November 27, 2009 – Lace up the ski boots and get on the trails as record setting snowfalls have created one of the best starts to the Nordic ski season in British Columbia in years! From loppets to dogsled races, this season’s Nordic event calendar is full of fun activities that the entire family can participate in and enjoy.

Ski under moonlight at Larch Hills, test your mettle at the Overlander Ski Marathon, or snowshoe in the subalpine at Dakota Ridge’s Winter Snowfest. These are just a few events on BC Nordic’s Top 10 list for 2009-10. Check out these and other Nordic events and destinations at www.bcnordic.com throughout the winter season.

1. Monthly – “Full Moon Ski Nights” at Larch Hills Cross Country Ski Trails, Salmon Arm, BC

Beginning in November, Larch Hills hosts “Full Moon Ski” nights on a monthly basis until the end of ski season. Check out the lunar calendar and kick and glide under a full moon on some great Nordic ski trails in the Thompson Okanagan region. During the day, the entire 125k trail network at Larch Hills is yours to explore.

2. January 24, 2010 – Overlander Ski Marathon at Stake Lake Nordic Centre, Kamloops, BC

Hosted by the Overlander Ski Club, this year’s Marathon course promises a new and exciting 10k lap circuit and takes skiers through the new stadium at Stake Lake Nordic Centre, only 25 minutes from downtown Kamloops. Adults choose from the 10k, 30k, or 50k free technique, while kids lace up for the 1.5k, 3.5k or 10k distance. Great prizes and demos from top Nordic ski equipment manufacturers round out the day at Stake Lake.

3. January 24, 2010 – Chris Dahlie Open at Bulkley Valley Nordic Centre, Smithers, BC

Organized by the Bulkley Valley Nordic Club, this mass-start, classic technique race is a good event for loppet beginners. Short distances are available for adults, 5k or 10k, and plenty of short distances for kids. The Nordic Centre is located on the slopes of Hudson Bay Mountain and only ten minutes from the bustling alpine town of Smithers.

4. January 24, 2010 – Whistler Loppet, Lost Lake Cross-Country Ski Trails, Whistler, BC

The 2010 Olympic buzz and energy will be positively everywhere and yours to experience! No better time to get on the Lost Lake Trails located just steps from the village. The loppet course takes you through Lost Lake Park and the scenic Upper Fairways. Choose 15k or 30k distance, shorter distances for kids.

5. January 31, 2010 – 15th Annual Huckleberry Loppet at Dawn Mountain Nordic Trails, BC

Small town spirit flourishes at this much loved event hosted by the Golden Nordic Ski Club. Winners receive ceramic medals created by a local artist, and huckleberries picked on the ski trails during the summer are frozen and offered as prizes too! Adults choose either 11k or 22k, classic technique, and kids ski the 1k route. Everyone will enjoy the majestic scenery of the surrounding Purcell and Rocky Mountain ranges and the amenities at nearby Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.

6. February 7, 2010 – Silver Star 75 Team Challenge at Silver Star Mountain Resort, BC

This Victorian-inspired resort near Vernon, BC boasts excellent early season conditions and hosts North America’s longest race – the Silver Star 75 Team Challenge. Create your own team with friends and family and choose your distance. The 7.5 km loop winds through Silver Star’s beautiful lower trail system. Ski the 75 km with friends, or try the 30 km loop on your own.

7. February 7, 2010 – Dakota Ridge Winter Snowfest at Dakota Ridge Winter Recreation Area, Sechelt, BC

Head to the Sunshine Coast and try out some Nordic activities with a twist, such as the Luge Run and SnowCross Race. Snowshoe races, a cross-country loppet and gear demos round out the day. Dakota Ridge is a short ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in Vancouver where you’ll find excellent trails and stunning views of the Coast Mountains, Vancouver Island and the Olympic Mountain range.

8. February 20-21, 2010 – Bootleg Dog Sled Race, Kimberley Nordic Ski Trails at Kimberley, BC

Enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Kimberley Nordic Ski Trails located at the upper base of Kimberley Alpine Resort, then check out the mushing at the Bootleg Sled Dog Races. The event, only in its second year, is one of the most exciting sled dog races in the northwest. All event proceeds benefit the East Kootenay Friends of Children Fund.

9. March 7, 2010 – Black Jack Loppet at Black Jack Cross Country Ski Trails in Rossland, BC

Impeccably groomed trails beckon at Black Jack Ski Trails, widely known as one of British Columbia’s premier Nordic skiing venues in the Kootenay Rockies. Compete in either the 10k, 15k 20k or 30k free technique distance and enjoy the Monashee Mountains and Columbia River Valley viewpoints along this amazing race route.

10. March 27, 2010 – Vancouver Island Loppet at Mount Washington, Comox, BC

Located 100 km north of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, Mount Washington hosts the 28th Annual Vancouver Island Loppet. Choose from either the 15k or 30k free technique on rolling terrain and take in the stunning views of Strathcona Provincial Park, the Comox Glacier, and Mt. Arrowsmith. The kids take on the 2k or 5k distance, team categories available too.

About BC Nordic:
BC Nordic Marketing Society (BCNMS) is a non-profit organization comprised of Nordic facility operators, ski areas, resorts, and tourism marketing organizations. The organization actively promotes and supports Nordic winter recreation activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding and backcountry skiing at destinations located throughout British Columbia.