Ariens Nordic Center Welcomes Olympian Paul Schommer to Team

May 14, 2026

After nearly a decade spent competing on the U.S. Biathlon National Team, it was announced on Thursday that Wisconsin-native Paul Schommer is joining the Ariens Nordic Center as a member of their staff. His new role will see him play an integral part in developing and supporting programming within the organization, working with youth of all ages and skill levels and focusing not only on biathlon, but many outdoor sports and recreational activities.

Minnesota State Time Trial Bike Race, June 13th

May 11, 2026

The Minnesota Cycling Federation will be holding their annual Minnesota State Time Trial Bike Race at First Lutheran Church one month from now in St. Peter, MN. With three distances to chose from—10K, 20K, and 40K—there's something for all ages, with no prior bicycle racing experience required. A mostly flat out and back course with one moderate hill, this event is a great test of fitness! Registration is a flat fee of $30, and a USA Cycling license is required.

Loppet: Bednarski Named Cross Country Development Coach of the Year

May 7, 2026

Not quite out of the spotlight yet, Piotr Bednarski, the recently retired Development Coach for the Loppet Nordic Racing (LNR) Program, is set to receive the 2026 Cross Country Development Coach of the Year Award for U.S. Ski & Snowboard later this month.

US Ski Team: 21 Nominated to Cross-Country Team for 2026-27 Season

May 6, 2026

After losing veteran leaders like Jessie Diggins and Rosie Brennan at the end of last season, U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced on Wednesday the 21 athletes that will make up the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team for the upcoming 2026-27 season. Qualifying for the B team, Zak Ketterson returns as the sole Midwest-based athlete.

New Spring Job Openings

May 6, 2026

With spring slowly working in a little more warm weather, the job market has been heating up too, including a new posting by the Vasa Ski Club out of Traverse City, MI, and another at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Snake River Canoe Race Results

May 2, 2026

Capitalizing on the warmer weather this weekend, the Snake River Canoe Race saw a sizeable field of 140 flow into Mora, MN for the annual springtime event on Saturday. Diving into the results, the teams of Joe Manns/Dana Henry (male), Kajsa Nelson/Josie Nelson (female), and Bridget Hall/Craig Stolen (mixed) took the top spots in the Pro Boat division. Likewise, the teams of Stephen Roosma/Brad Roosma (male), Karen Casper/Kerry Bogenreif (female), and John Hoch/Keri Henry (mixed) were the division winners among their Open Racing competitors. You can find a full breakdown of the results, with additional division winners, via the link below.

Birkie Registration Now Open

April 30, 2026

Registration for the Slumberland American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, Prince Haakon, Birkie Tour, and Open Track Birkie opened on May 1st. Secure your wave placement and get in on early pricing by registering now!

MYSL: Skicraft Summer Session

April 27, 2026

With summer soon to start, the Minnesota Youth Ski League's Skicraft program still has spots open for high school skiers looking to stay in shape while school's out. Scheduled to start June 8th, the program is perfect for skiers who are ready to set goals and commit to structured training and racing.

Loppet: Sarah Olson Named Next LNR Development Coach

April 21, 2026

The Loppet Foundation announced on Monday that Sarah Olson is set to be start as the next Development Coach for the Loppet Nordic Racing (LNR) Program, beginning in mid-June. A LNR program alumni herself, Olson graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2023 where she continued her cross country running and skiing career, and has since embraced life "from pole to pole," working as a firefighter in Fairbanks and Idaho, and in field operations in Antarctica.