspen Cross Country Center are both great options for skate and classic [ski] rentals.

The Nordic Council will be celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026. Can you share some thoughts in that regard?

The Nordic Council has experienced incredible growth over the past five years. We’ve embarked on our first large-scale capital improvement campaign to enhance Spring Gulch’s long-term climate resilience and improve grooming operations.

Through it all, we’ve stayed true to the mission set by our founders: to provide a community-focused resource for winter recreation that supports collective health, wellbeing and connection. Spring Gulch remains free and open to the public because of the unwavering support from our community, and we’re honored to continue that legacy.

Tell readers a little about the Roaring Fork Valley nordic community?

I came to the Roaring Fork Valley in 2012 and was quickly captivated by the magic of the local Nordic community — so much so that I’m still here 13 years later!

What I love most about cross-country skiing is that it’s a lifelong sport, creating unique opportunities for intergenerational friendships. Whether racing in the Ute Series events organized by AVSC and the Ute Mountaineer, participating in Ski for Sisu or simply enjoying chance encounters on the trails, our community is inclusive, friendly and welcoming. I love that I can shoot the breeze at Paul’s Point with retirees, give a knowing nod of solidarity to other parents slogging uphill with chariots and watch competitive junior athletes chasing their dreams all in the same day. 

We’re so fortunate to have access to over 100 kilometers of free, public ski trails throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. These trails bring people together, fostering connection, adventure and a shared love of the outdoors.

Any thoughts regarding the partnership with private landowners?

Yes! Spring Gulch exists 100% on private land, and our trail system could not exist without the gracious support of the North Thompson Cattlemen’s Association and Crystal River Ranch. Their willingness to share their land with us each winter is a powerful testament to their commitment to our community and the unique heritage of this valley.

To show our deep gratitude, the Nordic Council works diligently to be respectful stewards of the land. Our efforts include keeping trails clear of sagebrush and oak, reseeding disturbed areas and contributing to weed mitigation, all of which enhances the forage value for summer cattle grazing and benefits the local wildlife.

This partnership is truly symbiotic. It reflects the shared values of conservation, recreation and community that define the Roaring Fork Valley. Sign up for Ski for Sisu at www.skisignup.com/Race/CO/Carbondale/SkiForSisu Registration closes at 3pm the day of the event. For more information regarding Spring Gulch and the Mount Sopris Nordic Council, visit www.springgulch.org