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Highlights
Zak Ketterson Joins Team Aker Dæhlie
June 30, 2026Looking to continue his career at home and abroad, on Tuesday Zak Ketterson announced via Instagram that he would be splitting his training time between the newly renamed SNØ Racing in Minnesota and Norway-based Team Aker Dæhlie. Team Aker Dæhlie is notably the same organization that fellow US Ski Team athlete Sophia Laukli has been training with for several seasons now.
CXC: Team Birkie Becomes SNØ Racing
June 10, 2026Calling on the Norwegian word for snow to capture the Nordic origins of the sport, Team Birkie is officially changing its name to SNØ Racing. The move is centered around a desire to have the team stand with its own brand, carrying forward the legacy of Team Birkie while streamlining opportunities to reach sponsors, suppliers, and donors. The three founding partners, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF), the Loppet Foundation and Central Cross Country Skiing (CXC), will continue to be associated with the team, providing financial and leadership support.
Team Birkie: Randy Gibbs Nominated as High-Performance Coach and Race Service Director
May 26, 2026A Wayzata High School alumni and longtime fixture in the Minnesota Nordic ski community, Randy Gibbs is joining Team Birkie as the High Performance Coach and Race Service Director. Having served as Head of Glide for the U.S. Ski Team at the 2010 and 2014 Olympics, and leading ski service for Ski and Snowboard Australia at the 2018 Games, Gibbs also brings to the team a wealth of ski service and coaching experience.
Loppet: Bednarski Named Cross Country Development Coach of the Year
May 7, 2026Not 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.
MNSA: Minnesota Skiing Community Celebrates Annual Achievement Awards
April 16, 2026The Minnesota Nordic Ski Association honored key contributors at the Mora Vasaloppet Nordic Center last weekend. Highlights included US Ski Team wax tech Chris Hecker's inspiring journey from local youth leagues to national success. Lifetime achievement honors were awarded to Amy Cichanowski and Arne Stefferud for their extensive regional impact. Additionally, young biathletes Irina Viskavatykh and Paavo Rova were recognized, alongside inaugural VIP awards for Charlotte Czarnecki and Brent Nesser.
Endurance United: Emma Stertz to Lead Junior Program
April 6, 2026Endurance United announced on Monday the new head coach of their junor program, Emma Stertz. With a deep background in Nordic skiing and biathlon, as well as being a licensed secondary education teacher, Stertz is passionate about building a lifelong love of endurance sport while helping athletes grow into confident competitors.
MNSA Banquet to Honor Cichanowski and Stefferud, April 12
April 1, 2026Later this month the Minnesota Nordic Ski Association will be holding their annual award banquet to honor the work of two outstanding members of the Minnesota Nordic community, Amy Cichanowski and Arne Stefferud. The event is free to attend, with several other notable community members set to receive awards, plus a guest appearance from Chris Hecker, former head glide wax tech for the US Ski Team, who will be presenting the keynote speech.
Lumi Experiences: Save $300 on 2027 Trips by March 31
March 21, 2026Join Lumi Experiences on the cross country ski trip of your dreams to one of Europe's top ski destinations, including Italy, Austria, Sweden and Norway. Reach out by March 31st to reserve your spot and save $300 off your next trip. Get details on all the trips and book today!
Lumi Experiences: $1000 Discount Drawing on Ski Vacation
March 8, 2026Founded by Minnesota cross country ski Olympian Garrott Kuzzy, Lumi Experiences is thrilled to be leading two trips to the 2027 Nordic Ski World Championships in Falun, Sweden - stay in Mora, Sweden where you can also experience the Vasaloppet festivities that same week. Sign up for your chance to win $1000 off a 2027 Lumi trip. See all the options and book your trip by March 31st to receive a $300/person early booking discount.
Loppet: Coach Piotr Bednarski Announces Retirement
March 1, 2026Legendary coach Piotr Bednarski has announced his retirement (in April) after 38 years. Bednarski has lead Loppet Nordic Racing for 14 years and influenced organizations like US Biathlon, Team Birkie and CXC. He coached Olympians including Caitlin Gregg and guided LNR juniors to multiple national championships. While stepping down from administrative duties, he plans to continue part-time coaching with Loppet.
MoeningTheTracks Coaches Conference at Bearskin Lodge, Mar 20th-22nd
February 9, 2026Bringing together youth, high school, junior club, and adult coaches, the MoeningTheTracks Bearskin Coaches conference returns this March for an immersive weekend at Bearskin Lodge. From the 20th through the 22nd, enjoy beautiful spring skiing in the Boundary Waters, while connecting with like-minded coaches, to share ideas, gain new insights, and build your coaching community.