November 20, 2013 – Dear Nordic Community, Honestly, I am humbled when we all pitch in on fundraising during the Drive for 25. At the start we never really know how we will do, we just depend on your passion and your drive to create the generosity in giving. It’s about skiers helping skiers. States showing their Nordic Community pride and Juniors learning life’s lessons of how to ask someone for support. When we blew away our fund raising goal in Cross Country, honestly, I just became quietly amazed.

We used to be a ragtag collection of highly independent athletes, coaches and clubs trying to succeed in a much more sophisticated Nordic ski world. Now we are a unified Nordic Community exploring what is possible. So far the results have beared out in many of the Pillar Projects that we fund. Does any of this sound familiar? You bet it does, that unity is a uniquely American concept instilled in us since 1776! It still works today.

Thank you so very much for your support and believing in this process and our athletes and coaches. You will be hearing from them and us as to how their doing.

On behalf of our two operations guys working tirelessly behind the scenes, James Southam and Andrew Gardner, and our NNF Board of Directors listed below, thank you all, the Drive for 25 is truly an inspiring kick off to OUR time of year, our sport, and our culture.

Sincerely,

Dave Knoop
Executive Director
National Nordic Foundation

Board of Directors:
– Yuriy Gusev
– Reid Lutter
– Joey Caternichio
– Kerry Lynch
– Billy Demong

Time for some individual recognition. These are the ambassadors, large donors, juniors and general supporters of the NNF. We’re overwhelmed and grateful. Thanks to you all for supporting this year’s Drive for 25! Thanks for supporting the continued progress of skiing in the US. Onward!

Large Donors
– Steve and Diana Strandberg
– Frank E.
– Ruth Brown
– The Anshutz Foundation
– Walter McCormick
– Gretl Dupre’ Galgon
– Peter Curran
– David Knoop
– Eric Oberg
– Tony Wiedekehr
– Joe Holland
– Rick Mewborn
– Scott Putman
– Hal Stanley
– Steve Fuller
– Mark Diperno/Sport Insurance
– Paul Berge
– Bob Berend
– Cameron Wiley
– Anonymous
– Diane Halvorsen
– Bill Demong Jim Forbes

Top 20 U23/Junior Ambassadors
• Ambassador • Amount • Donors
• Heidi Halvorsen $3,455 (31) • Katharine Ogden $1,975 (19) • Leah Lange $1,335 (14) • Julia Kern $1,300 (15) • Kelsey Phinney $1,187 (13) • Cal Deline$1,025 (3) • Elizabeth Guiney$1,0012 (3) • Annie Pokorny $950 (8) • Gretchen Burkholder $925 (6) • Cully Brown $850 (5) • Alayna Sonnesyn $820 (16) • Erik Bjornsen $735 (15) • Simon Zink $679 (6) • Taeler McCrerey $625 (13) • Brandon Herhusky $625 (11) • Bill Harmeyer $610 (18) • Henry Harmeyer $610 (17) • Lauren Jortberg $550 (8) • Tucker McCrerey $530 (5) • Karsten Hokanson $515 (10)

Top 10 Ambassadors by $ Raised
• Ambassador • Amount • Donors
• Yuriy Gusev $10,025 (15) • Kerry Lynch $8,475 (8) • Billy Demong $6,660 (10) • Michael Ward $3,470 (27) • Heidi Halvorsen $3,455 (31) • Chris Grover $2,600 (18) • Simi Hamilton $2,600 (15) • Gus Kaeding $2,200 (11) • Jasper Good $2,025 (23) • Tyler Smith $2,015 (17)

Top 10 Ambassadors by Donations
• Ambassador • Amount • Donors
Holly Brooks $1,255 (37) • Heidi Halvorsen $3,455 (31) • Michael Ward $3,470 (27) • Jasper Good $2,025 (23) • Elizabeth Guiney $1,001 (23) • Adam Loomis $1,100 (21) • Katharine Ogden $1,975 (19) • Chris Grover $2,600 (18) • Bill Harmeyer $610 (18) • Tyler Smith $2,015 (17) • Henry Harmeyer $610 (17)

#skiingnation
Job Well Done

45 States.
Over 1200 donors.
Alaska took home the donor participation award, but US skiing was the big winner. Thanks to you all for your efforts in this year’s D25. Without the widespread grassroots support, we would not be the organization we are today. Thanks to you all!

November 18, 2013 (Lausanne, Switzerland) – The Swiss-based World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has provisionally suspended the Russian lab entrusted to oversee anti-doping controls at the 2014 Sochi Winter Games because of quality control issues reports AP.

Normally, such a suspension is for a six-month period, which would cover both the February 7-23 Sochi Olympic Games and the March 7-16 Sochi Paralympic Games. The provisional suspension, which was announced last Sunday, would affect both the Moscow lab and a satellite lab in Sochi. This could mean that Russian organizers will be obligated to airlift almost 2,500 samples to another country for testing, a huge logistical challenge.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC), meanwhile, has now guaranteed the “integrity” of the drug-testing program in Sochi, expressing confidence in Russian testing facilities. WADA has given the Russian lab a December 1 deadline to improve the quality of its results; if the lab meets that deadline, and another one set for April, 2014, the suspension may never come into effect. The second deadline is for many changes to be: “drafted, finalized, implemented and embedded.”

AP article here.

Watch video here.

November 18, 2013 (Beitostølen, Norway) – As we reported yesterday Team USA is now settled in Beitostølen, Norway as they prepare for their first competitions of the season at the Norwegian national season opener in Beitostolen on Nov. 22-23. FIS XC caught up with Kikkan Randall and Liz Stephen for a Skype chat about their training, form, and plans for the season ahead…

November 18, 2013 – The website is live for the 2014 BKL Festival! Our friends at Central Maine Ski Club are planning a rip-roaring good time for the whole New England BKL Community! Read about this year’s theme, The Elements, and start preparing your costumes now for Fire, Wind, Rock, and Water! Don’t miss all the fun non-competitive events that they have up their sleeves: a Mini-Marathon Scavenger Hunt, Biathlon, a Terrain Park, a Story Ski, and a Tree Maze! The website also has a list of local lodging opportunities. Online registration will be opening soon, keep checking the NENSA website for the opening date.

November 17, 2013 (Beitostolen, Norway) – The US XC Ski Team has landed in Beitostolen, Norway for a team reunion before their season gets underway with the Norwegian national season opener in Beitostolen on Nov. 22-23. Team leader Kikkan Randall writes in her Daily Training rap… “Arrived in Norway to a big reunion of the team. Man, seven months went by fast… team spaghetti dinner and desperately trying to stay awake until 9pm.” – read more here.

November 15, 2013 (Johannesburg, South Africa) – As part of its new Anti-doping Code, which comes into effect on January 1, 2015, WADA has announced it will extend the penalty for doping from a two-year ban to a four-year ban. The decision was made at the World Conference on Doping in Sport held in Johannesburg this week, reported ctvnews.ca. Read the article here.

November 12, 2013 – During a training session on Monday Olympic Champion Dario Cologna of Switzerland injured his right ankle and will require surgery. Initial testing revealed damage to a ligament in the ankle but an MRI confirmed that damage was in fact a torn ligament. “Dario will have surgery on Friday and is expected to be sidelined 6-8 weeks,” said team physician Patrick Noack.

November 09, 2013 (Sun Peaks, BC) – Sun Peaks opens its cross country ski trails for the public Friday, November 8th. This date is two weeks ahead of schedule and is the earliest opening on record.

Ten kilometres of trails are groomed and track set for classic and skating on Vista, McGillivray Lake, and Otter Trail. Access is via Parking Lot #5. More trails will open as crews continue their early season preparation.

Phil Youwe, Nordic coordinator for Sun Peaks Resort, says the recent snowfalls have allowed the resort to open early. “Our groomers have been busy track packing the trails to solidify our snow base. This means very good early season conditions on our first day.”

Early season trail fees are $10 and will adjust as more terrain opens. Tickets can be purchased at Guest Services in the Village Day Lodge and Elevation Sports in the village centre. The Nordic Centre and McGillivray Lake Cabin will open on November 16. For an updated list of open trails, visit the Sun Peaks website at www.sunpeaksresort.com/weather-and-cams/nordic-trail-status.

Sun Peaks will open its alpine chairlifts on November 23, 2013.

November 08, 2013 (Pittsfield, Vermont) – On a brisk and sun-drenched Nov. 3 day, several hundred friends and family gathered at the Pittsfield, Vermont home of the legendary Michael D. Gallagher to pay tribute to his extraordinary life.

Gallagher, 72, a giant of the sport, was inducted to the National Ski Hall of Fame in 1988, and was an inspiration to many in the sport of cross-country skiing for decades.

Heartfelt tributes to the three-time US Olympian were heard from the likes of former stars and teammates Mike Elliott, Bob Gray and Tim Caldwell, including his friend and local running mate Mike Canty, his former coach Marty Hall and his friend Peter Graves.

Special commendations were also heard from some who could not attend like Bill Marolt, President and CEO of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, a teammate of Gallagher at Colorado University who wrote:

“As we watch the growing success of the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team today, it’s important to think back to the sport’s roots. Decades ago, Mike Gallagher helped blaze an early trail for the sport in America, playing a pivotal role as an accomplished athlete and a motivational coach. His success was an inspiration to a generation of skiers led by Bill Koch and future stars like Andy Newell.”

The day was full of special moments at this celebration of life for a cherished member of the American Nordic skiing community. Many personal reflections and tributes were shared and enjoyed as local friends from the Rutland, Vermont area where Mike was a local hero, mixed easily with his huge extended ski family.

Irish music and song filled the air, as family friend Katie Bowen played some of Mike’s favorite Irish tunes. It was a wonderful day, enjoyed by all, and the spirit of the Eagle, an inspiration to us all flew high.

Mike Gallagher will never, ever be forgotten.

November 08, 2013 (Sovereign Lake, BC) – “These are the best early season ski conditions we’ve seen in five years,” said Scott Lemon, General Manager of Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre as the nordic trails open for skiing today. “We have over 50cm of snow.”

“Last year we opened a week later than this, with less snow. This weekend, we’re looking at opening with mid winter conditions,” said Lemon. “Snow like this creates enthusiasm for both club members who can see the snow on the hills, and visitors from the coast, Alberta and Washington that are looking to jump start their ski season.”

We’re packing 25km of trail including popular trails Carl Wylie and Woodland Bell. Combined with Silver Star Nordic trails, there will be over 70km of groomed trails open.

“We’re excited to welcome cross-country ski lovers back from across North America to enjoy the terrain and scenery at both Silver Star Resort and Sovereign Lake Nordic trails,” says Nordic Manager at Silver Star Mountain Resort, Guy Paulsen. “Over the years interest in Nordic skiing continues to grow rapidly and together these trails systems give skiers access to the largest daily groomed Nordic trail system in Canada.” Silver Star Resort and Sovereign Lake will once again partner to offer the Dual Nordic Pass giving skiers access to both trail systems.

Lemon states that that the good early season conditions will increase registration numbers for the 2013/14 XC Supercamps which begin November 22. These early season and mid-winter cross country ski camps are the longest running in country. “From first timer to big timer” XC Supercamp provides skiers of all abilities exceptional coaching and instruction.

“Skiers love to watch the webcams and weather reports to decided on which camps to register for. With the snow coming early, the camps will fill up quickly.”

Located 22km from Vernon, Sovereign Lake Nordic Center boasts a seven month ski season with 105km of daily groomed trails with Silver Star Resort.

November 08, 2013 (Craftsbury, VT) – As of the beginning of this month, you can reserve your spot in the biggest ski race in the east: the 33rd annual Craftsbury Marathon! Choose between 25 and 50k options – either way you’ll enjoy some of the most scenic skiing in New England as you traverse the picturesque working landscape from Greensboro to Craftsbury Common, Vermont. Register now at Skireg. In addition to assuring your spot, you’ll also be signed up for only $60 ($30 for students!). Save your money for nice waxes, new skis or an annual membership at Craftsbury!

Ski the Marathon for $5
For the second year, BKL skiers (grade 8 and younger) can ski the Marathon with a full paying adult for only $5! Make some great winter memories together at Craftsbury this February! Register.

Volunteer at the Marathon
The Marathon is our largest one-day event and offers a special fund-raising opportunity for volunteers and non-profit organizations. Individual volunteers perks like free lunch or refreshments on that race day, an entry into our end of season Volunteer Raffle Drawing, plus we’ll make a cash donation in your name based on the number of hours you work to one of our local non-profits.

The Marathon is also great fundraising opportunity for non-profit organizations that work at the Marathon as a group. The Center will make a donation to your organization worth $5/person hour to your group. You’ll reach your fundraising goal before you know it, and have fun as a group working together!

You can find current Marathon Volunteer opportunities here.

Stay in the know about our snow
In addition to our snow report, live weather station, you can keep tabs on us via social media. Follow us on Twitter or our new Facebook page. All are great ways to keep tabs as our trail counts climb!

Thanksgiving Training Camp Week
Thanksgiving Training Camp Week Our permit to blow snow began November 1, and we’ll be blowing as soon as a suitable window opens. We plan on opening lodging November 22nd, with our early season loop of snow in place for teams and clubs to train on – all backed by a low-risk cancellation policy. Interested in your group getting on snow time close to home? Find more about Thanksgiving week.

And check your early season form at the Craftsbury Opener, December 1! We’ll be posting more information and registration in the coming week or so – stay tuned!

December Masters Camp
Dial in your Marathon form with our December 12-15 training camp. Participants will get three days on snow (four if you get to campus early enough on Thursday) full of instruction from Craftsbury GRP’s Pepa Miloucheva, NENSA’s Janice Sibilia, GRP athletes, and Craftsbury coaches. The curriculum consists of technique drills, longer base-building skis, video review to reinforce technical points, flexibility and yoga, plus lots of presentations by the coaching staff on a range of topics including strength, program personalization, and nutrition. The weekend won’t be all work though: there’ll be plenty of time for relaxing with your fellow campers and staff, enjoying sumptuous meals in our Vermont Fresh Network Dining Hall (included in the full price camp), trying some biathlon, gear demo opportunities, and free-skiing.

Find full details on the camp’s page here, or register on skireg.

Annual Membership at Craftsbury
Q – What costs between $25 and $100, gets you a year’s worth of trail access, FREE member events, access to year round programming, and much more?

A – An annual membership to Craftsbury!

Even if one puts aside all the other value, just the skiing alone is a great bargain: 105k of groomed trails patrolled by three PistenBullys and some of the best, most consistent snow in the east. Come train on the trails that you’ll be racing on in January. Go here for the full scoop.

November 06, 2013 – Only 9 Days to go for the 2013 NNF D25 and 17 Days until Team USA Nordic Combined is headed to Kuusamo, Finland for the opening World Cups joining the US Cross Country team to start out the Olympic season.

It’s 41 Days until our Continental Cup Team will host the World at the Utah Olympic Park and be vying for additional World Cup and Olympic berths.

Demong by the Numbers
25,000 – The NNF matching Nordic Combined grant in dollars.
Every dollar that gets donated gets matched. Time to knock it down for Nordic Combined.

Help us with our final push for the season because Sochi is not the only goal this year! With your help, we are chasing medals in Continental Cup and World Junior Championships. Because of you we will be able to host Regional Elite Camps next summer for our J2 and J1 athletes aspiring to become our future stars. Through the NNF we will continue to be one of the most successful nations in Nordic Combined skiing! – Billy Demong

Donate here: Drive for 25 Nordic Combined

LINKS: Drive for 25 Cross Country

November 06, 2013 (Calgary AB) —Two of Canada’s cross-country ski athletes focused on competing at the 2014 Games in Russia, along with double Olympic medallist, Beckie Scott will ski into Morley Community School on the Morley Reserve just west of Calgary on Friday, November 8, 2013 at 1 p.m.

Scott will bring fellow Olympian and World Cup medalist, Perianne Jones along with Olympic hopeful and one of Canada’s most promising young male skiers Jesse Cockney, with her to the school in an effort to inspire the Grades 6 to 12 students to live a healthy and more active lifestyle, while also engaging them in the National Ski Team’s journey to the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.

Cockney, who is of Inuit ancestry, has a mission to be a positive role model for youth growing up in the North, and Aboriginal youth across the country in addition to winning medals on the snow for Canada. The 24-year-old placed a career-best ninth at the Canmore World Cup one year ago.

The 28-year-old Jones, who competed for Canada at the 2010 Games, is coming off two of her best seasons ever as a member of the National Ski Team where she has broke through to win her first two World Cup medals.

The two athletes, who will make a stop at the school with two-time Olympic medallist, Beckie Scott, just prior to launching the trail to Sochi as the World Cup kicks off later this month will engage kids in the team’s journey to Sochi with regular communication throughout the season while the athletes’ travel the world. Scott will also return to the school this winter to hold a Ski Fit North Alberta ski day with the kids.

The initiative is part of Cross Country Alberta and Cross Country Canada’s Ski Fit North Alberta program developed to expose First-Nation and Metis youth to increase physical and mental well-being through the sport of cross-country skiing. Over the last four years Scott has travelled to northern Alberta communities delivering inspirational messages to children in remote corners of the province.  The program is a unique and proud partnership between Cross Country Canada (CCC), Cross Country Alberta (the provincial affiliate to the National body) and Statoil.

Ski Fit North Alberta targets Canadian Aboriginal youth between the ages of six and 14 in regions of Statoil’s core business in Northern Alberta. Scott, of Vermilion, Alta., helps recruit and retain children to the sport of cross-country skiing in an effort to increase awareness, support youth development and strengthen Canada’s junior athlete talent pool.

For more info click here.

November 06, 2013 – In this week’s edition of Talkin’ With the Gravy Train, Peter Graves is joined in studio by three-time US Olympian Kris Freeman from Concord, New Hampshire. Freeman, who has been a major player for the US XC Ski Team on the international cross-country scene for well over a decade, has had a strong off-season of training and is ready to head to Finland on November 5 to begin final preparations for what he hopes will be his fourth US Olympic team for the Sochi 2014 Games.

In 2000 he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes but despite this concern he’s earned 16 national titles, including defending the 50km CL at 2013 national championships in Tahoe, CA, and he remains the top long distance cross-country skier in the USA. Most recently, Freeman was named a Nordic racing instructor at Waterville Valley in New Hampshire.

In this candid interview Freeman discusses managing his diabetes, his preparations for the season ahead and his current thoughts about not being named to this year’s US Ski Team. We think you’ll agree it makes for compelling listening.

November 06, 2013 (Calgary, AB) – Beckie Scott was interviewed yesterday on CBC Radio’s As It Happens radio show regarding CCES’s new initiatives to fight doping that include anonymous hotline people can call and provide information about suspected dopers.

Scott won gold in XC skiing at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Winter Games after the first- and- second-place skiers were disqualified for using banned substances. Scott, now a board member of WADA, shared her thoughts about the CCES’s new measures. “I think it’s a good step. I think it’s an exciting move,” she told CBC, adding that testing is no longer enough, as doping has become so sophisticated that you can no longer rely on testing alone to catch cheaters.

According to Scott, investigation and intelligence gathering are the new trends in the fight against doping, because it is the athletes, coaches, and support personnel who know what’s really going on, so the hotline is a good venue for them to share information.

Scott admits she saw suspicious activity on occasion during her career, and she would have used the hotline had it existed at the time. She made clear, however, that the honesty of her fellow Canadians was never in question in her mind. “The Canadian Team was 100% above board and very clean,” she said.

Read more about the CCES’s new initiatives HERE.

Listen to the full interview HERE. [Nov 5 – Anti-Doping Agency Initiative, Tape: Alberta/BC Premier on Pipeline Agreement, Gandhi Spinning Wheel (Part 2)]

November 06, 2013 (Mora, Sweden) – For the first time in its 90-year history, all competitions during the Vasaloppet Winter Week in 2014 will be completely full. Although space remains in the week-long event for children up to the age of 16 years, the 2014 Vasaloppet has set two new records. The first being the registration of 66,800 competitors, and second that all available slots are full.

“We are proud to be able to engage this many people and to contribute to the health benefits that this level of participation creates. We know that our participants on average practice three hours a week in the final months before the competitions, and at the same time it is becoming more common to do these workouts as a social activity. With a little math, it provides a dizzying view of the popular movement the Vasaloppet has become,” says Vasaloppet’s CEO Anders Selling.

For the complete article (Swedish) click HERE.

November 05, 2013 (Stowe, Vermont) – Nordic enthusiasts from Vermont and beyond thronged on Nov. 2 to the grand opening of Kick and Glide: Vermont’s Nordic Skiing Legacy, the newest exhibit at the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum.

A helical spiral of 40 cross-country skis from the 70’s and 80’s designed by John Tidd, inventor of Tidd-Tec snow grooming equipment, with skis donated by Joe Pete Wilson of Keene, NY (1960 Olympics) served as a fitting backdrop for opening remarks from the exhibit’s curators, museum directors, Parker Riehle, Vermont Ski Areas Association, and Gregory Gerdel, Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing.

The exhibit provides a comprehensive overview of the integral role and influence Vermont holds in the past, present and future of Nordic skiing. Displays chronicle the storied legacy of Nordic skiing, biathlon, telemark skiing and Nordic jumping in Vermont and the state’s contributions to the sport at large. The personalities, ski centers, athletics, companies, competitions and events that formed Vermont’s Nordic skiing scene are highlighted in the exhibit.

Among those in attendance were Vermont past Olympians Larry Damon (1956, 1960, 1964, 1968), Dennis Donahue (1976), Stan Dunklee (1976, 1980), Jim Galanes (1976, 1980, 1984), Marc Gilbertson (1998), Bob Gray (1968, 1972), Trina Hosmer (1972) and Martha Rockwell (1972, 1976) and Bucky Broomhall who started the Torger Tokel League in 1969, now known as the Bill Koch League to develop skiers not yet in high school.

 “It was a joyous day in the spirit of friendship and the Nordic sport. We are indeed fortunate to have all these powerful experiences bonded together by sport,” extolled Peter Graves, renowned sports commentator and SkiTrax writer, now with USA Ski Jumping.

Vintage Synthetic Nordic Track with Fischer Zero Mohair skis (1970’s), the latest trail grooming equipment, snowmaking technologies, adaptive ski equipment and a chance to try a hand at Nordic ski erg laser biathlon took place outside the historic 1818 Old Town Hall.

Mirth and levity followed at Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, the first commercial cross-country ski center in the United States. One hundred Nordic enthusiasts listened intently as Max Cobb, USA Biathlon and Peter Graves, USA Ski Jumping shared an overview of the 2013-2014 Nordic, Nordic Combined, Biathlon, and Nordic Jumping US Ski Teams.

Kick and Glide, Vermont’s Nordic Skiing Legacy, will run from November 2, 2013 through October 13, 2014. For more information, please contact Meredith Scott, Director/Curator at mscott@vtssm.com

October 31, 2013 (Stowe, Vermont) – Stowe, Vermont’s Trapp Family Lodge has been selected as host of the 2014 Junior National Cross Country Ski Championships.  The community celebrations and races, sanctioned by the United States Ski Association (USSA) will be held March 1 – March 8, 2014 on the Trapp Family Lodge’s 100 kilometer network of cross country ski trails.

The awarding of this national race to the Trapp Family Lodge may come as a surprise to people unfamiliar with cross country skiing.  A little-known fact is that Johannes von Trapp started what is considered to be the first full service cross country ski center in America, in 1968. The youngest son of Maria and the Baron von Trapp, Johannes foresaw a growing interest in what was then viewed as primarily a European pastime.

In anticipation of the 2014 Junior National Cross Country Ski Championships, the trail crew at Trapp Family Lodge has been hard at work. The bulk of the exciting improvements can be seen in the stadium, where there are new terraced and leveled lanes leading to reshaped turns and berms. The start lane is ready to accommodate the hectic nature of a mass start skate race, and the new timing shack pad is in place and ready for exhilarating photo finishes. A new viewing area above the finish line will give spectators an excellent vantage point, and trails are being cut for trailside viewing by snowshoe. Multiple climbs on the course have been widened, and Paul McNeil, Director of Sports at Trapp Family Lodge, says that “passing opportunities and the whole flow of the course are greatly improved.”

The Trapp Family Lodge is working hard to create an unforgettable experience for 450 motivated young athletes, their families, support teams, and all spectators. The event will require hundreds of volunteers, thousands of hours, and a major investment in event activities, support, as well as infrastructure specific to this race event. Please consider supporting this monumental event by volunteering your time, or contributing through sponsorship or donation. To find out more information on this event please visit here.

October 28, 2013 – SkiTrax is excited to unveil Kikkan Randall’s Daily Training Rap for 2014 on the eve of the 100-day countdown to Sochi 2014. Randall’s historic performances continue the set the bar higher each season, as one of the fastest women on the planet gets ready to make history once again at the 2014 Olympic Games next February in Sochi, Russia. The Alaskan star is a leader both on and off snow and has helped herald a phenomenal US XC women’s team as all team members can strike at any time. Read more about Randall and her historic results from defending her Sprint Cup globe last year to winning the USA’s first FIS Nordic Worlds xc gold with Jessie Diggins in the Team Sprint… follow her all season long on her Daily Training Rap for the inside scoop to learn how she does it – only at skitrax.com.

October 28, 2013 – When we announced the $50,000 challenge match to juniors participating in the National Nordic Foundation’s Drive for 25, we never had any doubt that young ski racers would step up to the plate. Still, there’s a bit of excitement to see the number added to the fundraising page and the total leap closer to the six figure mark. Now, with 18 days left in the fundraiser, we’re pleased to announce a final challenge match to push us to the finish.

The New Challenge
Thanks to the interest in our nordic community, a generous new crew of NNF donors have stepped up with $15,000 as additional challenge match for U23 and Junior racers.

That’s a D25 total of over $3 in matching funds for every $1 raised! In other words, a total of $65k for $20k raised by U23 and Junior Nordic skiers.

It simply doesn’t get any better for grassroots fundraising
Yes, we are asking U23 and Juniors to stretch in the last days of D25, but when juniors push, the NNF wins.

When the NNF wins, junior skiers win. (Wins on wins)
If you’re a junior reading this or if you know a junior, please spread the word. The first challenge was met by a devoted collection of fundraisers and this next challenge will require a similar push from still more people.

Some tips to get involved
1. ASK. Bottom line, you have to ask after a few folks. $10, $20, $50- whatever works. There is nothing as effective as a simple request from an athlete.
2. Spread the word.  Tell people share the links:

Support Cross Country here.
Support Nordic Combined here.

3. Represent the NNF. Break out the NNF t-shirt. Don the NNF patch.

We’re nearly through this thing and there’s no time to spare. To finish well is always the goal. Keep the drive alive.

Before Kikkan was Kikkan, she was an NNF athlete. The same goes for Simi, Jessie, Hoffman, Liz, Bird, Sadie, Holly, Erik and many many more. With the exception of the very precocious, Andy Newell, every World Cup point scored by a US skier in the last decade started out as a development trip, a first foray to Europe, a chance at the big time.

NNF funding works. You may not know the names of the skiers that will break into the big leagues over the next decade, but you can help them with support today.

Run it Down
Stratton Hosting An Uphill Battle

Run uphill. Raise money for the NNF. It’s that simple.

You May Already Be a Winner
Prizes About in Ambassador Push:

Your favorite industry folks are giving away prizes to push the D25 effort forward. Win big by getting donors. When the drive ends, every ambassador will be entered for every donor they have under their outreach effort. More donors means more chances to win a Concept2 Ski Erg, Swix Triac poles, USST gear or bags from Rossignol or Fischer or ski wax from Toko.

October 25, 2013 (Canmore, AB) – Check out these great photos from the 2nd annual Winsport Frozen Thunder Classic Sprint Races that took palce in Canmore on Oct. 24 won by Austrian Katerina Smutna for the women and Dakota Blackhorse-von Jess (USA) for the men as the  2013/14 season gets underway with all eyes focused on Sochi 2014. Thanks to Zone4 and Dan Roycroft for assisting with our coverage… race results here.

October 20, 2013 (Labrador City, NL) – Menihek Nordic is pleased to announce that they will be hosting the 2014 Canadian National Masters Cross Country Ski Championships. The event will be a festival of skiing hosted by Menihek Nordic from March 23-30, 2014. Our club is very excited about this event and looks forward to hosting our friends from across the country!

Read more here.

October 19, 2013 (Italy) – One Way Canada’s Rob Vellend is in Europe for meetings and snapped this great pic of Swiss star Dario Cologna (now sponsored by OW) training on the famous Stelvio Pass in Italy, renowned as the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps, and the second highest in the Alps, slightly below the Col de l’Iseran. The Stelvio, of Tour de France fame, features 48 hairpin turns near the top of the eastern ramp and is a popular training spot for top level cross-country skiers – read more on the Stelvio Pass here.

October 19, 2013 – With just under 500 days left until the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2015 in Falun, Sweden, the Coordination Group met on 10th and 11th October 2013 with an eye on the upcoming test season which will see Falun host four major international events, including the Viessmann FIS World Cup Finals including all Nordic disciplines on March 14-16, 2014.

Under the motto ‘Beyond all Expectations’, the Falun 2015 Organising Committee showed that they are committed to living up to their tagline as they are not only on track for the World Championships, but exceeding expectations at this stage in the preparations in several areas.

“It was definitely a positive meeting from all sides,” said FIS General Secretary Sarah Lewis. “Falun is going the extra mile to ensure that they will be well-organised and memorable World Championships with a lasting legacy for the region. The progress on the re-construction of the ski jumping facilityand their promotional efforts are particularly impressive.”

The Falun 2015 Organising Committee, joined by representatives of FIS, the EBU and its marketing partner Tridem Sports, Host Broadcaster SVT, along with the City of Falun’s project management made a site inspection of the newly-renovated Lugnet Ski Jumping hills, which are on schedule to open in November of this year. From the Ski Jumping hills, parts of the Cross-Country courses, which should be ready in December, could also be viewed.

Sven von Holst, CEO for the Falun 2015 Organising Committee said, “We are looking forward to the winter and the test events. It will be a good indicator of where we are and what work still needs to be done so we are 100 percent ready for the world in February 2015.”

Falun reported major progress in several areas. To date 1,100 volunteers have registered their interest to help at the World Championships and several of those individuals will be used this upcoming season at the test events. In addition, more than 400 local companies have signed up to join the World Championship partner programme titled ‘Beyond Skiing.’ Details such as the schedule, environmental plan and ticketing strategy are also in the final stages of confirmation.

Sandro Pertile, a key figure in the Organising Committee for the Val di Fiemme World Championships in 2003 and 2013, has been appointed as the Ski Jumping Advisor for the Falun 2015 World Championships. As former Ski Jumping Sport Manager for the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games and one of the top Ski Jumping TDs for FIS, his expertise has proven to be beneficial in the reconstruction of the Ski Jumping hills and in planning the general infrastructure for Ski Jumping at the World Championships in Falun.

To prepare for the World Championships, Falun will host four FIS events in 2014 with a heavy emphasis on Nordic Combined and Ski Jumping events. There are two Continental Cup competitions scheduled in addition to a World Cup event on 26th February 2014 followed by the World Cup Finals in mid-March.

In the end of October 2013, information will be sent out to teams and media for pre-registration for accommodation for the World Championships. Falun has already started promoting the World Championships throughout Scandinavia with various campaigns, including branding a travelling truck that will visit numerous events to build excitement about the World Championships. Ticket sales are scheduled to start at the beginning of 2014, in time for the two FIS World Cup events.

October 16, 2013 – With the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games  quickly approaching, Kashi® recently announced its official sponsorship of cross-country skier Kikkan Randall. Kikkan will work with Kashi to spread the word that living a healthy, positive lifestyle begins with eating right.

“At Kashi, we’re passionate about the power of positive eating, and we really found a perfect partner in Kikkan,” said John King, Kashi marketing director. “She believes natural foods and progressive nutrition are the first steps to living a balanced life, and she’s going to inspire fans around the world to eat a little better every day.”

For nearly thirty years, Kashi has been a pioneer in the natural foods industry, providing people with great-tasting, nutritious and innovative foods.

“Nutrition is a huge part of my routine as an endurance athlete, and Kashi’s products provide me with the right nutrients to give me energy for my workouts,” said Kikkan Randall. “I believe in living a healthy and active lifestyle, and one of my goals is to inspire others to do the same, which includes eating positively so they too can pursue the things they love.”

Meet Kikkan Randall – Cross-Country Skiing
Kikkan is a three-time Olympian who first started skiing to stay in shape as a cross-country runner during the winter season. Since her first Olympic Games in 2002, Kikkan has become the most successful U.S. female cross country skier in history, winning back-to-back World Cup sprint titles and the U.S. Women’s Ski Team’s first ever World Championship medal in 2009. A 2013 World Champion, Kikkan first started eating Kashi as a child with her father and now energizes for her training and competitions with Kashi GOLEAN cereals.

To learn more about Kikkan Randall and the power of positive eating with Kashi, visit here.

About Kashi Company
Founded in 1984, Kashi dreams of a world where everyone embraces natural health. As a natural lifestyle pioneer, Kashi is passionate about and committed to improving the health of people and our planet.  By providing great tasting, nutritious and progressive foods, Kashi enables people to achieve optimal health and wellness, while also leading them on a path toward embracing a natural lifestyle.  Kashi encourages people to live their best lives through its interactive online community at Kashi.com and the Kashi REAL Tour, a lifestyle immersion program and national grassroots tour that educates people about the importance of natural foods and healthy living.  The company also champions non-profit organizations working to keep real food in the minds and hands of communities across the country through the Kashi REAL Project.  To learn more about nearly 30 years of Kashi’s mission, sustainable efforts, values and roots, check out What We Believe on Kashi.com.

Kashi’s products are natural, minimally processed and free of highly refined sugars, artificial additives and preservatives. Kashi® brands and foods include: GOLEAN® cereals and bars; Kashi® Heart to Heart® cereal, instant oatmeal and whole grain crackers; Kashi® 7 Whole Grain Puffs, Honey Puffs, Nuggets and Flakes cereals; Kashi® Good Friends® cereal; Kashi® Autumn Wheat®, Cinnamon Harvest®, Island Vanilla®, Simply Maize®, Indigo Morning™, Berry Fruitful®, Blackberry Hills® and Strawberry Fields® (organic) cereals; Kashi® Honey Sunshine® and Berry Blossoms® cereals; Kashi Black Currant Walnut® cereal; Kashi® Pita Crisps; Kashi® chewy and crunchy granola bars, layered granola bars, soft-baked cereal bars, soft n’ chewy bars; Kashi® snack crackers and cookies; Kashi® all natural frozen waffles, entrées and pizzas; Kashi® Steam Meal™ and Kashi® 7 Whole Grain Pilaf.

Join the Kashi community online here, on Facebook and visit us on YouTube.

About Kellogg Company
At Kellogg Company (NYSE: K), we are driven to enrich and delight the world through foods and brands that matter. With 2012 sales of $14.2 billion, Kellogg is the world’s leading cereal company; second largest producer of cookies, crackers and savory snacks; and a leading North American frozen foods company.  Every day, our well-loved brands nourish families so they can flourish and thrive. These brands include Kellogg’s®, Keebler®, Special K®, Pringles®, Frosted Flakes®, Pop-Tarts®, Corn Flakes®, Rice Krispies®, Kashi®, Cheez-It®, Eggo®, Coco Pops®, Mini-Wheats®, and many more. Because we believe in the power of breakfast, we focus our philanthropic efforts global hunger relief through our Breakfasts for Better Days™ initiative, providing 1 billion servings of cereal and snacks –  more than half of which are breakfast – to children and families in need by the end of 2016. To learn more about our responsible business leadership, foods that delight and how we strive to make a difference in our communities around the world click here.

October 12, 2013 (Canmore, AB) – October 19th is an important date for Canadian and U.S. skiers. On this day, the season starts in Canmore thanks to Frozen Thunder. In 2009, the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park launched a pilot project aimed at providing guaranteed early season skiing opportunities for members of our National Cross Country and Biathlon Ski Teams.

Large mass of machine-generated snow in January and February was stored under a blanket of sawdust to protect it from warm summer temperatures and will be transported out onto the trail system for grooming and track setting.

What started as 400m long track had developed in a 2km long course and the early season Nordic ski destination of choice in North America. The course is not used only for training but also for the first competition of the season on snow.

“This year we will be hosting our second annual “Frozen Thunder Classic” sprint race on October 24th,” Matt Jeffries, Director of Business Development, explains.

Chandra Crawford and Andy Newell won the first edition held on October 26, 2012. This year the classic sprint is taking place on 24th October and organizers expect a good turnout of Canadian National team skiers, US National Team and most of the top development level athletes from around Canada and the United States.

Article Link: www.fiscrosscountry.com/news/frozen-thunder-2013

October 12, 2013 – As we get closer to ski season, the attention of our staff turns more and more to our wax room.  Equipment orders are trickling in, and with that comes the task of stocking our inventory and getting skis ready to hand-off to athletes.

Wax is a big part of our business, helping athletes ski fast.  Fortunately we have some great sponsors that help us make provide the platform for our athletes to go out and win races.  Going into this year, we are very excited to be working closely with Ski Go, Start and Vauhti.  Each company produces some excellent products that we will be testing and racing on this winter.  At most races, we will be sharing our testing data with you, as we hope to let other coaches spend more time on the snow with their athletes and less time in the wax cabin.

To kick things off, we wanted to share with you our favourite waxes from our sponsor’s lines in a two-part blog.  We basically carry their full wax line-up, but there are those waxes that we go back to time and time again that we think every team should have in their box.  In this article, I’ll give you a quick overview of our team waxing philosophy and a run down of our favourite waxes in the Ski Go line.  Part 2 will cover the Start and Vauhti lines.

Read complete article here.

October 10, 2013 (Pittsfield, Vermont) – Michael D. Gallagher, 72, of Pittsfield, Vermont passed away on Thursday, October 3, 2013 at his home. He was born on October 3, 1941 in Yonkers, NY, the son of Donald M. and June (Scherer) Gallagher. He was raised in Rutland, VT and graduated in 1959 from Rutland High School. He attended Colorado University in Boulder on an athletic scholarship for several years, arranged to train with the Norwegian team in 1964 for the Olympics, and earned his bachelors degree in 1967 from Castleton State College.

The word of Mike’s passing has left a large hole in many hearts both in this country and abroad. Gallagher was an inspiration to many in the sport of cross-country skiing for decades.

His father was a veteran of the 10th Mountain Division, and as a young man Gallagher developed a taste for alpine ski racing. While he excelled in those disciplines he pursued cross-country skiing as it complemented his natural ability for running. As an xc ski racer he made three Olympic teams and three FIS World Championship Ski teams, and racked up an impressive nine US National titles. His most cherished result was placing 19th at the Holmenkollen 50km classic in 1968.

Gallagher went on to serve as Head Coach for the US Ski Team from 1980-1986, years during which it was an international power. He also became a highly skilled bicycle racer for a number of years. Later in his career he spent many years as the Nordic skiing director at the Mountain Top Inn and also taught skiing at Mountain Meadows. In addition he coached high school level skiing for 17 seasons.

In 1988 Mike was inducted to the National Ski Hall of Fame, as well as the Castleton State College Athletic Hall of Fame. While attending Castleton and continuing to train for the 1968 Olympics, Mike raced on the track team, setting New England State college records in the 880, one mile and 2-mile events. In 2007 he was inducted to the Vermont Ski Museum Hall of Fame for all his contributions to the Nordic ski industry; and in 2011 he was inducted to the Mount Washington Road Race Hall of Fame. He was the first person to win the road race four times and he did it in four consecutive years from 1968 to 1971.

At all levels this indefatigable Vermonter has left a mark and his love of life, of family, and of storytelling. His Irish songs sung with great gusto in the sauna, his kind and sentimental side, and his toughness, were the stuff of legend. Never did he tire of talking about cross-country skiing and never did we tire of listening.

Mike is survived by his wife Tyna Baird Gallagher; his sons Jesse Gallagher of Alaska and Vermont; Sean Gallagher of Pittsfield VT; and grandson Andrew.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the family’s homestead in Pittsfield, Vermont on Sunday, November 3, 2013 at 12:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to: Rutland Public School Scholarship Fund, Ref: Michael Gallagher, 6 Church Street, Rutland VT 05701.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Clifford Funeral Home in Rutland.

Interview with Mike Gallagher (2012) here.
Where They are Now (2010) here.

October 05, 2013 – Check out the latest tweets and vids from Holly Brooks on APU (very cool), Ivan Babikov’s tower of babel (aka baggage), Alexis Turgeon’s MSA palette, Sadie Bjornsen’s ski smile, Kikkan Randall’s battle w/the treadmill, and Andy Newell’s Statton dance as the brilliant colours of fall fill the horizon and the sweat pours as the training cranks up a notch…

Holly Brooks shines the Spotlight on APU

Ivan Babikov’s incredible leaning tower of baggage.

Alexis Turgeon shares the WOW of fall in MSA.

Sadie Bjornsen is Russia-ready with her skis 

Kikkan Randall vs the treadmill.

Check out Andy Newell putting on the moves at Stratton

October 05, 2013 (Canmore, AB) – Come challenge Alberta World Cup Academy in a running race up the Spray Lakes road! All proceeds go to helping support the team for their upcoming season!

Race Information:

Date: October 12th, 2013

– Men – 7.5km
– Women – 5km

Entry Fee $ 35.00 – registration on Zone4.ca, deadline is October 10th, 2013 at 11:59 PM PST

Bib pick up Friday, October 11th between 2 – 6pm at Rebound Cycle downtown

Last minute pick up can be done at Bill Warren Training Centre between 7:45 – 8:15am on race morning

A van will be at the Nordic Centre parking lot and at each starting point for shuttling clothing to the finish line. Shuttling from the finish line to the Nordic Centre will be available.

There will be 3 Vans to shuttle people down from race finish to Nordic center parking lot.

Awards/snacks/prizes at BWTC – TBD room 12-2pm

Start Times:

– Women and Junior Boys/Girls 17 and Under – 9:40am – 5km – Rundle view Entrance. View Map
– Open M 18+ – 9:30am – 7.5km – Green gate about 400meters from power plant spill way. View Map

Finish at the top of Spray Road by the dam for both men and women

Course Records:

– Graham Nishikawa – 29:23
– Liz Stephens – 23:04

Course maps:

Men

Women/Juniors

Overall Course Layout

Lactate Challenge

Lactate: During power exercises such as sprinting, when the rate of demand for energy is high, lactate is produced faster than the ability of the tissues to remove it, so lactate concentration begins to rise.

Think you have what it takes to have the highest lactate? $50 will enter you in the 50/50 draw which will measure your lactate at the finish line.  The harder your push, the better your chances!

50% of entry goes to AWCA and 50% goes to the winner. Separate draws for men and women. Registration for Lactate Challenge on Zone4.

Hope to see you out!

October 04, 2013 (Vermont) – Word of Mike Gallagher’s passing yesterday has left a large hole in many hearts today both in this country and abroad. Gallagher, who passed away on his 72nd birthday at his home in Vermont, was an inspiration to many in the sport of cross-country skiing for decades.

As a racer he made three Olympic teams and three FIS World Championship Ski teams, and racked up an impressive nine US National titles. His most cherished result was placing 19th at the Holmenkollen 50km classic in 1968. Gallagher went on to serve as Head Coach for the US Ski Team from 1980-1986. He also became a highly skilled bicycle racer for a number of years. Later in his career he spent many years as the Nordic skiing director at the Mountain Top Inn and also taught skiing at Mountain Meadows. In addition he coached high school level skiing for 17 seasons.

Born in Yonkers, NY, his father was a veteran of the 10th Mountain Division, and as a young man Gallagher developed a taste for running and alpine skiing. At all levels this indefatigable Vermonter has left a mark and his love of life, of family, and of storytelling. His Irish songs sung with great gusto in the sauna, his kind and sentimental side, and his toughness, was the stuff of legend. Never did he tire of talking about cross-country skiing and never did we tire of listening.

We interviewed Mike last year following Kikkan Randall’s Sprint Cup Globe historic victory as she become the first American women to win a cross-country ski World Cup overall title.

Gallagher is survived by his wife Tyna and sons Jessie and Sean.

SkiTrax joins the Nordic ski community in sending condlences to Gallagher’s family and friends.

October 03, 2013 (Gatineau, QC) – Set aside for a long time, the Canadian long distance Loppet Championships will be back in 2014, right here in our backyard! Cross Country Canada and the Gatineau Loppet are pleased to announce the introduction of this new program and for the next two seasons this title will be awarded at the Gatineau Loppet in mid-February.

The Canadian long distance Loppet Championships is being introduced for the serious skiers as a high profile mid-season event. The long term objective is to rotate the Championships between eastern and western Canada.

“We are fortunate to be able to partner with the Gatineau Loppet to introduce this exciting new event to our calendar,” commented Dave Dyer, CCC events director.  “We are using the skate race for the Championships this season to balance the 50km classic distance race at the Haywood Ski Nationals in Corner Brook.  We will alternate each season, using a point-to-point event for the Long Distance Loppet Championships.” Results of skiers with a CCC or FIS license will be eligible for Canada Points.

Yan Michaud, President of the Gatineau Loppet, is very proud to hear that the local organisation will be hosting the National Championships for 2014 and 2015. “The quality of our event and members involvement has most likely been influential in this decision.”

The 36th Annual Gatineau Loppet will be held from February 14-16, 2014 and will feature multiple ski distances for the entire family in both techniques (5, 16, 27 and 51km classic and 2, 10, 27 and 51 km freestyle). The 51km classic will be linear and will start from P17. Online registration is now open and skiers have until October 31, 2013 to benefit of substantial discounts.

Information and registration details can be found on the website of the Gatineau Loppet here.

September 26, 2013 (Stowe, Vermont) – The year-long Nordic Exhibit, that opens November 2 at the Vermont Ski And Snowboard Museum, will coincide with the 2014 Winter Olympics and will chronicle the development of Nordic skiing in Vermont with particular focus on how Vermonters shaped the sport for the United States through technological innovations, industry associations, ski destination promotions – all as a result of a diverse landscape and trail network for winter fun enjoyed by recreational and competitive ski enthusiasts.

How Vermont’s Nordic Traditions Shaped Both Sport & Industry
“It is all very wonderful to be whisked to the top of the mountain and then slide down…but the person who has never strapped a knapsack on his back and gone on an all-day exploratory ski trip has missed one of the finest experience winter can offer,” said Fred Harris, a pioneer of outdoor winter recreation (1960)

Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum Overview
The Vermont Ski Museum was founded in 1988 by Roy Newton, then editor of Vermont Ski News. The Museum moved to Stowe in 2002 into an 1818 Old Town Hall. Through a 1.4 million dollar capital campaign the building was renovated to museum standards. In 2013, the Museum thrives and includes snowboarding in its name and mission. The Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum (VSSM) collects, preserves and celebrates Vermont’s skiing and snowboarding history.

The VSSM strives to create visually stimulating, historically in-depth exhibits and interesting programs. The foundation is a strong collection. Since the Museum began collecting in 2002, the collection has more than doubled. There are currently over 7300 catalogued items (this number does not account for the fact that most ski equipment comes in pairs!)

In November 2003, the Museum inducted the over 250 10th Mountain Division members from Vermont into the Vermont Ski Museum Hall of Fame. This collection more than doubled during the research and installation of the accompanying exhibit Vermont and the 10th Mountain Division.

The Library and Archives represents a large portion of the Museum’s holdings, including over 900 books, 350 magazines, 100 postcards, 50 instructional booklets, 400 pamphlets related to Vermont ski areas and some original photography and film footage.

Another valuable part of the collection is a growing number of oral histories. With digital equipment valued at $15,000 the Museum has recorded the stories of skiing pioneers, icons, lift operators, coaches, and Olympians.
Museum Hall of Fame Nordic Inductees who promoted and/or contributed to the sport of skiing include Biathlon: John Morton, Jan Reynolds; Classic and Skate: Bill Koch, John Caldwell, Bob Gray, Larry Damon, Ned Gillette, Mike Gallagher, Tim Caldwell, Martha Rockwell, Leslie Thompson Hall, Warren Chivers; Pioneers: Johannes Von Trapp, Fred Harris, Bucky Broomhall.

The Museum is also a venue for storytelling – from reminding visitors of their own histories to hosting specific events to bring stories to an audience. The Museum has brought Olympians, industry pioneers, explorers, and artists to the Museum to address topics particular to exhibits.

The Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum is fulfilling an important role by preserving the history of an important economic and social part of Vermont. The 2014 Nordic Exhibit promises to engage a larger audience in understanding the people, events, and things that have made Vermont a leader in Nordic skiing.

To celebrate Vermont contributions to the sport and culture of Nordic skiing, the Vermont Ski and Snowboard museum will feature artifacts and anecdotes for a curated Olympic year display launching this fall.

Highlighting the past, present and future of Vermont Nordic skiing, the display grand opening is slated for November 2, 2013 followed by an evening gala event at the Trapp Family Lodge.

The physical exhibit will celebrate all aspects of the sport: classic and skate skiing; Nordic combined; biathlon; ski jumping; telemark and backcountry skiing. The planned roster of displays includes:

– Vermont Olympians & US Ski Team members
– Vermont’s Lost Cross Country Ski Areas and Ski Jumps
– Vermont’s All-time Nordic Events
– Vermont Nordic Equipment and Clothing Companies (past & present)
– Vermont Nordic Ski Clubs and Youth Ski Leagues
– Vermont Collegiate, Private Academy and High School Nordic Programs
– Vermont Contributions to Nordic Ski Industry Associations
– Vermont as a Nordic Skiing Destination.

Spearheaded by outdoor industry veterans Rob Center and Poppy Gall, the volunteer effort includes a who’s Who of Vermont Olympic team members, ski media and ski industry professionals:

– Jim Galanes: Twelve year member of the US Ski Team and a three-time Olympian.
– Trina Hosmer: Member of the first U.S. Women’s Cross-Country Ski Team. Competed in the 1972 Winter Olympics, and the 1972 and 1974 World Championships.
– Peter Graves: Television sportscaster and public address announcer specializing in Olympic,
lifestyle and action sports. He was also the former cross-country ski coach for Harvard.
– Bob Woodward: Cross-country ski journalist beginning in 1974 at Nordic World; Editor of Ski Magazine’s annual “Guide To Cross-Country Skiing”; freelance writer and photographer for Powder, Outside, Cross- Country Skier, Ski X-C, Backpacker, and SkiTrax. Edited and published the popular SNEWS newsletter for 22 years. Owned and operated the Fischer- Swix-Salomon summer ski camps for 15 years. Bob lives in Bend, Oregon where he has served as Mayor.
– Tom Slayton: Journalist with a strong interest in environmental issues and the outdoors. A regular commentator on Vermont Public Radio. Former editor of Vermont Life magazine.
– John Douglas: Former Vice President of Marketing, Rossignol Ski Company.
– Jim Fredericks: Past Executive Director, Catamount Trail Association; former director of the Rossignol Nordic team.
– Gregory Gerdel: Chief of Research and Operations – State of Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing. Montpelier High School Ski Coach.
– Tony Clark: Owner of Blueberry Hill Inn. Has been involved and contributed to every segment of the cross country ski industry since 1971. Championed the creation of the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area.
– John Tidd: Joined North American Nordic group in 1972, eventually owning the Mountain Meadows Cross Country Ski Center. Later started Tidd Tech Ltd. to manufacture snow grooming equipment. Helped create EPSTI and its transition to PSIA.
– Gene Foley: Over 40 years of involvement in the sport. Owner, Ole’s Cross Country Ski Center. Past President of Cross Country Ski Areas of America.
– Abby Weisman: New England Nordic Ski Association Youth & Introductory Programs Director.
– Pennie McEdward-Rand: After a Nordic racing career, became a certified PSIA Instructor. Taught and supervised a Nordic program in Australia and has raced in Sweden’s Vassaloppet. Former Executive Director Catamount Trail Association.
– Poppy Gall: Being a Vermonter and a skier has shaped a 30-year career as an apparel supplier to the Ski and Outdoor industries. Promoted telemark racing and founded the Rossignol sponsored Women’s Nordic Ski Clinics in Stowe in 1995.
– Rob Center: 37 years in the outdoor industry. Started as a cross country ski operator, served as President of Vermont Ski Touring Operators Association and a director on Cross Country Ski Areas of America. Former management principal at Mad River Canoe. Co-founder of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.

See more photos at our flickr site and more film clips on our youtube site.

September 15, 2013 (Wilmington, NY) – Liz Stephen and Tim Burke are the winners of the 7th annual NYSEF Whiteface Climb to the Castle Rollerski Race. The course started at the Whiteface Toll Booth, climbing for 5 miles with an average 8% grade up the Whiteface Memorial Highway to the castle on the summit of Whiteface Mountain, New York’s 5th highest peak with an elevation of 4,867 ft. Full report, results, photos and interviews to follow.

Women’s results here.
Men’s results here.

September 13, 2013 – Check out the latest from Canadian junior skier Dahria Beatty in Montana; the Hoff from Putney, Vermont spending time with Gunnar Caldwell; Liz Stephen on the Lake Placid Camp week #1; Canada’s Zeke Williams The Edge (of glory) on his training and his travels across the country; Jessie Diggins take on More Lake Placid and some fantastic yet hard training; and Dasha Gaiazova shares her thoughts on New Zealand and how amazing her life is… plus some cool Tweets

New BPTeam for Kikkan here.
Diggins runs amok here.
Team Freebird’s special tan lines here.
Chandra shows us the way here.
Morning wake up call with SadieB here.

Dahria Beatty
Montana for a great climbing focused training camp
My last 10 days have been spent in the recreation capital of Montana for a great climbing focused training camp. Whitefish is the perfect end of summer training camp location with its warm temperatures, great lakes, Big Mountain ski hill as well as its array of flatter farm roads to balance out the climbing. It is also close to Glacier National Park’s Going to the Sun Road. In my opinion this last one might be one of the nicest places I have ever trained. We were lucky enough to do both of our long workouts there, a roller ski and run combo workout and then a road bike the last day of the camp.
Read more here.

Noah Hoffman
Gunnar Caldwell
I’m in Putney, Vermont this week for my second technique block of the year with Zach Caldwell. Today wasn’t very productive or encouraging. My energy was really low, and I struggled to wake up. We chased good sensations classic skiing for 40 minutes this morning before calling it a session. Zach thought it looked alright, but I wasn’t able to relax. This afternoon was a little better. I was more awake and we were able to touch base with some old technique cues and combine a couple cues that we hadn’t combined before. I expect tomorrow to be a better and more productive day. As we were finishing the morning session Zach said, “it looks like it’s going to start raining soon.” As far as I could tell the sky hadn’t changed all morning. Sure enough, it started pouring about ten minutes later.
Read more here.

Liz Stephen
Lake Placid Camp
We have just completed our first week of camp at the OTC here in Lake Placid. This camp is always one of my favorites of the training season because of it’s proximity to Vermont and the amazing training that can be found around this area of New York. We have been really making use of all of the incredible training venues, with some speed and agility work on the new rollerski track around the ski jumps the first day, some long skis on the quiet, but paved roads around and some epic bounding intervals on Whiteface Mountain. This is our first real intensity block of the training year, and we have done similar workouts here each year, so us athletes have come to know which ones are the really taxing sessions and mentally and physically prepare for them as best we can so as to get the most out of these important sessions. The bounding has been known as one of the hardest sessions of the camp, along with the team sprint workout that will take place tomorrow and the well known (and sometimes dreaded) Climb to the Castle next Sunday.
Read more here.

Zeke Williams
The Edge (of glory)
I apologize about getting my blog post out a day later than usual; I have had a pretty hectic, but super-fun, last couple weeks. “Why hectic?”, you say, “why super-fun?” Hectic because I traveled across the country and back, and organized (with the help of many) a running race fundraiser event! Fun for reasons similar to those stated above and because the destination of my travels was home!
Read more here.

Jessie Diggins
More Lake Placid
This last week of camp in Lake Placid has been fantastic yet hard training! To fire us all up before our classic team sprint time trial, Matt sent out this gem of a photo. Ok, you can stop giggling now. As you can clearly see, the coaches have been putting a ton of effort into planning the best possible workouts for us and keeping it fun. I guess the weather had other plans for us though, because the day of our team sprint it was pouring rain! But it wasn’t cold rain, and simply getting through a tough workout in bad conditions is, truth be told, pretty good team bonding stuff. We still talk about a similar sprint workout in freezing rain from 3 years ago! So although we’ve had some rainy days, it’s nothing to cry about.
Read more here.

Dasha Gaiazova
New Zealand
Sometimes I forget how amazing my life is. I am training to be in the best shape of my life and I get to go to the Olympics! I was reminded yet again how cool it is to be doing what I do when our team traveled to Snow Farm in New Zealand to train in real winter conditions in the middle of August. Even despite one of the worst snowfalls in many years, the ski tracks were absolutely great, and most days I was applying heavy layers of sunscreen rather than reaching for the wind- or the rain jacket. We skied at the Snow Farm for two weeks and even raced in a proper skate sprint race, where I finished 2nd to the World’s #1 ranked Polish skier Justyna K. This race was part of the New Zealand Winter Games, which are the most important winter sporting event in the rugby-crazed country. After the flower ceremony up at the Snow Farm, we attended the medal ceremony in downtown Queenstown (which is an hour’ drive away). We were presented with our medals on a stage and in front of many fans, complete with a ceremonial play of the winner’s country anthem.
Read more here.

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September 13, 2013 (Toronto, ON) – As excitement builds around the Olympics, only 150 days or so away, please join us for the The “Snow Ball”, a fundraiser for Lenny Valjas to help him pursue excellence for his country. The event will take place on Sat. Nov. 2 and feature a 4-course dinner at the Toronto Estonian House at 958 Broadview Avenue. Jack Sasseville, former National Team coach and TV commentator, is the keynote speaker, along with a presentation from Lenny, live and silent auctions, prizes and a live dance band.

Tickets: $150/single
$250/couple
$900/table of 8
Cheque payable to “Lenny Valjas In Trust”
Mail to #306-245 Davisville Ave.
Toronto, ON M4S 3H4

Because it takes a lot of snowflakes to make a snowball…

Read more here.

September 12, 2013 (Oslo, Norway) – Oslo’s population said yes to proceed with the application process for the Olympic Winter Games 2022 bid. “It’s a huge relief. Thank you to everyone who have made the dream live on. Thanks to everybody who voted yes,” Børre Rognlien, the Norwegian sport president said.

The sports federation and municipality of Oslo have managed to convince 53.5% of Oslo inhabitants about benefits the Olympics is going to bring along on home turf – 43.6% were against the Games.

The referendum about the Olympics in Oslo in 2022 are advisory. Anyone who lives in Oslo, had the possibility to participate in the vote. However, it is the Norwegian Parliament that will ultimately decide about the Olympic bid.

September 12, 2013 (Banff, AB) – Support Banff siblings Phil and Heidi Widmer on the trail to the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games on Monday, Sept. 23 at the Ticino Swiss Italian Restaurant in Banff, Alberta. $100/seat. Special guest is Ian Brown from the Banff Centre/Globe and Mail correspondent plus win a Mike Wiegele Heli Skiing package…

September 11, 2013 (Buenos Aries, Argentina) – It was a big week for the International Olympic Committee (IOC), with three major decisions at last finalized when the IOC Session met in Buenos Aries, Argentina. When the dust settled, Tokyo, wrestling and Thomas Bach came away the big winners from the 125th Session.

The first announcement held the attention of the world as three cities were in the running to host the 2020 Summer Olympic Games. By a final vote of 60-36, the IOC Session voted that the Games will go to Tokyo for a second time as the Asian nation edged Istanbul, Turkey in the final round of voting. Knocked out in the first round was Madrid, Spain.

“Congratulations to the city of Tokyo on its election as host of the 2020 Olympic Games,” said IOC President Jacques Rogge, whose 12-year term in office comes to an end on 10th  September. “Tokyo presented a very strong technical bid from the outset – and it needed to in competition with two such high-calibre bids from Istanbul and Madrid. All three cities were capable of staging excellent Games in 2020, but in the end it was Tokyo’s bid that resonated the most with the IOC membership, inviting us to “discover tomorrow” by delivering a well-organised and safe Games that will reinforce the Olympic values while demonstrating the benefits of sport to a new generation.”

The second major decision kept the attention of the sporting community on the edge their seats as the Session had to decide whether baseball/softball, squash or wrestling would be added to the 2020 Olympic Programme. In the end, wrestling regained its spot on the Olympic Programme.

Wrestling was one of the core sports on the Olympic Programme until Rio 2016, but did not feature in the IOC Executive Board’s proposal for the 25 core sports for the 2020 Olympic Programme, which was agreed upon by the Session before the decision on the additional sport.

Thomas Bach was elected the new IOC President after just two rounds of voting. He is President of the German National Olympic Committee and has served a multitude of functions in the IOC, including serving on the IOC’s executive board, chair of the Legal Commission and Disciplinary Commission, as well leading the Evaluation Commission for the Olympic Games in 2002 and 2004, He was also the President of the Arbitration Appeals Division at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

In the second, and deciding, round of voting, Bach received 49 votes compared with 29 for Richard Carrion, six for Ser Miang Ng, five for Denis Oswald and four for Sergey Bubka. CK Wu was eliminated in the first round.

The new president will serve a term of at least eight years. IOC rules permit the possibility of a four-year second term. Bach said he hoped to lead according to his campaign motto, “Unity in diversity,” and declared, “You should know that my door, my ears and my heart are always open for you.”

FIS extends its warmest congratulations to the new IOC President Thomas Bach and looks forward to a close and fruitful collaboration in the coming years.

September 07, 2013 – Ever played at Fenway? Lined up across from Peyton Manning? Fed Lionel Messi a perfect cross? Playing with heroes of sport is generally closed to most of us mortals – but not for fans of biathlon this October 5! Not only will you have the opportunity to race with US Biathlon National Team members Susan Dunklee and Hannah Dreissigacker, they and the rest of the national caliber Green Racing Project biathletes will be instructing novice participants in shooting and range safety as part of the second annual Singletrack Shootout Biathlon Race.

Everyone is invited to test their limits on the Craftsbury Outdoor Center’s trails, Saturday, October 5, 2013. Racers can choose between an interval-start running or mountain bike race, each with four shooting stages. All levels of ability are welcome: Craftsbury supplies the range, ammo, safety instruction, rifles and other equipment – you just have to show up!

The morning starts with a shooting and safety clinic for novices, followed by the beginner’s race. An expert’s race will follow for racers with biathlon experience and their own rifle. Race Entry is online at Skireg.com, and it includes your post-race lunch at the Center’s Vermont Fresh Network accredited dining hall. Lunch is a great opportunity to learn more from Susan, holder of the best ever international biathlon finish by an American woman, and rising star Hannah over your meal.

The Singletrack Shootout is just one of the activities at the Craftsbury Oktoberfest, Oct. 5 & 6 – come on up and make a weekend of it! Lodging at the Center is available both Friday and Saturday nights starting at $95 per person per night double occupancy, and includes the race entry and all your meals. Rustic lodging is available 1.5 miles down the road at Hosmer Point, includes a race entry and three meals at the Center for $65 per person per night.

So, keep working on your jump shot if you want to play with Lebron – in the meantime, take a short drive up to Craftsbury to learn and race with some of America’s best from the biggest winter sport on earth!

Find more details on the Craftsbury website.

September 03, 2013 (Putney, Vermont) – The NNF presents Origins, A new monthly posting that looks at the rise of ski sport in the US. We kick off the series with this collection of anecdotes from, renown skier, coach and leader, John Caldwell. Often referred to as the father of US Nordic skiing. He wrote the first American text on how-to Nordic ski in 1964, now in its eighth printing. Caldwell coached three Winter Olympic Teams and numerous well known US racers including, Bill Koch. He lives near Putney, Vermont.

Beginning   
My first skiing recollections date to the mid-30’s when I lived in Somerset, PA. My folks gave me a pair of skis for some unknown reason. (They never skied.)Wood, no edges, and with toe straps. So I tell people I started skiing almost 80 years ago. My skiing did not last long. In the first place, there was not a lot of snow in town and I knew of no other skiers. Next, I did go out one day, I know. I stepped into the skis and started down this long hill in some fairly deep powder. I coasted to a stop, fell out of the toe straps–that was expected–picked up the skis and climbed back up the hill. Next time down I went farther because the trick was to follow the original tracks and so I went faster. Fell down, found my skis, climbed back and probably did one more trip. End of the start of my skiing career.

We moved to Putney in 1941 so my father could take the job as business manager of the Putney School, a private, co-ed boarding school; a pretty rare thing in those days. I really started skiing in the winter of ’42 and it was all Alpine and jumping until we formed a team two years later. This was during WW II, complete with gas rationing, and there was precious little traveling for something as frivolous as going skiing, or going to a ski meet. In 1946 the rationing eased and our coach wanted to take us to the state high school championships. The problem was we needed four xc skiers and we only had one or two. I volunteered, got hold of my sister’s five foot wooden Alpine skis ( no edges), adjusted the bindings to my very flexible downhill boots (which also doubled as jumping boots) and I was ready to go. We went off to the state meet and did well enough to qualify for the New England Championships the next week-end. I thought I should get serious about training for xc and went out one day in the week preceding the New Englands. I got tired after a few minutes of thrashing around and quit, went to the New Englands and finished forty-eighth of fifty-two. Those three days on my sister’s alpine skis were the end of my high school xc career. Luckily, I got into Dartmouth in 1946 (It was fairly easy to get into colleges back then) and of course went out for the freshman ski team. I didn’t have xc skis, but the coach lent me his for a race with Kimball Union Academy. I couldn’t keep the bindings on and was a DNF. At the end of the season we went to a race in Rumford and again the coach lent me his skis. They came off just once–I had learned how to put on bindings by then–and I finished 26/26. So through my freshman year in college I had trained for xc one day, entered four races, finished three and that was that. What a sterling start in the world of xc!

John’s story continues at the NNF website HERE.

September 02, 2013 (Sochi, Russia) – Russian president Vladimir Putin’s efforts to suppress “gay propaganda” is creating a lot of international backlash. While the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community is forefront in the protests, other groups are joining in. All this might eventually provoke a boycott of the Sochi Winter Games…

Putin recently signed a decree banning demonstrations and rallies for two-and-a-half months in Sochi around the 2014 Winter Olympics. now he’s attempting to restrict movements by imposing a “forbidden zone” and banning public gatherings around the city of Sochi. Protests broke out, most notably in London, U.K. where protestors carried posters of Putin dressed in drag and branded slogans such as “Freedom for LGBT Russians now!”

Combined with this, ethnic tensions are resurfacing in this area. Circassians are protesting the holding of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in what used to be their traditional homeland until 1864 when they were expelled by the Russians.

There is a small, but growing movement to boycott the Sochi Games. The Canadian Institute of Diversity and Inclusion (CIDI) issued a statement on August 26 in support of such a stand because of recent Russian legislation banning the “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations.”

“The law imposes fines and jail time for an LGBT person or their straight allies, who speak out in support of LGBT rights. Human rights must come above all,” declared Michael Bach, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, CIDI. “Any country that participates in these games is, by their action, complicit in human rights abuses that are taking place in Russia today. If a country cannot ensure the safety of their citizens and residents, they must boycott the games.”

A “Boycott Sochi 2014” Facebook page had 10,031 followers at press time. The last Olympic Games held in what is now Russia were scheduled in Moscow for the summer of 1980, but were widely boycotted by Western nations in response to the Soviet military invasion of Afghanistan. Canadian and other Western athletes competed at an alternative sporting event in July, 1980 hosted in Philadelphia, PA.

The Rossiyskaya Gazeta, the official newspaper of the Russian government, published the presidential decree Friday, listing an array of measures tightening security in the Olympic host city, including a ban on public assemblies. All “gatherings, rallies, demonstrations, marches and pickets” that are not part of the Olympics or the Paralympics will be prohibited in Sochi from Jan. 7 to March 21.

Authorities in Russia have repeatedly denied applications from gay activists to set up a Pride House in Sochi during the Games. Activists are still hoping to hold a gay pride rally in Sochi on the opening day of the Games anyway.

The Winter Olympics is taking place in the Black Sea resort from Feb. 7-23, 2014 and the Paralympics are being held March 7-16.

Putin, who typically tries to portray a macho image, likely took a very dim view of London protestors portraying him as a homosexual. The Russian president also seems very concerned about his image. Putin was reputedly very upset a decade ago by the apparent depiction of his face as the character “Dobby,” a house elf featured in the Harry Potter film “The Chamber of Secrets.”

CIDI position here.
No to Sochi here.
Sochi restrictions here.
Forbidden zone here.
Sochi Rallies here.

<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtghUW0_PlE>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtghUW0_PlE

<http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/02/03/findlaw.analysis.hilden.potter/>www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/02/03/findlaw.analysis.hilden.potter/

September 01, 2013 (Stowe, VT) – Under ideal racing conditions, 803 runners, mountain bikers, and hikers participated in the 2013 The North Face Race To The Top Of Vermont and the MVP Health Care Run For Fun at the Stowe Mountain Resort on Sunday, August 25^th.  The event is a fundraiser for the CTA, and we are grateful to all the sponsors, volunteers, participants, and weather dieties who contributed to the event’s success this year!

Elite racers came from twenty states and Canadian provinces to test their up hill running and mountain bike skills on one of the toughest hill climbs in the East.  The 4.3-mile course rises 2,564 vertical feet up Mt Mansfield’s famous Toll Road. The runners were first to start and were followed by the non-competitive hikers. One hour later, mountain bikers started their ascent up the challenging packed gravel route to the summit finish.

Last year it was the mountain bikers who secured the fastest times up the mountain, but this year there was some sweet revenge for the runners. Runner Eric Blake from West Hartford, CT was crowned King of the Mountain after setting a blistering time of 32:51.3, eclipsing the previous run course record by 1 minute and 2 seconds.  Second place went to Olympian Justin Freeman of New Hampton, NH in 34:42.3 followed by 2012 winner Josh Ferenc of Saxtons River, VT in 34.54.0.

It was evident from the start of the women’s run that US Ski Team member and Olympian Liz Stephen of Montpelier, VT had little problem outdistancing her competition to gain the prestigious title of Queen of the Mountain. With a record-breaking time of 37:22, Stephen broke the previous run course record by almost two minutes passing all but nine racers in the men’s field. In second place was Stephen’s US Ski Team teammate Ida Sargent of the Craftsbury Green Team in 42:42.5, followed by Kasie Enman of Huntington, VT in 43:28.7 for third place. Enman is a three-time winner of the race and held the previous run record.

Leading the mountain bike division throughout most of the race was Gered Dunne of White River Jct, VT who took first place in 32:58.2.  Jake Hollenbach of Shelburne was second in 35:01.0 while former race winner Kip Roberts of Onion River Sports nailed down a respectable 35:32.0 to round out the top three places. Professional cyclocross and road racing cyclist Jamey Driscoll, a Jericho, VT native, holds the current men’s course record of 31:51.6, set in 2011.

Mountain biker Marilyn Ruseckas added another win to her two previous victories in The Race To The Top Of VT by narrowly out-sprinting second place rider Heather Voisin of Montpelier, VT. Ruseckas, from Warren, VT had a time of 44:11.7 followed by Voisin in 44:19.1. Aimee Motta from Huntington, VT was third with a 50:24.6.

Awards were given to the top three-person teams in three categories based on their combined times. Team On Track To Sleepy Hollow made up of runners Jaime Julia, Eli Enman, and Ray Webster won the Open Team Category. The Master Team Category went to mountain bikers Kip Roberts, Matt Moody, and Jon Conti from Onion Rivers Sports/Motors not Muscles. And a running team named Grumpy Old Men made up of Len Hall, Chuck Landry, and Richard Stockdale won the Senior Category.  In the women’s team category, the Mountain Does comprised of Kasie Enman, Ross Modry, and Whitney Kaulbach took the Open Team Category. Central VT Runners made up of Donna Smyers, Sue Emmons, and Andrea McLaughlin won the Master Category while the UVRC Ladies GSP made up of Suzanna Smith-Horn, Nancy Dunbar, and Carla Chandler took the Senior Category.

The Xzeres Big Wind Team Award of $1200 was awarded to both the fastest Clydesdale (200+ lbs) and Athena (150+ lbs) 3-person mountain bike teams. The Goddesses, made up of Laura Larsen-Strecker, Paula Davidson, and Diana Hanks took the Athena category while Bob Arnot, Steve Burnett and Pavel Cenkl representing the Catamounters won for the Clydesdales.

The MVP Health Care Run For Fun youth event was well attended as over 70 youth ran the 1 or 3 km course laid out around Midway Lodge. Over 1,000 people attended the post race activities enjoying the delicious lunch from Black Diamond BBQ while listening to the spirited music of Red Hot Juba. Participants went home with over $23,000 in raffle prizes and awards.

Mark your calendar now for the 7th Annual Race to the Top of Vermont on Sunday August 24th, 2014.

Full Race Results

August 30, 2013 (Park City, Utah) – World Champion ski jumper Sarah Hendrickson underwent successful surgery on her right knee Thursday and is resting comfortably at her home in Park City. The surgery stems from an injury sustained during a training jump in Obersdorf, Germany, on Aug. 21.

Hendrickson underwent ACL reconstruction, MCL and meniscal repair, according to U.S. Ski Team Medical Director Kyle Wilkens. The surgery was performed by U.S. Ski Team physician Dr. Andrew Cooper of Salt Lake City.

“While it’s too early to identify a specific recovery window, the medical team will work with Sarah to ensure the best care in rehabilitation,” said Wilkens. “A full recovery is anticipated.”

Hendrickson lauded the excellent care and support she’s received from family, friends, Women’s Ski Jumping USA teammates and coaches, U.S. Ski Team doctors, physical therapists, and athletic trainers.

“Life has a crazy way of working out and this is definitely not the path I had planned,” Hendrickson said. “I’m determined to make my coaches, friends, family, country and myself proud by working as hard as I can on my recovery.”

Alan Alborn, Head Program and Development Coach for Women’s Ski Jumping USA, said Hendrickson has already proven that she can push through a significant injury and rise to the top. Last summer she had surgery to repair damage to her left knee. She was out for five months, but battled back to finish the 2013 World Cup season in second place overall and to win the 2013 World Championships in February in Val di Fiemme, Italy.

“Sarah’s professionalism as an athlete not only shines through on the ski jump but in her daily life and most importantly in the gym, where she continuously pushes herself to be the best,” Alborn said. “The coaching staff has all the confidence in the world that she will again return to high level athletic performance.”

August 28, 2013 (Park City, Utah) –The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) today announced the appointment of Olympian Tiger Shaw as chief operating officer, effective October 1. Shaw, a native of Stowe, VT and former U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete, will transition in the spring of 2014 to become president and chief executive officer of the USSA. He will succeed Bill Marolt, who previously announced his intention to retire after leading the USSA for 18 years. Marolt will remain president and CEO through the Sochi Olympic Winter Games, and will continue serving as a vice president of the International Ski Federation (FIS) as well as a member of the United States Olympic Committee’s Board of Directors.

Shaw, a graduate of Dartmouth College who competed as part of the U.S. Olympic Team in the 1984 Olympic Winter Games under then Head Alpine Coach Bill Marolt, is a two-time Olympian, a nine-time U.S. Champion and successful business executive. Most recently, he was senior director, response services at Global Rescue LLC, where he was responsible for business development and new markets, products and services. Before Global Rescue, Shaw was director, inventory strategy at Dealertrack, where he managed a suite of products addressing automotive retail sales, financing, profitability management, digital marketing and operations systems.

As an athlete alumni trustee of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team Foundation, Shaw spearheaded the development of successful educational programs for USSA athletes that enable national Team members to attend and earn college credits at reduced or no cost while competing on the USSA’s elite teams.

“Tiger is an outstanding addition to USSA staff leadership as we prepare for Sochi and beyond,” said Marolt. “He brings an exceptional combination of leadership skills, knowledge and experience gained as an Olympian, USSA club coach, athlete parent and successful entrepreneur and business executive.

“I had the privilege of working with Tiger during the ’84 Olympics in Sarajevo as well as while he was a trustee of the Foundation Board. I welcome his passion for furthering a Best in the World vision that means a great deal to us both. He has earned success on and off the slopes, and I’m confident that the USSA will be in good hands under his leadership.”

“This is an exciting time for the organization,” said Shaw. “I look forward to working closely with Bill and the rest of our talented leadership team, who have established a solid foundation for the future. We have two goals: First, to continue our long term vision of becoming the Best in the World in Olympic skiing and snowboarding by providing world class training, education and athletic opportunities to USSA’s athletes. Second, to keep the Olympic dream burning brightly by increasing the visibility of our sports and continuing to return value to USSA’s members, sponsors and resort partners.

“I would also like to recognize Bill. It is because of his tremendous leadership and unwavering commitment to athletic excellence over the past 18 years that the USSA is well positioned for continued success. I look forward to maximizing the opportunities presented by the exciting portfolio of sports within the USSA.”

Shaw and his wife Kristin have three children and are planning a family move to Park City where he will be based at the USSA’s Center of Excellence.

August 28, 2013 (Whitehorse, Yukon) – Check out this great David Greer video of the 2013 JP Grand Prix held in Whitehorse, Yukon on July 25th and founded by John Parry. Greer captures the essence of the event including cool ski-shot-glass celebrations as well. Look for cameo appearances by newlyweds Graham Nishikawa and Madeline Williams, married that same weekend, along with xc ski stars Devon Kershaw, Norway’s Kristin Størmer Steira and Perianne Jones… skol.