Grand Mesa Nordic Council

Board Meeting

December 17, 2025

Zoom

Board members present: Tom Ela, Abe Herman, Susie Attaway, Marguerite Tuthill, Marilyn Kastens, Ben Graves, Nike VanArsdale, and John Traylor

Board members not present: Christine Noel 

Staff present: Christie Aschwanden, Tigran Bailey, Beth Klein, Valerie Eipper, and Lilly Wade

Guests: Dan Tille, John Rankin

John Traylor called the meeting to order at 5:04pm.

1. 30 min Public Comment Period. John Rankin asked for clarification regarding the grooming of the connector trail between Scales Lake and K-Neck Crossing. Christie explained that while the permit was previously granted annually, the Forest Service (specifically Bill Edwards) has requested a cessation of grooming on that specific 20-yard section while a larger trail expansion proposal is under review. The Board agreed that maintaining a positive relationship with the Forest Service is the priority.

1. Skyway Station Update. Dan provided an update on Skyway Station construction and fundraising. Drywalling is complete in the community space and operations garage. Exterior siding is paused until the front doors (currently in Denver for glass installation) are delivered. The generator was delivered on December 17; wiring and hookup are scheduled for next week. The project is on budget with no significant changes from the November report. Fundraising for the building has exceeded its goal, with $63,000 in pledges outstanding. Surplus funds will be directed toward a dedicated building operations and maintenance fund. The Board and guests asked questions and discussed. Board also discussed how to handle donor recognition in the building and on the website.

1. Monthly Financials. Christine provided the monthly financials report that was included in the Board packet. Year-to-date revenue is $26,000 behind 2024 (a record year), largely due to low snowpack delaying membership renewals. The Finance Committee moved $150,000 into an interest-bearing investment account with Edward Jones to optimize cash reserves.

1. Executive Director Update. Christie provided her written report in the Board packet. She reviewed highlights of the following:

US Forest Service (USFS) – The USFS has proposed a condition that the County Line “warming hut” be removed during the off-season. The Board noted this is structurally detrimental to the building and will coordinate with partners to provide a safety-based justification for it to remain year-round.

Trail Expansion – Archaeological assessments are submitted. Christie will travel to Denver on January 5 to present a grant proposal to CPW to fund the remaining phases of the expansion.

1. Operations Update. Tigran reported that despite poor snow conditions, the team has been “shoveling early and often” to maintain trail integrity. A volunteer workday is set for December 19 at 9:00 AM at Skyway.

1. Ski School Update. Valerie reported that the Thanksgiving clinics hosted 58 students. To prevent financial loss, the school has implemented a 3-student minimum for all clinics. Saturday’s Free Clinic is fully booked with a waitlist.

1. Events & Outreach Report. Lilly highlighted the success of the Whiskey Club fundraiser, which netted $2,949.16. Membership tables on December 7 and 14 brought in over $1,700 combined through renewals and swag sales.

1. 35th Anniversary Party Update. Christie provided an update on the party planning. The party is confirmed for January 17 at the CMU Ballroom. The agenda includes a “Show and Tell” of vintage gear at 5:00 PM, followed by dinner and a history slideshow. Ticket sales are currently at $1,500; the break-even point is estimated at 50 attendees.

1. Building Operations Committee. The board formally discussed transitioning the fundraising committee into a Building Operations Committee. Ben and Tigran volunteered for the committee. Primary tasks include finalizing a “Building Handbook,” setting public access policies, and planning long-term maintenance.

The Board entered executive session at 7:54pm. 

The Board re-entered the regular meeting at 8:13pm and still has a quorum.  Abe moved to direct Christie to set up an ICRHA that is specific to full time, year-round salaried employees as a class and authorizing up to $500 per month in reimbursement for the 2026 calendar year, Susie seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

The Board adjourned at 8:16pm and will next meet on January 21, 2026, via Zoom.

Respectfully submitted,

Marguerite Tuthill

Secretary