Ski for Sisu is the Mount Sopris Nordic Council's biggest fundraiser of the year and a highlight of the Nordic season at the Spring Gulch Trail System outside Carbondale, Colorado. Participants embrace the Finnish spirit of "sisu" (grit/perseverance), set a personal distance goal, and ski as many laps as they can of marked 3.5-, 10-, or 12.5-kilometer cross-country courses while collecting donations to sponsor their effort. Skiers of all ages and abilities are welcome, including kids and pulk chariots. During registration, participants can opt in to set up a personal online fundraising page to share with friends and family. Every dollar helps keep Spring Gulch's 28+ km of groomed trails free and community-powered, covering groomer staff wages, equipment, fuel, insurance and ongoing trail upkeep. After skiing, everyone gathers at the trailhead for an apres-ski BBQ feast (Fatbelly burgers or veggie burgers, sides, treats and drinks) to celebrate the community collaboration behind the trails. Prizes are awarded for the top fundraiser and for the farthest distance skied. Spring Gulch is a free, donation-supported Nordic (cross-country) trail system — there are no lift tickets or paid trail passes.

Mount Sopris Nordic Council (MSNC)

Open to skiers of all ages and abilities. Kids and pulk chariots are welcome. This is a participatory charity ski-a-thon, not a qualification-restricted race.

Prizes are awarded for the top fundraiser and for the farthest distance skied (adult and youth categories).

This is a charity ski-a-thon rather than a timed/judged race; recognition is given for the top fundraiser and the farthest distance skied rather than a finishing-order results feed.

Upcoming Ski for Sisu (annual) Events

Ski for Sisu Charity Ski-a-Thon 2027 at Spring Gulch