Who We Are
UNA is managed by an all-volunteer board focused on fulfilling UNA's vision and mission. The board is dedicated to working with the U.S. Forest Service, Montrose and Ouray Counties, private landowners, local businesses, motorized user groups, and volunteers to provide high quality, safe and affordable winter recreational opportunities close to home.
UNA professionally grooms and maintains the Divide Road trail system primarily for cross-country skiing in cooperation with the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest, Ouray Ranger District, Montrose, Colorado.
UNA purchases and maintains all grooming/trail equipment (snowmobile, groomer) used on the Plateau. UNA pays for plowing part of Dave Wood/Divide Road Intersection and pull out parking areas, port-a-potty's, and trail signage. Currently, trail grooming is done by volunteers using personal equipment. UNA is working to secure funding to purchase UNA owned grooming equipment.
Our goal is to raise enough funds to insure that the trails are well maintained and groomed (after new snow) throughout the winter season, the Divide Road/parking area is plowed, trail maps and signs are current and toilet amenities are available.
Please contact us if you have suggestions!
Mark Bowden
- UNA President 2024
Mark has many years of experience grooming the slopes of Colorado's Mountain Resorts. He is an avid Nordic skier, hiker and bicyclist. He knows the outdoors and what makes people happy when they are out there enjoying our public lands. Lucky for us and the skiers on Divide Road to have Mark on our team!
Anne "Myke" Janik
- Board Member
- Communications
Retired Forest Service Public Information Specialist and environmental educator. Myke likes to light things up on the trail and make magical moments during those winter full moon nights.
Wanted!
UNA Volunteer Coordinator
UNA is currently looking for an enthusiastic individual to recruit volunteers, organize volunteer projects and outreach to the community in an effort to build a network of skiers interested in promoting UNA and moving UNA into the next level of winter recreation. More info here!
Dan Huisjen
- Board Member (Secretary)
- Trails Lead
Dan is a retired Wildland Fire Manager with the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service. Dan loves clearing trails with his chain saw! He is usually accompanied by his son Chris and good friend Dee. Dan is passionate about all things outdoors particularly backpacking, hiking, rafting and of course Nordic skiing. He has a keen eye for proper trail design, and other details on the layout and operation of the ski area; and has put significant thought and effort into safety precautions for skiers recreating on the Divide Road ski trails.
Jon Thomas
- Board Member
- Grooming Lead
Owner Jon Thomas Construction. Jon has been an avid life-long outdoor enthusiast involved with many outdoor sports but he is particularly passionate about Nordic skiing. He and his wife Debbie have promoted the Divide Road ski trails for many years and have finally found the momentum with the board members to develop the nonprofit UNA and work with the Forest Service to make this area a winter recreation gem for the public.
Debbie Thomas
- Board Member
- Treasurer
Co-owner of Jon Thomas Construction. If you happen to be skiing on Divide Road at twilight, you are likely to see Debbie riding the snow-machine helping Jon groom the trails sometimes very late into the night. Debbie and her (late) dog "Ajax" are also the lucky ones to get the first ski on a fresh groom- the rewards of late night or early morning grooming work!
Kim Bowden
- Board Member
Kim makes things happen! She is an awesome organizer and the first one to jump in and lend a hand to get the task done. She also puts in lots of miles on skis, feet and bikes! Kim has been instrumental in hosting our fundraisers, skier social gatherings and providing friendly guidance to newcomers on the Divide Road ski trails.
Gary Shellhorn
- Board Member
Gary retired as a hydrologist and planner from the Forest Service- Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forest. Frequently called the "Forest Lorax" by his children, Gary has spent a lot of time exploring the GMUG National Forest while evaluating watershed conditions, and travel routes. He brings to the board experience working with the Forest Service and knowledge of the processes involved to make this "white hat" project a success with the agency.