June 12, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – We’re pleased to announce the winners of the annual SkiTrax Annual North American (NA) Nordic Ski Awards that recognize elite, U23 and junior skiers, along with Conti Cup, collegiate, biathlon, Nordic combined, jumping competitors and Paranordic skiers.

The big winner this year was American Kikkan Randall winning three categories – Best Overall Skier Female – Best Sprint Skier Female – Best Distance Skier Female. Randall ran away with the first two categories but rising US star Jessie Diggins gave her a run for her money in the Distance Award category, only 5 points behind the veteran. Randall has had a stellar season as the first US woman to win an overall WCup series claiming the Sprint Cup and had this to say when she heard the news…

“Wow!! I am incredibly honored to be selected for three awards in this year’s SkiTrax NA Nordic Ski Awards voting. We had so many high points from the North American skiers this year and it was so uplifting to feel the encouragement and support from back home. I look forward to keeping this momentum rolling into 2013 and beyond!”

Not surprising the man of the hour is Canadian star, Devon Kershaw from Sudbury, who had a record-shattering season capturing second overall in the men’s World Cup and also won Canada’s first sprint gold along with five medals, making him the most successful Canadian men’s cross-country skier ever. While he reached one of his goals on the WCup circuit this season, he’s after a Tour de Ski final podium spot as well, and here’s his take on the season passed and the one that lies ahead…

“It was the most amazing season on the ski trails I could have imagined last year. After some disappointment at the Tour de Ski (my goal was to be on the podium, and to be 4th was tough!) and prior to that during the first World Cup period, I just started rolling along. I’m not sure how I did it – and it was without question the toughest and most draining seasons of my career. I can’t really fathom how my body was able to be so ready every weekend for months and months.

“While I struggle to understand my results, I am so proud of what our team accomplished this season. 14 podiums – Alex winning his first World Cup in Falun with his father watching on, Chandra back on the World Cup podium where she belongs and will be a staple there for years to come, Lenny putting together one of the most impressive 10 days of racing I’ve seen anybody do (with podiums in Drammen, Stockholm and Falun) and Peri tasting World Cup success for the first time – wow.

“Couple that with top 10 results across the board from our entire World Cup team (Ivan’s 7th in the deathly punishing 30km individual start race in Davos this year sticks out as one of the most impressive races of the season for me – when you do it alone like that, it’s something special) it makes for a season to remember for Canadian ski fans.

“We are training hard again and are keen to improve this season. I’ve had some challenges early on here, but my motivation and drive remain strong and I know that Alex, Lenny, Chandra, Peri and Ivan are all at better places already (I’m sure Dasha is as well, I just haven’t seen or talked to her yet this training season) here in early June when compared to previous seasons. It’s going to be another exciting season to follow along!”

The third big winner this year was the incomparable Jessie Diggins, who kept making us (and the international field) turn our heads, as the rookie skier challenged the world’s best and showed she’s where she belongs. Diggins takes home three awards this year – Best Overall Conti Cup Female Skier, Best Overall U23 Female Skier, and the coveted Paul Robbins Best Breakthrough or Exceptional Nordic Performance(s) Male or Female.

Diggins edged out Canada’s Len Valjas in the Paul Robbins Breakthrough category by a mere 2 points and in our view it’s a double award as both skied their hearts out and made us proud… Valjas by the way claimed the Best Sprinter Male award. We caught up with Diggins for her reaction to the annual awards.

“It’s an honor to receive these awards from SkiTrax. Thank you very much! Although I believe the awards should actually go to the entire team and coaching staff that makes it possible for us to race and have the performances we do!”

Our congratulations to all award winners and thanks to all fans who voted. Our final acknowledgement goes to our valued sponsors including Rossignol, One Way, Rottefella, Auclair and Buff Headware, who support the sport, the skiers, and efforts like this to recognize our North American talent as we wish them well next season.

Stay tuned for our announcement of the prize winners coming this week.

 SkiTrax 2011-2012 North American (NA) Nordic Ski Award Winners
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Best Overall Elite Male Skier
Devon Kershaw

Best Overall Elite Female Skier
Kikkan Randall

Best Sprinter Male
Len Valjas

Best Sprinter Female
Kikkan Randall

Best Distance Skier Male
Devon Kershaw

Best Distance Skier Female
Kikkan Randall

Best Overall Conti Cup Male Skier
Kevin Sandau

Best Overall Conti Cup Female Skier
Jessie Diggins

Best Overall U23 Male Skier
Noah Hoffman

Best Overall U23 Female Skier
Jessie Diggins

Best Overall Junior Male Skier
Knute Johnsgaard

Best Overall Junior Female Skier
Maya MacIsaac-Jones

Best Overall Collegiate Male
Andre Marchand and Harry Seaton (tie)

Best Overall Collegiate Female
Sophie Caldwell

Paul Robbins Best Breakthrough or Exceptional Nordic Performance(s) (Male or Female)
Jessie Diggins

Best Overall Biathlete Male
Lowell Bailey

Best Overall Biathlete Female
Zina Kocher

Best Overall Nordic Combined Male
Bill Demong

Best Overall Best Overall Ski Jumping Male
Peter Frenette

Best Overall Best Overall Ski Jumping Female
Sarah Hendrickson

Best Overall Para-Nordic Male
Brian McKeever and guide Eric Carleton (visually impaired)