December 13, 2012 (Canmore, AB) – Check out the latest edition of  FIS’s Inside the Fence – the Canmore preview. Follow the USA’s Sadie Bjornsen for a lap around the women’s 3.3km classic course, and watch interviews with Vibeke Skofterud, Kristen Stoermer Steira, Devon Kershaw and Justin Wadsworth.

November 28, 2012 (Kuusamo, Finland) – Check out the first edition of FIS’s Inside the Fence, which includes a preview video of this weekend’s FIS World Cup XC race course in Kuusamo, Finland with USA’s Kikkan Randall.

November 20, 2012 (Gatineau, QC) – The Gatineau Loppet is pleased to announce that the first wave of its 55 km classic style race will be sanctioned by Cross-Country Canada (CCC), allowing Canadian and international long distance skiers to collect points for the Canadian Points List.

Last year, the CCC sanction was given to the 51 km freestyle but will be attributed to the 55 km classic race this year. “This change has been decided to promote the new linear [point-to-point] 55 km classic course starting at Lake Philippe that will be introduced in 2013 for the Gatineau Loppet’s 35th edition!” explains Yan Michaud, President of the Gatineau Loppet.

To highlight the importance and the seriousness of the elite program in the event, all skiers taking part in the 55 km classic race’s first wave must provide one of the following licenses: FIS license, a license issued by a national Federation (e.g. international competitors), a CCC Racing license or a Cross-Country Canada Supporting Member’s License (day license). The Gatineau Loppet will offer prizes to both the top three men and women of this new 55 km classic style race. First place will receive $1,200, second $600 and third $200.

For any questions concerning the licenses, prizes or elite program, please visit the Gatineau Loppet website at www.gatineauloppet.com .

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.

March 01, 2011 (West Yellowstone, MT) – The 32nd annual Yellowstone Rendezvous Race will be held on March 5, 2011. Local legend, Nordic shop owner, and member of the race organizing committee, Kelli Sanders, invites all skiers to join her on race day. Sanders was asked to describe the course and here is what she said.

– Start- Listen for the boom of the cannon and it is race on.
– 1k- All out, it is flat and wide open.
– 2k- The terrain is rolling. Anticipate the first steady climb followed by a short herringbone hill.
– 3 to 5k- Enjoy the gentle terrain with a long easy downhill that rolls into the first feed station.
– 5k, 1st feed. – Thank you to the volunteers from the Forest Service manning the station.
– 5 to 7k- Continue gentle terrain with a horseshoe bend.
– 8 to 9k- Expect a couple of short hills with button hook turns.
– 10k- Go fast down the long descend.
– 11k- What a sight. It is a gradual long climb with open views.
– 12k- Bob up and down and look around. The scenery is beautiful in this stretch. Roll up to second feed station.
– 12k, 2nd feed.– Look for volunteers from the West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation and other local groups.
– 13 to 14k- Brace for the long climb back up to Dead Dog.
– 15 to 18k- Gradual downhill and rolling terrain to the 3rd feed station.
– 18k, 3rd feed. – The West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce shows their support.
– 18k- Rolling up with little relief.
– 19k- Slow going at the longest/steepest climb of race course.
– 20 to 21k- Recover on this fun stretch over rolling terrain and enjoy the twists and turns.
– 22k- Last gradual long climb on the race course with a steep ‘S’ descent.
– 23 to 24k- Rolling into biathlon cabin area.
– 25k- Flat and wide open back to finish area for 25k or head under the arch for the second lap. 50k racers get to do it all again and will find the last feed station near the trailhead building.

After crossing the finish line, all skiers are invited to the Ambulance/Fire Station for the final feed. West Yellowstone Boy Scouts are on-hand to serve warm soup, drinks, and other snacks as skiers recover from the marathon. Stick around for the evening Awards Ceremony, complimentary dessert bar, raffle, and live music at the Holiday Inn.

Late registration is open until noon MST on Thursday, March 3rd. The extended weather forecast looks promising. It will be a great weekend to ski in West Yellowstone.
More info can be found at www.rendezvousrace.com