One of our most treasured local non-profit organizations, Friends of the Dillon Ranger District (FDRD), offers a variety of programs to keep us learning and exploring all winter long! Friends of the Dillon Ranger District is an active, locally based stewardship organization that, with the help of volunteers and collaboration with the US Forest Service, works for sustainable management of our local forest. Explore the winter programs offered by FDRD this season!

FDRD goals include improving trail conditions, consistent volunteer engagement and presence, providing youth engagement and learning opportunities, improving natural resource conditions, partnering with local businesses and organizations, and educating the public about issues facing the National Forest.

You can support our local forest and this non-profit by becoming a member, volunteering for a trail work day, or attending one of their many educational program opportunities!

Volunteer Become A Member Events Calendar

Backcountry Ski With A Ranger

Join Eric Erslev, a CSU professor and FDRD volunteer, for an off-resort ski with a ranger experience. Grab your touring cross-country, AT skis, splitboard, or snowshoes for an excursion into our winter wonderland. Take in spectacular views while you learn about our natural environment. Topics of discussion include the local natural environment, climate change impacts, wildlife and recreational conservation strategies, water conservation, and more!

  • Physics of Backcountry Snow Travel: December 17, 2024
  • Dry Snow and Avalanche Awareness: January 7. 2025
  • Safe Group Dynamics: January 21, 2025
  • Snow Shelters: February 4, 2025
  • Peaks Trail Traverse: February 25, 2025
  • Wet Snow and Tree Wells: March 11, 2025
Learn More
@fdrd.summit
@fdrd.summit

Ski with a Ranger

FDRD has partnered with Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, and Copper Mountain Resorts to provide this amazing educational opportunity! Join a ski ranger on the mountain for a free, cultural and natural history tour. Rangers will lead the group down green or blue runs, stopping to discuss topics from local plant and animal life, geology, history, and more. No need to sign up, just show up and enjoy! Tours are offered January-April.

  • Arapahoe Basin: Thursdays 10:30-11:30 a.m.; Meet at top of Black Mountain Express
  • Breckenridge Resort: Fridays 11 a.m.-12 p.m.; Meet at top of Independence Chair
  • Keystone Resort: Fridays 11 a.m.-12 p.m.; Meet at Keytop Overlook Deck
  • Copper Mountain Resort: Thursday & Fridays 11 a.m.-12 p.m.; Meet at top of Timberline Express
Learn More

Winter Speaker Series

FDRD hosts speakers and film screenings as part of their ongoing commitment to community education and involvement. Experts in a variety of fields and specialties join us here in Summit County to share and education the audience on a wide range of topics!

  • From Chaos to Creativity: The Wild Ride of Adventure Photography with Irene Yee
    • December 18, 2024 at Outer Range Brewery
  • Slow Travel: Connecting Stories of Grit Across the Americas with Bethany Hughes
    • January 15, 2025 at Outer Range Brewery
  • Avalanche Safety 101 with Colorado Adventure Guides
    • February 19, 2025 at Outer Range Brewery
Learn More
@fdrd.summit
@fdrd.summit

Youth Program: Snow School

Snow School is the perfect program to introduce children and young adults into our wonderous winter world and the value of land stewardship! In collaboration with Winter Wildlands Alliance, FDRD offers winter adventure to children ages 5-17, with the program activities adapting to the ages of the group. The program duration is 1-3 hours.

Topics include:

  • Winter ecology
  • Animal adaptations
  • Winter survival skills
  • Snow science
  • Watershed health
  • Avalanche awareness
  • And more!
Learn More

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