January 7, 2009 (Pinkham Notch, NH) – On a perfect winter day in Pinkham Notch, the fourteenth season of Nordic Meisters kicked off at Great Glen Trails. Nordic Meisters is the largest weekly cross country race series in the country. More than 80 competitors participated in this opening week, and Great Glen Trails expects to draw more than 100 competitors throughout the season. Week 1 results are available at www.GreatGlenTrails.com. Each week, results are posted online and in the Conway Daily Sun.

Nordic Meisters runs for eight weeks from January 6 through March 3, 2009. (No race on February 17.) Participants race against the clock on a 5km Nordic Meister course. Nordic Meisters features divisions for men, women and juniors for both skate and classic techniques.

With an age adjustment system, all ages can compete on a level playing field. The timing desk is open and available between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:45 pm. An awards party will be held on March 14 at the end of the series with the top three skiers in each class awarded trophies, while all participants completing six out of eight weeks are entered into a prize raffle. (Must be present to win.)

Nordic Meisters also features an untimed category for those who do not wish to be timed. However, these participants can still qualify for the prize raffle by completing the requisite number of weeks. Great Glen Trails is open daily for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. For snow conditions information and complete winter event listings, call 603.466.2333 or visit www.GreatGlenTrails.com.