June 27, 2013 – The Birkie Ski Foundation and Telemark Lodge (closes again) – Am I the only one who sees what should happen here, especially as the Birkie’s race calendar continues to fill out with more and more “silent sports” competitions? Yes, they should buy Telemark (!!!!) (Read about it HERE). No, I am not crazy! It is the perfect match and makes sense for the guarantee of the future of the race or races, BSF’s business direction and further growth in their “silent sports” business.
I know, where is the money going to come from? I’d like to think that a business plan could, or would be put in place, as the reason and means to justify the move or venture to make this happen.
Think of what lies ahead – not just the guarantee of all of the current races – as BSF would own all the land (I understand 900 acres), which is critical to putting on all these events, but also the situation to grow more silent sports events and everything around them from a business point of view. I understand a real estate venture has been suggested to support this plan. You could also move all your offices to the Lodge making it BSF’s operation central.
Your goal would be to make this the “Silent Sports” capital of North America, and host everything that makes these organizations run – all the way from their AGM’s, training camps, seminars, clinics, international conferences, World Championships, events at all levels, World Cups and of course have all the necessary facilities and staff to support these events and programs at a Class A level.
I’m sure that there are 20 or more “silent sports” that have thousands of members, competitors and staff that run these organizations, and BSF could be there “go-to location” because it covers all of the bases and the needs to pull off any type of function or event of any level.
The new ED, Ben Popp may just been the young energy to make such a giant step forward able to happen!
Of course, I’m just touching the tip of the iceberg and I’m a dreamer – but, as many athletes know – their dreams do come true.
Totally Dumbfounded – Please read this here and and now read this here HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?
I know of Ken Read and he has alpine ski racing tattooed all over his body and has held just about every position there is when it comes to the domestic and international functioning of alpine ski racing in the world. Everyone knows Ken Read in the alpine world and beyond, and now cross-country skiing is going to get to know him through his new position, as a member of the CCC Board of Directors (BOD).
That is if he hangs around the BOD meetings longer then he did on election weekend – about three hours I hear. Just long enough to present himself to the board and answer a few questions… then a quick disappearance act. But, more importantly, why did this happen?
It just so happens Dave Wood (read more here) had brought his name forward for one of the available board positions this year. One would think someone with Wood’s credentials would be a huge asset to the team, but according to rumors coming out of Canmore, Ken Read, “Mr. Alpine”, was sought out to fill the position by the powers that be.
There has to be some payola down the road in the future, as I can see no other good reason to bring Read on board. The “politiking” within the present members of the association who vote for these candidates worked. Yet I’m sure they could have made it work if they’d chosen a Nordic candidate… then it wouldn’t look quite so obvious as to what they had just pulled off.
The difference between Read and Wood for this position is like night and day, especially when you consider the level of hands-on international cross-country experience of the current board. Read brings nothing Nordic that I know of, yet Wood has done it all from Jack Rabbits to Olympic medals – what a shame to lose first-hand access to all of this.
The controversy surrounding Wood’s resignation/firing back in 2010 lives on. CCC loses again.
Talk To You Soon.
PS – In all the assorted conversations I had over the past couple of weeks and articles I read, a couple of things became new information that I didn’t know – one being CCC’s masthead for administrative and technical staff (view it here and here). We’re talking close to 30 paid positions. You can do this with $6 million. So, congratulations on marketing the team and the programs and for the success in the tracks. But, only one podium like the team had in Val di Fiemme, Italy at the WSC this past winter could see this $$ number cut in half. A lot of the assistants, and assistants to the assistants, will be headed down the hill come next spring – the program is called OWN The Podium. Lets hope the magic is back!
May 31, 2013 (Canmore, AB) – We are excited to bring you Cross Country Canada’s “Inside Edge” video series. With action, interviews, strategy and much more, Inside Edge gives you unprecedented access to our National Ski Team as it takes on the world’s best.
In this eighth episode of The Inside Edge, we take an inside look into Senior World Cup Team early season testing on the roller ski treadmill. Athletes Devon Kershaw, Perianne Jones, Ivan Babikov and Len Valjas talk about their goals for the season ahead.
Thanks to our partners at Twin Zebra Productions. More episodes coming soon! To view Episodes 1-8 click HERE.
The Inside Edge Episode 8: 2013-14 Early Season Testing
April 12, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – We are pleased to announce the final 2012/13 SkiTrax FIS Fantasy World Cup Contest standings after round 12 of the Viessmann XC FIS World Cup in Falun, Sweden, Mar. 22-24.
It could not have been closer in the contest as Teams Summerstars and Little Matt were tied with the highest number of points at 2,014. The tie-break and the grand prize Fischer package goes to Summerstars, who was the earlier of the two teams to register. Team Little Matt wins the fabulous second place Trapp Family Lodge accommodation prize, while team Double Polers made a last-minute charge to grab third place with 2,010 points, winning the sweet SkiGo Carbon 335 Skate Roller Skis.
Read our coverage from Falun, including USA’s Kikkan Randall’s third place in the 2.5km FR here… plus Randall’s historic podium in the overall FIS World Cup standings here.
Congratulations to our winners and thanks to all contestants and all of our great sponsors, including Fischer, Trapp Family Lodge, SkiGo, Alpina, One Way, Bjorn Daehlie, 2XU, Bliz, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Auclair, and Buff.
For the Final Contest standings after Falun, click HERE.
SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2012/13 Contest Winners
CATZ4LYFE – William Spiller – Ketchum, ID
* 10th Prize –AuclairMicro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
– jesters – Jesse Heckrodt – Enderby, BC
– Little Matt – Matthew Ruel – Charny, QC
– Summerstars – Branden Fontana – Anchorage, AK * WCup Breaks –BuffHeadware to top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski (value $23)
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).
April 11, 2013 (Thunder Bay, ON) – The 16th Annual 24 Hour Relay, in support of the Lappe Nordic Ski Club and the National Development Centre wrapped up Sunday morning at 11am. This year’s event included the traditional 24-hour event, as well as new 6 and 12 hour events. Twenty-eight teams took to the trails starting Saturday at 11 am with many goals in mind. Participants skied on teams, in pairs, and even alone. This year’s events brought many skiers from out of town, including St.Paul, MN and Winnipeg, MB.
Werner Schwar defended his 24 Hour solo men’s title with a total of 285.15km covered. Event organizers were thrilled to have enough snow for the event as in the past it has been cancelled due to lack of snow. This year, there was enough snow for the event, and to make things more difficult for skiers snow continued to fall well into the evening….
April 01, 2013 (Whistler, B.C.) – SkiTrax was on site at the 2013 Haywood Ski Nationals held March 23-30 at the Whistler Olympic Park in the Callaghan Valley to catch all of the action. Get the scoop about the competitions straight from racers Brent McMurtry, Heidi Widmer, and Zina Kocher, as well as some exciting footage from the finish of the Men’s 50km Free and the start of the Juvenile Girl’s 7.5km Free.
March 27, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – We’re sorry for the delay and thrilled to announce the overall standings and winners of the second annual SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Marathon Cup 2012/13 Contest after the Engadin Skimarathon 42km free technique race held in Switzerland on March 10. Read our coverage of the 45th Engadin Skimarathon, including final overall FIS Marathon Cup standings here.
Team dom managed to defend the lead to the end with 650 points, while teams beaujo and legrandbo made last-minute charges to earn top-three finishes with 644 and 640 points, respectively.
For the final contest standings after the Engadin Skimarathon, please click HERE.
Congratulations to the winners and thanks again to all contestants and our great sponsors including Nipika, Marwe, Yoko, Halti, Skiwax.ca, 2XU, One Way, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Auclair, and Buff.
FIS Fantasy Marathon Cup Prize Winners
– dom – Dom Berrod – Fleurie, France
* 1st Prize – Nipika Lodge – 4-nights for 2 people in luxurious cabin, including Trail Fees (value up to $1,160)
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).
March 21, 2013 (Sochi, Russia) – Mark Arendz put the finishing touches to a memorable season by locking up the overall IPC World Cup biathlon title after winning the bronze medal in the men’s 15 kilometre biathlon race in Sochi, Russia on Thursday.
Arendz, of Springton, P.E.I., took advantage of a stellar day on the range where the 21 year old missed just one target in four rounds of shooting to clock a time of 48:48.3 for third spot.
“It was a great race for me. It was so slow that I really had to focus on my technique and shooting. I felt I was more comfortable on the range today then yesterday
Norway’s Nils Erik Ulset fired his way to the gold medal with one miss and a time of 45:53.0. Grygorii Vovchynskyi, of the Ukraine, had one miss of his own, but celebrated the silver with a time of 48:09.3.
The bronze-medal finish caps off a strong season for Arendz where he captured his first career IPC Biathlon World Cup Crystal Globe. The 2010 Paralympian skied his way to the podium four times on the IPC World Cup, in addition to racking up three World Championship medals including his first victory at the worlds.
“It has been a great season. I had some tough races and results, but I’m very satisfied that I was able to stay consistent all year,” said Arendz. “That consistency paid off. After finishing second overall the last two years, I get to go home with the overall title and the Crystal Globe. This is a huge boost of confidence for me.”
Daily reports of all the action at the IPC World Cup Finals from Sochi are published at www.ipc-nordicskiing.org
The Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games will take place between March 7-16, and are set to feature 700 athletes from 45 countries. Athletes will compete in five sports – alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, ice sledge hockey and wheelchair curling. Para- snowboard will make its Games debut as part of the alpine skiing programme.
March 21, 2013 (Canmore, AB) – Cross Country Canada will ski into communities across the country with a one-of-a-kind marketing campaign that showcases the universal appeal of the sport to Canadians of all ages and abilities in an effort to drive participation.
The innovative campaign showcases the many advantages of cross-country skiing by directly targeting other sports with catchy slogans, including:
“The cross-country ski community in Canada lives and breathes the sport’s unique characteristics, but we want the rest of the country to realize how fun, cool and edgy our sport really is,” said Alex Harvey, the two-time World Championship medallist who is featured in one of the ads and whose fan base in Nordic communities around the world rivals some of the world’s hottest rock stars.
“This campaign highlights not just what makes cross-country skiing so great, but that it is accessible for nearly every man, woman and child in the country. We believe the sport of cross-country skiing has finally arrived in Canada, and it is time for the sport to take its place,” added Harvey.
The initiative was created by Brandhealth Communications, an independent marketing agency based in Peterborough, ON that specializes in health and well-being.
“We wanted to give cross-country skiing the ‘cool factor’ that it deserves. Cross-country skiing is unlike any other sport. It’s completely pure. There is something about being in a forest in the middle of winter gliding across the snow that refreshes your body and mind. Are other sports envious of cross-country skiing? We think so,” said Rick Kemp, creative director at Brandhealth.
The campaign has two primary goals: first, it will promote and grow the profile of the sport across Canada, providing messaging and branding that CCC and its 330 member clubs around the country can use to grow membership and participant bases. Second, the campaign will help celebrate and draw attention to the National Ski Team’s journey to the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games as they travel the globe in search of medals on the FIS and IPC World Cup circuits.
“Feeding off the success of our National Ski Team, there has been increased interest in our sport across Canada – both through public attention and participation on ski trails in all provinces,” said Matthew Jeffries, director of business development, Cross Country Canada. “The more people we expose to the sport, the better the nation’s chances are at finding, fostering and developing Canada’s next Olympic and Paralympic medallists. Working with our member clubs, this unique campaign will play a key role in helping us accomplish our goals.”
The campaign will be rolled out to ski clubs and provincial associations in the coming months through a mix of print, online and social media platforms. CCC- licensed merchandise bearing some of the campaign’s messaging will also be available for purchase through the CCC online store (www.cccski.com) and at select CCC events across the country.
Earlier this year, Cross Country Canada also introduced the organization’s first-ever mascot. Symbolically created to support the sport’s introductory Jackrabbit ski programs, Klister, an oversized Jackrabbit, makes regular appearances at Cross Country Canada events and races across the country in a continued effort to inspire kids to get involved, have fun, and enjoy the sport.
“Cross-country skiing has evolved so much at the elite level to be more spectator-friendly with lots of action and excitement,” said Jefferies. “The sport is exciting and fast and has no boundaries for age or skill. Our goal is to feed that excitement to the grassroots level. You never know what corner of the country Klister may be able to find Canada’s next Olympic or Paralympic champion.”
March 15, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – We are pleased to announce the standings for the second annual SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Marathon Cup 2012/13 Contest after the American Birkebeiner 50km free technique race held in Hayward, Wisconsin on Feb. 23. Team dom has jumped into the lead with 473 points, knocking Team Redl into second with 456 points. Team asterion is now ranked third with 447 points.
Read our coverage of the 2013 American Birkebeiner and how husband and wife duo Brian and Caitlin Gregg won the men’s and women’s races, respectively here.
For the contest standings after the American Birkebeiner, please click HERE.
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.
FIS Fantasy Marathon Cup Prizes
* 1st Prize – Nipika Lodge – 4-nights for 2 people in luxurious cabin, including Trail Fees (value up to $1,160) * 2nd Prize – Marwe 610c Roller Skis (value $349) * 3rd Prize – Yoko 9100 Poles (value $299) * 4th Prize – Halti XC Race Suit Hemmo Set (value $269) * 5th Prize – Skiwax.ca Racer Kickwax kit (value $235) * 6th Prize – 2XU Long Sleeve Thermal Compression Top and Elite Socks (value $195) * 7th Prize – One Way Snowbird Glasses (value $120) * 8th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $100) * 9th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65) * 10th Prize – Buff Headware (value $23)
Thanks to all of our great sponsors, including Nipika, Marwe, Yoko, Halti, Skiwax.ca, 2XU, One Way, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, 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).
March 11, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – We are thrilled to announce the winners and final overall standings of the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Fiemme Worlds 2013 Contest following the one week waiting period that recognizes the Doping De-Points rule.
Check out the contest standings after the Men’s 50km CL, the final event of the Val di Fiemme 2013 Worlds HERE and read about how Sweden’s Johan Olsson delivered an astounding historic win in the event after a 35km-solo effort HERE.
And now for the winners… Team Northug – antoine-briand was able to hang on to the lead with a total of 335 points to claim the fabulous grand prize a Salomon SLab package including skis, poles, boots, bindings (value $1,497).
The second place prize, a cool pair of Alpina ESK ski boots, goes to Team CATZ4LYFE with 280 points. And Team Rob in third place with 270 points receives an awesome pair of Fischer Carbonlite poles.
Congratulations to all winners and thanks again to all contestants and our great sponsors including Salomon, Alpina, Fischer, Bjorn Daehlie, One Way, 2XU, Ski*Go, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Auclair, and Buff Canada.
For the complete final FIS Fantasy Fiemme Worlds contest standings, please click HERE.
SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Fiemme Worlds 2013 Contest Winners
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).
March 06, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – We are happy to present the standings for the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Fiemme Worlds 2013 Contest after the Women’s 30km CL competition. Check out our coverage of the race that saw Norway’s Marit Bjoergen score the world title, while USA’s Liz Stephen logged the best North American result with a strong 16th place – here.
Team Northug – antoine-briand is still leading with 255 points followed by Team CATZ4LYFE in second with 245, while Team beaujo moved up into third spot with 220 points.
For the complete contest standings after the Women’s 30km CL, please click HERE.
SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Fiemme Worlds 2013 Contest Prizes
* 1st Prize – Salomon SLab package skis, poles, boots, bindings (value $1,497) * 2nd Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $419) * 3rd Prize – Fischer Carbonlite Poles ($339) * 4th Prize – Bjorn Daehlie Exclusive US XC Ski Suit (value $300) * 5th Prize – One Way Skate 7 Roller Skis (value $250) * 6th Prize – 2XU Long Sleeve Thermal Compression Top and Elite Socks (value $195) * 7th Prize – Ski*go Large Wax Box with XC kickwaxes/cork/scraper (value $190) * 8th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $100) * 9th Prize – AuclairMicro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65) * 10th Prize –BuffHeadware (value $23)
Good luck to all contestants and thanks to FIS, Fiemme 2011 and all of our great sponsors including Salomon, Alpina, Fischer, One Way, Bjorn Daehlie, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Auclair, and Buff Canada.
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).
March 06, 2013 (Whistler, BC) – In a few short weeks, athletes from around the country will converge on Whistler for the 2013 Haywood Cross Country Ski Nationals. March 23 to 31 will include races in both skate and classic techniques, from sprints to mid-distance to the final 50k men’s race and 30k women’s race.
Joining new and returning racers will be Canadian National Team members Devon Kershaw, Alex Harvey, Len Valjas, Daria Gaiazova, Perianne Jones, and Ivan Babikov. This March competition marks the team’s return from the World Championships in Val di Fiemme, Italy.
For the first time in Canadian history, the Biathlon Championships, the Haywood Cross Country Ski Championships, and the Aviva Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined Championships will all be happening in succession at the Whistler Olympic Park venue at Callaghan Valley.
WOP has proven to be a well-used facility since the 2010 Olympics as the sport of cross-country skiing becomes more popular within Canada. A great source of cardio, Nordic skiing is a good way to stay fit and to keep healthy.
“We’re excited to be hosting an event of this calibre so soon after the Olympics,” said Sherryl Yeager, Event Chair. “We’re seeing a growth phase in the sport so it’s more exciting than ever to have Nationals here in Whistler.”
Entry to watch all races is free and spectators are encouraged to come out and cheer. This will be the last major race for the Canadian National Team in Canada before the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
Ski Nationals 2013 would like to thank event sponsors Haywood Securities, Buff Canada, Clif Bar, The Nordic Shop of Squamish BC, Deep Cove Outdoors, Impact Canopies Canada, Q Energy, Executive Suites Hotel & Resort, the Whistler Question, The Squamish Chief, Avis, Salomon, Fischer, Swix, Nesters Market, Halti Skiwear, Sauce Headwear, Bliz Active Eyewear, One Way, Rossignol, Ski Go Wax, RC, Icebreaker, Whistler Hotels, Silverfoot, Whistler Chocolate, Whistler Brewing Company, as well as the support of the Whistler Athletes’ Centre, and Hosting BC.
March 01, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – We are pleased to report the standings for the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Fiemme Worlds 2013 Contest after the 10/15km free technique events. Read our coverage of the race, including Canada’s Ivan “Bulldog” Babikov’s stellar fourth place – the best result by a Canadian male in the event at a World Championship – here. Then check out the recap of the women’s 10km event in which USA’s Liz Stephen scored a career-best fifth – here.
In the contest, Team Northug – antoine-briand managed to break the suspenseful three-up tie for first place to take the lead with 205 points. Team CATZ4LYFE sits in second spot with 185 points, followed by Redjacket in third with 170 points.
For the complete contest standings after the Fiemme 10/15km F races, please click HERE.
SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Fiemme Worlds 2013 Contest Prizes
* 1st Prize – Salomon SLab package skis, poles, boots, bindings (value $1,497) * 2nd Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $419) * 3rd Prize – Fischer Carbonlite Poles ($339) * 4th Prize – Bjorn Daehlie Exclusive US XC Ski Suit (value $300) * 5th Prize – One Way Skate 7 Roller Skis (value $250) * 6th Prize – 2XU Long Sleeve Thermal Compression Top and Elite Socks (value $195) * 7th Prize – Ski*go Large Wax Box with XC kickwaxes/cork/scraper (value $190) * 8th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $100) * 9th Prize – AuclairMicro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65) * 10th Prize –BuffHeadware (value $23)
Good luck to all contestants and thanks to FIS, Fiemme 2011 and all of our great sponsors including Salomon, Alpina, Fischer, One Way, Bjorn Daehlie, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Auclair, and Buff Canada.
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).
February 28, 2013 (Solleftea, Sweden) – Brian Mckeever and his guide Erik Carleton cranked out another gold medal at the IPC Nordic Skiing World Championships in Solleftea, Sweden on Wednesday.
Feeding off a hard-fought victory in the sprint race earlier in the week, the Canadian duo stomped the field in the men’s 20-kilometre skate-ski visually impaired race, capturing their second-straight World Championship title with a time of 51:18.9.
“We are still feeling jetlag a bit so we tried to pace things as best as we could today,” said the 33-year-old McKeever. “It was pretty warm with wet and variable snow conditions so we started conservatively, stayed in control, and were able to step on it when we had too.”
With many of the top Para-Nordic skiers in the world running out of gas for the finish, the dominant Canucks pulled away from the field, finishing nearly one minute ahead of the silver medallists.
Russia grabbed the next two spots on the podium. Nikolay Polukhin and his guide, Andrey Tokarev, clocked-in at 52:16.8. Sergei Chokhlaev and Maksim Pirogov skied to the bronze medal with a time of 52:52.7.
“All of the focus right now is setting us up for Sochi,” said McKeever. “We are just trying to be at our best because we know the Russians are not going to want to lose at home. We are doing everything we can so that we are well prepared this time next year.”
A winner of 10 medals in three trips to the Paralympics with his brother Robin as his guide, McKeever and his Calgary-based childhood friend, Erik Carleton, have been nearly perfect since teaming up with each other for the World Championships two years ago.
“I don’t think the guides get nearly as much recognition as they should,” said McKeever. “It is tough being the guide because you are out front and not skiing your own race. He needs to be out front and controlling the pace. When I need him to hold off he has too, and when I need him to increase the pace he needs to do that as well.
“There are lots of little things that make a great guide. Erik has learned so much in the last year and was great again for me today. It is definitely a team effort out there, and Erik needs a lot of credit for our success.”
The IPC Nordic World Ski Championships continue on Thursday in Sweden with the start of the biathlon competitions.
The IPC World Championships can be viewed on the IPC’s YouTube Channel at www.YouTube.com/ParalympicSportTV. Next up on Solleftea are the distance races on Tuesday.
For complete Canadian and IPC World Cup results, please click HERE.
February 27, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – We are excited to announce the standings for the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Fiemme Worlds 2013 Contest after the Team Sprint events. Racing is getting hotter in Val di Fiemme as the weekend nears. Read our coverage of Team USA winning historic GOLD in the women’s team sprint, courtesy of Kikkan Randall and Jessie Diggins here.
The competition is just as sizzling in the contest there’s a tie between the top three teams for first place, all in a stalemate at 140 points. The teams are CATZ4LYFE, Team Northug – antoine-briand, and Max’s.
For the complete contest standings after the Fiemme Team Sprint please click HERE.
SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Fiemme Worlds 2013 Contest Prizes
* 1st Prize – Salomon SLab package skis, poles, boots, bindings (value $1,497) * 2nd Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $419) * 3rd Prize – Fischer Carbonlite Poles ($339) * 4th Prize – Bjorn Daehlie Exclusive US XC Ski Suit (value $300) * 5th Prize – One Way Skate 7 Roller Skis (value $250) * 6th Prize – 2XU Long Sleeve Thermal Compression Top and Elite Socks (value $195) * 7th Prize – Ski*go Large Wax Box with XC kickwaxes/cork/scraper (value $190) * 8th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $100) * 9th Prize – AuclairMicro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65) * 10th Prize –BuffHeadware (value $23)
Good luck to all contestants and thanks to FIS, Fiemme 2011 and all of our great sponsors including Salomon, Alpina, Fischer, One Way, Bjorn Daehlie, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Auclair, and Buff Canada.
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).
February 22, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – We are pleased to announce the standings for the second annual SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Marathon Cup 2012/13 Contest after the Tartu Maraton held in in Otepää, Estonia on Sunday. Team Redl continues to lead the contest with 421 points, while Team asterion has moved up into second place with 401 points. Team dom is in third with 395 points.
Simen Oestensen of Norway and Sweden’s Sandra Hansson won the 2013 men’s and women’s 63km classic technique event. Read about the race and view the results here.
For the contest standings after Tartu Maraton, please click HERE.
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.
FIS Fantasy Marathon Cup Prizes
* 1st Prize – Nipika Lodge – 4-nights for 2 people in luxurious cabin, including Trail Fees (value up to $1,160) * 2nd Prize – Marwe 610c Roller Skis (value $349) * 3rd Prize – Yoko 9100 Poles (value $299) * 4th Prize – Halti XC Race Suit Hemmo Set (value $269) * 5th Prize – Skiwax.ca Racer Kickwax kit (value $235) * 6th Prize – 2XU Long Sleeve Thermal Compression Top and Elite Socks (value $195) * 7th Prize – One Way Snowbird Glasses (value $120) * 8th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $100) * 9th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65) * 10th Prize – Buff Headware (value $23)
Thanks to all of our great sponsors, including Nipika, Marwe, Yoko, Halti, Skiwax.ca, 2XU, One Way, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, 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).
February 22, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – We are pleased to announce the 2012/13 SkiTrax FIS Fantasy World Cup Contest standings after round 8 of the Viessmann XC FIS World Cup in Davos, Switzerland, the final World Cup before the World Championships in Val di Fiemme, Italy.
The top three remain the same after round 8. However, team Summerstars has extended the lead to 1,012 to points, but Little Matt is still in a close second place with 1,007 points, while maksimy maintains third place with 992 points.
Read our coverage from Davos, including USA’s Kikkan Randall logging the best North American result – 8th in the Women’s 1.5km CL Sprints here….
Good luck to all contestants and thanks to all of our great sponsors, including Fischer, Trapp Family Lodge, SkiGo, Alpina, One Way, Bjorn Daehlie, 2XU, Bliz, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Auclair, and Buff.
For the Contest standings after Davos, click HERE.
SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2012/13 Contest Prizes * 1st Prize – Fischer 12/13 Carbonlite Skating Hole Skis, Xcelerator Bindings, Carbonlite Poles (value $1,100) * 2nd Prize – Trapp Family Lodge – 2 nights lodging in a Deluxe Room w/breakfast (value $600)
* 3rd Prize – SkiGo Carbon 335 Skate Roller Skis (value $420)
* 4th Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $419) * 5th Prize – One Way Premio Ski Poles (value $400) * 6th Prize – Bjorn Daehlie Exclusive US XC Ski Suit (value $300) * 7th Prize – 2XU Long Sleeve Thermal Compression Top and Elite Socks (value $195) * 8th Prize – Bliz Proflip Visor (value $129) * 9th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $100) * 10th Prize –AuclairMicro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65) * WCup Breaks –BuffHeadware to top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski (value $23)
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).
February 20, 2013 (Whistler, B.C.) – Join Olympic and World Cup gold medalists Devon Kershaw and Alex Harvey, along with rising stars Len Valjas and Perianne Jones as they compete in the Haywood Ski Nationals – the last major domestic racing event before the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
More than 600 of Canada’s best cross-country skiers will race in the 2013 Haywood Ski Nationals, the largest of three Nordic national championships to be held at Whistler Olympic Park, March 23 – 30, 2013.
The Olympic Park is the site of the Sea to Sky Nordic Festival where Canada’s elite winter athletes will compete in Biathlon Nationals and North American Biathlon Championships, Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined Canadian Nationals.
With hundreds of athletes on site for biathlon, cross-country, and ski-jumping/Nordic combined, the event will “return us to the excitement of 2010 Olympics,” says event chair Sherryl Yeager.
“We’ll have more athletes, more races and more adrenalin pumping in this two-week period than we did in 2010,” says Yeager. “This event is going to give you non-stop all-day high-level racing from Canada’s best.”
Whistler Olympic Park is the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics and offers world-class racing trails and a picturesque recreational trail system that meanders through old growth forest in the Callaghan Valley. This is only the third time the Ski Nationals have been hosted in the Sea to Sky Corridor in 20 years. They were first held in Vancouver in 1991 and at Whistler Olympic Park in 2008.
February 18, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – Don’t miss your chance to win great prizes with the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Fiemme Worlds 2013 Contest. Registration is open for contestants to make selections for the biggest event on the Nordic ski calendar this winter.
Register and enter the contest to be eligible to win lots of great prizes including the Grand Prize – a Salomon SLab package including skis, poles, boots and bindings valued at $1,497.
Select the top three podium positions for men and women for each of the 12 Nordic Worlds title events – and score points as you battle with other contestants from around the world for lots of great prizes.
Earn bonus points for multi-podiums, overall nation medals, top Canadian and US skiers etc. The 2013 FIS Nordic World Championships take place from Feb. 20-March 3 in Val di Fiemme, Italy.
You can enter or revise your selection up until 12 midnight EST on Feb. 19. Pls note that our menus list all skiers we believe are competing. Preliminary lists are not published by FIS – 24hrs after the last World Cup race before the World Championships the final names are given to the Organizing Committee and we will update our menus at that time.
Don’t miss this chance to follow the worlds best xc skiers and test your knowledge of the sport for bragging rights and great prizes.
SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Fiemme Worlds 2013 Contest Prizes
* 1st Prize – Salomon SLab package skis, poles, boots, bindings (value $1,497) * 2nd Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $419) * 3rd Prize – Fischer Carbonlite Poles ($339) * 4th Prize – Bjorn Daehlie Exclusive US XC Ski Suit (value $300) * 5th Prize – One Way Skate 7 Roller Skis (value $250) * 6th Prize – 2XU Long Sleeve Thermal Compression Top and Elite Socks (value $195) * 7th Prize – Ski*go Large Wax Box with XC kickwaxes/cork/scraper (value $190) * 8th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $100) * 9th Prize – AuclairMicro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65) * 10th Prize –BuffHeadware (value $23)
Good luck to all contestants and thanks to FIS, Fiemme 2011 and all of our great sponsors including Salomon, Alpina, Fischer, One Way, Bjorn Daehlie, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Auclair, and Buff Canada.
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).
January 30, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – We are excited to announce the 2012/13 SkiTrax FIS Fantasy World Cup Contest standings after the events in La Clusaz, France, host of the latest round of the 2012/13 Viessmann XC FIS World Cup tour Jan. 19-20.
The contest saw team Little Matt take hold onto the lead for another round with 719 points, still only one point ahead of second place team Summerstars with 718. Team maksimy has moved into third with 699 points.
USA’s women’s relay team placed ninth in the 4x5km relay, which was won by the Norwegian squad – read more here.
Good luck to all contestants and thanks to all of our great sponsors, including Fischer, Trapp Family Lodge, SkiGo, Alpina, One Way, Bjorn Daehlie, 2XU, Bliz, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Auclair, and Buff.
For the Contest standings after La Clusaz, click HERE.
SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2012/13 Contest Prizes * 1st Prize – Fischer 12/13 Carbonlite Skating Hole Skis, Xcelerator Bindings, Carbonlite Poles (value $1,100) * 2nd Prize – Trapp Family Lodge – 2 nights lodging in a Deluxe Room w/breakfast (value $600)
* 3rd Prize – SkiGo Carbon 335 Skate Roller Skis (value $420)
* 4th Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $419) * 5th Prize – One Way Premio Ski Poles (value $400) * 6th Prize – Bjorn Daehlie Exclusive US XC Ski Suit (value $300) * 7th Prize – 2XU Long Sleeve Thermal Compression Top and Elite Socks (value $195) * 8th Prize – Bliz Proflip Visor (value $129) * 9th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $100) * 10th Prize –AuclairMicro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65) * WCup Breaks –BuffHeadware to top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski (value $23)
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).
January 23, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – We are happy to announce the standings for the second annual SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Marathon Cup 2012/13 Contest after the third round – Dolomitenlauf 42km free technique race held last weekend in Lienz, Austria. Team SSWSC still holds top spot in the contest with 206 points, while Nordic Thunder has moved up into second place with 171 points. Team Broken Poles has leaped into the top three with 158 points.
Olga Mikhailova (RUS) and Sergio Bonaldi (ITA) won the women’s and men’s races, respectively – read more here.
For contest standings after Dolomitenlauf click HERE.
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.
Remember to register for our FIS Fiemme 2013 Fantasy Contest, launching soon…!
FIS Fantasy Marathon Cup Prizes
* 1st Prize – Nipika Lodge – 4-nights for 2 people in luxurious cabin, including Trail Fees (value up to $1,160) * 2nd Prize – Marwe 610c Roller Skis (value $349) * 3rd Prize – Yoko 9100 Poles (value $299) * 4th Prize – Halti XC Race Suit Hemmo Set (value $269) * 5th Prize – Skiwax.ca Racer Kickwax kit (value $235) * 6th Prize – 2XU Long Sleeve Thermal Compression Top and Elite Socks (value $195) * 7th Prize – One Way Snowbird Glasses (value $120) * 8th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $100) * 9th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65) * 10th Prize – Buff Headware (value $23)
Thanks to all of our great sponsors, including Nipika, Marwe, Yoko, Halti, Skiwax.ca, 2XU, One Way, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, 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).
January 18, 2013 (Cable, WI) – Canada’s Mark Arendz followed up three of the best cross-country ski races of his career with his third silver medal of the week – this time in a individual biathlon race at the IPC World Cup in Cable, Wisconsin.
The 22-year-old Arendz, who finished second overall in the IPC biathlon World Cup biathlon standings the last two years, grabbed the 18th medal of his career after clocking a time of 40:02.6 in the individual event. Arendz, of Springton, P.E.I., was on pace to his first gold medal of the season, but missed one shot in four rounds of shooting in the tight race to the finish.
“That was close, and I mean close by 3.8 seconds,” said Arendz. “It was a bummer to not shoot clean and win, but that close out in second is a good result. I skied pretty well, and we have a plan in place for tomorrow.”
Norway’s Nils-Erik Ulset won the men’s individual start with a time of 39:58.8 (0+0+1+1). Russia’s Oleg Balukhto shot clean to grab the bronze medal with a time of 40:58.7.
The IPC Biathlon World Cup continues on Friday in Cable, Wisconsin.
January 15, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – We are excited to announce the final SkiTrax FIS Tour de Ski 2012/13 Fantasy Contest standings after stage 7 in Val di Fiemme, Italy. In another dramatic turn of events, the top three spots changed completely, with Team Fratuzzi TdS leaping to the top of the standings with a total of 1,019 points. Team Powered by Biscuits secured second place with 1,002 points, followed by Team Kostroma Russia in third with 996 points.
Stage 7 saw the USA’s Liz Stephen score her second podium of the season with the second fastest time up Alpe Cermis, behind climbing star Therese Johaug (NOR), while Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) took home the overall TdS victory – read more here. On the men’s side, Ivan Babikov pulled through for Team Canada, claiming the second fastest time on the stage for yet another Canuck podium and his best-ever overall Tour result in 7th. The final stage up Cermis was won by Sweden’s Marcus Hellner and the overall men’s title was claimed for the first time by Russia’s Alexander Legkov – read more here.
For the contest standings after Stage 7 in Val di Fiemme click HERE.
As we wrap up the SkiTrax FIS Tour de Ski 2012/13 Fantasy Contest, we’d like to congratulate the winners, thank all of our contestants, and once again thank all of our great sponsors, including Mont Ste-Anne, Alpina, One Way, Marwe, Halti, 2XU, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, CCC, Auclair, and Buff.
SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Tour de Ski 2012/13 Contest Winners
– Fratuzzi TdS – Anton Burmelev – Minsk, Belarus
1st Prize – Mont Ste-Anne – 2 nights lodging w/breakfast + 3-day XC gift certificate, tune-up (value $800)
– Powered by Biscuits – Jacob Scheckman – Minneapolis, MN
2nd Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $419)
– Team Kostroma Russia – Alexander Orlov – Kostroma, Russia
3rd Prize – One Way Premio Ski Poles (value $400)
– RK Ski Team – Siim Sarapu – Virumaa, Estonia 10th Prize – BuffHeadware (value $23)
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).
January 11, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – We are pleased to announce the SkiTrax FIS Tour de Ski 2012/13 Fantasy Contest standings after stage 6 in Val di Fiemme, Italy. In an exciting twist, Team Iisaku has taken charge with 632 points, trailed by ZIS XC with a mere one-point deficit. Team Mavericks has moved up into third place with 627 points.
Stage 6 was the day Canada earned a double podium in the men’s 15km CL competition, courtesy of Len Valjas and Alex Harvey – read more here. On the women’s side, Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) continued to dominate the field, while USA’s Kikkan Randall finished a strong 11th in the 10km CL race – read more here.
With only one stage to go, we’d like to wish all contestants good luck and once again thank all of our great sponsors, including Mont Ste-Anne, Alpina, One Way, Marwi, Halti, 2XU, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, CCC, Auclair, and Buff.
For the contest standings after Stage 6 in Val di Fiemme click HERE.
* 1st Prize – Mont Ste-Anne – 2 nights lodging w/breakfast + 3-day XC gift certificate, tune-up (value $800) * 2nd Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $419) * 3rd Prize – One Way Premio Ski Poles (value $400) * 4th Prize – Marwe 610c Roller Skis (value $349) * 5th Prize – Halti XC Race Suit Hemmo Set (value $269) * 6th Prize – 2XU Long Sleeve Thermal Compression Top and Elite Socks (value $195) * 7th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150) * 8th Prize – Two free CCC Inside Track Rewards Cards plus a $50 Gift Card to the CCC e-store (value $100) * 9th Prize – AuclairMicro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65) * 10th Prize – BuffHeadware (value $23)
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).
January 10, 2013 (Canmore, AB) – As part of the creation of our 2014-2018 Strategic Plan, Cross Country Canada is currently undergoing a comprehensive and nationwide engagement process that involves our allies, partners, and stakeholders. By the end of this process, we want to identify the objectives we want to achieve by 2018 and renew our commitment to our organizational goals, mission, vision, and values.
Our engagement process will include interviews with key stakeholders, polls, planning workshops, and this national survey. The results of the entire process will be shared with the Cross Country Canada community and a draft version of our 2014-2018 Strategic Plan will be available at our AGM in June 2013.
We are inviting you to complete the national survey. We believe that your contribution will help drive the successful creation and implementation of our new Strategic Plan and help us determine the best way forward. The survey should take 10-15 minutes to complete depending on how much detail you want to add. The survey is anonymous and we hope you will provide as much honest feedback as you can.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment and interest in the development and success of cross country skiing in Canada.
January 08, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – We are excited to present the SkiTrax FIS Tour de Ski 2012/13 Fantasy Contest standings after stage 5 in Cortina-Toblach, Italy. Team ZIS XC continues to lead with 568 points, followed by Fratuzzi TdS in second with 558 points, and then it’s Powered by Biscuits in third with 549 points.
USA’s Kikkan Randall finished seventh in the women’s 3.3km CL, while Justyna Kowalczyk (POL) won handily – read more here. Canada’s Len Valjas was a strong 11th in the men’s 5km CL, which was won by Alexey Poltoranin (KAZ) – read more here.
With two stages to go we’d like to wish all contestants good luck and once again thank all of our great sponsors, including Mont Ste-Anne, Alpina, One Way, Marwi, Halti, 2XU, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, CCC, Auclair, and Buff.
For the contest standings after Stage 5 in Cortina-Toblach click HERE.
* 1st Prize – Mont Ste-Anne – 2 nights lodging w/breakfast + 3-day XC gift certificate, tune-up (value $800) * 2nd Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $419) * 3rd Prize – One Way Premio Ski Poles (value $400) * 4th Prize – Marwe 610c Roller Skis (value $349) * 5th Prize – Halti XC Race Suit Hemmo Set (value $269) * 6th Prize – 2XU Long Sleeve Thermal Compression Top and Elite Socks (value $195) * 7th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150) * 8th Prize – Two free CCC Inside Track Rewards Cards plus a $50 Gift Card to the CCC e-store (value $100) * 9th Prize – AuclairMicro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65) * 10th Prize – BuffHeadware (value $23)
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).
January 03, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – We are excited to present the SkiTrax FIS Tour de Ski 2012/13 Fantasy Contest standings after stage three in Val Mustair, Switzerland. Team fleur has assumed the lead with 292 points, bumping ZIS XC down to second with 289 points, followed by SkiingwithIan in third with 282 points.
USA’s Kikkan Randall won the stage three women’s 1.4km FR sprints by a huge margin, while all of her countrywomen qualified for the heats. Read more here. Canada’s Len Valjas powered to Canada’s first podium of the season, placing third – read more here.
With lots of racing still to come we’d like to wish all contestants good luck and once again thank all of our great sponsors, including Mont Ste-Anne, Alpina, One Way, Marwi, Halti, 2XU, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, CCC, Auclair, and Buff.
For the contest standings after Stage 3 in Val Mustair click HERE.
* 1st Prize – Mont Ste-Anne – 2 nights lodging w/breakfast + 3-day XC gift certificate, tune-up (value $800) * 2nd Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $419) * 3rd Prize – One Way Premio Ski Poles (value $400) * 4th Prize – Marwe 610c Roller Skis (value $349) * 5th Prize – Halti XC Race Suit Hemmo Set (value $269) * 6th Prize – 2XU Long Sleeve Thermal Compression Top and Elite Socks (value $195) * 7th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150) * 8th Prize – Two free CCC Inside Track Rewards Cards plus a $50 Gift Card to the CCC e-store (value $100) * 9th Prize – AuclairMicro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65) * 10th Prize – BuffHeadware (value $23)
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).
December 28, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – We have experienced increased registration activity for our SkiTrax FIS Tour de Ski 2012/13 Fantasy Contest as the final deadline approaches and we’re pleased to extend the deadline until 12 midnight EST on Friday, Dec. 28 to allow all readers a bit more time to enter or change their team.
Please note that top Norwegian competitor Marit Bjoergen will miss the Tour – read more HERE – and so will Sweden’s Lisa Larsen, Anders Sodergren and Lars Nelson as Mia Eriksson and Martin Johansson have been called up as replacements.
Here’s how the FIS Tour de Ski 2012/13 Contest works
Register your team of unique individual skiers including four (4) men, and four (4) women plus two (2) Outlaw Skiers (one male and one female) not in the top 15 of the FIS World Cup overall rankings. The menus for all skiers are at registration as well as a link to the FIS World Cup Ranking where you can find more details on each skier.
Deadlines, Points, Prizes
The deadline to register your FIS Tour de Ski 2012/13 team, or to make any changes, is 12 midnight EST on Dec. 28 – the day before the TdS launches. Earn bonus points such as Kick and Glide or Val Climb Points along with other opportunities to score points – all contest rules and information are available at TdS registration.
This year the Tour de Ski runs from Dec. 29 to Jan. 6 covering 9 days. Points will be awarded following each TdS stage based on each skier’s performance and published regularly at skitrax.com so you can follow your team’s progress and see how you compare with other players and the actual TdS standings.
Good luck to all contestants and thanks to all of our great sponsors, including Mont Ste-Anne, Alpina, One Way, Marwi, Halti, 2XU, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, CCC, Auclair, and Buff.
* 1st Prize – Mont Ste-Anne – 2 nights lodging w/breakfast + 3-day XC gift certificate, tune-up (value $800) * 2nd Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $419) * 3rd Prize – One Way Premio Ski Poles (value $400) * 4th Prize – Marwe 610c Roller Skis (value $349) * 5th Prize – Halti XC Race Suit Hemmo Set (value $269) * 6th Prize – 2XU Long Sleeve Thermal Compression Top and Elite Socks (value $195) * 7th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150) * 8th Prize – Two free CCC Inside Track Rewards Cards plus a $50 Gift Card to the CCC e-store (value $100) * 9th Prize – AuclairMicro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65) * 10th Prize – BuffHeadware (value $23)
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).
December 28, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – We are pleased to announce the 2012/13 SkiTrax FIS Fantasy World Cup Contest standings after Canmore, which hosted the fourth round of the 2012/13 Viessmann XC FIS World Cup tour. The event was the second chance for Canada to showcase its world-class skiing opportunities!
The contest saw a new leader finally gain a gap of more than one point over second place, with team jesters moving into top spot with 531 points. Little Matt is in second with 527 points, and Summerstars is in third with 526 points.
The Canadian stars had a tough time on home turf, and it was young up-and-comers who made breakthroughs, like Jesse Cockney, who qualified second behind Norwegian powerhouse Emil Joenssen in sprint qualifiying. Read more HERE. USA’s Kikkan Randall continued her strong season with a second-place finish in the women’s sprint. Read about it HERE.
A reminder that Dec. 28 at midnight EST is the deadline to register for our popular Tour de Ski and our Fantasy TdS Contest HERE. Also, fans can look forward to our Fiemme 2013 Nordic World Championships contest in the new year.
Good luck to all contestants and thanks to all of our great sponsors, including Fischer, Trapp Family Lodge, SkiGo, Alpina, One Way, Bjorn Daehlie, 2XU, Bliz, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Auclair, and Buff.
For the Contest standings after Canmore, click HERE.
SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2012/13 Contest Prizes * 1st Prize – Fischer 12/13 Carbonlite Skating Hole Skis, Xcelerator Bindings, Carbonlite Poles (value $1,100) * 2nd Prize – Trapp Family Lodge – 2 nights lodging in a Deluxe Room w/breakfast (value $600)
* 3rd Prize – SkiGo Carbon 335 Skate Roller Skis (value $420)
* 4th Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $419) * 5th Prize – One Way Premio Ski Poles (value $400) * 6th Prize – Bjorn Daehlie Exclusive US XC Ski Suit (value $300) * 7th Prize – 2XU Long Sleeve Thermal Compression Top and Elite Socks (value $195) * 8th Prize – Bliz Proflip Visor (value $129) * 9th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $100) * 10th Prize –AuclairMicro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65) * WCup Breaks –BuffHeadware to top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski (value $23)
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).
December 24, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – With only five days left to enter just over 200 teams have registered for the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Tour de Ski 2012/13 Contest. The deadline to register is 10pm EST on Dec. 28 and we’d also like to wish everyone the very best through the holidays and new year.
Please note that top competitor Marit Bjoergen will miss the Tour unfortunately as she was recently hospitalized due to an irregular heartbeat. Bjoergen is ok and was released but will miss the TdS that was one of her key goals this season – read more here.
This year the Tour de Ski runs from Dec. 29 to Jan. 6 covering 9 days with the first event kicking off in Oberhof, Germany. The fifth annual international SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Tour de Ski 2012/13 Contest features over $2,500 in prizes up for grabs for contestants from around the world.
Here’s how the FIS Tour de Ski 2012/13 Contest works
Register your team of unique individual skiers including four (4) men, and four (4) women plus two (2) Outlaw Skiers (one male and one female) not in the top 15 of the FIS World Cup overall rankings. The menus for all skiers are at registration as well as a link to the FIS World Cup Ranking where you can find more details on each skier.
Deadlines, Points, Prizes
The deadline to register your FIS Tour de Ski 2012/13 team, or to make any changes, is 10pm EST on Dec. 28 – the day before the TdS launches. Earn bonus points such as Kick and Glide or Val Climb Points along with other opportunities to score points – all contest rules and information are available at TdS registration.
Points will be awarded following each TdS stage based on each skier’s performance and published regularly at skitrax.com so you can follow your team’s progress and see how you compare with other players and the actual TdS standings.
Good luck to all contestants and thanks to all of our great sponsors, including Mont Ste-Anne, Alpina, One Way, Marwi, Halti, 2XU, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Auclair, and Buff.
* 1st Prize – Mont Ste-Anne – 2 nights lodging w/breakfast + 3-day XC gift certificate, tune-up (value $800) * 2nd Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $419) * 3rd Prize – One Way Premio Ski Poles (value $400) * 4th Prize – Marwe 610c Roller Skis (value $349) * 5th Prize – Halti XC Race Suit Hemmo Set (value $269) * 6th Prize – 2XU Long Sleeve Thermal Compression Top and Elite Socks (value $195) * 7th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150) * 8th Prize – Two free CCC Inside Track Rewards Cards plus a $50 Gift Card to the CCC e-store (value $100) * 9th Prize – AuclairMicro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65) * 10th Prize – BuffHeadware (value $23)
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).
December 18, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – We are excited to present the 2012/13 SkiTrax FIS Fantasy World Cup Contest standings after round three of the 2012/13 Viessmann XC FIS World Cup in Quebec City, Canada – the first of two World Cups in Canada this season!
The contest saw a new leader take control as things heated up on the FIS circuit. Suusakollid charged ahead with 389 points, while Double Polers and previous leader lafrasse are now tied for second place with 387 points. Luca D. and asterion are tied for third with 385 points.
The Canadian squad had a tough time on home turf, but USA’s women continued their stellar season led by Kikkan Randall, who won the individual sprint, then went on to win the team sprint with partner Jessie Diggins. Read about it HERE.
Soon it’ll be time for the popular Tour de Ski and our Fantasy TdS Contest, and finally fans can enjoy our Fiemme 2013 Nordic World Championships contest in the new year.
Good luck to all contestants and thanks to all of our great sponsors, including Fischer, Trapp Family Lodge, SkiGo, Alpina, One Way, Bjorn Daehlie, 2XU, Bliz, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Auclair, and Buff.
For the Contest standings after Quebec City, click HERE.
SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2012/13 Contest Prizes * 1st Prize – Fischer 12/13 Carbonlite Skating Hole Skis, Xcelerator Bindings, Carbonlite Poles (value $1,100) * 2nd Prize – Trapp Family Lodge – 2 nights lodging in a Deluxe Room w/breakfast (value $600)
* 3rd Prize – SkiGo Carbon 335 Skate Roller Skis (value $420)
* 4th Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $419) * 5th Prize – One Way Premio Ski Poles (value $400) * 6th Prize – Bjorn Daehlie Exclusive US XC Ski Suit (value $300) * 7th Prize – 2XU Long Sleeve Thermal Compression Top and Elite Socks (value $195) * 8th Prize – Bliz Proflip Visor (value $129) * 9th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $100) * 10th Prize –AuclairMicro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65) * WCup Breaks –BuffHeadware to top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski (value $23)
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).
December 13, 2012 – Time is running out to register your team for the 2012/13 edition of the SkiTrax Fantasy FIS Marathon Cup International Contest in co-operation with FIS and the WorldLoppet Ski Federation! The deadline is 10pm EST, Dec. 15 – the day before the series kicks off with the FIS Marathon Cup season opener in Italy – La Sgambeda on Dec. 16. The Marathon Contest is similar to our other fantasy contests with some twists – 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.
*Note that we have updated the Outlaw Skier lists based on the Start List for La Sgambeda – please review and update your team if you wish.
Here’s the twist… following the Koenig Ludwig Lauf event (Feb. 2/13) we’ll allow contestants to swap one male and one female skier from their team for added excitement leading into the final four (4) races.
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 – and read more about the FIS Marathon Cup HERE.
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.
The deadline to register or revise your team is Saturday, Dec. 15, at 10pm EST, the day before FIS Marathon Cup season kicks off in Italy with La Sgambeda on Dec. 16 – and stay tuned for our Tour de Ski Contest launching very soon.
* 1st Prize – Nipika Lodge – 4-nights for 2 people in luxurious cabin, including Trail Fees (value up to $1,160) * 2nd Prize – Marwe 610c Roller Skis (value $349) * 3rd Prize – Yoko 9100 Poles (value $299) * 4th Prize – Halti XC Race Suit Hemmo Set (value $269) * 5th Prize – Skiwax.ca Racer Kickwax kit (value $235) * 6th Prize – 2XU Long Sleeve Thermal Compression Top and Elite Socks (value $195) * 7th Prize – One Way Snowbird Glasses (value $120) * 8th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $100) * 9th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65) * 10th Prize – Buff Headware (value $23)
Thanks to all of our great sponsors, including Nipika, Marwe, Yoko, Halti, Skiwax.ca, 2XU, One Way, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, 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).
December 12, 2012 (Quebec City, QC) – SkiTrax caught up with a few North American behind-the-scenes players at the inaugural FIS Quebec City Sprint World Cup this past weekend to get the inside scoop on how the event played out for their respective teams.
Interviews include US XC Team Head Coach Chris Grover, CCC Men’s Coach Justin Wadsworth, APU Head Coach Erik Flora, and an elated US XC Team Women’s Coach Matt Whitcomb. Plus, the legendary Peter Graves speaks with CCC Director of Events Dave Dyer and CCC Director of Business Development Matt Jeffries.
December 10, 2012 – You can still register your team for the 2012/13 edition of the SkiTrax Fantasy FIS Marathon Cup 2012/13 International Contest in co-operation with FIS and the WorldLoppet Ski Federation until 10pm EST, Dec. 15! The series kicks off with the FIS Marathon Cup season opener in Italy – La Sgambeda on Dec. 16. The Marathon Contest is similar to our other fantasy contests with some twists – 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 Koenig Ludwig Lauf event (Feb. 2/13) we’ll allow contestants to swap one male and one female skier from their team for added excitement leading into the final four (4) races.
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 – and read more about the FIS Marathon Cup here.
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.
The deadline to register or revise your team is Saturday, Dec. 15, at 10pm EST, the day before FIS Marathon Cup season kicks off in Italy with La Sgambeda on Dec. 16 – and stay tuned for our Tour de Ski Contest launching very soon.
* 1st Prize – Nipika Lodge – 4-nights for 2 people in luxurious cabin, including Trail Fees (value up to $1,160) * 2nd Prize – Marwe 610c Roller Skis (value $349) * 3rd Prize – Yoko 9100 Poles (value $299) * 4th Prize – Halti XC Race Suit Hemmo Set (value $269) * 5th Prize – Skiwax.ca Racer Kickwax kit (value $235) * 6th Prize – 2XU Long Sleeve Thermal Compression Top and Elite Socks (value $195) * 7th Prize – One Way Snowbird Glasses (value $120) * 8th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $100) * 9th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65) * 10th Prize – Buff Headware (value $23)
Thanks to all of our great sponsors, including Nipika, Marwe, Yoko, Halti, Skiwax.ca, 2XU, One Way, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, 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).
December 07, 2012 (Canmore, AB) – For just $30, The Inside Track Rewards Program provides members with exclusive, year-round discounts on a variety of great products and services from Cross Country Canada partners. This program is designed with the cross-country ski community in mind. With benefits ranging from discounts on sporting goods and apparel (including ski gear!), travel and emergency roadside assistance, the Inside Track card will help members save money while growing our sport and providing critical program funding at both the national and local levels. For each card sold to a CCC member, $10 will be directed back to that member’s ski club. The balance of program proceeds will go towards providing critical funding for CCC development programs such as Jackrabbits and Track Attack, as well as the National Ski Team. Questions? Email us at rewards@cccski.com.
Our Partners – Your Benefits Save on CCC merchandise: Inside Track Rewards Program members benefit from a 10% discount on all merchandise purchased at the Cross Country Canada store both online (www.cccski.com) and onsite at events across the country. Take advantage of this great discount on officially licensed CCC products and National Ski Team apparel from CCC suppliers such as One Way, Auclair, Eload, Smartwool, Suunto, EC3D and Bliz.
Get Roadside Assistance: Receive access to roadside assistance with no annual fee from Dominion Automobile Association. Drive with peace of mind knowing that you’re covered with comprehensive roadside protection anywhere in North America. This coverage, a $25 value, is available at no cost to all Inside Track Rewards Program members. For those times when you do need Roadside Assistance it’s available at a discounted rate of just $59.95 per call, negotiated on your behalf by Cross Country Canada. This service will be available to members approximately the third week of December, 2012. Members will be notified when it is available. Full details available HERE.
Save at Delta Hotels: Founded in 1962, Delta Hotels and Resorts has grown to become Canada’s leading first-class hotel management company. Today, Delta boasts a diversified portfolio of 46 city-centre, airport and resort properties. Inside Track Rewards Program members will earn 10% off the Best Available Rate (BAR) at participating Delta Hotels and Resorts. The discount applies only to the BAR rates and will not apply to any other rates that may appear on the Delta Hotels & Resorts website or to which the traveler may otherwise have access.
Save on Ski Trax Magazine: The Official Magazine of Cross Country Canada, SkiTrax keeps you up to date on all the latest Nordic news, ski gear, adventure and recreational skiing, including race reports from across Canada, the USA, and around the world – check out www.skitrax.com. Inside Track members will save 35% off regular subscription prices.
Save on sporting goods: Inside Track members will save 10% on regularly priced merchandise online (www.freshairexp.com) or in person at Fresh Air Experience’s Ottawa store. The official retailer of the National Ski Team, Fresh Air Experience has been providing Ottawa and area with high quality outdoor goods and service since 1969. They specialize in cross-country skis, bicycles, clothes, and many other great products.
Get Special Association Rates: Inside Track members have access to Special Pooled Association rates on Health, Dental, Critical Illness and Travel Insurance through Manulife Financial. Manulife Financial has been providing Canadians and Canadian skiers with “peace of mind” insurance solutions for 125 years. This fine tradition of cost-effective, comprehensive insurance coverage and customer confidence continues to grow even today as Manulife Financial becomes a proud partner of Cross Country Canada’s Inside Track Rewards Program through a Special Pooled Association Plan. More details available HERE.
December 06, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – We are pleased to present the 2012/13 SkiTraxFIS Fantasy World Cup Contest standings after round two of the 2012/13 Viessmann XC FIS World Cup at Kuusamo, Finland.
The top contest spots continue to be separated by single points with no change in the top three after Kuusamo. Lafrasse maintains the lead with 126 points, followed in second place by Luca D. with 125 points. Bosans hangs on to third spot with 124 points.
Meanwhile the thrilling competition continued on the circuit, with USA’s Kikkan Randall scoring the second consecutive distance event podium of her career. Read about it HERE.
Our FIS Marathon Cup contest is launching on Dec. 7 so be sure to register to be eligible to win more prizes and catch some great racing. Soon after it’ll be time for the popular Tour de Ski and our Fantasy TdS Contest, and finally fans can enjoy our Fiemme 2013 Nordic World Championships contest in the new year.
Good luck to all contestants and thanks to all of our great sponsors, including Fischer, Trapp Family Lodge, SkiGo, Alpina, One Way, Bjorn Daehlie, 2XU, Bliz, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Auclair, and Buff.
For the Contest standings after Kuusamo click HERE.
SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2012/13 Contest Prizes * 1st Prize – Fischer 12/13 Carbonlite Skating Hole Skis, Xcelerator Bindings, Carbonlite Poles (value $1,100) * 2nd Prize – Trapp Family Lodge – 2 nights lodging in a Deluxe Room w/breakfast (value $600)
* 3rd Prize – SkiGo Carbon 335 Skate Roller Skis (value $420)
* 4th Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $419) * 5th Prize – One Way Premio Ski Poles (value $400) * 6th Prize – Bjorn Daehlie Exclusive US XC Ski Suit (value $300) * 7th Prize – 2XU Long Sleeve Thermal Compression Top and Elite Socks (value $195) * 8th Prize – Bliz Proflip Visor (value $129) * 9th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $100) * 10th Prize –AuclairMicro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65) * WCup Breaks –BuffHeadware to top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski (value $23)
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).
November 20, 2012 (Gatineau, QC) – The Gatineau Loppet is pleased to announce that the first wave of its 55 km classic style race will be sanctioned by Cross-Country Canada (CCC), allowing Canadian and international long distance skiers to collect points for the Canadian Points List.
Last year, the CCC sanction was given to the 51 km freestyle but will be attributed to the 55 km classic race this year. “This change has been decided to promote the new linear [point-to-point] 55 km classic course starting at Lake Philippe that will be introduced in 2013 for the Gatineau Loppet’s 35th edition!” explains Yan Michaud, President of the Gatineau Loppet.
To highlight the importance and the seriousness of the elite program in the event, all skiers taking part in the 55 km classic race’s first wave must provide one of the following licenses: FIS license, a license issued by a national Federation (e.g. international competitors), a CCC Racing license or a Cross-Country Canada Supporting Member’s License (day license). The Gatineau Loppet will offer prizes to both the top three men and women of this new 55 km classic style race. First place will receive $1,200, second $600 and third $200.
For any questions concerning the licenses, prizes or elite program, please visit the Gatineau Loppet website at www.gatineauloppet.com .
November 08, 2012 (Canmore, AB) – In response to recent comments on reducing the distances of the Open 50 and 30 km mass start events at the Ski Nationals the Events Committee would first like to acknowledge the importance of the National Championships as a celebration of our domestic racing program. We would also like to recognize the hundreds of hours of volunteer time invested in making the Ski Nationals and our other sanctioned events a success every season.
The concept of change was first raised at the April High Performance Meeting in Canmore citing among other things the opportunity of junior and senior skiers in the event racing against one another with our World Cup team on the start line. Our top athletes and coaches at the meeting thought that this was an interesting idea and that the shorter distance would appeal to more skiers given the rigors of just coming off of the World Cup circuit and the prospects of reduced training time for those in Canada because of spring snow conditions.
From the Events Committee perspective it was felt that the concept could further the re-introduction of a Canadian Long Distance Championships during February. The lull in national racing focus during this period has been recognized as a challenge for domestic skiers after the January NorAm period and the Ski Nationals.
Recent comments suggest the tradition of the distance event in offering a unique challenge to participating skiers would be lost. The committee appreciated that for some this is a very important race, but in the same vein, an opportunity of increasing the profile and prestige of our larger loppet events and developing closer ties with these events is also important in forming strong ties within community. In fact a singular mid season distance event could enhance the profile of the distance champion.
The 30 /20 km combined distances resonated well with the Ski Nationals Organizing Committee in June, as the change represented a shorter day for volunteers after what all Ski National organizers feel is a very grueling week. Ending the on snow portion of the final day earlier would lead nicely into a more controlled Awards banquet in the early evening.
Over the next couple of weeks the Events Committee will review the recent on line comments provided by athletes and others and have a second look at the schedule for March 30 in consideration of typical snow and temperature conditions for this period, plans by the Organizing Committee and developments within the sport.
Please do not hesitate to email your comments directly to the Committee c/o ddyer@cccski.com.
November 02, 2012 (Ottawa, ON) – Cross Country Canada has joined other leading national sport organizations in embracing the Club Excellence Program which is helping to build a network of healthy, strong and sustainable sport clubs across Canada.
As an Associate Member, Cross Country Canada now enjoys access to a range of customized tools and resources to improve ski club programs. Targeted workshops will help their clubs become Club Excellence certified, building capacity in a number of critical areas including coaching, people management, governance, recruitment, financial accountability, marketing, and revenue generation.
“After focusing on redesigning our Athlete Development Model, Competition Model and all corresponding programs, it was time to encourage clubs to also proceed with LTAD alignment at the club level and provide tools and incentives to help us achieve the highest possible rate of engagement,” said Stéphane Barrette, Director of Coaching and Athlete Development with Cross Country Canada. “Club Excellence met every requirement we were looking for and more! And it helped that Club Excellence was highly recommended by some of the Sport Canada LTAD expert group members.”
Through the Associate Membership, the Club Excellence program will be available to ski clubs of all levels, focusing on all the characteristics of strong, sound clubs, from management to governance and program delivery. It will also allow Cross Country Canada to provide discounts to their member clubs on Club Excellence services, and gives them a voice in the stewardship of this innovative, standards-based certification program.
Founding Members of the Club Excellence Cooperative (CEC) include Swimming Canada, Speedskating Canada, CanoeKayak Canada, Athletics Canada, Gymnastics Canada, and the True Sport Foundation.
CEC Chair, John Edwards, called today’s announcement an exciting development for the program;
“We are delighted with the addition of another NSO to the Club Excellence program,” he said. “Clubs are the foundation for so many Canadian sports. It’s great to see that Cross Country Canada shares our vision of bringing long-term benefits to sport by improving the quality of community club programs.”
October 29, 2012 (Canmore, AB) – Since the first year when Competition Coaching-Introduction: Advanced (CCI-Advanced, T2T) workshops were offered in 2008-09, an increasing number of coaches have been trained for that context and will now complete their certification by undergoing the evaluation process. The next step in the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) progression is the Competition Coaching-Development context (CCD).
Cross Country Canada (CCC) is pleased to announce that we will host a first CCD dryland workshop in Canmore, May 8-12, 2013 (5 very full days!). The On Snow workshop (4 days) is planned for November 2013.
Given the large number of currently trained CCI-Advanced (T2T) coaches wanting to start their training in the CCD context, registrations for this first dryland workshop next spring will likely be offered to targeted 2015 Canada Winter Games(CWG) candidates in priority. It will be up to divisions to provide a list of prioritized coaches in that regard.
2015 CWG coaching eligibility requirements have been somewhat lowered for part of the support teams by the Canada Games Council earlier this month but still require old level 3 certification or CCD certified status in the new system for the head coach of each provincial/territorial teams and CCD trained status for all other coaches (excluding team manager and wax technician).
If the demand is such that several interested and eligible coaches cannot take part in this first CCD dryland workshop next spring, CCC will consider offering a second dryland workshop in the fall of 2013.
To be accepted for the CCD dryland workshop in May 2013, all candidates must be at least trained in the CCI-Advanced(T2T) context (both workshops completed) and be in the process of completing the CCI-Advanced(T2T) evaluation process (at least three out of five outcomes evaluated, including “supporting T2T athletes at a competition”); see CCI-Advanced (T2T) page for details HERE.
As well, interested candidates should take note that they can start their CCD training right away by completing training and evaluation in the multi-sport modules required for cross-country skiing (see CCD page HERE for details).
To view the whole CCD training and certification progression, see the flowchart HERE.
October 12, 2012 (Canmore, AB) – Frozen Thunder is on track for opening Oct. 13th. The 2k ski loop, using snow preserved from the previous winter, is being set up and groomed for early season skiing at the Canmore Nordic Centre.
The trail will be used for training by the National Ski Team and local racers, with the second annual classic, sprint race involving top US and Canadian competitors scheduled for Oct 26th.
September 27, 2012 (Canmore, AB) – It’s funny. The athletes came into this training season more excited than ever, when one would think that after such a successful last season it would have been just the opposite. The amount of work this team has done over the last two years has been exhausting and I thought maybe people would slow down a bit and need to be encouraged back into training mode. Well, that couldn’t be further from the case.
Champing at the bit, the athletes travelled to Bend, Oregon for an on-snow camp combined with the US ski team. We had amazing skiing and weather which helped make this our best spring camp ever. Everyone on the team came into this camp fit and pumped up to get things going-it was great!
A few weeks after the Bend camp, our newly formed women’s team, led by Coach Eric de Nys, went north to Alaska for a half dryland and half on-snow camp with the US women’s team. This camp was a major success, with one of the largest (and for sure best) women’s training groups ever assembled in North America. Although the weather on the glacier wasn’t exactly sunny the women laid down some serious K’s and hours and came away more fit than ever.
While the ladies were in AK, the guys and I were hammering up from sea level to 10,000 feet on rollerskis on the island of Maui. The men tallied up more than 60,000 feet of vertical over 12 days, while camping high up on the volcano. There are other places to do altitude camps but nowhere else where you can do this kind of full-on vertical training. By far this was the camp where I saw the biggest changes in the guys, and everyone knew they had just gone up two notches in fitness. Straight from Hawaii we finished off the altitude training at the Haig Glacier in Alberta with 3 days of skiing at 3000 meters.
Since we have camps almost every month with most lasting around two weeks, I thought this summer would be a good time to give our athletes a six week break to settle in, train, and visit friends and family. During this period, Joel Jaques from our technical team and Perianne Jones from the women’s team got married and it was a celebration shared by many in the Cross Country Canada family.
In late August the women’s team joined forces with the Alberta World Cup Academy (AWCA) in Whitefish, Montana for another large women’s camp. Once again energy was high and the women focused on a good mix of intensity and distance, with a couple hard time trials to start engaging the racing legs. Chris Jeffries, Head Coach of the AWCA, and Eric de Nys worked well together and the energy coming out of this camp would carry everyone for weeks.
During this same period, the men were in on-snow in New Zealand banging out big hours and focusing on skiing technique. Coach Louis Bouchard and I were extremely happy with the work done there and left excited for the real winter to come.
Both the men’s and women’s teams are now off to Park City, Utah. Although the teams have different schedules, we’ll be doing some workouts together and eating dinners as a group. It’s our last dryland camp of the year and it will be fun to get everyone back together.
We’re all back to Canmore after Park City for skiing on our “kept” snow for our famous Frozen Thunder event. The Canmore Nordic Centre scrapes off the sawdust used to insulate the snow during the summer and rolls it out Oct 15th. It’s such an advantage for us to know we can start getting the edge on our competition by skiing so early, and right at home!
The World Cup races start Nov 24th in Gellivare, Sweden, and then move on to Kuusamo, Finland for the first mini-tour of the season. From there it’s time to head back to Canada for the much anticipated Quebec City and Canmore World Cups.
Our team is in a better place than ever and it’s an exciting time for everyone involved in cross country skiing in Canada. Without the support of our CCC members, fans and partners we would not be where we are today. Thank you!
Justin
Lenny,-team-van,-Justin_cropped.jpg
From left: Lenny Valjas, Coaching Consultant Torbjorn Karlsen, Coach Wadsworth. Location:Canmore, AB
September 26, 2012 – Join Canadian Olympic XC Skier Perianne Jones and support her 2013 season as she continues her road to the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games. The event takes place on October 16 at the Britannia Yacht Club in Ottawa from 7-9p.m. The evening will include a waxing workshop and a silent auction. Tickets $30, available at Fresh Air Experience, 1291 Wellington St., Ottawa, 613-729-3002.
August 17, 2012 (Canmore, AB) – 2013 CCC race license applications are now available online or by mail. You must have a current race license or a Supporting Member Day license to compete in CCC sanctioned events. To apply for your 2013 CCC race license online, click HERE or by mail, click HERE.
Note: You must be a member of a registered CCC club before your license application will be processed.
FIS Race License – It is time to renew or apply for your 2013 FIS Race License
To apply for a FIS race license, please complete the CCC FIS Race License Application and the FIS Athlete Declaration Form available HERE, and forward it by mail or fax, together with your cheque, VISA or MasterCard number to the Cross Country Canada National Office. Don’t forget to included the expiry date and 3 digit card verification number (on back of the card).
By mail or in person: Cross Country Canada, 100 – 1995 Olympic Way, Canmore, AB T1W 2T6
By Fax: (403) 678-3885
The cost is $45.00 (non-refundable) and the deadline to submit the FIS License application form is January 1st, 2013.
This deadline is very important. Any FIS license applications received after January 1st, 2013 will be processed at a cost of $100.00. If you require points to be added retroactively, this will cost you another $100.00.
Note: Any Junior skier who may make the criteria for a national team or international tours is encouraged to purchase a FIS licence prior to the ski season as it will be needed for FIS point calculations.
Your FIS license will not be processed until your CCC license is renewed or bought for the 2013 season.
You must include your CCC and FIS license numbers when registering for events to have your results eligible for points. A fee is required to retroactively add license numbers to “Official” result lists.
International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Race License
IPC race licenses are necessary for Para-Nordic athletes and guides who wish to compete internationally in IPC sanctioned events (IPC World Cup, IPC World Championships or Paralympics).
To apply for an IPC license you must first have a CCC race license (see application requirements and process above).
The cost of an IPC race license is 60Euro (approx $85) and the application deadline is October 1st, 2012.
An IPC license can be purchased after the deadline but the price doubles to $120Euro (approx $170).
To begin the application process please complete the IPC Eligibility Code form HERE and then contact us at nsmith@cccski.com to complete the process.
July 24, 2012 (Canmore, AB) – CCC is pleased to announce a partnership with the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (FCLL) that will see the resort become an official accommodation supplier to CCC and the National Ski Team. As part of the agreement the FCLL is offering a special discounted rate to Cross Country Canada members across the country.
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is proud to offer Cross Country Canada Members 10% off its Best Available Rates throughout the year.
Situated on the shores of Lake Louise in the heart of Banff National Park, The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is Canada’s ‘Diamond in the Wilderness’, a beautiful chateau-style resort offering stunning views of the Victoria Glacier. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is located only 2 and a half hours from the Calgary International Airport.
Lake Louise is renowned for reliable snow fall, a long ski season, extensive trail network, easy highway access, and iconic world class destination with great amenities. Enjoy endless groomed trails and fresh mountain air as you glide along some of the most enchanting ski trails in North America. With record snow levels in recent years, improved signage and a season starting earlier than any North American region, Lake Louise is the ultimate cross country skiing destination. Or, come during the summer to hike to the tea houses and other iconic destinations right from the hotel doorstep.
Call 1-800-441-1414 and ask for your preferred 10% off Best Available Rate with your Cross Country Canada Membership or visit www.fairmont.com and enter promo code N3CS.
April 19, 2012 (Canmore, AB) – Representatives from long-time Cross Country Canada sponsor Auclair Gloves joined members of the National Ski Team in Mont Sainte-Anne for a dinner, product consultation and awards ceremony during last month’s Haywood Ski Nationals. Auclair, the exclusive glove supplier to the National Ski Team for the last 30 years, was pleased to meet with Canada’s top skiers to discuss product feedback and work on refinements to the company’s high performance glove line in advance of the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
Auclair President Peter Monk was on hand to present the first annual Auclair Team Spirit Award to Canadian National Team skier Devon Kershaw. Freshly returned from completing his 2011/12 World Cup campaign and finishing as the 2nd ranked skier in the overall FIS World Cup, Kershaw was thrilled to receive the honour which is presented to the National Team athlete who best represents the qualities of team spirit with which Auclair proudly associates itself. “It’s a real honour to receive this award and it couldn’t be more fitting than to come from Peter and his team at Auclair,” commented Kershaw. “They have been a key part of our team for over 30 years and we are excited to be here this evening working hand-in-hand with them to make sure we have the optimal gloves on our hands as we continue our drive toward the podium in Sochi 2014.”
Auclair is the premium sport and outdoor division of Paris Glove of Canada Ltd., one of the oldest and most respected glove companies in North America. In addition to its 30+ year relationship with Canada’s National Cross-Country Ski Team, the company is also the official supplier to practically every Canadian team on snow and ice including Alpine, Snowboarding, Freestyle, Speed Skating, Bobsled, Luge, Nordic Combined, Biathlon, Telemark and Speed Skiing.
April 02, 2012 – The deadline for the National Winter Sports Association has been changed to April 10th for Club and NDC applications. Athlete applications for funding were still required by March 31st. Request for Proposals HERE.
March 27, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – We are excited to announce the final standings for the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy WCup 2011/12 Contest after the WCup in Falun, Sweden along with the final overall contest winnners following the Doping De-points rule.
The 2011/12 season was historic for both the U.S. and Canadian squads, with Kikkan Randall (USA) picking up the crystal globe in the women’s Sprint discipline and Team Canada taking home a boat-load of medals, led by Devon Kershaw’s second place overall in the WCup.
The winner of the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy WCup 2011/12 Contest is Team FxG, who racked up 2,260 points to grab first place and take home 1st Prize – a Fischer package, including 11/12 Carbonlite Hole Skis, Xcelerator Bindings, Carbonlite Poles (value $1,100). The maximum number of points after Falun is 2,376.
Second Prize goes to Team JOlca2 trailing by a single point with a total of 2,259 points, receiving a fabulous pair of SkiGo Carbon 780 Roller Skis (value $580).
Third Prize went to Team Jcas from Canmore, AB who wins a pair of Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $449).
We congratule all contest winners and would like to thank the many teams from around the world for participating in the SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2011/12 Contest.
Thanks as well to all of our great sponsors, including Fischer, SkiGo, Alpina, Bjorn Daehlie Clothing, Sporthill, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Rottefella, Bliz, Concept 2, Auclair, and Buff.
For the complete SkiTrax FIS WCup Fantasy Contest standings after Falun, click HERE.
SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2011/12 Contest Winners
– Siggy’s Speedsters – Craig Cardinal – Northfield, MN
– 3LIT3 – Andrew Pfeiffer – Evanston, IL
– Sssssspandy – Andy Shields – Thunder Bay, ON WCup Break – Buff Headware (value $23) to top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski
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).
March 26, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – We are pleased to announce the winners and final standings for the inaugural SkiTrax Fantasy FIS Marathon Cup 2011/12 International Contest after an exciting marathon season that wrapped up with the 54km CL Birkebeinerrennet in Norway on March 17.
Team marko16 finishes in first place with 976 points and takes home the 1st Prize – a OneWay package including Premio 10 WCup Skis, Diamond Storm Premio 10 Poles, and SNS Premio Pilot Bindings. (value $1,350). The maximum number of points after the Birkebeinerrennet is 1,092 points.
Second prize goes to Team bondin from France winning a fabulous Nipika 4-night package for 2 people in a luxurious cabin, including Trail Fees (value up to $1,160). Finally team Sampo from Minnesota won the third prize, a pair of Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $449).
Congratulations to all winners and thank you to the many teams from around the world for participating in the inaugural SkiTrax Fantasy FIS Marathon Cup 2011/12 International Contest.
We’d also like to 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.
For the final full contest standings after the Birkebeinerrennet click HERE.
FIS Fantasy Marathon Cup Winners
– marko16 – Marko Liiva – Otepaa, Estonia 1st Prize – OneWay Premio 10 WCup Skis, Diamond Storm Premio 10 Poles, SNS Premio Pilot Bindings. (value $1,350)
– bondin – Alex Moiroud – Montalieu, France 2nd Prize – Nipika 4-nights for 2 people in luxurious cabin, including Trail Fees (value up to $1,160)
– Sampo – Jonathan Rova – Grand Marais, MN 3rd Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $449)
– Alberta Gold – Darrell Goldsack – Red Deer, AB 9th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
– anty ski – Andri Milov – Pärnu Estonia 10th Prize – Buff Headware (value $40)
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).
March 10, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – We are pleased to announce the standings for the SkiTrax Fantasy FIS Marathon Cup 2011/12 International Contest after the the 90km Classic Vasaloppet in Sweden. The inaugural FIS Marathon Cup contest continues to be exciting – it’s still anyone’s contest to win!
The top three positions remained the same, with Team marko16 defending first spot with 693 points, while bondin maintained second at 668 points. Team Sampo trails in third spot with 647 points. Note the maximum number of available points after the Vasaloppet is 798 points. The next race is the penultimate race in the series, the 42km FR Engadin Skimarathon in Switzerland on March 11th.
View the full contest standings after Vasaloppet 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).
June 27, 2013 – The Birkie Ski Foundation and Telemark Lodge (closes again) – Am I the only one who sees what should happen here, especially as the Birkie’s race calendar continues to fill out with more and more “silent sports” competitions? Yes, they should buy Telemark (!!!!) (Read about it HERE). No, I am not crazy! It is the perfect match and makes sense for the guarantee of the future of the race or races, BSF’s business direction and further growth in their “silent sports” business.
