December 20, 2011 – Due to the cancellation of Italy’s La Sgambeda, the first round of the 2011/12 FIS Marathon Cup scheduled for Dec. 18 (lack of snow), the team registration deadline for our inaugural SkiTrax Fantasy FIS Marathon Cup 2011/12 International Contest, in co-operation with FIS and the WorldLoppet Ski Federation, has been extended accordingly.

This is good news for any XC ski fans who have been procrastinating, because it means that our deadline for contest registration has been extended until Jan. 7, 2012 – the day before the 50km Jizerská Padesátka taking place in the Czech Republic on Jan. 8.

With the recent news that Petter Northug (NOR) has confirmed his participation at the Konig-Ludwig-Lauf, the Marcialonga and the Vasaloppet, and Martin Koukal (CZE) has joined the Skinfit Racing team and has decided to dedicate a full season to marathon skiing, we have added them to our Outlaw Skier menu.

150 Teams so far…
The FIS Marathon Contest is off to a good start with over 150 teams already enterd and is similar to our other fantasy contests with fabulous prizes and some twists – here’s how it works.

Register your team of four (4) men and four (4) women plus one “Outlaw” male skier not in the top 15 and one “Outlaw” female skier not in the top 10 of the FIS Marathon Cup overall rankings – all lists are at registration. Now here’s the twist… following the Koenig Ludwig Lauf event (Feb. 5/12) we’ll allow contestants to swap one male and one female skier from their team for added excitement leading into the final six (6) races.

Points will be awarded following each Marathon Cup World Loppet based on each skier’s performance and published regularly at skitrax.com so you can see how your score compares with other international players and the actual FIS Marathon standings. Earn bonus Am Birkie or Gatineau Loppet Points plus other bonus points – all information and contest rules are available when you register your team.

These are the only FIS Fantasy Nordic contests of their kind worldwide so don’t miss your chance to enjoy fabulous top level xc ski racing and win fabulous prizes –  good luck to all contestants.

The deadline to register or revise your team is Jan. 7, at 10pm EST, the day before FIS Marathon Cup season finally kicks off with the 50km Jizerská padesátka on Jan. 8. – and stay tuned for our Tour de Ski Contest launching very soon..

To register for the Marathon Contest click HERE.

FIS Fantasy Marathon Cup Prizes

* 1st Prize – OneWay Premio 10 WCup Skis, Diamond Storm Premio 10 Poles, SNS Premio Pilot Bindings. (value $1,350)
* 2nd Prize – Nipika 4-nights for 2 people in luxurious cabin, including Trail Fees (value up to $1,160)
* 3rd Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $449)
* 4th Prize –Halti XC Race Suit Hemmo Set (value $269)
* 5th Prize –  Fischer RCS QF poles  (value $225)
* 6th Prize – Cross Country Canada e-Store Gift Certificate (value $200)
* 7th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150)
* 8th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $120)
* 9th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
* 10th Prize – Buff Headware (value $40)

Thanks to all of our great sponsors, including One Way, Nipika, Alpina, Halti, Fischer, Cross Country Canada, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Rottefella, Auclair, and Buff.

SkiTrax is North America’s leading Nordic skiing publication and the official magazine of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) and Cross Country Canada (CCC).