December 14, 2005 – The top-ranked cross country skiers from around the U.S. will compete at Soldier Hollow next month for their last chance to qualify for the 2006 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games to be held in Torino, Italy.

Soldier Hollow, the 2002 Olympic venue for cross country, biathlon, and Nordic combined competitions, will host the 2006 U.S. Cross Country Championships Jan. 3 to Jan. 10. Athletes’ Olympic dreams are riding on their performances at this competition as two days after the event on Jan. 12, the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team will announce their roster of athletes to travel to Italy in February to compete as members of the U.S. Olympic Ski Team.

Only eight men and eight women will be named to the U.S. Cross Country Olympic Ski Team.

Five days of grueling competition will take place on Soldier Hollow’s 30 km of trails. Men’s and women’s freestyle, stand up, classic, pursuit and sprint races are scheduled.

Instead of waiting to see these world-class athletes on television during the Olympics, spectators have a chance to see them compete up close and personal at Soldier Hollow. Sports enthusiasts are welcome to come support these determined and talented athletes.

Soldier Hollow, located 45 miles from Salt Lake City, is building its reputation as a premier cross country and biathlon venue. Making its international debut at the 2002 Winter Olympics, Soldier Hollow has since successfully hosted 19 internationally sanctioned races, more than any other site in North America.

This year, the U.S. Cross Country Championships at Soldier Hollow will make skiing history. This event will mark the first time that the last selection races for the U.S. Cross Country Olympic Team will be held at the site of the last Winter Olympic cross country competitions.

For more information on Soldier Hollow’s 2006 U.S. Cross Country Championships or a complete events calendar, please contact Soldier Hollow Communication Specialists Jennifer Kohler or Tish Dahmen at (435)-654-3666 or (435)-671-2071.