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Highlights
Double Birkie Set For Dec 29th
December 23, 2018
The 30th annual Double Birkie ski will happen Saturday, December 29th. The training event is a group ski from Fish Hatchery trailhead all the up to the Start area trailhead and back again, with stops at Hwy OO and lunch at the turn around. Update: Start changed to Hwy OO, 9 AM.
Finn Sisu: Cross-Country Skiing Basics Course
December 17, 2018
Finn Sisu is offering a four-week cross-country skiing basics program starting in early January at Como Park Ski Center lead by the shop's very own Ahvo Taipale. Suitable for beginning skiers or those looking for a technique tune-up. Separate nights for classic and skate technique.
CXC Year End Matching Grant Challenge
December 13, 2018
CXC is in the middle of their year-end fundraising effort, and right now there is a matching grant for every dollar contributed. Help them reach their goal of $45,000.
CXC Year End Challenge
December 6, 2018
CXC has begun their end of year fundraising effort. Nordic Rocks, junior programs, and adaptive skiing programs are all programs that could use your support!
Ski and Tea Womens Clinic in December
November 17, 2018
The big annual Ski and Tea Women's Technique Clinic is set for Friday, December 28th, in Hayward. The clinic features top women coaches from around the Midwest and is open to skiers of all abilities.
Midwest Nordic Rendezvous in Traverse City
November 15, 2018
PSIA (professional ski instructors of America) National Nordic Specialist, Emily Lovett from Colorado, is the featured guest for the Midwest Nordic Rendezvous event, Jan 4-6th in Traverse City, MI. Come and improve your own skiing skills, whether you're intermediate or advanced. Find the right clinic for your skill level. Now with a video movement analysis clinic; space limited, sign up early!
CXC Masters On-Snow Thanksgiving Camp
November 13, 2018
Join CXC and Krystof Kopal at the Masters On-Snow Camp Nov 23-25th in Cable, using the new snowmaking operation at the Birkie Start area! Emphasis will be on technique with hands-on coaching, video analysis and feedback during on-snow ski sessions. All master skier levels are welcome, from beginner to advanced.
LNR: SkiErg Sprints Challenge at the Trailhead
November 7, 2018
The SkiErg Sprints, Nov 8-11th, is an annual virtual race that allows you to compare your time against others worldwide in a one-weekend showdown of SkiErg speed. Club Trailhead has two SkiErg Machines and will have them out in the Trailhead great room for anyone to come out and try the 1000 sprint.
Jessie Diggins in Duluth Coverage
November 5, 2018
Cece Boyle reports: Duluth showed an amazing amount of support Sunday at two Jessie Diggins Events. These events helped further the Duluth XC Ski Club fundraising efforts towards the Grand Avenue Nordic Center. Due to the rainy and snowy weather, the first event of the day was held indoors. The Grand Ave chalet was packed with athletes of all ages. Ely High School Nordic ski team helped apply glitter to attendees and skiers from The College of St. Scholastica's helped volunteer at the event as well. Diggins led a few exercises indoors and shared her story about what it was like racing for Olympic gold. For the second event, which took place at the Pier B Resort Hotel, Jessie shared even more about her training and how Nordic skiing has shaped her life in a positive way. Local citizens of Duluth showed even more support with a standing ovation for Jessie and generous donations towards the new Cross Country ski area in Duluth. By the end of the day, the DXC club had raised $150,000 towards their goal of $250,000 to continue their project at the Grand Avenue Nordic Center.
Related:
Photoset from Cece Boyle:  Grand Ave Nordic Center - 56 photos, Evening Fundraiser - 22 photos
MPR: Glitter and gold: Diggins sets shining example for young Minnesota skiers
Bolger Send-off Celebration Nov 8th
November 4, 2018
There will be season kickoff celebration in support of Kevin Bolger's upcoming racing on the World Cup. Join Kevin and his family on Thursday evening, Nov 8th, at The Minocqua Brewing Co. There will be a cash bar, appetizers, door prizes and a silent auction -- plus live music.
Gear West: Alayna Sonnesyn Trail Run and Silent Auction
November 4, 2018
Join Gear West this Thursday, Nov 8th, in support of Wayzata native Alayna Sonnesyn as she pursues her dreams in cross-country skiing with Stratton Mountain Elite Team. Sonnesyn will be on hand to lead a trail run and discuss her high school and collegiate racing experience, as well as training with Jessie Diggins at Stratton. Silent auction with great offerings too!
Related:
Alayna Sonnesyn GoFundMe Campaign
RollerskiShop: Experience Rollerskiing!
November 2, 2018
RollerskiShop.com has been crossing the country, extolling the benefits of rollerskiing year-round, and recently stopped in the heart of New York City -- on wheels, of course. Check out their video and rollerski route, and how they are promoting the sport of rollerskiing.
International Endeavors
October 21, 2018
Minnesota native Kris Bourne made a life changing decision after her sophmore racing season at Northern Michigan, one which lead to an incredible opportunity to further her skiing career this year. Mary Kozloski has the full story.
Gear West: Alayna Sonnesyn Fundraiser
October 19, 2018
Join Gear West in support of Wayzata native Alayna Sonnesyn as she pursues her dreams in cross-country skiing with Stratton Mountain Elite Team. Sonnesyn will be on hand to lead a trail run and discuss her high school and collegiate racing experience, as well as training with Jessie Diggins at Stratton. Silent auction with great offerings too!
CXC Annual Coaches Conference and Certification this Weekend
October 15, 2018
The 7th annual CXC Wayne Fish Coaches Conference and Certification workshop is this weekend, Oct 19-21, in Cable. Nearly a dozen presenters including two-time Canadian Olympian Ivan Babikov and US Development coach Bryan Fish. Level 100 and 200 certification available.
Cross-Country Ski Instruction
October 14, 2018
Ride and Glide Bike and Ski Club will be offering XC ski instruction for beginners and those looking to improve their technique. Sessions are held Tuesday evenings, starting Nov 13th.
NNF: Trip to Nordic World Championships in Austria
October 12, 2018
The National Nordic Foundation and Lumi Experiences are partnering to offer two trips to the 2019 Nordic Ski World Championships in Seefeld, Austria in February. Space has been filling up and there are now less than eight openings left!
Grand Ave Nordic Center Groundbreaking Coverage
October 3, 2018
Cece Boyle reports: The fall colors in Duluth MN set the perfect backdrop for the ground breaking ceremony at the New Grand Avenue Nordic Center. Shovels went into the ground, although a ton of hard work has already gone into the trails this summer. The site is all set to open for this upcoming winter with a 1.5 kilometer loop dedicated to cross country skiing. Skier Jessie Diggins also has plans to make an appearance at the site November 4th to celebrate the new snowmaking facility in Duluth and to get young athletes excited about skiing!
Related:
Photoset from Cece Boyle: 19 photos
Nov 4 DXC Fundraiser: Diggins in Duluth
Midwest Connects Out East
October 1, 2018
Mary Kozloski highlights a number of the Midwest elite skiers who have now transplanted out East to pursue this professional skiing career. Hear from Alayna Sonnesyn, Adam Martin and Kyle Bratrud.
Out There: Snow Kidz Event Set for Jan 27th
October 1, 2018
Barron County youth are invited to special Snow Kidsz event, Jan 27th at Barron High School, as part of the 4591 Sports Development program. Participants will have a chance to try out skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and time in the winter outdoors.
USSA/FIS Training Seminar at the Yellowstone Ski Festival
September 30, 2018
During the Yellowstone Ski Festival, Nov 18-19, there will be a USSA/FIS training seminar for individuals interested in putting on (competition committee/organizing committee work) or officiating (technical delegate/jury work) competitive cross country ski races.
TRIA Women's Sports Medicine Kick-Off Event
September 24, 2018
To mark the launch of the newly developed Women's Sports Medicine at TRIA, Dr. Heather Cichanowski and the Women's Sports team will be hosting an interactive and hands on educational course on Saturday, Oct 13th, at TRIA Woodbury. Topics include bone stress fractures, hip pain in endurance athletes, gluteal and core exercises, tips on running mechanics and much more. Sign up now, space is limited.
CXC West Yellowstone Camp Deadline
September 23, 2018
Registration for the CXC hosted West Yellowstone Ski Camp, Nov 16-24, is due by Sep 25th. And there are a limited number of openings, so act quickly!
Endurance United 55K Rollerski Coverage
September 23, 2018
A perfect fall morning for the Endurance United 55K training rollerski event Sunday. The event started out at Desnoyer Park near the U of M campus and rolled on trails through downtown St. Paul out into the eastern metro countryside, finishing in downtown Stillwater. Temperatures started in the mid 50s and finished near 70F.
Related:
Photoset: 60 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
Team Gregg Rollerski Clinic in Cable
September 21, 2018
Team Gregg will be offering a free rollerski clinic and overdistance workout in Cable, WI, on Sunday, Sep 30th -- same weekend as the Birkie Trail run. Come out for the 30 minute skate rollerski clinic and/or join up for a roughly three hour overdistance rollerski, or check out a free Yoga class!
Endurance United 55K Rollerski Event This Sunday
September 17, 2018
Endurance United's annual 55K point-to-point rollerski event is this Sunday, Sep 23rd. Skiers will start at Desnoyer Park in St. Paul and rollerski all the way to downtown Stillwater utilizing connecting trail systems with rest stops and even optional equipment change location. . Bus transportation is available from Stillwater. You need to sign up in advance, register online!
CXC: Masters Camp with Deedra Irwin Sep 28-30
September 17, 2018
The next CXC Masters Camp is coming up the weekend of Sep 28-30 in Cable, Wisconsin. Elite skier and biathlete Deedra Irwin will be the guest coach! All master skier levels are welcome, from beginner to advanced.
Swedish Mile Trail Run Sep 29th
September 17, 2018
Come out Saturday, Sep 29th, for the Vasaloppet's Swedish Mile, a 10K trail run on the Vasaloppet trails. Proceeds help fund the snowmaking operations and trail development.
Gear West: Women's Training Weekend Coming Oct 26-28
September 16, 2018
Gear West and Riverbrook are hosting a women's weekend training retreat in the Hayward area, Oct 26-28th. A wide variety of activities available including active pole hiking, mountain biking, trail running, rollerskiing, outdoor strength, indoor stretching and more. Olympian Caitlin Gregg will join the group!
Trail Kids Adventure Race Coverage
September 16, 2018
Kim Rudd reports: The 2018 Loppet TRAIL KIDS Adventure Race Series kicked off their first race this past Thursday evening with seventy youth ages 6-14 years old competing in a one mile trail run starting and finishing on Stadium 18 and running on the Trail 36 single track trails. Youth enjoyed jumping hay bales, running down single track berms and counting orienteering flags along the race course. There were two races with a younger U10/U12 race followed by an older youth race U14/U16 category. Youth enjoyed post race food, age group awards and door prizes provided by TC running and the Loppet Foundation.
Related:
Photoset from TMB Images: Trail Kids Adventure Race
Results: Trail Kids Adventure Race
CXC: 5th Annual Bike Drawing
September 4, 2018
Wednesday, Sept 5th, marks the start of the 5th Annual Bike Drawing fundraiser benefiting Central Cross Country Skiing's (CXC) Adaptive Program. Once again, Kent Eriksen Cycles will provide a custom designed, hand-crafted, titanium road, cyclocross or hardtail mountain bike frame but with the new name: Bingham Built. Only 250 raffle tickets are being sold, so act quickly!
CXC Fall Coaches Education Clinics
August 29, 2018
CXC will be hosting coaching clinics around the region this fall, including stops in the Twin Cities, Wausau, Duluth and Traverse City. Get your Level 100 certification and catch up on a host of topics.
NNF: Kikkan Randall Joins Board of Directors
August 26, 2018
The National Nordic Foundation, known as NNF, announced the addition of Kikkan Randall to the Board of Directors. Kikkan, a 2018 U.S. Nordic Skiing Olympic gold medalist, joins Billy Demong, U.S. Nordic Combined Olympic gold medalist, and the NNF Board to lead the development of the next generation of U.S. Nordic athletes and future gold medalists.
CXC West Yellowstone Camp
August 20, 2018
Athletes and coaches are invited to take part in the CXC Nordic On-Snow Ski Camp and Festival in West Yellowstone to kickoff the season, Nov 16-24th. The camp is limited to 22 participants, so act quickly to reserve your spot.
Northern Powers Giants Ridge Camp Recap
August 14, 2018
Paula Anderson reports: High school athletes participated in the second Northern Powers camp of the year in early August. Skiers from Cloquet-Esko-Carlton, Duluth East, Ely, Mesabi East, and St. Cloud spent the long weekend rollerskiing, mountain biking, running, and swimming. Camp concluded with an adventure workout around the Ridge.
Related:
Photoset from Paula Anderson: 5 photos
Spotlight: Vakava Juniors Program
August 8, 2018
In one of our final spotlights of the summer training season, we caught up with Finn Sisu's Vakava Juniors program at Battle Creek on Wednesday morning. The group started with a 20 minute pole hike over the dewy ski trails then proceeded to a set of strength and agility drills. Dips, push ups, pull ups, field work and sprints, and medicine ball drills kept the athletes busy for the next hour. The session wrapped up with their usual curbside foot speed drill, and for a special treat some ice cream bars followed by a warm down pole hike.
Related:
Photoset: Dryland Workout - 82 photos
Photoset: Top Picks (high res)
4591 Sports Development: National Guard/Vets Wellness Clinic Recap
August 6, 2018
Out There reports: This past weekend we jointly held the first National Guard and Veterans Wellness camp with CXC, 4591 Sports Development and Out There Nordic. With athletes participating from as far as five hours away we had a wonderful time. Activities included Friday's BBQ & Bike Ride, Saturday's Strength & Core work, Nordic Walking & Pole timing work and rollerskiing to the afternoon Laser Biathlon Relay, wrapping up with Sunday's hike to the Blue Hills Felsenmeer.
Related:
Photoset from Out There: 4591 Sports Development National Guard/Vets Wellness Clinic
4591 Sports Development Camp Coverage
July 30, 2018
The Rice Lake based 4591 Sports Development Group just wrapped up camp for U12/14 athletes from northern Wisconsin last weekend.
Related:
Photoset from Out There: U12/U14 July Camp
August Team Intro Night
CXC Masters Camps Benefit Juniors
July 29, 2018
Central Cross Country Skiing (CXC) will hold a series of weekend-long camps from August to December. Proceeds will go directly to support junior athletes from Central Region attending international events. The camps are open to any athletes with a focus on master skiers.
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