Epic Beginnings

The origins of the Norse Sky Ranch began in the 1880s in a small Norwegian town named Folldal. Times were tough, land was scarce, and a man with a wife and two young sons decided to move their family to the United States of America for a better life.  Ole Gunderson worked in a copper/gold mine scrimping and saving money to make their dream come true.  In 1882, they had finally saved enough.  Fate would test the family.  Unfortunately, just a few days prior to leaving Ole was called back to the mine to work for few days work.  He went, knowing his family could use the extra money.  On the last day there was an accidental explosion that left Ole blind and badly wounded him.  Their savings had to be used for his medical bills.  

Ole and his wife, Mary, didn’t give up.  They started saving again.  They were determined to make a better life for their family however they could.  Their oldest boy, George, took odd jobs while his younger brother, Edwin, led Ole to the mine where he ran a raise for the miners. By 1887, together, they had saved the money to make the journey to the United States.  After an arduous trip, they arrived at Ellis Island, but it would take another year for the family to reach Colorado.  Ultimately, they homesteaded in the beautiful Rocky Mountains in a place called Plateau Valley near current day Collbran.  The name Norse Sky Ranch is a tribute to these Nordic roots.

The boys would grow the cattle ranch into an over 8000 acre business success. Through the generations, land and business has ebbed and flowed but Ole’s intrepid spirit always endures.   The Norse Sky Ranch is committed to continue the legacy of providing high quality cattle and stewardship of the land.

Centennial Ranch

The Ranch has operated as a cattle ranch for 130 years and in the same intrepid spirit as those who came before us, we continue focusing on quality not quantity. 

Cattle Schedule

Summer/Fall Pastures
June - November

Winter Pastures
December - April 

Spring Pastures
May - June

Our Ranch