March 09, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – We are pleased to announce the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy WCup 2011/12 Contest standings after the WCup in Drammen, Norway where USA’s Kikkan Randall made history when she clinched the women’s WCup Sprint title. Read about it HERE. 

It was also a decisive day for team JOlca2 who jumped into the pole position ahead of longtime leader Siggy’s Speedsters.  The race is incredibly tight, with only a one-point difference – JOlca2 has 1,553 points to Siggy’s Speedsters’ 1,552. Team FxGo has maintained third place with 1,527 points. The maximum number of points after Drammen is 1,629.

For the complete FIS WCup Fantasy Contest standings after Drammen click HERE

The next FIS WCup takes place in Oslo, Mar. 10-11.

SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2011/12 Contest Prizes
* 1st Prize – Fischer 11/12 Carbonlite Hole Skis, Xcelerator Bindings, Carbonlite Poles (value $1,100)
* 2nd Prize – SkiGo Carbon 780 Roller Skis (value $580)
* 3rd Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $449)
* 4th Prize – Bjorn Daehlie Exclusive US XC Ski Suit (value $300)
* 5th Prize – Sporthill XC Pants/Tights and Glacier Top (value $220)
* 6th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150)
* 7th Prize – Bliz Proflip Visor (value $129)
* 8th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $120)
* 9th Prize – Concept2 Goodie Duffle Bag (value $100)
* 10th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
* WCup Break – Buff Headware (value $23) to top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski

Thanks 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.

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 08, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – We are pleased to announce the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy WCup 2011/12 Contest standings after the WCup in Lahti, Finland. Siggy’s Speedsters is still out front with 1,496 points, while JOlca2 holds on to second place with 1,489 points. Team FxGohas overtaken daviking for third spot with 1,469 points. The maximum number of points after Lahti is 1,579.

For the complete FIS WCup Fantasy Contest standings after Lahti click HERE.

The next FIS WCup after today’s Drammen sprints take place in Oslo, Mar. 10-11. Stay tuned for the latest contest standings.

SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2011/12 Contest Prizes
* 1st Prize – Fischer 11/12 Carbonlite Hole Skis, Xcelerator Bindings, Carbonlite Poles (value $1,100)
* 2nd Prize – SkiGo Carbon 780 Roller Skis (value $580)
* 3rd Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $449)
* 4th Prize – Bjorn Daehlie Exclusive US XC Ski Suit (value $300)
* 5th Prize – Sporthill XC Pants/Tights and Glacier Top (value $220)
* 6th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150)
* 7th Prize – Bliz Proflip Visor (value $129)
* 8th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $120)
* 9th Prize – Concept2 Goodie Duffle Bag (value $100)
* 10th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
* WCup Break – Buff Headware (value $23) to top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski

Thanks 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.

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, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – We are excited to announce the standings for the SkiTrax Fantasy FIS Marathon Cup 2011/12 International Contest after the the 50km Classic Finlandia Hiito in Finland and apologize for the delay. The inaugural FIS Marathon Cup contest continues to be thrilling as the top teams change weekly – it’s still anyone’s contest to win!

Team marko16 has jumped into first spot with 598 points, with bondin in second and only 11 points back (587). Team Sampo trails by another 10 points for third spot with 577. Note the maximum number of available points after Finlandia Hiihto is 710 points.

View the full contest standings after Finlandia Hiito HERE.

Note: We discovered errors in the standings after Tartu Maraton and have since corrected them with apologies. Pls view the corrected contest standings 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).

February 29, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – We are excited to present the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy WCup 2011/12 Contest standings after the inaugural Szklarska Poreba WCup in Poland. Siggy’s Speedsters continues to lead with a total of 1,322 points. A new contender has leapt up into second place: Team JOlca2 has 1,317 points, while daviking is only one point back at 1,316 for third spot. The maximum number of points after Poland is 1,434.

For the complete FIS WCup Fantasy Contest standings after Szklarska Poreba click HERE.

The next FIS WCup takes place in Lahti, Finland, Mar. 3-4.

SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2011/12 Contest Prizes
* 1st Prize – Fischer 11/12 Carbonlite Hole Skis, Xcelerator Bindings, Carbonlite Poles (value $1,100)
* 2nd Prize – SkiGo Carbon 780 Roller Skis (value $580)
* 3rd Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $449)
* 4th Prize – Bjorn Daehlie Exclusive US XC Ski Suit (value $300)
* 5th Prize – Sporthill XC Pants/Tights and Glacier Top (value $220)
* 6th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150)
* 7th Prize – Bliz Proflip Visor (value $129)
* 8th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $120)
* 9th Prize – Concept2 Goodie Duffle Bag (value $100)
* 10th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
* WCup Break – Buff Headware (value $23) to top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski

Thanks 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.

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 27, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – We are happy to announce the standings for the SkiTrax Fantasy FIS Marathon Cup 2011/12 International Contest after the the 63km Classic Tartu Maraton in Estonia and apologize for the delay. The inaugural FIS Marathon Cup contest continues to be thrilling as the top teams change weekly – it could still be anyone’s contest to win!

Team Jetlow is now in the hot seat with 480 points. Trailing by only six points is bondin with 474, and Col\’s Culs is third with 458 points. Note the maximum number of available points after Tartu Maraton is 614.

View the full REVISED contest standings after the Tartu Maraton 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).

February 20, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – We are pleased to announce the standings for the SkiTrax Fantasy FIS Marathon Cup 2011/12 International Contest after the the 76km FT La Transjurassienne in France. The inaugural FIS Marathon Cup contest is proving to be exciting, with leads swapping weekly and no clear leader pulling away. It’s still anyone’s competition! Team legrandbo has assumed the lead with 428 points and is followed by anty ski in second with 418 points. Team Broken Poles is in third place with 399 points. Note the maximum number of available points after La Transjurassienne is 571.

View the full contest standings after La Transjurassienne 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).

February 16, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – We are pleased to announce the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy WCup 2011/12 Contest standings after the Nove Mesto WCup in the Czech Republic. Siggy’s Speedsters has earned 1,184 points and widened the gap over second place. Team 3LIT3, which is now at 1,177 points, has stepped into second and seems to be locked in a back-and-forth battle with third place, Team daviking, only six points back at 1,171. The maximum number of points after Nove Mesto is 1,286.

For the complete FIS WCup Fantasy Contest standings after Nove Mesto click HERE.

The next FIS WCup takes place in Szklarska Poreba, Poland, Feb. 17-18.

SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2011/12 Contest Prizes
* 1st Prize – Fischer 11/12 Carbonlite Hole Skis, Xcelerator Bindings, Carbonlite Poles (value $1,100)
* 2nd Prize – SkiGo Carbon 780 Roller Skis (value $580)
* 3rd Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $449)
* 4th Prize – Bjorn Daehlie Exclusive US XC Ski Suit (value $300)
* 5th Prize – Sporthill XC Pants/Tights and Glacier Top (value $220)
* 6th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150)
* 7th Prize – Bliz Proflip Visor (value $129)
* 8th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $120)
* 9th Prize – Concept2 Goodie Duffle Bag (value $100)
* 10th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
* WCup Break – Buff Headware (value $23) to top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski

Thanks 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.

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 15, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – We are pleased to announce that team modification is now open for the FIS Fantasy Marathon Cup 2011/12 Contest – the twist. Contestants can modify their team until Feb. 18 at 10pm EST prior to the 63km CL Tartu Maraton in Estonia on Feb. 19.

Contestants may only swap one of their team’s four main skiers – either male or female – not their Outlaw Skier. All points earned to date by the skier that’s out are retained, and only points earned by the new skier from Feb. 18 going forward will be counted.

Note: you only have one chance to make the swap – once completed you will not be able to change your selection so please be sure of your choice before making the change.

To swap a skier on your team, click HERE.

FIS Fantasy Marathon Cup Prizes

* 1st Prize – OneWay Premio 10 WCup Skis, Diamond Storm Premio 10 Poles, SNS Premio Pilot Bindings. (value $1,350)
* 2nd Prize – Nipika 4-nights for 2 people in luxurious cabin, including Trail Fees (value up to $1,160)
* 3rd Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $449)
* 4th Prize –Halti XC Race Suit Hemmo Set (value $269)
* 5th Prize –  Fischer RCS QF poles  (value $225)
* 6th Prize – Cross Country Canada e-Store Gift Certificate (value $200)
* 7th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150)
* 8th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $120)
* 9th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
* 10th Prize – Buff Headware (value $40)

Thanks to all of our great sponsors, including One Way, Nipika, Alpina, Halti, Fischer, Cross Country Canada, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Rottefella, Auclair, and Buff.

SkiTrax is North America’s leading Nordic skiing publication and the official magazine of the United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) and Cross Country Canada (CCC).

February 09, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – The Viessmann FIS XC World Cup featured a Russian extravaganza last week with an exciting midweek sprint event in Moscow, followed by another World Cup weekend. It was a momentous week for Canada’s Devon Kershaw, who took home bronze in Moscow and GOLD in Rybinsk. Read the stories HERE and HERE.

Siggy’s Speedsters still has a hold on the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy WCup 2011/12 Contest lead with 1,097 points, but Team daviking has moved from third into a close second with 1092 points, bumping 3LIT3 into third and a mere three points back.

For the complete FIS WCup Fantasy Contest standings after Moscow and Rybinsk click HERE.

SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2011/12 Contest Prizes
* 1st Prize – Fischer 11/12 Carbonlite Hole Skis, Xcelerator Bindings, Carbonlite Poles (value $1,100)
* 2nd Prize – SkiGo Carbon 780 Roller Skis (value $580)
* 3rd Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $449)
* 4th Prize – Bjorn Daehlie Exclusive US XC Ski Suit (value $300)
* 5th Prize – Sporthill XC Pants/Tights and Glacier Top (value $220)
* 6th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150)
* 7th Prize – Bliz Proflip Visor (value $129)
* 8th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $120)
* 9th Prize – Concept2 Goodie Duffle Bag (value $100)
* 10th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
* WCup Break – Buff Headware (value $23) to top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski

Thanks 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.

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 02, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – We are pleased to announce the updated standings for the inaugural SkiTrax Fantasy FIS Marathon Cup 2011/12 International Contest after the 70km Classic Marcialonga in Italy. Team legrandbo held onto the lead with a total of 264 points with bondin trailing by 10 with 254 points. Maffe is ranked third, riding on bondin’s tails, only two points back with a total of 252 points. Note the maximum number of available points after the Marcialonga is 367.

View the full revised contest standings HERE.

The next event on the FIS Marathon Cup calendar is the 50km CL Koenig Ludwig Lauf, Feb. 5 in Germany.

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).

February 02, 2012 (Canmore, AB) – Cross Country Canada (“CCC”), the National Sport Organization for cross-country skiing in Canada, is currently seeking to fill the position of Marketing Coordinator. The successful candidate will work out of the national office which is located in Canmore, Alberta.

General Responsibilities
The position provides support in the ongoing development and management of the organization’s fundraising efforts, marketing and communications initiatives;

A successful candidate should possess:
– Post secondary education in Sport Administration, Business, Marketing or a combination of related education and experience.
– Excellent computer skills in all Microsoft software programs, graphics software and experience with web site management and web maintenance.
– The ability to work with a high degree of independence in a very fast-paced environment and respond quickly and efficiently to inquiries.
– Excellent time management and organizational skills, as well as ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks concurrently.
– The ability to work as a team player in a volunteer-based organization.
– The ability to produce polished communication in written and oral form in English (essential) and French (highly desirable).
– Direct experience or a strong understanding of the sport of cross-country skiing (highly desirable).
– Willingness to work some overtime and weekends in the peak seasons.

As a full-time employee, the Marketing Coordinator will be eligible for employee benefits in accordance with CCC’s employee benefits policy. Starting salary will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

Please see below for a detailed job description. Applications should be in the form of a letter of application, with CV and three references, submitted by e-mail to:

Cross Country Canada/Ski de fond Canada
c/o Cathy Sturgeon
Director – Administration and Communication
csturgeon@cccski.com

Deadline to receive applications and references is February 21, 2012.

CCC is an equal opportunity employer. This position is financially supported in part by Sport Canada.

More info HERE.

January 30, 2012 (Cable, WI) – Canada’s Mark Arendz came up just shy in his bid to win his fifth IPC Biathlon World Cup medal of the season after finishing fourth in the men’s 12.5-kilometre race on Sunday in Cable, Wisconsin, while Sean Halsted landed the top U.S. result with an eighth-place finish.

The 21-year-old Arendz, who snagged the bronze medal in Saturday’s 20-kilometre race, skied a consistent 12.5 kilometres and shot clean in each of his four stops on the range to finish one spot off the podium with a time of 38:55.0.

“It turned out to be a ‘What can you do’ kind of day,” said Arendz. Yesterday there were an number of mistakes that kept adding up but today everything was bang on. I was back in the proper mindset and had all cylinders burning and was ready to go. I was very happy with the skiing effort.”

Arendz, of Springton, P.E.I. had one of his best days ever on the range with shots hitting the target dead centre.

“The shooting felt as natural as a ski stride, it flowed harmoniously with the skiing,” said Arendz. “Nothing went wrong today, it just wasn’t my day. I was happier with my race today, finishing fourth, than I was of my race yesterday.”

Russian athletes grabbed the top-two spots on the podium. Kirill Mikhaylov finished on top with a time of 37:24.0, while Vladislav Lekomtev was second at 38:08.3. Norway’s Nils-Erik Ulset rounded out the podium in third at 38:40.7.

Ottawa’s Margarita Gorbounova and her guide of Brian Berry, of Thunder Bay, Ont., were the only other Canadians to suit up on Sunday, finishing seventh in the women’s 10-kilometre visually impaired category with a time of 55:37.4.

U.S. Athletes Crack Top 10 in Long-course
A sub-par performance Saturday during the biathlon short-course was all the motivation sit-skier and Air Force veteran Sean Halsted (Spokane, Wash.) needed to break into the top 10 finishers in the long-course biathlon today during the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Nordic Skiing World Cup at the Telemark Lodge in Cable, Wis.

“My performance yesterday wasn’t up to what I had hoped,” said Halsted, who had placed 13th with only 50 percent accuracy on the shooting range. Today he hit 17 of his 20 shots and covered the 12.5-kilometer course in 49 minutes, 47 seconds to finish eighth.

Navy SEAL Lt. Dan Cnossen (Topeka, Kan.) rallied from misses during his first two rounds of shooting to shoot flawlessly the rest of the race and finish 10th in 50:15 in the sit-ski division. He connected on 18 of his 20 shots.

“I knew if I didn’t bring it together, the race was going to go downhill fast,” he said.

Roman Petushkov of Russia, who won Saturday’s shot-course biathlon, repeated as sit-ski champion in 44:51, despite missing four shots on the day. For each missed target, athletes had to ski a 150-meter penalty loop, which added to their times.

Kelly Underkofler (St. Paul, Minn.) continued her strong showing in the shooting range, connecting on 19 of her 20 shots, just missing the podium with her fourth-place finish in the women’s standing division in 50:32. Finland’s Maija Jarvela claimed her second biathlon gold of the competition, finishing in 40:54 over the 10 km. women’s course.

“I felt good and shot well, so I’m happy with how I did today,” Underkofler said.

Sarah Edwards (Winter Park, Colo.) placed fifth in the women’s sit-ski division in 1:29:31. German Anja Wicker improved on her second-place finish from the day before to win in 50:18.

Russians continued to dominate the visually-impaired division. Lysova Mikhalina led a quartet of top Russian finishers in the women’s race, shooting flawlessly and finishing in 37:33. Russians claimed the top two spots on the men’s side, led by Nikolay Polukhin in 37:42. Visually-impaired athletes shoot with specialized guns fitted with lasers on their sites that emit audio feedback as the shooter’s aim closes in on a screen target.

Russian Kirill Mikhaylov won the men’s standing division in 37:24.

Athletes conclude the Wisconsin-portion of the competition Monday with middle distance races. Races start at 10 a.m. with sit-skiers skiing 5 km and standing and visually-impaired athletes skiing 10 km.

Competition concludes Feb. 1-2 at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis, where athletes will compete in a sprint and middle distance race. Races begin at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 1 and 10 a.m. Feb. 2.

It’s the first time the United States has hosted a major Paralympic Nordic ski event in seven years.

Results HERE.

January 27, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – The Viessmann FIS XC World Cup forged on to Otepaa, Estonia last weekend with Canada’s Devon Kershaw scoring bronze in the men’s 15km classic. Read more about Kershaw’s spectacular race HERE. Siggy’s Speedsters continues to lead the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy WCup 2011/12 Contest with 910 points, while 3LIT3 maintains a close second with 902 points. Team daviking has sneaked into third spot with 894 points, taking over from Becko-Boy’s Ski Team at a mere four points back. Please note that we included the TdS Bonus points for teams with skiers on the final TdS podiums.

For the complete FIS WCup Fantasy Contest standings after Otepaa click HERE.

SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2011/12 Contest Prizes
* 1st Prize – Fischer 11/12 Carbonlite Hole Skis, Xcelerator Bindings, Carbonlite Poles (value $1,100)
* 2nd Prize – SkiGo Carbon 780 Roller Skis (value $580)
* 3rd Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $449)
* 4th Prize – Bjorn Daehlie Exclusive US XC Ski Suit (value $300)
* 5th Prize – Sporthill XC Pants/Tights and Glacier Top (value $220)
* 6th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150)
* 7th Prize – Bliz Proflip Visor (value $129)
* 8th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $120)
* 9th Prize – Concept2 Goodie Duffle Bag (value $100)
* 10th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
* WCup Break – Buff Headware (value $23) to top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski

Thanks 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.

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 26, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – We are pleased to announce the standings for the inaugural SkiTrax Fantasy FIS Marathon Cup 2011/12 International Contest after the 38th annual Dolomitenlauf. With over 200 teams in the mix, Team legrandbo has assumed the lead at 194 points, while anty ski holds second spot at 187 points.  Team 2012RedAlert is in third place with a total of 172 points.

View the full contest standings HERE.

The next event on the FIS Marathon Cup calendar is the 70km classic technique Marcialonga in Italy on Jan. 29.

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).

January 24, 2012 (Canmore, AB) – A second group of young Canadian skiers has been selected to gain valuable international experience while representing Canada at OPA and Scandinavian Cup races in early February. The OPA and Scandinavian Cup circuits are the European and Scandinavian equivalents of the Haywood NorAm series. A team selection synopsis will follow shortly.

Cross Country Canada named 7 athletes that will wear Canadian colours at races in Switzerland, Latvia and Estonia:

– Alysson Marshall (Larch Hills Ski Club)
– Zoe Roy (Rocky Mountain Racers)
– Alana Thomas (Nakkertok)
– Phil Widmer (Canmore Ski Club)
– Graham Nishikawa (Whitehorse Ski Club)
– Brian McKeever (Foothills Nordic Ski Club)
– Michael Somppi (Lappe Nordic Ski Club)

Eric Bailey of the National Development Centre in Thunder Bay will be the team leader. The Canadian Team will leave Jan. 29th, 2012 and race:

– Feb. 3-5 – Campra, SUI – OPA Cup
– Feb. 8, 9 – Madonna, LAT – Scandinavian Cup
– Feb. 11, 12 – Albu, EST – Scandinavian Cup

www.cccski.com

January 18, 2012 (Val di Fiemme, Italy) – We are excited to announce the winners of the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Tour de Ski 2012 Contest after the final 9km FR Stage 9 up Alpe Cermis and apologize for the short delay. Team Rob has made up ground in the contest’s final leg to leap ahead of the competition and take home the first prize, a Rossignol Xium WCS2 ski and boot package w/Rottefella Xcelerator skate bindings valued at $1,195, with a grand total of 1,252 points.

The battle was heated, however, with Team alpha super awsome cool dynamite wolf squadron trailing the leader by only one point to score the second prize, a Mont Ste-Anne lodging package valued at $800. The fabulous third-place prize – a choice of Salomon SLab Skate or Classic boots valued at $400/$450 – went to Fasterbutwithmoregriptds, who finished off the contest with 1,248 points.

Congrats to all of the winners and thank you to all the teams for participating in the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Tour de Ski 2012 Contest!

For the final Contest Standings following the final Stage 9 Alpe Cermis 9km FR click HERE.

SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Tour de Ski 2012 Contest Final Winners

– Rob – Roberto Dallavalle – Croviana, Italy
1st Prize – Rossignol Xium WCS2 skis and boots, Xcelerator skate bindings (value $1,195)

– alpha super awsome cool dynamite wolf squadron – David Greenberg – Durango, CO
2nd Prize – Mont Ste-Anne –  2 nights lodging w/breakfast + 3-day XC gift certificate, tune-up (value $800)

– Fasterbutwithmoregriptds – Tim Haight – Saskatoon, SK
3rd Prize – Salomon SLab Skate or Classic Boots (value $400/$450)

– Team Skibunzov – Cyrus Kangarloo – Kelowna, BC
4th Prize – Marwe 610c Roller Skis (value $349)

– karlos team pl – Karol Daszkiewicz – Gdynia, Poland
5th Prize –  SkiGo Kickwax Package (HF, LF & XC) and Scraper (value $235)

– Flying Oosik – David Smullin – Bend, OR
6th Prize – Sporthill Women’s Glacier Top (value $140)

– lafrasse – Christiane Ruet – Le Grand Bornand, France
7th Prize – Bliz Proflip Visor (value $129)

– Skeila – Sheila Kealey – Ottawa, ON
8th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $120)

– Broken Poles – Jan Rossiter – Ottawa, ON
9th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)

– anty ski team – Andri Milov – Parnu, Estonia
10th Prize – Buff Headware (value $45)

Rest Day Leader Prizes
Jan. 2 – Fresh Air Experience $100 Gift Certificate – anty ski team – Andri Milov – Parnu, Estonia
Jan. 6 – High Peaks Cyclery $100 Gift Certificate – karlos team pl – Karol Daszkiewicz – Gdynia, Poland

Thanks to all of our great sponsors, including Rossignol, Mont Ste-Anne, Salomon, Marwe, SkiGo, Sporthill, Bliz, Rottefella, Auclair, Buff, Fresh Air Experience, and High Peaks Cyclery.

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 17, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – We are excited to announce that over 200 teams have entered the inaugural SkiTrax Fantasy FIS Marathon Cup 2011/12 International Contest and here are the standings after the 50km Jizerská Padesatka in the Czech Republic. Team  jesters has taken the early contest lead with 109 points, followed by TeamDanmark in second with 104 points, and Poiss maraton team in third with 101 points.

View the full contest standings HERE.

The next event on the FIS Marathon Cup calendar is the 60km free technique Dolomitenlauf in Austria on Jan. 22.

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).

January 16, 2012 (Milan, Italy) – Canada’s Perianne Jones and Chandra Crawford won bronze in the women’s 6×1.4km team sprint FIS WCup in Milan on Sunday – their first-ever medal together and Jones’ first time on the WCup podium.

The moment was made even more special by the fact that Jones and Crawford had the honour of sharing the limelight with their American friends, Jessie Diggins and Kikkan Randall, who grabbed the silver medal – a North American first.

But their medal was not a given however, as a crash in the semis by Jones put their spot in the finals in jeopardy. Ten teams of two skiers made it to the final, including the Canuck duo, who worked efficiently together in their exchanges and skied excellently to earn their podium spot.

“This feels great. Today our whole goal was to relax, stay on our feet and kick when it counts,” said 28-year-old Crawford. “It is dynamite to be on the podium with Peri. We are a real team out here and want each other to succeed and it is awesome to share this with her.”

Last season in Dusseldorf Crawford landed on the podium in the team sprint with teammate Daria Gaiazova taking home the bronze. In Saturday’s individual sprint Crawford was 7th and her bronze in Milan on Sunday was her second WCup medal this season, after she won silver in the individual freestyle sprint in Rogla, Slovenia in December.

Jones was 12th in the individual sprint matching her career-best finish on the World Cup earned in Stockholm, Sweden last season. Her first visit to a WCup podium is a dream come true for the Almonte, Ont. skier and SkiTrax caught up with Jones after the team sprint event:

You lead off today – how was the start?
Perianne Jones: The first lap was totally crazy, I crashed in our semi-final, so I was just trying to stay out of trouble and read the rest of the people around me to make sure that didn’t happen again. There were lots of broken poles, and crashing everywhere, but we stayed out of trouble.

Is this is your first Team Sprint with Chandra – what kind of prep did you do?
PJ: Chandra and I have teamed up a few times in Dusseldorf, so this wasn’t our first time racing together, but we just practiced our tags a few times, and chatted briefly, but we have total confidence in each other after training so many hours side by side, so we didn’t talk much just went out and did our thing.

How were your skis today and conditions on the track?
PJ: Skis were amazing today, our techs are the best. The track held up really well too, so it was super fast.

Talk about the congestion on the Milan course and your exchanges.
PJ: We totally nailed the exchanges today, in the semifinal we figured out what worked, and we stayed with it through the final, and were always making up places in the exchanges.

You’ve been making steady solid gains with your skiing – what are you doing differently?
PJ: Nothing drastically different, just building on the fitness I have and being able to handle more training.

This is your first-ever WCup podium – how special is it for you?
PJ: It feels pretty great to hit the podium, it’s been a goal for a long time, and it’s also great to share it with Chandra. We have been teammates for a long time, since we were juniors…and being up there with Kikkan and Jessie was a real bonus.

All the best Peri – we are really proud of you guys.
PJ: Thanks!

January 06, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – We’re pleased to announce the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Tour de Ski 2012 Contest leaders following the 3km/5km CL races in Toblach, Italy. In an exciting development, Team Siggy’s Speedsters has broken the tie for first and moved into the lead with 508 points. karlos team and Team Skibunzov are now tied for second spot with 493 points apiece, with Team virtualprofit in third with 485 points.

For the Contest Standings following the 3km/5km CL races click HERE.

Enter our FIS Fantasy Marathon Cup Contest HERE – final deadline is Jan. 7/12.

SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Tour de Ski 2012 Contest Prizes
————————————————————————-
*1st Prize – Rossignol Xium WCS2 skis and boots, Xcelerator skate bindings (value $1,195)
*2nd Prize – Mont Ste-Anne –  2 nights lodging w/breakfast + 3-day XC gift certificate, tune-up (value $800)
*3rd Prize – Salomon SLab Skate or Classic Boots (value $400/$450)
*4th Prize – Marwe 610c Roller Skis (value $349)
*5th Prize –  SkiGo Kickwax Package (HF, LF & XC) and Scraper (value $235)
*6th Prize – Sporthill Women’s Glacier Top (value $140)
*7th Prize – Bliz Proflip Visor (value $129)
*8th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $120)
*9th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
*10th Prize – Buff Headware (value $45)

Rest Day Leader Prizes
Jan. 2 – Fresh Air Experience $100 Gift Certificate
Jan. 6 – High Peaks Cyclery $100 Gift Certificate

Thanks to all of our great sponsors, including Rossignol, Mont Ste-Anne, Salomon, Marwe, SkiGo, Sporthill, Bliz, Rottefella, Auclair, Buff, Fresh Air Experience, and High Peaks Cyclery.

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 04, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – We’re pleased to announce the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Tour de Ski 2012 Contest leaders following the TdS  Skiathlon in Obertsdorf, Germany. We have an exciting three-team tied for first place between anty ski team, pumpkinpie, and ZURICH XC – with 400 points each. Team Pekkies is in second spot with 399 points, followed closely by Siggy’s Speedsters with 398 points. The battle is tight with top 15 teams separated by only 7 points – the maximum points following the Skiathlon is 420.

For the Contest Standings following the Skiathlon click HERE.

Enter our FIS Fantasy Marathon Cup Contest HERE.

SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Tour de Ski 2012 Contest Prizes
————————————————————————-
*1st Prize – Rossignol Xium WCS2 skis and boots, Xcelerator skate bindings (value $1,195)
*2nd Prize – Mont Ste-Anne –  2 nights lodging w/breakfast + 3-day XC gift certificate, tune-up (value $800)
*3rd Prize – Salomon SLab Skate or Classic Boots (value $400/$450)
*4th Prize – Marwe 610c Roller Skis (value $349)
*5th Prize –  SkiGo Kickwax Package (HF, LF & XC) and Scraper (value $235)
*6th Prize – Sporthill Women’s Glacier Top (value $140)
*7th Prize – Bliz Proflip Visor (value $129)
*8th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $120)
*9th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
*10th Prize – Buff Headware (value $45)

Rest Day Leader Prizes
Jan. 2 – Fresh Air Experience $100 Gift Certificate
Jan. 6 – High Peaks Cyclery $100 Gift Certificate

Thanks to all of our great sponsors, including Rossignol, Mont Ste-Anne, Salomon, Marwe, SkiGo, Sporthill, Bliz, Rottefella, Auclair, Buff, Fresh Air Experience, and High Peaks Cyclery.

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 27, 2011 (Davos, Switzerland) – When the Canadian XC squad was in Davos for the FIS WCup earlier this month, new CCC sponsor One Way organized a photo shoot for the country’s top skiers. Check out the pics and put on your shades for the ones where the team is decked out in their “yellow flash” parkas!

December 08, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – Cross Country Canada has named two of Canada’s best-ever female cross-country skiers, Beckie Scott and Milaine Theriault, as chairs of its Women’s Committee. The Committee has recently been given a fresh mandate that will improve the profile of the Committee as it facilitates opportunities for girls and women in all facets of cross-country skiing.

The Women’s Committee is an operational committee of Cross Country Canada (CCC) which exists to ensure equality of opportunity for girls and women as participants, competitors, coaches, officials and leaders in cross-country skiing in each of its five regions across the country (Atlantic; Quebec/Nunavut; Ontario; Manitoba/Saskatchewan/Alberta/ NWT; and British Columbia/Yukon).

Both Olympians, Theriault, of St. Quentin, N.B. and Scott, a two-time Olympic medalist from Vermilion, Alta., take over as co-chairs from Maureen Kershaw who has successfully chaired the Committee for several years now.

“Milaine and Beckie played a critical role in creating a competitive culture of excellence for our program in Canada during their careers which has inspired thousands of young Canadians to start cross-country skiing,” said Davin MacIntosh, executive director, Cross Country Canada. “These two Olympic heroes are role models on and off the snow to women and young girls across the country, are passionate about the sport and know what it takes to succeed.”

Theriault and Scott, along with Sara Renner, formed one of the strongest women’s cross-country ski teams in the history of the program. The Canadian women followed a steady progression throughout their career that saw them grow from participants who finished near the bottom of the results sheet at their Olympic debut in 1998 to medal winners in 2006 prior to their retirement.

“For some time I have been thinking of how to get involved and give back to the ski community in appreciation for all of the support I received as an athlete,” said Theriault. “Co-chairing an initiative that I’m very passionate about, with a great teammate and friend in Beckie is a perfect fit for me. I believe we can draw on our experiences to make a difference and I look forward to the challenge.”

The Committee’s focus is on educating women on the roles they have an opportunity to pursue in cross-country skiing and facilitating the participation of women in areas where affirmative action is required. “Creating new opportunities to get involved in cross-country skiing that will change the lives of women in every corner of this country, with the ultimate goal of developing more young girls into elite skiers” is what Scott says will drive her interest in the project.

Reporting to Cross Country Canada’s executive director, Theriault and Scott will work collaboratively with management Committee Members during their two-year term. While the program will be more formally launched in the New Year, the two Co-Chairs will concentrate their short-term efforts on filling the Committee membership which will include the following positions: an athlete representative; executive director; a member of the Board; appropriate staff persons to support activities and programs;representatives from any of the five Regions that wish to participate.

www.cccski.com

November 27, 2011 (Toronto, ON) – With the 2011/12 Viessmann FIS XC World Cup season officially underway, we are pleased to announce the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy WCup 2011/12 Contest standings after round one of the series in Sjusjoen, Norway this past weekend and apologize for the delay. Leading the contest is team Paulleloupbleumauvevertgrisnoirblanc with 174 points. Probably the winning team trails by 6 points and is tied in second with team domy.

The World Cup series moved to Kuusamo, Finland this weekend for round two and we’ll have the contest standings following these races posted shortly.

For the Contest Standings after Sjusjoen click HERE.

SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2011/12 Contest Prizes
* 1st Prize – Fischer 11/12 Carbonlite Hole Skis, Xcelerator Bindings, Carbonlite Poles (value $1,100)
* 2nd Prize – SkiGo Carbon 780 Roller Skis (value $580)
* 3rd Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $449)
* 4th Prize – Bjorn Daehlie Exclusive US XC Ski Suit (value $300)
* 5th Prize – Sporthill XC Pants/Tights and Glacier Top (value $220)
* 6th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150)
* 7th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $130)
* 8th Prize – Bliz Proflip Visor (value $129)
* 9th Prize – Concept2 Goodie Duffle Bag (value $100)
* 10th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
* WCup Breaks – Buff Headware (value $22) to top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski

Thanks 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.

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 23, 2011 (Toronto, ON) – SkiTrax is excited to report that 463 contestants from 28 countries are competing in the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy WCup 2011/12 Contest. Participation for this truly international contest, that runs through the FIS World Cup XC ski season, is up over 100 contestants from last year!

Nordic ski fans from around the globe are participating in this one-of-a-kind contest for a chance enjoy great racing and win fabulous prizes. We have received entries from Brazil, Navarre, Lithuania, Romania, Ukraine, Scotland, Serbia, Switzerland, Australia, Denmark, Austria, Germany, Latvia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Russia, Spain, Italy, UK, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Poland, France, Sweden, USA, and Canada.

SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2011/12 Contest Prizes
* 1st Prize – Fischer 11/12 Carbonlite Hole Skis, Xcelerator Bindings, Carbonlite Poles (value $1,100)
* 2nd Prize – SkiGo Carbon 780 Roller Skis (value $580)
* 3rd Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $449)
* 4th Prize – Bjorn Daehlie Exclusive US XC Ski Suit (value $300)
* 5th Prize – Sporthill XC Pants/Tights and Glacier Top (value $220)
* 6th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150)
* 7th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $130)
* 8th Prize – Bliz Proflip Visor (value $129)
* 9th Prize – Concept2 Goodie Duffle Bag (value $100)
* 10th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
* WCup Breaks – Buff Headware (value $22) to top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski

Thanks 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.

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 17, 2011 (Toronto, ON) – The final deadline to register your team for the annual SkiTraxFIS Fantasy World Cup 2011/12 Contest is on Friday, Nov. 18 at 10 pm EST – the day before the first FIS World Cup race in Sjusjoen, Norway.

We are excited to announce that over 300 teams have registered. The SkiTrax Fantasy Contests are the only ones of their kind worldwide, so don’t miss your chance to enjoy top level xc ski racing and win great prizes –  good luck to all contestants.

To register click HERE.

SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2011/12 Contest Prizes
* 1st Prize – Fischer 11/12 Carbonlite Hole Skis, Xcelerator Bindings, Carbonlite Poles (value $1,100)
* 2nd Prize – SkiGo Carbon 780 Roller Skis (value $580)
* 3rd Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $449)
* 4th Prize – Bjorn Daehlie Exclusive US XC Ski Suit (value $300)
* 5th Prize – Sporthill XC Pants/Tights and Glacier Top (value $220)
* 6th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150)
* 7th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $130)
* 8th Prize – Bliz Proflip Visor (value $129)
* 9th Prize – Concept2 Goodie Duffle Bag (value $100)
* 10th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
* WCup Breaks – Buff Headware (value $22) to top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski

Thanks 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.

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 14, 2011 (Toronto, ON) – We are excited to announce that over 200 teams have registered so far for the annual SkiTraxFIS Fantasy World Cup 2011/12 Contest. Nordic ski fans around the world are anticipating the season launch this weekend and the contest deadline is fast approaching.

The final day to register your team for a chance to win fabulous prizes is November 18, the day before the first FIS World Cup race in Sjusjoen, Norway. The SkiTrax Fantasy Contests are the only contests of their kind worldwide, so don’t miss your chance to enjoy top level xc ski racing and win great prizes –  good luck to all contestants.

To register click HERE.

SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2011/12 Contest Prizes
* 1st Prize – Fischer 11/12 Carbonlite Hole Skis, Xcelerator Bindings, Carbonlite Poles (value $1,100)
* 2nd Prize – SkiGo Carbon 780 Roller Skis (value $580)
* 3rd Prize – Alpina ESK Ski Boots (value $449)
* 4th Prize – Bjorn Daehlie Exclusive US XC Ski Suit (value $300)
* 5th Prize – Sporthill XC Pants/Tights and Glacier Top (value $220)
* 6th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150)
* 7th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $130)
* 8th Prize – Bliz Proflip Visor (value $129)
* 9th Prize – Concept2 Goodie Duffle Bag (value $100)
* 10th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
* WCup Breaks – Buff Headware (value $22) to top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski

Thanks 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.

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).

October 25, 2011 – Cross Country Canada’s National Ski Team and Track Attack skiers across the country will hit the tracks this year with custom designed Buff® Headwear thanks to the ongoing support and sponsorship from Buff® Canada.

This is Buff’s® fifth year supporting the National Ski Team. Track Attack programs across the country will also receive a custom Buff created by Buff’s® design team in Spain, making these pieces fun and unique for Canada’s young skiers. The ski community can also purchase a unique selection of Buff’s through CCC’s online Web Store.

“Our team has been using this multifunctional headwear for years. Whether it is in the summer with a bandana under a bike helmet, a neckerchief while training in the hills, or a funky après race piece to warm the ears in the winter, Buff is thrilled to be supporting both the National Ski Team and Track Attack,” said Peter Collins, CEO of Buff® Canada.

Cross Country Canada’s Track Attack program is the second level of the sport’s skill development program and is designed for skiers in the ‘Learning to Train’ stage of development (aged nine to 12). For more information on Track Attack, go to: www.cccski.com > Programs > Athlete Development > Skill Development Programs.

For more information on Buff® Headwear or on custom programs, please visit www.buffcanada.com. Buff® is designed and manufactured in Igulada Spain and is a hip and fun manufacturing company that pushes boundaries in performance just like Canadian Nordic skiers racing to reach their goals. Buff® looks for optimal performance in all products; in business and in the mountains.

October 18, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – Cross Country Canada held a news conference in Canmore yesterday to introduce the various National Ski Teams for the 2011-12 season, against the backdrop of the newly opened “Frozen Thunder” ski loop at the Canmore Nordic Centre. Athletes were made available for photo ops while finding their ski legs on the 1.5 km loop. Also apparent, however, was something of a chill in the relationship between CCC and arguably its top-performing female athlete on the World Cup circuit, Dasha Gaiazova, who was quietly dropped from the Senior World Cup squad last summer and who was today named to something called the “Senior Team,” of which she is the sole member.

This is a puzzling development given that Gaiazova is coming off her strongest season yet, one in which she captured her first World Cup medal (a bronze in the Team Sprint with Chandra Crawford in Dusseldorf) and placed 6th in the Team Sprint (with Perianne Jones) at the World Championships in Oslo. Rumours of a rift between Gaiazova and CCC began circulating back in early July. The fact that the parties have yet to resolve the issues after five months suggests that both sides may be entrenched.

Tom Holland, CCC’s Director of High Performance, confirmed as much in a recent interview with SkiTrax, describing the issues between CCC and its emerging female star as long-standing. Things appear to have come to a head last May when Gaiazova was asked to leave a Senior World Cup team camp in Bend, Oregon, after, according to Holland, failing to abide by the obligations of team members, including participating in prescribed training sessions. “We are very emphatic that our World Cup Team is a group of people that are committed to all our camps and working under our coaching team,” and that are committed “to what our team does in terms of the best practices, principles and priorities that really got us this far,” Holland said.

Among other issues, Holland pointed to Gaiazova’s difficulty with the World Cup team’s extensive travel schedule during both the racing and dryland seasons, which this year included stops all over Europe and Scandinavia, as well as Hawaii, Alaska and New Zealand, to name a few. Holland also alluded to the need to deal with Gaiazova in relation to other team members: “The most important thing on our team is chemistry … everybody’s got to be committed to the programme, althetes aren’t going to tolerate people that aren’t 100% behind what’s happening on that team.”

Having said that, however, Holland underlined that Gaiazova has not been dropped from the National Ski Team, that she continues to receive support from team coaches and staff, and that she will race on the World Cup circuit this season. Both he and the Senior World Cup team coaches, Holland claims, are in regular contact with Gaiazova’s club coach, John Jaques (Rocky Mountain Racers), and have input into her programme. In addition, Holland, along with other CCC staff and outside mediators, have been working closely with her to resolve the outstanding issues. “We have spent a huge amount of time with external resources to work through the conflicts and any difficulty there so that we can move forward constructively,” he said, “I’m working quite closely with Dasha myself and with our support staff to make sure she has what she needs.”

For her part, Gaiazova declined to comment on the rift with CCC when contacted by SkiTrax, but insists that her training over the summer went very well, despite not attending any camps or training with the Senior World Cup team. Following a training plan co-designed with Jaques, Gaiazova spent most of the dryland season training in Banff, which she says suited her “homebody” personality.

“I’m not the sort of person who enjoys being on the road for months and months,” she commented. Having said that she made a number of trips to the Haig Glacier for altitude training on snow, and recently spent two weeks in Park City, UT, where she participated in a US Ski Team camp. While admitting that it was difficult to find training partners of similar caliber to motivate and push her during the long dryland season, Gaiazova was grateful for the company of her RMR team-mate Andrea Dupont, with whom she trained often.

An important and largely unanswered question is what kind of impact her absence from the team has had on other members of the Senior World Cup team, in particular fellow sprinters Chandra Crawford and Perianne Jones. All athletes rely on the company of competitive peers to motivate and push them. When SkiTrax put the question to Jones directly, however, she declined to comment. Chandra Crawford was unavailable for comment, as she was in transit from Europe.

While both parties appear eager to mend the rift and resolve their differences, the fact that the matter has dragged on for five months suggests that Gaiazova and CCC seem to be in for the long haul. CCC has conceded as much having assigned Gaiazova to the new Senior Team, a placeholder created exclusively to deal with the anomaly that she retains her position on the national team and will race on the World Cup circuit, but still remains “outside” of the Senior World Cup Team.

At the same time, the creation of a formal placeholder can be viewed as a gesture of conciliation, considering the alternatives, such as relegation to the Senior Development Team. “We’re going to do what’s best for her,” Holland insists, “right now, the World Cup Team may not be the best model [for her], but we’re working towards it.” Still, it remains unclear how long CCC will be prepared to maintain the placeholder. “We only have so much flexibility,” Holland concedes.

In the meantime, Gaiazova is focused on making sure she is ready to race when the season begins next month. She will be racing in the first World Cup period, where she will enjoy the team’s full support. Among her goals for the 2011-12 season are to race with more consistency and to solidify her position within the sprinters’ Red Group (the top 30 starters), which she managed to break into a number of times last year, although she finished the season ranked 31st overall.

“I’m really focusing on racing well through the whole winter, and the overall World Cup standings is something that is important to me,” she said. Gaiazova will also maintain her focus on Classic sprint events, her traditional strength, in which she says she will be “fighting to make it into the semi-finals and finals every time I have the opportunity.”

What remains to be seen, however, is what impact, if any, the last few months of training limbo will have on Gaiazova’s form, as well as the other women on the World Cup Team. We’ll start to get some answers when the racing begins in a few weeks.

September 29, 2011 – The United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA), with the Participation of Cross Country Canada (CCC), is hosting an FIS Technical Delegate (TD) Certification Course at the USSA Center of Excellence in Park City, UT, October 14-16. More info HERE.

September 14, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – Cross Country Canada has launched a new website. The new site retains the valuable components from the past one – originally built in 2006 – however introduces more advanced online functionality and interactivity.

“A lot of work has gone into this site and I’d like to thank the volunteers and staff at CCC for the many hours they’ve dedicated to the project. We hope the new site provides visitors with a truly enjoyable online experience.” said executive director Davin MacIntosh.

As you check out the new www.cccski.com, if you encounter any issues, we appreciate your patience and encourage you to email us with the page of issue.

Thank you and happy navigating!

May 03, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – The National Winter Sports Association is offering financial assistance opportunities aimed at supporting the development of internationally competitive Canadian athletes in cross-country skiing. In order to apply for the available financial assistance, applicants must submit a proposal conforming to the criteria below.

A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Overview:

The “National Winter Sports Association” (NWSA) was established to assist cross-country ski clubs with proven ability to develop competitive skiers, coaches with a long-term development plan and elite individual athletes.

The Association’s funding assistance order of priorities includes:

1. The hiring of full time professional coaches to lead year round athlete development programs. The coach is required to adapt an inclusive approach to Cross Country Canada’s Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Guide, “Cross-Country Skiing – A Sport for Life.”

2. Advancing the education of professional coaches and cross-country ski racers who want to become professional coaches; this may include assisting them in their education at the National Coaching Institute (NCI) or other career enhancing opportunities.

3. Funding assistance for athletes who have the skill and desire to compete, first for their club and provincial team and then at the National Ski Team level.

4. Funding assistance for Cross Country Canada’s National Development Centres (NDCs).

Funding Assistance Disbursement Framework:

There will be a limited amount of money available for disbursement by the Association in the 2011-12 season. The allocation of funds to clubs and NDCs will be based on the Association’s priorities in alignment with the following:

1. The quality of the club or NDC’s proposed program, the club or NDC’s cross-country facilities and organizational support systems to deliver the program.

2. Funding assistance for career coaching education at the club and NDC level will be based on the coach’s written career development plans.

3. Funding assistance for individual athletes will be based on the published eligibility guidelines and will consider the long term goals and plan leading towards international success.

Club and Coach Eligibility for Funding Assistance:

1. Any nationally affiliated cross-country ski club, National Development Centre (NDC) or coach or potential coach from any Province or Territory in Canada.

2. The club or NDC must demonstrate a commitment to a minimum amount of security for the coach being considered for this financial assistance. This includes a minimum two year commitment with a benefits package that includes a medical and insurance services plan and contribution to an RRSP plan on a matching contribution basis.

3. The club head coach, whether presently employed or your preferred candidate, must have the following credentials:

– NCCP level 3 accreditation or is in the process of acquiring Level 3 accreditation by the end of the season (resume should be attached)

– A comprehensive plan outlining professional development and a career path; this may include advancing their education at the National Coaching Institute (NCI) and other career enhancing opportunities.

4. The club should be a parent supported organization including a cadre of volunteer coaches. An organizational chart should be submitted with the proposal.

5. Submission of a program description and an operational plan including how the club will accelerate the development of talented athletes who have the desire and skills to achieve excellence in the sport.

6. Submission of a financial operational budget for 2011-12 and a budget estimate for the club or NDC program 2011-12, specifying the club’s financial sources and the amount requested from the Association. Additionally, the request can include funding assistance required to send top athletes to essential national and international competitions.

7. Submission of a current list of the club’s Board of Directors, including home addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses; a list of the number of club members and the date your club was incorporated as a non-profit society.

8. Submission of the names and ages of the athletes in your athlete development programs; this includes those athletes at the Learning to Train through Training to Compete stages of LTAD.

Athlete Eligibility and Submission Requirements for Funding Assistance:

1. Any athlete with a CCC and FIS racing license, with the long-term goals of achieving international excellence in cross country skiing, whose primary support structure is a Canadian Club or NDC. Athletes considered should be achieving the expected performance progression for their age based on the International Performance Benchmarks.

2. Submission of past racing history that clearly indicates progression towards international excellence in cross country skiing (can include any relevant information – OWG, WSC, WC, WJC/U23, Nationals, NorAm results, FIS/CPL points, etc)

3. Submission of a long-term development plan (quadrennial 2010-2014) indicating the amount of funding requested for the 2011-12 season and the purpose of the funding based on the gaps identified in the quadrennial plan. This plan should be provided in conjunction with the athlete’s primary coach. Funding will be considered for a number of purposes including but not limited to: specific training camps and National/International racing trips.

4. Submission of a budget for the 2011-12 season clearly indicating expenses related to the athletes racing and training plan and expected sources of funding including sponsorship and provincial carding/support.

Proposal Submission Details:

Submit to: Cross Country Canada
100-1995 Olympic Way
Canmore, Alberta T1W 2T6
Attention: Thomas Holland
Closing Date: May 30th, 2011
Notification of selections: June 30th, 2011
Note: Electronic submissions required.

April 16, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – Cross Country Canada (CCC), the National Sport Organization for cross-country skiing in Canada, is currently seeking to fill the position of Coaching Development Coordinator (CDC). The national office is located in Canmore, Alberta. It is required that the successful candidate work out of this office.

General Responsibilities
This Coordinator position is designed to support CCC’s coaching development system up to the international level. Coaching development is fundamental to CCC’s ability to improve the capacity and productivity of the various components of the sport system that facilitate athlete development.

A successful candidate should possess:
– a solid understanding of CCC’s Long Term Athlete Development Guide (Cross-Country skiing – A Sport for Life);
– NCCP training in cross-country skiing;
– the ability to prioritize tasks and achieve high standards and timeliness of all work products;
– all standard Microsoft office software understanding and have website content management skills;
– current NCCP (new system) Learning Facilitator training in cross-country skiing (preferred); and
– polished communication in written and oral form in English (essential) and French (preferred).

The Coaching Development Coordinator will be provided with employee benefits in accordance with the standard benefits provided for CCC employees. The starting salary will depend on the qualifications and experience he or she brings to this position.

Please click on Job description for more information. Applications should be in the form of a letter of application, with CV and three references, submitted by e-mail to:

Cross Country Canada/Ski de fond Canada
c/o Cathy Sturgeon
Director – Administration and Communication
csturgeon@cccski.com

Deadline to receive applications and references is April 29th, 2011.
Cross Country Canada would like to fill this position by the middle of May.
CCC is an equal opportunity employer. This position is financially supported in part by Sport Canada.

April 14, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – Walt Disney once said ‘if you can dream it, you can do it’. I’m not sure he was referring to a trip around the world, becoming dogsledders, salt mine workers, or alpine racers, but on Mar 4, the Canmore Nordic Ski Club Track Attack skiers did just all those things and more.

The day started with some face painting in the team room where four teams emerged – Team Moustache ‐ with great looking moustaches I might add; Team Whiskers – the cutest group of puppies around with long black whiskers; Team Snowflake – with very fashionable snowflakes on their faces (including one unibrow); and Team Polar Bear – wearing great looking bears. Thrown in there were a few painted flags on faces and well, you can probably picture it, these kids were ready for action.

There were three events that the teams competed in – the Yukon Quest Dog Sled Challenge; the Siberian Salt Mine Relay; and the Holmenkollen Downhill Quest. The dog sled challenge saw the kids become puppies (they sure loved to bark) and complete a team pursuit race, complete with pit stop, gear change and technique change. The Salt Mine Relay was lots of fun and saw the kids complete a continuous relay where every skier on each team completed a leg of diagonal striding, double poling, and step doubling poling. The downhill quest was a terrain park downhill sprint tournament complete with timing, heats, roller coaster bumps, and speed. Events were timed and great prizes were awarded for team spirit, an aggregate award based on results and technique, and participation awards from Cross Country Canada. Polar Cup(cakes) and lots of cookies, snacks, and hot chocolate were enjoyed by all – thanks to our fabulous parents for contributing those. Thanks also to parents and coaches who did the organizing and help guide the around the world adventure.

The energy and imagination of the event matched the enthusiasm and smiling faces of the kids having fun on skis.

The ski tournament is becoming an integral and important event in the yearly calendar of the Canmore Nordic Track Attack skiers. Last year’s Ski Rodeo and this year’s Polar Cup are going to be hard to top. But something tells me that the world may need to be saved in 2012 by a group of strong, fit, skiing superheroes! No need to worry, I have a feeling that a group of 50+ superheroes will arrive just in time at next years event!

Results HERE.

April 11, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – Paris Glove of Canada Ltd., the premier manufacturer of Auclair racing gloves, will supply the nation’s best cross-country ski athletes with lightweight racing gloves as part of an eight-year deal struck on Tuesday with Cross Country Canada.

The longest-standing partner of Cross Country Canada, dating back nearly 40 years to the 1970’s, Paris Glove of Canada has contributed more than $500,000 in product and financial support to Canada’s cross-country ski athletes, and will continue to do so through the 2018 Games.

“Canadian athletes are proud to be able to compete internationally using Canadian-designed Auclair gloves, knowing they have the financial backing of a Canadian company,” said Davin MacIntosh, executive director, Cross Country Canada. “It is our goal to continue producing podium results, and ultimately, to have the gloves of our Canadian athletes touching a gold medal on the international stage.”

Auclair, the premier sport and outdoor division of the family-owned company, is recognized worldwide for its unflagging desire to create highly technical winter-sport racing gloves that deliver unmatched performance.

As part of the agreement, Auclair has worked closely with athletes and coaches of Cross Country Canada to develop better product that meets the specific needs of each athlete to ease their journey to producing medal-winning results.

In addition, the deal also guarantees annual financial support for the team. Paris Glove will also continue to actively promote racers in advertising and marketing campaigns.

“Paris Glove is excited to be the official glove supplier of Cross Country Canada,” said Peter Monk, president, Paris Group of Companies. “As the national leader in technical handwear, we will continue to find innovative ways to better the equipment for Canada’s cross-country ski athletes in order to help guide, and develop, them into medal-winning athletes.”

April 07, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – ONE WAY, one of the leading Nordic Sports brands from Finland has signed a four-year contract with Cross Country Canada’s National Ski Team, Para-Nordic Ski Team and National Development Centers to become the official supplier for textiles.

The Finnish Nordic Sports brand has been the fastest growing Nordic Sports brand in recent years with a wide product portfolio in cross country poles, Nordic sportswear, roller skis, Nordic sports eyewear, technical footwear and Nordic walking products.

“We are extremely pleased to partner with ONE WAY in order to provide access to some of the most critical resources our athletes require for optimal training and successful performances,” said Davin MacIntosh, executive director, Cross Country Canada. “Our preparation will be enhanced with ONE WAY on our team, and we firmly believe this partnership gives our athletes another opportunity to compete at the highest level at all times.”

Andreas Bennert, CEO ONE WAY Sport OY Finland said “The Canadian National Ski Team is one of today’s youngest and most exciting teams in the world. They have developed, in terms of performance, immensely over the last few years. Their strong team spirit is also an important part of being a vibrant and modern cross-country ski team.”

ONE WAY as a young and modern Nordic sports brand has a strong interest to promote and present the team not only in Canada, but especially in Europe, where the team achieved one of the most notable victories during the Nordic World Championships in Oslo with Devon Kershaw and Alex Harvey’s Gold medal in the sprint relay.

The new look of the team’s racing suit will be presented this coming fall before the opening races on the FIS World Cup calendar.

March 24, 2011 (Ottawa, ON) – The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) announced today that Beckie Scott has been appointed as Canada’s Chef de Mission for the 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games (WYOG) in Innsbruck, Austria.

“I am absolutely thrilled and incredibly honoured to have been asked to be the Chef de Mission of the Canadian team competing in Innsbruck 2012,” Scott said. “The first winter edition of the Youth Olympic Games will be sensational and I can’t imagine a greater experience for young competitive athletes. I really look forward to guiding, assisting and sharing this memorable event with our team.”

Scott is a three-time Olympian, a double medallist and one of Canada’s best cross-country skiers ever. She made history at the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic Winter Games by winning a gold medal in pursuit. In so doing, she became the first North American woman to win an Olympic medal (of any kind) in cross-country skiing. Four years later, Scott took to the podium again, teaming with Sara Renner to win the silver medal in team sprint.

“Beckie is the ideal candidate for these inaugural Winter Youth Olympic Games,” said Caroline Assalian, the COC’s Executive Managing Director, Sport and NSF Relations. “She has intimate knowledge of these Games from her work on the IOC Coordination Commission for Innsbruck 2012. More importantly, the WYOG are about inspiring youth and living the Olympic Values. Beckie has demonstrated her commitment to those values. She believes in the Youth Olympic movement which is why she has decided to make the Canadian Youth Olympic Team a priority.”

During the 2006 Olympic Winter Games, Scott was elected to the IOC Athletes’ Commission for an eight-year term. She is also a member of the IOC’s Coordination for the 2014 Sochi Olympic Winter Games – as well as the Coordination of the 1st Winter Youth Olympic Games.

As a member of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Athlete Committee, Scott is a passionate and influential lobbyist in this area. Among her many initiatives was an athletes’ petition that requested an independent drug-testing body for all World Cup and Olympic competitions.

She was also a part of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games as a board member for the organizing committee, VANOC. In 2006, Scott became a member of the COC’s Executive Committee as well as the Athletes’ Council, consequent to her election as an IOC member. She also serves on the board of the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport.

As Chef de Mission, Scott will take on the role of official representative and spokesperson of the Canadian Youth Olympic Team, and be a key member of the overall leadership team for Canada’s participation in the Winter Youth Olympic Games. Her leadership and Olympic experience are invaluable assets to the delegation. Scott’s knowledge of sport and the Olympic Movement will be of utmost importance in the interaction with stakeholders, both nationally and internationally.

The inaugural Winter Youth Olympic Games will take place from January 13 – 22, 2012 in Innsbruck, Austria, site of the 1964 and 1976 Olympic Winter Games.

March 21, 2011 (Toronto, ON) – We’re pleased to present the standings for the international SkiTrax FIS Fantasy World Cup 2010/11 Contest after the Pursuit in Falun, Sweden. Team Maffe is holding onto the contest lead through the final WCup mini-tour so far with a total of 1,941 points. The same four (4) teams – STAR TEAM, Perugina Ski Team, SKIN-T, and rgsnow – stayed in their seemingly unbreakable deadlock tie for second with 1,913 points each, while poiss team defended third spot with 1,892 points.

For the complete standings after the Falun Pursuit click HERE.

SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2010/11 Contest Prizes

*1st Prize – Fischer 10/11 Carbonlite 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 – One Way Diamond Storm World Cup Poles w/tubes (value $430)
* 4th Prize – SkiGo Clothing package (value $340)
* 5th Prize – Swenor Classic roller skis (value $310)
* 6th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150)
* 7th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $130)
* 8th Prize – Concept2 Goodie Duffle Bag (value $100)
* 9th Prize – Bliz Pursuit Sunglasses and Visor (value $90)
* 10th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
* WCup Breaks – Buff Headware (value $22) to top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski and Oslo Nordic Worlds

Good luck to all contestants and thanks to all of our great sponsors: Fischer, Trapp Family Lodge, One Way, SkiGo, Swenor, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Rottefella, Concept2, Auclair, Bliz Active and Buff Headware.

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 20, 2011 (Toronto, ON) – We’re pleased to present the standings from the international SkiTrax FIS Fantasy World Cup 2010/11 Contest after the Prologue in Falun, Sweden. Marit Bjoergen (NOR) and Ilia Chernousov (RUS) were the big winners on the snow, while team Maffe is holding onto the contest lead with 1,841 points. Four (4) teams remain locked in a tie for second: STAR TEAM, Perugina Ski Team, SKIN-T, and rgsnow – each with 1,817 points. Poiss team is still in third with 1,791 points.

Stay tuned as the WCup wraps up this weekend in Falun, Sweden.

For the complete standings after the Falun Prologue click HERE.

SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2010/11 Contest Prizes

*1st Prize – Fischer 10/11 Carbonlite 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 – One Way Diamond Storm World Cup Poles w/tubes (value $430)
* 4th Prize – SkiGo Clothing package (value $340)
* 5th Prize – Swenor Classic roller skis (value $310)
* 6th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150)
* 7th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $130)
* 8th Prize – Concept2 Goodie Duffle Bag (value $100)
* 9th Prize – Bliz Pursuit Sunglasses and Visor (value $90)
* 10th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
* WCup Breaks – Buff Headware (value $22) to top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski and Oslo Nordic Worlds

Good luck to all contestants and thanks to all of our great sponsors: Fischer, Trapp Family Lodge, One Way, SkiGo, Swenor, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Rottefella, Concept2, Auclair, Bliz Active and Buff Headware.

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 19, 2011 (Toronto, ON) – We’re pleased to present the standings after Stockholm, Sweden from the international SkiTrax FIS Fantasy World Cup 2010/11 Contest where Petra Majdic (SLO) and Emil Joensson (SWE) sealed the overall titles. Team Maffe is still in the lead with 1,765 points, while the battle for second continues between four (4) teams: STAR TEAM, Perugina Ski Team, SKIN-T, and rgsnow – each trailing by 11 points at 1,744. Poiss team is in third with 1,714 points.

Stay tuned as the WCup wraps up this weekend in Falun, Sweden.

For the complete standings after Stockholm click HERE.

SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2010/11 Contest Prizes

*1st Prize – Fischer 10/11 Carbonlite 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 – One Way Diamond Storm World Cup Poles w/tubes (value $430)
* 4th Prize – SkiGo Clothing package (value $340)
* 5th Prize – Swenor Classic roller skis (value $310)
* 6th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150)
* 7th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $130)
* 8th Prize – Concept2 Goodie Duffle Bag (value $100)
* 9th Prize – Bliz Pursuit Sunglasses and Visor (value $90)
* 10th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
* WCup Breaks – Buff Headware (value $22) to top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski and Oslo Nordic Worlds

Good luck to all contestants and thanks to all of our great sponsors: Fischer, Trapp Family Lodge, One Way, SkiGo, Swenor, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Rottefella, Concept2, Auclair, Bliz Active and Buff Headware.

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 18, 2011 (Toronto, ON) – Here are the standings from the international SkiTrax FIS Fantasy World Cup 2010/11 Contest that continued last weekend with the tenth round of the Viessmann XC FIS WCup in Lahti, Finland. Team Maffe is in the lead with 1,667 points, while the battle for second rages  between four (4) teams: STAR TEAM, Perugina Ski Team, SKIN-T, and rgsnow – each trailing by 13 points at 1,654. Poiss team is in third with 1,646 points.

Look for the standings after the Stockholm Sprints (Mar. 16) soon and stay tuned as the WCup wraps up this weekend in Falun, Sweden.

For the complete standings after Lahti click HERE.

SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2010/11 Contest Prizes

*1st Prize – Fischer 10/11 Carbonlite 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 – One Way Diamond Storm World Cup Poles w/tubes (value $430)
* 4th Prize – SkiGo Clothing package (value $340)
* 5th Prize – Swenor Classic roller skis (value $310)
* 6th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150)
* 7th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $130)
* 8th Prize – Concept2 Goodie Duffle Bag (value $100)
* 9th Prize – Bliz Pursuit Sunglasses and Visor (value $90)
* 10th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
* WCup Breaks – Buff Headware (value $22) to top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski and Oslo Nordic Worlds

Good luck to all contestants and thanks to all of our great sponsors: Fischer, Trapp Family Lodge, One Way, SkiGo, Swenor, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Rottefella, Concept2, Auclair, Bliz Active and Buff Headware.

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 17, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – When two-time Olympic cross-country skier George Grey hits the start line for Saturday’s 50-kilometre skate-ski race at the Haywood Ski Nationals, it will be his final competitive trip around the famed Canmore Nordic Centre.

After racing on the World Cup for nearly a decade against the top athletes on the globe, and competing in the Torino and Vancouver Olympics along with five World Championships, the 31-year-old Grey, of Rossland, B.C., has decided to retire.

“For me the timing just felt right,” said Grey, who started skiing when he was four years old, and racing at age seven. “In the last two years I felt like I accomplished many of my career goals and reached a performance level that was as high as I could attain. I am now looking forward to being a husband, father, and to new challenges and experiences in life.”

“I reached a peak in 2010 and thought maybe, just maybe, if I skied one more year I could contend for a medal in 2011 at the World Championships. To be able to hang in for one more season and experience the World Championships in Norway, and see Devon and Alex become World Champions, was an incredibly memorable final season.”

With Canada’s Beckie Scott having just broken through to win Canada’s first Olympic medal in the sport, Grey emerged onto the National Ski Team in 2002 with a group of bright-eyed, energetic young men from across the country poised and determined to follow Scott’s trail to the international podium.

Devon Kershaw was the first to find his way onto the podium. Kershaw became the first male in more than a decade to mount the international podium in 2006, and it didn’t take long for the others to follow suit. Four years later, Grey enjoyed a breakthrough moment of his own with his most memorable races coming at Whistler Olympic Park. The veteran teamed up with National Ski Team rookie, Alex Harvey, in 2009 to win a World Cup bronze medal in the sprint relay at the Olympic Test Event in Whistler. His best Olympic and individual career finish was eighth during the pursuit competition in 2010 when all three Canadian men finished in the top-10, and all four in the top-20.

“Getting my hands on just one medal was such an incredible high for me, and sharing it with such a talented athlete and friend in Alex made it even sweeter,” said Grey, whose best individual result outside the Olympics was a ninth-place finish at the Tour de Ski prologue in 2009. “My fondest memory has to be the 30-kilometre pursuit race with Ivan (Babikov), Alex (Harvey), and Devon (Kershaw) skiing right at the front of the pack with me. We were showing the world that we had finally arrived, and what we were capable of as a team. It was a career best for me, and to do it at a home Olympics with three of my buddies was amazing.”

After 10 years of blood, sweat and tears, Grey leaves the sport with the Canadian men’s squad amongst the best in the world.

“When I joined the Canadian men’s team we were described as ‘Canada’s most anonymous athletes,’ he said. “Now our team has World Championship medallists, World Cup medallists, Tour de Ski medallists. We have delivered a solid team. I know Canada is in good hands and there is loads of great talent coming up the system so I will sleep well.”

While racing was such a small part of his career, it was the countless hours of training with his friends and teammates that taught him to be patient, driven, tough and most importantly, goal-oriented along the journey.

“I get nostalgic thinking about all the hard training days that I endured with teammates at my side,” said Grey, who cites five-to-six hours of roller skiing in the pouring rain, nearly 50 kilometres of running and stomping their way up to glaciers as some of the most grueling training moments. “Only with your closest teammates is it possible to repeat training days like this every other week. My team and I have shed more sweat and spit on mountains than most would ever think possible.”

With the last goal remaining in his career to ski to the top of the podium on Saturday at the Haywood Ski Nationals, Grey would like to stay within sport if there is an opportunity to do so in the future, while also studying in the securities industry.

“The 2010 Olympics were sensational. The World Champs this year in Norway were staggering, but I am more than happy to wave a warm good-bye and smile at all the precious memories that I have accumulated. Thank you to everyone for your incredible support. My father always told me it is the process and not the outcome. I have fully realized that now, and I will never forget those who have helped me along this incredible ride.”

March 15, 2011 (Toronto, ON) – We’re pleased to announce the winners and final standings for the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Oslo Nordic Worlds 2011 Contest following the seven-day Doping De-Points period – sorry for the short delay.

The winner of the grand prize Alpina package valued at $1,350 is… GBx with a total of 305 points! The 2nd place prize, a Nipika Mountain Resort package (value up to $1,220) goes to Yellowknife with 300 points and the 3rd place prize, a pair of Fischer RCS boots (valued at $469) goes to Brown Chicken Brown Cow who won the tie for third (by registering for the contest first) over BOOKER T – both finished with 295 points. BOOKER T wins the 4th place prize, a pair of One Way Diamond Storm Premio Poles (valued at $360).

Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all contestants for participating in the contest. We’d also like to thank FIS, Oslo 2011, and our great sponsors including Alpina, Peltonen, Yoko, Nipika Mountain Resort, Fischer, One Way, Swix, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Rottefella, Auclair, and Buff Canada.

There’s more action still to come as the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy World Cup 2011 Contest draws to a close soon with the series stopping in Stockholm on Mar. 16, and wraps up in Falun, Sweden, March 18-20.

For the final standings of the FIS Fantasy Oslo Nordic Worlds 2011 Contest click HERE.

Nordic Worlds 2011 Contest Winners
———————————————————–
*1st Prize – Alpina package – Peltonen Infra or Supra skis, Alpina ESK Boots, Rottefella Xcelerator Bindings, and Yoko 81100 Carbon Poles. (value $1,350)
– GBx – Guillaume Arnaud – Haute-Savoie, France

*2nd Prize – Nipika Package – 2-nights for up to 6 people in luxurious cabin, including Trail Fees (value up to $1,220)
– Yellowknife – Thomsen D’Hont – Whistler, BC

*3rd Prize – Fischer RCS Skate or Classic Boots (value $469)
– Brown Chicken Brown Cow – Sam Tarling – Portland, ME

*4th Prize – One Way Diamond Storm Premio Poles (value $360)
– BOOKER T – Leif Lennie – Thunder Bay, ON

*5th Prize – Swix Digital T72 Iron (value $350)
– poiss team – Jari Milov – Parnu, Estonia

*6th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150)
– peta – Petra Palatova – Jihlava, Czech Republic

*7th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $130)
– Bono Equipe/Bonogagnants – Jeremie Bonneau – Quebec, QC

*8th Prize – Sporthill Men’s XC Pants (value $120)
– Swedish – Vincent Ruet – Montalieu Vercieu, France

*9th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
– Cathi – Catherine Gola – Rogaland, Norway

*10th Prize – Buff Headwear (value $40)
– 10 Deep – Jimmy Gunka – Thunder Bay, ON

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 12, 2011 (Toronto, ON) – The international SkiTrax FIS Fantasy World Cup 2010/11 Contest resumes this weekend as Lahti, Finland hosts the tenth round of the Viessmann XC FIS WCup. With the flurry of activity prior to the Oslo 2011 Nordic World Championships we only just realized that we did not post the contest standings after Drammen, Norway, February 19-20, and announce the winners of the WCup Breaks prizes that are awarded to the top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski and the Oslo Nordic Worlds who win Buff Headware (value $22).

The contest leaders after Drammen and the WCup Breaks winners are STAR TEAM, Perugina Ski Team and SKIN-T, all with 1,134 points. Also part of the 4-way tie for first is rgsnow and because of this unique situation we’ll include them as part of the WCup Breaks prizes.

Our apologies for the delay in making this announcement. Only 10 points separate the top 6 teams with lots of racing still to come so stay tuned as the WCup wraps up this coming week in Falun, Sweden.

For the complete standings after Drammen click HERE.

SkiTrax Fantasy FIS World Cup 2010/11 Contest Prizes

*1st Prize – Fischer 10/11 Carbonlite 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 – One Way Diamond Storm World Cup Poles w/tubes (value $430)
* 4th Prize – SkiGo Clothing package (value $340)
* 5th Prize – Swenor Classic roller skis (value $310)
* 6th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150)
* 7th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $130)
* 8th Prize – Concept2 Goodie Duffle Bag (value $100)
* 9th Prize – Bliz Pursuit Sunglasses and Visor (value $90)
* 10th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
* WCup Breaks – Buff Headware (value $22) to top 3 contest leaders before the Tour de Ski and Oslo Nordic Worlds

Good luck to all contestants and thanks to all of our great sponsors: Fischer, Trapp Family Lodge, One Way, SkiGo, Swenor, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Rottefella, Concept2, Auclair, Bliz Active and Buff Headware.

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, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – Cross Country Canada, the National Sport Organization for cross-country skiing in Canada, is currently seeking a full-time employee to fill the position as Senior Team Coach for the National Ski Team (NST). This position is designed to be part of a dynamic high performance team that is totally committed to developing and sustaining our international excellence in cross-country skiing.

The position: The Senior Team Coach is a coaching position that will deliver comprehensive technical leadership and coaching for Canada’s athlete’s competing at the World Cup level. The successful candidate will have extensive coaching and technical qualifications supplemented by strong communication, motivational and presentation skills, and effective organizational skills. This position requires extensive traveling during the entire year to attend training camps and competitions.

The candidate must be able to adapt to coming into a four year quadrennial plan, the core of which will not change. While the next two years is not a time for major changes in the Canadian program, innovations brought forward by the candidate, which do not affect the core program requirements, will be encouraged and considered by the head coach and director high performance.

The position is based at the National Training Centre in Canmore, Alberta. All of the team athletes live and train year round at this location.

This position reports directly to the NST Head Coach.

Term: Full-time position

General Responsibilities (These include but are not limited to the following):
– Work with the Head Coach and other coaching staff to design, implement and monitor an annual training and competition plan for the National Ski Team senior teams;
– In coordination with the Integrated Support Team (IST), coordinate athlete support services including sport science, sport medicine, and technical support;
– Coaching and leading international and domestic competitive tours;
– Provide timely and effective communication to athletes and other coaches and members of the IST;
– Manage administrative tasks and accountability measures established to evaluate the program.

Required Qualifications:
– Experience coaching at the international level with the proven ability to deliver and integrate the key components of the program: technique, physiology, tactics, psychology and health;
– Must be dedicated to high performance excellence through creative and innovative approaches to delivering training programs;
– Proven ability to motivate and gain the trust and confidence of high performance athletes;
– Excellent interpersonal and organizational expertise;
– Ability to work as a team member and independent contributor;
– Proven skills in distance and sprint training.

As a full-time employee, the Senior Team Coach the compensation package for this position will be based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

Applications should be in the form of a letter of application with CV and three references, submitted by e-mail no later than April 1, 2011 to:

Cross Country Canada/Ski de fond Canada
c/o Cathy Sturgeon
Director – Administration and Communication
csturgeon@cccski.com

Cross Country Canada would like to fill this position before the end of April.

CCC is an equal opportunity employer. This position is financially supported in part by Sport Canada.

March 09, 2011 (Toronto, ON) – We’re pleased to announce the standings for the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Oslo Nordic Worlds 2011 Contest following the final event, the Men’s 50km Mass Start held on Sunday in Oslo and won by Norway’s Petter Northug – for complete coverage of this exciting race with photos click HERE.

Following the Men’s 50km freestyle race GBx is leading overall standings with a total of 285 points. Yellowknife trails by only five points and there’s a tie for third place between Brown Chicken Brown Cow and BOOKER T at 275 points apiece. Close behind in 4th place are poiss team and peta each with 270 points.

Look for the final official standings on March 14, following the Doping De-Points rule, when we will announce the winners of the contest.

For the standings after the men’s 50km mass start click HERE.

Nordic Worlds 2011 Contest Prizes
*1st Prize – Alpina package – Peltonen Infra or Supra skis, Alpina ESK Boots, Rottefella Xcelerator Bindings, and Yoko 81100 Carbon Poles. (value $1,350)
*2nd Prize – Nipika Package – 2-nights for up to 6 people in luxurious cabin, including Trail Fees (value up to $1,220)
*3rd Prize – Fischer RCS Skate or Classic Boots (value $469)
*4th Prize – One Way Diamond Storm Premio Poles (value $360)
*5th Prize – Swix Digital T72 Iron (value $350)
*6th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150)
*7th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $130)
*8th Prize – Sporthill Men’s XC Pants (value $120)
*9th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
*10th Prize – Buff Headwear (value $40)

Good luck to all contestants and thanks to FIS, Oslo 2011 and all of our great sponsors including Alpina, Peltonen, Yoko, Nipika Mountain Resort, Fischer, One Way, Swix, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Rottefella, 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 07, 2011 (Toronto, ON) – We’re pleased to present the standings for the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Oslo Nordic Worlds 2011 Contest following the Women’s 30km Mass Start held on Saturday in Oslo and won by Norway’s Therese Johaug – you can read our complete coverage of this exciting race with photos HERE.

Following the Women’s 30km freestyle race BOOKER T and GBx have taken the lead. Both are tied with 260 points, while three (3) teams, poiss team, Yellowknife, and Bonoéquipe/Bonogagnants, are tied for second place each with 255 points. Brown Chicken Brown Cow and Turbo-Dino-Max are tied for third place with 250 points.

The top teams are very tight and anything could still happen! Look for the standings following the final event, the Men’s 50km skate, and then on March 14, following the Doping De-Points rule, we will announce the winners of the contest.

For the Standings after the women’s 30km mass start click HERE.

Nordic Worlds 2011 Contest Prizes
*1st Prize – Alpina package – Peltonen Infra or Supra skis, Alpina ESK Boots, Rottefella Xcelerator Bindings, and Yoko 81100 Carbon Poles. (value $1,350)
*2nd Prize – Nipika Package – 2-nights for up to 6 people in luxurious cabin, including Trail Fees (value up to $1,220)
*3rd Prize – Fischer RCS Skate or Classic Boots (value $469)
*4th Prize – One Way Diamond Storm Premio Poles (value $360)
*5th Prize – Swix Digital T72 Iron (value $350)
*6th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150)
*7th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $130)
*8th Prize – Sporthill Men’s XC Pants (value $120)
*9th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
*10th Prize – Buff Headwear (value $40)

Good luck to all contestants and thanks to FIS, Oslo 2011 and all of our great sponsors including Alpina, Peltonen, Yoko, Nipika Mountain Resort, Fischer, One Way, Swix, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Rottefella, 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 07, 2011 (Rossland, BC) – Dave Wood was Canada’s most successful National Team cross-country ski coach, with career highlights including Beckie Scott’s legendary Olympic pursuit gold in 2002, Sara Renner’s sprint bronze at the Nordic World Championships in 2005, Chandra Crawford’s sprint gold in 2006 in Torino, and nine top-10’s at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Wood spent 18 years with Cross Country Canada (CCC) and lead the program for 12 of those years. He resigned in May 2010 and is still very much involved with skiing, currently coaching the Black Jack Ski Club in Rossland, B.C. He talked with SkiTrax’s Marty Hall about his new New Nordic Academy program.

It’s been 9 months since your departure from the Canadian National Team, what’s been happening with you and your career – bring us up to speed?
Dave Wood: In the spring I began working with the Black Jack Ski Club in Rossland, BC. The program here has younger skiers ages 13 to 17, all in high school. We have an ideal natural environment for Cross country skiers in Rossland.

Most of the training can be completed “out the door”. We have to travel for Roller skiing to find different terrain, but we have everything from flatter gentle terrain to long continuous uphills (10 to 25 km). The trails are superb and with the Red Mountain alpine area only 15 minutes running from town we can do as much ski simulation on foot as one can stand!

The program had a couple of training camps in the summer, the Haig Glacier, and a dryland camp in the Bow Valley. This is an opportunity to begin to introduce these skiers to training at altitude. We began skiing in Early November up at the Paulson trails (local). There are 3 areas for Cross Country here, and the Paulson trails (maintained by the Castlegar club) have snow a little earlier than Black Jack.

I went to Boston in September for a NENSA seminar. I made a presentation and sat in on the rest of seminar. Always good to get into other areas. As well I went to a COC function (Olympic Excellence series) for summer sports in November.

The club hosted a very successful NorAm in December. I did not have involvement with the event, except I worked with the club to build a better sprint course. The tracks and the event were well received.

The club and the Red Mountain Academy are joining forces to create an educational component to our Nordic Program. Al Fisher (Racing Program Director) and I initiated this in the spring and over the summer when we hammered out the details. At the end it has been Wannes Luppens (Club President), Al Fisher and I that are spearheading this initiative.

Now we are into the racing season and going full blast. Life in Rossland right now is being very good to Coach Dave Wood!

I hear you’re announcing a new high school aged skiing program at one of the best training and skiing locales in North America – tell us more about the Red Mountain Academy and its new educational component for your Nordic Program.
DW: The Red Mountain Academy (RMA) has been in operation for many years. It began as an academy program with the Red Mountain Racers (Alpine racing) and over time has expanded. The cooperation with the Black Jack Cross Country ski club was initiated this spring and we finalized the association this past fall with a three pronged program. Read more about the Academy here: www.redskiacademy.com

With the Home Stay Plan athletes that are not local in Rossland are placed with families in Rossland. We also have service providers such as physiotherapy, mental training, etc.

The home stay is organized and delivered through the administration end of the academy program. The athletes stay with families in the area. There is an education for the home stay families with respect to the nutritional needs of the athlete. The cost for this is $750/month, which includes some of the travelling needs. With their application to academy the process for home stay is initiated.

Another component of this program is transportation to and from the training venue to the school. In Rossland you can walk from “home” to school

The Educational Component of the Academy is delivered at Rossland Senior Secondary school. This will provide the athletes with a flexible academic schedule that allows time for proper training and competition programs. Read more about RMA here: www.rss.sd20.bc.ca

The third component of the program is the Training and Competition Program that is managed and delivered by myself. I have several coaches and experts who are assisting me in the Black Jack Racing team. We provide an intensive, individualized training and preparation programs.

Athletes in the academy program will train alongside the athletes training with the Club Program. Currently we have athletes from Rossland, Nelson, and Trail that work with the Black Jack Racing Team.

General program for 2011/12
– May 1 is the training year start
– Will plan for a spring snow camp where it can happen, likely Vernon, however we can do it here in some years
– June is dryland, going into the local mountain trails as the snow melts
– July will have a week at the Haig glacier
– August will have two weeks in the Bow Valley with two trips to the Haig glacier
– Fall camp with altitude. Most likely the Bow Valley if the stored snow works out
– December NorAms
– World Junior trials
– National Champs
– Other racing as is available

In Rossland we enjoy the perfect natural environment for developing Cross Country Ski Racers. We have an extensive network of trails and paths that are ideal for running and ski simulation on foot. As well we have mountain trails that are up to 2200 meters in elevation.

This means we can train between 400 meters and 2200 meters, an ideal situation for altitude training and lower elevation for speed work. We have long continuous roller ski climbs, up to 25 km, or we can have gentle rolling terrain to roller ski on. A lot of this roller ski terrain has very limited traffic.

We have access to a rubber surface running track in Warfield (6km away), an aquatic center in Trail (10 km), gyms in Rossland, and the alpine area (Red Resort) is about 5km from town, a perfect distance for warm up for a hill session. This is as good as it gets for dry land training!

We have three areas where we can ski. The Black Jack Club (www.skiblackjack.ca) is about a 10 min drive from anywhere in Rossland. The club has about 30 km of trails that are groomed daily by one of the two Pisten Bulleys the club owns. The normal season at Black Jack would be December to April. There is a biathlon facility up the highway from Black Jack. There is a 5km loop with the shorter tracks inside the 5 km track. The biathlon facility is about 300 meters higher than Black Jack, and gets earlier snow (2 to 3 weeks) and the snow lasts much longer in the spring. Finally the Castlegar ski club operates a trail system at the Paulson Summit. This is about a 30 min drive from Rossland, and it is also higher (about 1500 meters) so it is another option for early skiing

We can offer a training environment that is very high quality and lets the athletes maximize their training time do to the proximity of all training venues.

Dave, I think that wraps it up for any young teenage skier it doesn’t get any better. Sort of a home away from home feeling with the Home Stay Program and one of the best facilities and training centered programs you could want to be involved with – how do I sign up?
DW: Contact Kristi Calder at kristi@redskiacademy.com for information on the overall program. I can be contacted at davidwood53@gmail.com or 250-521-0223 for specifics on all aspects of the programs

March 05, 2011 (Toronto, ON) – Here are the standings for the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Oslo Nordic Worlds 2011 Contest following the men’s team sprint won by the Canadian duo of Devon Kershaw and Alex Harvey. We have also included a link to the standings after the women’s team sprint.

Following the men’s team sprint, Yellowknife continues to lead with 215 points, ahead of a second-place tie between three (3) teams: Buenahora, Skila, and GBx with 195 points. There is also a three-team tie for third place between poiss team, Brown Chicken Brown Cow, and BOOKER T,  – all with 190 points.

For the standings after the women’s team sprint click HERE.
For the standings after the men’s team sprint click HERE.

Nordic Worlds 2011 Contest Prizes
*1st Prize – Alpina package – Peltonen Infra or Supra skis, Alpina ESK Boots, Rottefella Xcelerator Bindings, and Yoko 81100 Carbon Poles. (value $1,350)
*2nd Prize – Nipika Package – 2-nights for up to 6 people in luxurious cabin, including Trail Fees (value up to $1,220)
*3rd Prize – Fischer RCS Skate or Classic Boots (value $469)
*4th Prize – One Way Diamond Storm Premio Poles (value $360)
*5th Prize – Swix Digital T72 Iron (value $350)
*6th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150)
*7th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $130)
*8th Prize – Sporthill Men’s XC Pants (value $120)
*9th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
*10th Prize – Buff Headwear (value $40)

Good luck to all contestants and thanks to FIS, Oslo 2011 and all of our great sponsors including Alpina, Peltonen, Yoko, Nipika Mountain Resort, Fischer, One Way, Swix, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Rottefella, 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 03, 2011 (Toronto, ON) – We are pleased to announce the standings for the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Oslo Nordic Worlds 2011 Contest following the men’s individual 15km Classic on Mar. 1 as we catch up with the world’s fastest racers and the current action.  We have also included a link to the women’s individual 10km Classic results from Feb. 28.

Following the men’s individual 15km Classic Yellowknife has pulled into the lead with 210 points, ahead of second place, Skila, with 195 points. There is now a tie for third between four (4) teams: poiss team, Brown Chicken Brown Cow, BOOKER T, and GBx – all with 190 points.

For the standings after the women’s 10km classic click HERE.
For the standings after the men’s 15km classic click HERE.

Nordic Worlds 2011 Contest Prizes
*1st Prize – Alpina package – Peltonen Infra or Supra skis, Alpina ESK Boots, Rottefella Xcelerator Bindings, and Yoko 81100 Carbon Poles. (value $1,350)
*2nd Prize – Nipika Package – 2-nights for up to 6 people in luxurious cabin, including Trail Fees (value up to $1,220)
*3rd Prize – Fischer RCS Skate or Classic Boots (value $469)
*4th Prize – One Way Diamond Storm Premio Poles (value $360)
*5th Prize – Swix Digital T72 Iron (value $350)
*6th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150)
*7th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $130)
*8th Prize – Sporthill Men’s XC Pants (value $120)
*9th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
*10th Prize – Buff Headwear (value $40)

Good luck to all contestants and thanks to FIS, Oslo 2011 and all of our great sponsors including Alpina, Peltonen, Yoko, Nipika Mountain Resort, Fischer, One Way, Swix, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Rottefella, 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 01, 2011 (Toronto, ON) – We apologize for the delay and are pleased to present the standings for the SkiTrax FIS Fantasy Oslo Nordic Worlds 2011 Contest following the men’s 30km Pursuit. The contest is heating up with a four-way tie for first place – two teams tied for second and two teams tied for third.

For the complete standings after the men’s 30km Pursuit click HERE.
Nordic Worlds 2011 Contest Prizes
*1st Prize – Alpina package – Peltonen Infra or Supra skis, Alpina ESK Boots, Rottefella Xcelerator Bindings, and Yoko 81100 Carbon Poles. (value $1,350)
*2nd Prize – Nipika Package – 2-nights for up to 6 people in luxurious cabin, including Trail Fees (value up to $1,220)
*3rd Prize – Fischer RCS Skate or Classic Boots (value $469)
*4th Prize – One Way Diamond Storm Premio Poles (value $360)
*5th Prize – Swix Digital T72 Iron (value $350)
*6th Prize – Fresh Air Experience or High Peaks Cyclery Gift Certificate (value $150)
*7th Prize – Rottefella Xcelerator Skate/Classic Bindings (value $130)
*8th Prize – Sporthill Men’s XC Pants (value $120)
*9th Prize – Auclair Micro Mountain Olympic Gloves + Earbags (value $65)
*10th Prize – Buff Headwear (value $40)

Good luck to all contestants and thanks to FIS, Oslo 2011 and all of our great sponsors including Alpina, Peltonen, Yoko, Nipika Mountain Resort, Fischer, One Way, Swix, Fresh Air Experience, High Peaks Cyclery, Rottefella, 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).