October 12, 2013 (Canmore, AB) – October 19th is an important date for Canadian and U.S. skiers. On this day, the season starts in Canmore thanks to Frozen Thunder. In 2009, the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park launched a pilot project aimed at providing guaranteed early season skiing opportunities for members of our National Cross Country and Biathlon Ski Teams.

Chandra Crawford (r) bests Perianne Jones in action at Frozen Thunder last year © James Cunningham

Large mass of machine-generated snow in January and February was stored under a blanket of sawdust to protect it from warm summer temperatures and will be transported out onto the trail system for grooming and track setting.

What started as 400m long track had developed in a 2km long course and the early season Nordic ski destination of choice in North America. The course is not used only for training but also for the first competition of the season on snow.

“This year we will be hosting our second annual “Frozen Thunder Classic” sprint race on October 24th,” Matt Jeffries, Director of Business Development, explains.

Chandra Crawford and Andy Newell won the first edition held on October 26, 2012. This year the classic sprint is taking place on 24th October and organizers expect a good turnout of Canadian National team skiers, US National Team and most of the top development level athletes from around Canada and the United States.

Article Link: www.fiscrosscountry.com/news/frozen-thunder-2013