September 13, 2011 (Sochi, Russia) – Preparations for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games are continuing, with work expected to be completed on many of the mountain venues by the end of this year.

During the 2014 Games, events will be focused around two different areas – a coastal cluster of venues in Sochi for ice events, and a mountain cluster in the Krasnaya Polyana Mountains.

The mountain cluster will be home to all the skiing and sliding sports and will include a Biathlon and Ski Complex, a Bobsleigh Track, a Ski Centre and a Ski Jump Complex, as well as a Snowboard Park and Freestyle Centre.

Many of the venues are due to host international events at the beginning of 2012, in preparation for the 2014 Games, and IOC Coordination Commission Chairman Jean-Claude Killy was confident that the athletes would be impressed following a recent visit to Sochi. “I am confident that the world’s winter athletes will be impressed when they arrive in Sochi for the up-coming sports events and the Games in 2014,” said Killy. He continued, “The entire Sochi 2014 team deserves great praise for their achievements over the past six months.”

The Biathlon and Ski Complex, located on the crest and slopes of the Psekhako Ridge, will host both the FIS Cup and the IBU Cup in January next year, while the Alpine Centre, on the Aibga Ridge, will host the Alpine FIS World Cup in February.

The Ski Jumping Complex, which is located in Esto-Sadok village on the northern slope of the Aibga Ridge, will stage the FIS Ski Jumping Cup in February, while the Snowboard Park and Freestyle Centre, to the West of the Rosa Khutor plateau, will host both the Freestyle FIS European Cup and the Snowboard FIS European Cup in March.

www.olympic.org

April 06, 2011 (Bend, OR) – Mt. Bachelor, known for immense snow pack and one of the longest Alpine ski seasons, will be offering North America’s longest Nordic ski season this year with a commitment to keep groomed operations open through June 20, 2011. With strategic natural attributes such as the highest resort peak in the Cascades, not to mention a possible record breaking season for snowfall with 564″ to date and 2’+ forecasted this week, Mt. Bachelor is in a unique position to offer Nordic skiing and grooming later than any other Nordic Center on the continent.

Sue Foster, Nordic Center Manager exclaims, “We’re really excited to host some of the world’s best Nordic athletes at Mt. Bachelor with training by the US and Canadian Ski Teams, in addition to continuing our grooming for the general public through our spring and summer pass options!”

The Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center will offer two ‘Camp Blocks’ following its regular winter season of operations; Camp Block #1 held from May 22-June 1, 2011, and Camp Block #2 held June 10-20, 2011. Skiers will have access to 10-15 km of groomed trails during either Camp Block for only $50 per person. Current winter Nordic pass holders will need to purchase Camp Block passes to access the Nordic Trails after May 21, 2011. The Nordic Center Lodge will be open with waxing facilities and restrooms for guests.

The extended Nordic ski season through June 20th will offer local enthusiasts and visiting athletes the unique opportunity to train in Central Oregon with multi-sport opportunities including trail running, mountain and road biking, kayaking and numerous lodging options, restaurants and craft breweries in the base communities of Bend and Sunriver, 20 miles from Mt. Bachelor.

www.mtbachelor.com

March 24, 2011 – You have 7 more days to upload your best photo for a chance to win! Upload your XC, snowshoeing and backcountry ski pics to WIN the $1450 Ultimate Nordic Winter Getaway in BC from Tourism Whistler! There’s still time to vote for your faves and help give away the 2nd Prize: The Yeti Snowshoe and Silver Star XC Weekend Warrior Combo Pack. Click HERE to enter.

We’re going deep in the prize bag and still giving away daily prizes during this last week. Join us on Facebook for updates and prize announcements! Does your photo got what it takes to win? Click HERE to check out the competition. Contest deadline: March 31, 2011.

UPCOMING EVENTS
– Vancouver Island Loppet at Mount Washington: March 26
– North American Biathlon Championships at WOP: March 31-April 3
– Retro Day at Silver Star Mountain Resort: April 2
– 3rd Annual 30k Woppet at Ski Callagan: April 9
– Spring Fling at Ski Callaghan: April 30

For more upcoming events visit the BC Nordic event calendar HERE throughout the winter season.

CHECK IT OUT

Sparkling Hill Masters World Cup: Race Photos
By all accounts the Masters World Cup at Sovereign Lake was a huge success! Click HERE to view the race photos. If you’re interested in competing next year, the 2012 MWC will be hosted in Oberwiesenthal, Germany.

Backcountry Beckons
There are miles of off-track trails to explore in BC during the spring season and backcountry skiing is a great alternative outdoor experience. Backcountry and Nordic ski touring equipment and hut rentals are available at many Nordic facilities and resorts. The backcountry ski season typically lasts until May and even June at some locations.

Bulkley Valley Nordic Centre operates two backcountry huts Starr Creek Cabin (1400m) and Harold Price Cabin (1600m). These cabin rentals are very affordable at $5-12/pp .The Bulkley Valley area near Smithers, BC is surrounded by mountains and known for its plentiful backcountry offerings.

Dakota Ridge Winter Recreation Area on the Sunshine Coast is a 1,532 acre winter playground that not only offers XC ski trails but also an abundance of backcountry terrain. Check out a quirky extreme snowshoeing video HERE shot at Tetrahedron Provincial Park.

You’ll need a few days to fully explore the 98km off-track trails at Larch Hills XC Ski Area. The trails also run through portions of the Shuswap’s Violet Creek Provincial Park. Click HERE for more info.

Explore Vancouver Island backcountry with Strathcona Nordic’s guide Andrew Pape-Salmon. He’s hosting two upcoming trips: March 27 at Mount Cokely and April 17 at Mount Albert Edward. Click HERE for detailed trip information. Mount Washington also offers daily guided off piste backcountry ski tour options.

Rossland, BC is world famous for its deep powder snow and lures backcountry skiers from around the world. Click HERE to download the Black Jack Nordic Trail and backcountry map. Sun Peaks Resort offers a 14.3 km of backcountry Nordic trail system along with the comforts and amentites of a full-service resort.

The Callaghan Valley, with 4,500 hectare terrain and high vertical drops is a prime backcountry ski touring destination in the Southern Coast Mountain Range. Start your tour from Callaghan Country lodge. A Backcountry Access Pass is only $10.

FRESH DEALS
Spring is in full swing and the ski conditions have never been better! Looking for a spring Nordic getaway? Check out these offers. Get to know other Nordic ski areas and resorts in BC and find out what makes them great.

Spring XC Skiing on the Sunshine Coast
There’s still time to get in some XC skiing and snowshoeing at Dakota Ridge. Take advantage of special deals at B&Bs and cottages before the mid-season rates kick in. A family day pass is a bargain at $20. Click HERE for deals.

Ski Callaghan Spring Specials until April 3
Ski Callaghan is offering sweet deals for the entire family: XC ski lessons, snowshoe tours and the ever popular “Biathlon Experience” sessions. Click HERE for Callaghan specials.

Snowshoeing Hotspot – Otway Nordic Ski Centre
There’s plenty of snow at Otway Nordic Centre this season! Over 10km snowshoe trails to explore on varied terrain, easy to advanced. Trail pass only $6. Otway’s spring hours are 8:30am until 9:30pm.

ASK THE EXPERT

Common Nordic Skiing Injuries
by: Sophia Sauter Registered Physiotherapist, Active Life Physiotherapy

Cross-country skiing is a sport with a very low incidence of injuries due to its low impact nature, however some of us may have endured some injuries during the ski season or inadvertently aggravated pre-existing conditions. Approximately 75% of injuries sustained by Nordic skiers are a result of overuse due to the repetitive nature of skiing, while the remaining 25% are a result of trauma. The following outlines some common injuries and appropriate treatment.

Traumatic Injuries (25%), for example: Ankle sprain; Thumb sprain; Knee ligament sprain; Groin muscle strain; Wrist sprain. The recommended treatment is RICE: Relative rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. Then, slowly restore range of motion, strength, proprioception and power. It’s best to see a physiotherapist to obtain a proper diagnosis and set of rehabilitative exercises.

Overuse Injuries (75%), for example: Knee pain (patellofemoral, ITBand); Compartment syndrome (shins); Achilles tendinopathy; Rotator cuff tendinopathy (shoulder); Low back pain. The recommened treatment is a bit different. In these cases it’s important to correct muscle imbalance (e.g. tight/weak), equipment faults, and possible training errors. Seek medical advice from a physiotherapist or other qualified health professional specializing in injuries common to Nordic skiers.

Of course, the best treatment for any injury is prevention. This means utilizing appropriate training progressions, maintaining physical strength, balance, flexibility, adopting appropriate recovery techniques, and treating any lingering individual malalignments/weaknesses/imbalances.

Check in with a physiotherapist for full body analysis to identify individual mechanical inadequacies. Also consider an athlete specific core stability and functional strength program. Think about dealing with your injuries now so you can start your next season off right!

Sophia Sauter is a Registered Physiotherapist at Active Life Physiotherapy in North Vancouver. Sophia is also a Clinical Instructor, Department of Physical Therapy at UBC, and is an avid Nordic skier and runner.

Learn more about Active Life Physiotherapy HERE.