NewEndurance Adventures: Tour of Anchorage Trip Highlights

March 26, 2023

Back from their final trip of the winter, Endurance Adventures shares details from a week spent in Anchorage, Alaska. Taking in just about everything The Last Frontier had to offer, the trip had no shortage of skiing opportunities, or moose sightings for that matter.

NewWorld Cup Lahti: Classic Distance

March 26, 2023

And just like that, the World Cup season has officially come to a close. With a 20K classic race the final competition of the season for all athletes, the women's field had the honor of getting the occasion underway in Lahti, Finland on Sunday. Despite many of the favorites remaining in contention through the final lap, the race would be won by an athlete who had yet to stand atop the podium, Anne Kjersti Kalvaa of Norway. Also in the mix but finishing further back were the distance and overall crystal globe winners, Kerttu Niskanen of Finland and Tiri Udnes Weng of Norway; and a little further back, Jessie Diggins, the first US woman to finish, who crossed the line in 22nd and earned her second second place overall crystal globe in as many seasons, as well as a second place distance crystal globe. Just behind Diggins in 23rd was another American, Rosie Brennan, who also had a strong season, finishing 4th in the overall standings. In a similar fashion to the women's race, most of the distance favorites were in it late in the men's race, but an inspired performance by Norway's Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo ensured he would reach a milestone of 20 wins throughout the season, tying the record set by his former teammate Therese Johaug. Klaebo would also take home the overall crystal globe, although his current teammate, Paal Goldberg, held on to enough of an advantage in the distance standings to secure the distance crystal globe. Inside the top-20 in 18th, Ben Ogden produced the top finish for the US men, also heading home with the U23 title in hand after an 8th place finish in the overall standings, the best result by an American male in over 30 years.

NewSki Hut: Duluth Area Outdoor Alliance Social, March 28th

March 25, 2023

The Duluth Area Outdoor Alliance (DAOA) is hosting a family friendly social this Tuesday, March 28th, at the Hartley Nature Center. Stop by for a low-key opportunity to network with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts, and take advantage of free ski rentals while enjoying complimentary drinks and refreshments.

NewWorld Cup Lahti: Classic Sprints

March 25, 2023

Finishing off the World Cup sprinting season in dramatic fashion, there was no shortage of exciting narratives for Saturday's classic sprints in Lahti, Finland. The women's field arguably had the most at stake heading into the competition with only 22 points separating first and second in the sprint standings, and the final would turn out to be another showdown between Norway and Sweden as Kristen Stavaas Skistad and Jonna Sundling once again led the the way for their respective teams. Like history repeating itself, Sundling would pull away early, only to be reeled in by an unstoppable Skistad for her 5th victory of the season. Notably however, Sundling's teammate, Maja Dahlqvist, who had been sitting in second in the overall standings, would finish 4th in the final, doing just enough to move into first and claim the women's sprint crystal globe. Also a case of history repeating itself, Norway's Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo would navigate his way to a 66th World Cup victory and 5th sprint crystal globe, tying the record with follow countryman and living legend Marit Bjoergen. Five athletes from the US made the heats once again, with Zak Ketterson joining the ranks of Ben Ogden, Rosie Brennan, Jessie Diggins, and Julia Kern this time around, although none from the group would find a way to advance. Tomorrow the World Cup season officially draws to a close, with a mass-start 20K classic race the final event for all athletes.

World Cup Lahti: Team Sprints

March 24, 2023

The first of three events to close out the World Cup season in Lahti, Finland, athletes lined up two by two for team sprints on Friday. Both the men's and women's finals were tight contests with most teams still in contention through the final lap, but the odds-on favorites eventually made their way to the front of the field, with Sweden's team of Emma Ribom and Jonna Sundling comfortably taking the title in the women's final, and Norway's team of Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo and Erik Valnes doing the same in the men's final. Opting to rest some of their skiers for the final two events, the spotlight was on some of the younger athletes for the US team, with Zak Ketterson and JC Schoonmaker teaming up to take 13th in the men's competition, and Hailey Swirbul and Samantha Smith joining forces to take 11th in the women's competition. The final sprint competition of the season, classic sprints, and subsequently the crowning of the overall sprint World Cup champions, will be highlight of tomorrow.

Lumi Experiences: What's on Tap for 2024, Last Chance to Save

March 23, 2023

Even though the season isn't quite in the books yet, it's already time to start thinking about the next one. Several Lumi Experiences trips are already sold out, and others are filing fast, so now's the time to check out what's on tap for 2024 while spots are available. And as an extra incentive, there's only one week left to save $300 on any trip, so be sure to make any reservations before March 31st.

Ski Hut: SMASH DXC Candlelight Ski this Friday, March 24th

March 22, 2023

End the season on a high note with DXC this Friday for the final candlelight ski of the season, part of the 2023 Spirit Mountain Annual Spring Happenings (SMASH) events. There will be live music, giveaways, demos, and more, and registration is only $5, or free for season pass holders.

World Cup Racing: Lahti Schedule

March 22, 2023

The final weekend of the World Cup season is here and there's plenty at stake with three days worth of podiums up for grabs and several spots in the overall standings yet to be decided. A team sprint starts things off in Lahti, Finland on Friday, with a qualifying round taking place at 8:20 AM CDT, followed by the finals at 9:50 AM CDT. Then it's on to back-to-back classic events with individual sprints on Saturday (qualifiers at 4:30 AM CDT, heats at 7:00 AM CDT) and a mass-start 20K race on Sunday (women on course at 5:00 AM CDT, men at 6:45 AM CDT).

World Cup Tallinn: Freestyle Sprints

March 21, 2023

Racing under the lights for a rare night competition on the World Cup, a one-off round of freestyle sprints was front and center in Tallinn, Estonia on Tuesday. The first time back in the country since 2019, it was also the first test run of a new protocol that had all athletes competing on the same wax. Seemingly unaffected by the circumstances, Norwegian athletes reigned supreme again, with Kristine Stavaas Skistad and Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo both emerging victorious in the heats. It was another challenging day for US athletes as they struggled to break free from the heats, qualifying five—Ben Ogden, Rosie Brennan, Jessie Diggins, Julia Kern, and Samantha Smith—but advancing none. Lahti, Finland, the host for three days of racing this weekend, is the end of the road for the World Cup and the last chance for athletes to shuffle the standings with a handful of podium positions still in contention for the sprint, distance, and overall titles.

MNSA Nordic Banquet Scheduled for April 2nd

March 20, 2023

The Minnesota Nordic Ski Association (MNSA) is honoring Muriel Gilman (Bemidji) and Dave Johnson (Duluth) as the 2023 Minnesota Nordic Skiing Lifetime Achievement Award recipients. They will be presented at the Minnesota Nordic Skiing Lifetime Achievement Awards banquet on Sunday afternoon, April 2nd at Vasaloppet Nordic Center. The banquet will also recognize several Legacy award winners, as well as top high school, collegiate, biathlon and master skiers. Please RSVP.

World Cup Racing: Tallinn Schedule

March 20, 2023

With a week to go in the World Cup season, a day of freestyle sprints in Tallinn, Estonia is all that remains for athletes before they arrive at the final venue of the season in Lahti, Finland. For Tuesday's stop in Tallinn, the racing action gets underway at 10:00 AM CDT for the sprint qualifiers, with the sprint heats slated for 12:30 PM CDT.

World Cup Falun: Mixed Team Relay

March 19, 2023

Just as it did last season, a mixed team relay capped off the World Cup competitions in Falun, Sweden, with the men's and women's fields teaming up for just the second running of the event. Gaps in the field formed early in the race, and through the first exchange a lead pack of four teams had emerged comprised of Sweden I, Norway I and II, and Italy I. Overcoming a 20 second deficit, the Germany I team would also make contact with the leaders, and it would from there on out remain a quintet until Sweden I's anchor, Jonna Sundling, took off with less than a kilometer to go, leaving the rest of the group to hash out who would finish second and third. In the end it was Norway I who would cross the line just ahead of Germany I, who in turn just outstretched Norway II (with Italy I nowhere to be seen). For the US, the early fracturing of the field left both of its teams out on an island, resulting in 8th and 11th place finishes for the two teams. One final midweek layover awaits athletes on Tuesday as the World Cup moves to Tallinn, Estonia for freestyle sprints.

Last Chance Race Results

March 19, 2023

A strong turnout Saturday morning in Mora for possibly the final race of the season, the Last Chance Race. The Gregg family of Brian and Caitlin swept the 20K freestyle titles with Matt Liebsch losing to Brian in a photo finish and Alex Reich taking third. Kaia Hilgendorf-Roost and Kristi Nixon completed the women's podium. Victorious in the 10K freestyle races were Dylan Little and Jackie Larsen.

World Cup Falun: Freestyle Sprints

March 18, 2023

Warm temperatures and soft conditions added an extra challenge to Saturday's sprint competitions for day 2 of the World Cup races in Falun, Sweden. Quickly becoming the answer to a Swedish team full of quality sprinters, Norway's Kristine Stavaas Skistad went toe to toe with the best the Swedes had to offer in the women's final and came out on top for the second time in a row (and third time this season). Meanwhile, it was just another day at the office for another Norwegian, Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo, as he calmly collected yet another sprint victory in the men's final. Although non of the five US athletes that qualified for the heats—Ben Ogden, Rosie Brennan, Jessie Diggins, Julia Kern, and Samantha Smith—were able to advance, a highlight for the squad was that 17-year-old Smith made the heats in just her second World Cup start. The final day of racing in Falun will revisit the mixed team relay, a relatively new event of which the US team won last season at the very same venue.

CBS Sunday Morning to Feature American Birkebeiner March 19th

March 18, 2023

This Sunday morning, March 19th, CBS News Sunday Morning will have an extensive feature on the American Birkebeiner. Scheduled for 8 am CST, check your local programming for times in your area. Or watch the replay on their YouTube channel.

Finn Sisu: Celebrating 100+ days of Snowmaking at Battle Creek

March 17, 2023

Join Finn Sisu at Battle Creek Regional Park this coming Sunday, March 19th, to celebrate over 100 days of snowmaking at the venue, and thank Ramsey County and everyone involved for all they've done to make it possible. There will be poster boards to sign, swag raffled off, and mini technique lessons for anyone looking for pointers to close out the season. Bring your friends and family, and be sure to wear whatever Finn Sisu apparel you may have too!

World Cup Falun: Classic Distance

March 17, 2023

The opening day of the World Cup weekend in Falun, Sweden held an air of possibility as athletes lined up one by one for an interval-start 10K classic race. For Finnish athlete Kerttu Niskanen it was a day to flex her family's classic prowess, and she did exactly that, finishing ahead of the rest of the field by over 15 seconds in the women's race. Also out to send a message, Norway's Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo proved that he could still win both distance and sprint events as he put 10 seconds between himself and his next closest competitor in the final kilometer, winning the men's race. With four athletes placing in the top-15, there was no shortage of standouts for the US. Of the bunch, Jessie Diggins finished just off the podium in 4th, Rosie Brennan was another two places back in 6th, and Ben Ogden and Novie McCabe both crossed the line just outside of the top-10 in 13th and 14th respectively. Switching to freestyle technique tomorrow, sprints will be the main event for Saturday's set of races in Falun.

Lumi Experiences: Holmenkollen Ski Festival, The Greatest Show on Snow

March 16, 2023

History was made last weekend when the first-ever World Cup women's 50K race was held at the Holmenkollen venue in Oslo, Norway, and Lumi Experiences was there to watch it happen. Hear firsthand impressions of the event from Lumi Experiences founder Garret Kuzzy in their latest blog post, plus save $300 when you reserve a spot on any 2024 trip before March 31st.

Midwest Collegiate Ski Association: USCSA National Championships Recap

March 16, 2023

Following the conclusion of the USCSA National Championships in Mammoth Lakes, CA, the Midwestern Collegiate Ski Association (MCSA) issued their final update of the season, offering a deep dive into how the continent from the Midwest fared day-by-day, and a send-off for the 2023 edition of the competition.

Junior Nationals: Freestyle Mass Start

March 16, 2023

Junior Nationals competition wrapped up Thursday at Birch Hill in Fairbanks, AK, with some incredible freestyle mass start races. Greta Hansen won the women's U20 division, crowned National Champion; Sydney Drevlow collected another podium with a third place finish in the U18 division. Other top performances - MU16: Logan Drevlow 6th; FU16: Anna Gilmer 24th; MU18: Oliver Miatke 6th, Daniel McCollor 9th, Davis Isom 13th, Tommy Simmonds 14th; FU18: Hanna Koch 4th, Lydia Kraker 5th, Fran Peterson 8th, Natasha Sortland 10th, Nina Fedje 15th; MU20: Ben Dohlby 7th, Ben Lewis 8th, Jonathan Saldin 9th, Victor Sparks 12th, Jonathan Clarke 13th, Aiden Van Straten 15th.

World Cup Racing: Falun Schedule

March 15, 2023

After back-to-back stops in Norway this past week, the World Cup circuit pays a visit to its neighbor, Sweden, for three days of racing in Falun. Beginning with an interval-start 10K classic race on Friday, the women's field will head out first at 6:00 AM CDT in the opening event, followed by the men at 7:15 AM CDT. Freestyle sprints will then be the focus of Saturday, with heat qualifiers at 4:50 AM CDT, and the heats themselves at 7:20 AM CDT. Finally, athletes' time in Falun wraps up the same way it did the previous year, with a mixed team relay, which is slated for 5:15 AM CDT on Sunday.

USCSA Recaps 44th Annual National Championships at Mammoth Mountain

March 14, 2023

With four feet of snow more than they started the competition with, the USCSA National Championships in Mammoth Lakes, CA wrapped up on Thursday, cutting short some of the planned events in the face of inclement weather. Despite the early curtain call, a majority of the nordic events had already been run by the time the competition came to a close, and a finalizing of the results meant that the St. Olaf women's team would finish atop the combined standings on the back of a sweep of the events by Lily Hubanks. Similarly for the men's field, an early ending meant that the University of Minnesota Twin Cities' team would solidify their spot as the best from the Midwest, finishing 5th in the combined standings.

Junior Nationals: Freestyle Sprint Results

March 14, 2023

Junior Nationals in Fairbanks, Alaska, continued Tuesday a full day of freestyle sprint competition. Midwest's Sydney Drevlow earned another podium, taking third in the FU18 division. Other top results included FU16: Anna Gilmer 17th; MU16: Logan Drevlow 17th; FU18: Nina Fedje 7th, Lydia Kraker 10th, Hanna Wilsey 15th; MU18: Miles Miner 11th, Davis Isom 12th; FU20: Greta Hansen 4th, Hailee Zimpel 15th; MU20: Benon Brattedo 8th, Jonathan Saldin 9th, Ben Lewis 11th. The final day of racing is Thursday with classic mass start races on tap.

World Cup Drammen: Classic Sprints

March 14, 2023

Less than two week are left in the World Cup season and the competition is heating up as athletes jockey for podium positions in the final standings. Tuesday's classic sprints in Drammen, Norway were the first of four individual sprint competitions remaining, and among the women's field there were skiers aplenty looking to make their mark. One such skier was the up-and-comer Kristine Stavaas Skistad of Norway, who had just notched her first victory before the World Championships and topped the podium again today. Also topping the podium again and sealing a home soil sweep was Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo, who earned his 14th victory of the season in dominant fashion. Five US athletes made the heats in Drammen—Zak Ketterson, Ben Ogden, Rosie Brennan, Jessie Diggins, and Julia Kern—with Kern the best of the bunch, advancing to the final where she finished 6th, and Ogden making it as far as the semifinals where he finished 11th. Ketterson looked to be advancing as well until a late crash took him out of contention. Athletes will now get a few more days of rest before a 3-day weekend of racing across the border in Falun, Sweden.

Gear West Job Openings

March 13, 2023

Gear West is seeking candidates for Marketing Manager and Bike Service Manager.

Junior Nationals: Classic Results

March 13, 2023

Junior Nationals competition got underway on Monday in Fairbanks, Alaska, with 7.5K classic interval start races. The Midwest came roaring out the door with a number of podiums: Sydney Drevlow won the FU18 title! Greta Hanson 2nd FU20, Logan Drevlow 2nd MU16, and Tommy Simmonds 2nd MU18. Other top performances: MU16: Quinn Holan 5th; MU18: Davis Isom 7th, Oliver Miatke 10th, Daniel McCollor 14th; MU20: Benon Brattebo 6th, Ben Lewis 9th, Jasper Johnston 10th, Andrew DeFor 11th, Ben Dohlby 15th; FU16: Helen Townley 10th; FU18: Lydia Kraker 5th, Hanna Koch 6th, Natasha Sortland 11th; FU20: Hailee Zimpel 6th, Lily Brown 8th, Jordan Parent 10th. Racing continues on Tuesday with freestyle sprints.