November 19, 2009 – From Finland, to Quebec, to the Upper Valley, New England athletes are gearing up for a great season of skiing. Maine’s Ben Koons met New Zealand’s Olympic qualifying standard with a sub 100FIS point race in Muonio, Finland! Despite a lack of snowfall, organizers at Foret Montmorency, QC will make snow for their November races. And the Ford Sayre Ski Club’s BKL program kicked off the season with a record number of kids.

Ben Koons meets NZ Olympic qualifying standard
Former Dartmouth College racer, Ben Koons, who holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and New Zealand, raced to a 103rd place in the men’s 15km classic at the Olos resort. Initial calculations indicate that it was good enough for a 99.54 point FIS race, and good enough to drop his international point profile below 100 points–the qualifying standard set by the New Zealand Ski Federation. Click here for the full report from coach, Will Sweetser.

Montmorency Making Snow
In Québec, Forêt Montmorency has yet to receive enough snow to host their late November races. So they are partnering with Turbo Cristal to provide snow in an attempt to start skiing on the course by the 24th of November. “In their desire to develop the University circuit, (they have) taken it upon themselves in providing us with snow cannons in an attempt to accomplish this task. Four snow cannons will be up and running as of Tuesday November 17th, in an attempt to be able to present a minimum of 2.5km.” Click here for the full report from Director of Operations, Hugues Sansregret.

Ford Sayre Nordic Racing Kicks Off Season With Record Number Of Kids
One of the biggest youth cross country ski programs in New England began dry land practice this week at Oak Hill in Hanover, NH. A record sign-up of 133 Upper Valley kids from 1st thru 8th grade are enrolled in the Bill Koch League (BKL) Nordic racing program. With the very youngest BKL skiers (1st and 2nd graders) waiting until December 1st, the rest of the kids will meet their team mates and coaches for an afternoon of fun and rigorous exercise on Dartmouth College’s Oak Hill trails. Click here for the full report from coach, Lars Blackmore.