March 2, 2008 – One of the most scenic and exciting Nordic ski races in the country occurs soon at the California Gold Rush on Sunday, March 16, 2008 at Royal Gorge Cross Country ski area in Soda Springs, CA. Featuring a NEW COURSE this year, with 3 separate events and distances (42, 21, or 10 kilometers), there is a race or a tour suitable for any cross country skier. Royal Gorge donates all proceeds to the Far West Nordic Ski Association Junior Program for this event. Whether you’re a serious cross country ski competitor, citizen racer, ski tourer, or spectator, this fun-filled weekend has something for everyone. If you’ve never skied the trails at Royal Gorge (the largest cross country ski resort in North America), this is the perfect opportunity to experience some of the most beautiful, fun, and best-groomed trails in the world.

The new shorter (but still challenging) course is the highlighted feature of this year’s event. Featuring never-before-used terrain for this event, racers and tourers alike will be treated to spectacular views on the beautiful Snow Mountain and Castle Pass trails. This year’s course is also one lap fewer, with the Gold Rush skiing two 21 kilometer laps and the Silver Rush competitors skiing one lap of the same course. The Bronze Rush will also feature the new trails, and use a cut-off to keep the distance at 10 kilometers. Skiers will be sent off in “waves” according to which distance they’re skiing to make the start more comfortable for racers.

Sunday’s events are the highlight of the weekend, with exciting races for any level of skier, from experienced racers to casual ski tourers. Top billing, of course, goes to the 42 kilometer GOLD RUSH, starting this year at 9 am. Some of the fastest skiers from across the country will converge on the trails at Royal Gorge, and this race is also the culmination of the multi-event AMERICAN SKI MARATHON SERIES of long distance competitions from around the country, with members of ski industry factory teams fighting it out for the overall individual and team titles.

Great competition is also found in the shorter races, including the 21 km. one-lap SILVER RUSH and the 10 km. BRONZE RUSH. Whether you’re a serious racer, or want to add another fun competitive event to your ski season, there is a distance to suit your fancy. Even if you’re not competitive, you can enter and tour some of the most scenic trails in the world. Also new this year is an ON-SITE party right at the finish line at Royal Gorge. Participants will enjoy some after-race social time with great food, beer from Truckee’s own Fifty-Fifty Brewing Company, and an awards presentation.

Saturday, March 15th (the day before the Gold Rush) features fun events for Junior Competitors. You can watch the area’s younger racers vie for top spot in the low-key GOLD NUGGETS Kids’ Race at 10:30 am, or see the older kids perform in the “jumps & bumps” Fischer SUPERCROSS event, a spectator-friendly sprint course viewable from the (often sunny) deck at Royal Gorge.

Early registration discount deadline ends soon, so sign up now. You can also register online at www.active.com (type in “California Gold Rush”). For more information, call Royal Gorge at (530) 426-3871, or log onto the Far West Nordic website at www.farwestnordic.org.