November 19, 2008 (Anywhere, BC) – Improve your striding and skating at Silver Star, snowshoe with Yetis at Mount Washington, and cruise on trails that Olympic athletes will be testing themselves on in less than a year and a half ˆ these are just a few of the adventures on BC Nordic’s newly-released list of Top 10 Nordic events for the winter of 2009.

November 30, 2008
Silver Star Mountain Resort Nordic Festival.

Silver Star boasts BC’s best early season conditions, with many club and provincial teams converging on this Victorian-flavoured resort. Recreational racers wanting to improve their form can join the famous XC Camps, which run in December during the resort’s famed “Month of Nordic.” It all kicks off with the “Do It For Fun” Loppet on November 30. The 7.5 or 15 km loop starts at Tube Town tubing park and follows Silver Star’s beautiful lower trail network.

January 17, 2009
The Yeti Mountain Snowshoe Race at Mount Washington, Courtenay-Comox.

Now in its fourth season, the Yeti Mountain snowshoe circuit is a great way to burn calories and discover snowshoeing. The only Vancouver Island stop on the four-race mountain snowshoe series is at Mount Washington Resort, which was recently voted Best Snowshoeing in Canada by Ski Canada magazine. Choose from either a 5 or 10 km course. The Beaufort Range of Vancouver Island serves as a spectacular backdrop.

January 17, 2009
25th Annual Reino Keski-Salmi Loppet Larch Hills, Salmon Arm, BC

A tradition since 1987, the Reino Keski-Salmo Loppet is a family friendly event for skiers of all ages. Renowned for the wonderful course, the small-town community spirit, and the post-race festivities, the loppet offers multiple race routes for skier of all abilities. Participants are encouraged to form a Cardio Challenge Team to raise money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC and Yukon.

January 18, 2009
Jack Gawthorn Memorial Dog Sled Race – South Cariboo

The friendly 100 Mile Ranch community in BC’s Cariboo Chilcotin gets together and celebrates dog sledding at this annual event, with teams from throughout Western Canada. Get a feel for what it’s like to take the reins of a dog-sled team at one of the sled dog outfitters in the region. 108 Mile Ranch and the South Cariboo feature activity-packed resorts, charming B&Bs, and plenty of winter recreational opportunities.

February 1, 2009
Overlander Marathon Kamloops/Stake Lake

“Kids Ski Free” at this well known event hosted by the Overlander Ski Club at the Stake Lake Nordic Centre, a half-hour south of Kamloops in the Thompson Okanagan. Adults can race the 10 km,30 km,or 50 km free technique, while kids tackle the 1.5 km, 3.5 km or/10 kilometre distances. Prizes valued at a total of $3,000 will be awarded and a ‘demo day’ with all of the top ski equipment available takes place the same day.

February 7, 2009
Cariboo Marathon near 100 Mile House, BC/The Hills Health Ranch

Western Canada’s longest running Nordic event celebrates its 30th birthday! This is a fun family event with post-race activities for everyone. Compete in the 50 km full marathon, the 30 km mini-marathon, the 20 km for Juniors and the 10 km for Jackrabbits; recreational categories are available too

February 12, 2009
2nd Annual Chocolate Chip Cookie Cup, Dawn Mountain Trails,Golden Nordic Club Golden, BC

Nordic skiing in British Columbia doesn’t get any more scenic than the staggeringly beautiful backdrop provided by the Selkirks and Rocky Mountains. The Golden Nordic club also hosts monthly “Full Moon Ski” events on the trails!

March 28, 2009
Bulkley Valley Marathon Bulkley Valley Nordic Centre, Smithers, BC.

Fun for the whole family awaits at one of the best loved races in northern BC. Organized by the Smithers-based Bulkley Valley Nordic Club, the Marathon is a mass-start, classic technique race. Watch out for the little Jackrabbits underfoot, they love this event, too! This beautiful region of Northern BC offers endless kilometres of groomed and un-groomed trails, and the town of Smithers is an authentic delight.

April 4, 2009
Whistler Olympic Park Loppet, Whistler BC

What an opportunity! Ski the trails that will be home to the world’s best when Whistler Olympic Park hosts the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. This event is open to all Nordic enthusiasts and is located in the spectacular Callaghan Valley. Why not warm up with a tour of the Lost Lake trails in Whistler, or extend your trip by taking a backcountry adventure at the Callaghan
Valley Lodge?