January 04, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – With over 150 teams entered in the inaugural SkiTrax Fantasy FIS Marathon Cup 2011/12 International Contest, in co-operation with FIS and the WorldLoppet Ski Federation, the registration deadline is fast approaching as round two of the series, the 50km Jizerská Padesatka in the Czech Republic, is taking place on Jan. 8.

With the cancellation of Italy’s La Sgambeda, the first round of the scheduled for Dec. 18 (lack of snow), the team registration deadline was extended until Jan. 7, 2012. Don’t miss your chance to win fabulous prizes and we’ve added a twist to this new fantasy contest – 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. Here’s the twist… following the La Transjurassienne on Feb. 12/12 (previously the Koenig Ludwig Lauf prior to the cancellation of La Sgambeda) 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. Note: we may update the skier menu lists at that time depending on the red group of skiers racing.

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.

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).