Archives 2023-2024
CXC: Team Birkie Announces New Teams for 2024-25 Season
April 19, 2024Team Birkie’s U.S. Ski Team athletes Kevin Bolger and Zak Ketterson, welcome six new members to their top-tier, re-branded teams for the 2024-2025. Four-time American Birkebeiner winner, Alayna Sonnesyn, returns home and headlines the newly rebranded World Team which also includes Mariel Pulles and Christopher Kalev. A new Continental Team includes Luci Anderson, Henry Snider and Gretta Scholtz.
Endurance Adventures Offering MTB Clinics
April 2, 2024Desire to gain confidence on the single-track trails? Join coach Kim Rudd for a four-week mountain bike series learning the Fundamental skills to keep you safe on the trails. And check out the women's weekend on the Cuyuna trails.
MNSA Nordic Banquet Scheduled for April 7th
March 25, 2024The Minnesota Nordic Ski Association (MNSA) is honoring Nancy Bauer and Kris Hansen as the 2024 Minnesota Nordic Skiing Lifetime Achievement Award recipients at a banquet on Sunday afternoon, April 7th at Vasaloppet Nordic Center. Guest speaker will be Ryan Rogers presenting a history of Nordic skiing in Minnesota. The banquet will also recognize top biathlon and master skiers as well as the Northern Lights Ski Club.
Last Chance to Save on 2025 Lumi Experiences
March 23, 2024From Italy to Iceland – Lumi Experiences offers boutique cross-country ski vacations that introduce travelers to winter cultures where nordic skiing is a part of everyday life. Where do you want to ski next winter? Lumi’s 2025 Worldloppet, World Cup and Sight Skiing trips are filling quickly. You'll need to act soon to take advantage of the $300 / person early booking discount, offer ends March 31st!
SMST2 Team Accepting Applications
March 17, 2024The SMS T2 team is accepting applications for its 2024 Summer Program and 2024-2025 Elite Team. Applications are due April 14th with roster selections made by May 1st.
Lumi Experiences: 2025 Estonia, Finland Trips
March 6, 2024Did you know that “Lumi” is the Estonian and Finnish word for snow? Lumi Experiences Cross Country Ski Vacations just launched a special namesake Tartu and Finlandia trip for February 2025. In the medieval city of Tartu, visit Estonia’s Olympic Museum and ski the Tartu Worldloppet before taking a scenic ferry to Finland, where 180+ km of skiing, Finnish saunas and the Finlandia ski marathon await in Lahti. Book by March 31st and save $300 on any 2025 Lumi trip!
NorthStar Paddle League
March 1, 2024Starting this summer, the Loppet Foundation, Twin Cities Paddlesports and Endurance United are joining together to create the NorthStar Paddle League (NPL). The NPL seeks to promote competitive youth paddlesports and will host three events in the summer of 2024 to introduce racing, build community, and celebrate the skills learned in individual programs.
Spring/Summer Training Programs
March 1, 2024It's already time to start thinking about your spring and summer training activities! Sign ups for programs are open now and many are filling fast...
Loppet Spring/Summer Programming - Something for everyone, from kids mountain bike camps to adult strength sessions.
Endurance United Spring Juniors - Spring junior sessions start on April 16th and registration is open now.
Minneapolis Ski Club Spring Sessions - Registration is open now for junior spring training sessions.
Lumi Experiences: 2025 World Cup Trips
February 20, 2024After an thrilling weekend of World Cup racing in Minneapolis, Lumi Experiences Cross Country Ski Vacations is excited to announce three opportunities to catch World Cup racing in Europe next winter: Tour de Ski in Italy, Holmenkollen in Norway and the 2025 Trondheim Nordic World Championships. Cheer on your favorite World Cup athletes and enjoy all the extras of a Lumi trip: grandstand tickets, local trip leaders, 4-star hotel accommodation, all ground transportation, plus behind-the-scenes access and insights.
Low-Snow Blues Nordic Limerick Contest Entries
February 12, 2024The crew of David Moore, Michael Kuhne, and Gill Creel have compiled the top entries from the "Low-Snow Blues" limerick challenge. Enjoy the clever and humorous entries from the skiing community!
Low-Snow Blues Nordic Limerick Contest
February 6, 2024With such a horrible winter, the crew of David Moore, Michael Kuhne, and Gill Creel are hosting a "Low-Snow Blues" limerick challenge. Submit your best entries by Sunday, Feb 11th, and we'll feature the top ones on Monday.
Lumi Experiences: 2025 Trip Launch
January 20, 2024Lumi Experiences just announced their 2025 cross country ski vacations. From Italy to Iceland, Lumi’s boutique trips introduce travelers to winter cultures where Nordic skiing is a part of everyday life. All guided trips – whether you are skiing a Worldloppet, cheering at the World Cup or simply enjoying beautiful skiing, delicious cuisine and cultural experiences on Sight-Skiing trips – are all led by local, expert trip leaders who would love to share their home trails with you. Save $300 per person when you reserve your spot before March 31, 2024!
North Star Ski Tour Club: Water Legacy Presentation for Jan 9th Meeting
January 2, 2024North Star Ski Touring Club's monthly meeting on Jan 9th will feature Paula Maccabee, Advocacy Director and Counsel for Water Legacy, giving a presentation the need for environmental protection of Minnesota's clean waters and the communities that rely on them. Attend in-person or virtual via Zoom call.
North Star Ski Tour Club: New Member Drive - World Cup Bonus
December 22, 2023The North Star Ski Touring Club is growing their member base and as an added incentive they are raffling off ten tickets for the sold out Loppet World Cup amongst the new members signing up between Dec 9th and Jan 9th.
Moose Nordic Clinic Friday at Battle Creek
December 18, 2023Luke and Jake Brown, back from the European biathlon circuit, are leading a free Nordic clinic designed for high school and middle school racers. The clinic will be Friday evening, Dec 22nd, at Battle Creek West. Coaches, parents, and families are welcome to join in.
Mt. Telemark Village Club Challenge
December 15, 2023Gather your friends and fire up your club members and help the Birkie achieve their fundraising goal for Mt. Telemark Village. The team/club that generates the largest contribution total will receive a free table at this year’s Jessie-Diggins-hosted Birkie Bash – with a guarantee that Jessie will stop by the table for a photo.
Lumi Experiences: Free Trip Giveaway
December 4, 2023Lumi Experiences cross country ski vacations is partnering with the Worldloppet and giving away a trip for two on the 2024 France Transju' trip (valued over $10,000!) to celebrate Lumi's continued partnership as official tour operator of the Worldloppet ski marathon series. Act soon, you need to sign up for their newsletter by Dec 13 to enter!
NNF: Thanks to the Ski Community for Reaching Campaign Goal
December 1, 2023With the Midwest leading the way, the National Nordic Foundation reached their fundraising Drive for 25 goal -- over $125K was raised. Thanks to all who contributed to help fund the Pillar Projects and Trail to Gold coaching program.
Team Birkie Lessons this Weekend
November 28, 2023Members of Team Birkie will be offering group technique lessons Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday, Dec 1-3, on-snow at Theodore Wirth. Limited spots available, proceeds support Team Birkie athletes.
NNF: Drive for 25 Challenge Grant Through Tuesday
November 27, 2023National Nordic Foundation's annual fundraiser effort, the Drive for 25, has a $10K challenge grant that ends Tuesday night! Check out your favorite Midwest ambassadors and help support this major funding source for our junior development.
- Paul Choudoir
- Davis Isom
- Kristen Bourne
- Kevin Bolger
- Renae Anderson
- Miles Miner
- Greta Hansen
- Alayna Sonnesyn
- Zak Ketterson
- Chad Salmela
- Bryan Fish
- Yuriy Gusev
DXC Winter Warmup Thursday Evening
November 26, 2023Come out Thursday evening with DXC and the Birkie Foundations at Earth Rider Brewery as they collaborate for an evening celebrating success in the Midwest ski scene. Learn more about their winter plans, and enjoy a beverage with proceeds going to DXC!
NNF: Drive for 25 Wraps Up this Weekend
November 22, 2023National Nordic Foundation's annual fundraiser effort, the Drive for 25, will wrap up this weekend! Check out your favorite Midwest ambassadors and help support this major funding source for our junior development.
- Paul Choudoir
- Davis Isom
- Kristen Bourne
- Kevin Bolger
- Renae Anderson
- Miles Miner
- Alayna Sonnesyn
- Zak Ketterson
- Chad Salmela
- Bryan Fish
- Yuriy Gusev
NNF: Drive for 25 Fundraising Week
November 19, 2023National Nordic Foundation's annual fundraiser effort, the Drive for 25, is running this week! Check out your favorite Midwest athletes as ambassadors and help support this major funding source for our junior development.
NNF: Drive for 25 Starts Monday, Nov 20th
November 15, 2023The National Nordic Foundation's major fundraising effort, Drive for 25, starts Monday. They are currently seeking more ambassadors to help build excitement and raise funds.
Endurance Adventures November Newsletter
November 15, 2023Endurance Adventures has published their November newsletter with links to videos on ski and wax prep, articles on technique, interview with Andy Newell, and a Black Friday coupon.
Gear West: We Rise Women's Day, Dec 15th
November 14, 2023Mark your calendars for Dec 15th, We Rise Rossignol Women's Day. Hosted by Gear West at the Trailhead in Minneapolis, enjoy a fun educational morning on snow for women of all abilities and all ages! Open to all abilities: Looking to learn to cross-country ski, improve on what you already know, and meet other like-minded outdoor snow-loving women.
North Star Ski Touring Club Presentation: Deb Diggins
November 11, 2023On Tuesday evening, Nov 14th, Deb Diggins will give a presentation during the North Star Ski Touring Club general meeting on the topic, A Minnesota Ski Family's Journey from Mini-loppet to World Cup. Come out to the Danish American Center on Tuesday evening, or catch it on Zoom meeting.
Lumi Experiences: New Trip Announcement - ICELAND
November 9, 2023Extend your ski season into April on the new Lumi Experiences trip to Iceland for a week of "sight-skiing" and the Fossavatn Worldloppet ski marathon. Book by November 30th to save $300.
Team Birkie Auction Underway
November 8, 2023Team Birkie is fundraising with an online auction, running for just a week -- ending on Nov 15th. Checkout great items from supporting organizers like American Birkiebeiner Foundation, Swix, Toko, Rudy Project, Pioneer Midwest and more.
Soldier Hollow Online Fundraiser Starts this Weekend
November 2, 2023Soup & SoHo is an annual fundraiser to celebrate and support Team Soldier Hollow athletes. This year the event will have an online and in-person component on November 4th featuring a broad selection of fantastic auction items that our athlete families and coaches procure from local businesses (and can be shipped across the lower 48). The funds raised from the auction directly support Team Soldier Hollow and help offset the 70% of program costs that aren’t covered by athlete tuition.
NNF: Trails to Gold Recipients Announced
October 27, 2023The National Nordic Foundation (NNF), in conjunction with the Women Ski Coaches Association (WSCA), and Olympic Women’s Cross-Country Book Project haved announced the selection of eight women coaches to receive this year’s Trail to Gold Coaching Grant. From the Midwest, Erin Moening, Mpls Ski Club, Ruth Oppliger, NMU, and Annika Martell, Williams College, were grant recipients and will be working with the US Ski Team athletes this winter!
Yellowstone Ski Festival Fast Approaching
October 22, 2023Weather is cooling down and the Yellowstone Ski Festival is only about a month away! Clinics are filling up, make your plans today -- and note some changes in lodging options.
Moose Nordic Offering Scholarships for the Women Ski Coaching Summit
October 12, 2023The Women in Ski Coaching Summit is taking place next week in Park City, Utah, but there are still openings to attend virtual. The conference is a combination of professional development and education in ski coaching specific skills. Moose Nordic is offering three scholarships covering the fees to attend virtually, apply online.
CXC Online Auction Opens Wednesday
October 10, 2023CXC's 7th Annual Online Auction opens Wednesday at noon with dozens of unique items up for grabs from nearly 20 different vendors and outdoor enthusiasts. Proceeds from the auction go towards supporting CXC programs and events.
Yellowstone Ski Festival and Clinics
October 8, 2023The huge Yellowstone Ski Festival is coming Nov 18-26th in West Yellowstone, MT. The annual event draws in skiers from across North America to get early access to snow and celebrate the upcoming season. Check out their line up of clinics and find something for everyone.
Loppet Community Celebration Oct 17th
October 6, 2023The Loppet Foundation is celebration it's 20th anniversary on Tuesday evening, Oct 17th, at the Trailhead. Come learn about the past 20 years and what they have planned ahead. Wear some old Loppet gear, enjoy a free beverage, treats and kids activities too.
NNF: Athlete Support Grants to 16 Skiers Announced
September 10, 2023The National Nordic Foundation has awarded Athlete Support Grants to 16 skiers who exhibit a propensity for international racing success as a Nordic athlete.
Minneapolis Ski Club: Clinic on Training Junior Athletes, Oct 15th
September 8, 2023Mark your calendars for October 15th to learn more about training junior athletes from Team Birkie and Minneapolis Ski Club coach Erin Moening. Held at the Theodore Worth Trailhead, the clinic will walk through the steps of building out multi-sport high school athletes, the unique challenges Minnesota high school athletes face, and what it takes to become one of the top junior skiers in the country. Register in advance to reserve your spot!
Gear West: Train Like a Pro with Alayna Sonnesyn, Sept 7th
August 31, 2023Join four-time Birkie champion Alayna Sonnesyn next Thursday at Theodore Wirth Park for a dryland workout and presentation in partnership with Gear West and the Loppet. Bring your dryland poles and explore the trails of the 2024 World Cup races, then cool down with a Q&A session and chat about learning to ski in Minnesota, racing the World Cup, winning the Birkie four times, and everything in-between.
Lumi Experiences: Sign Up Before Aug 31st to Save on 2024 Italy Ski Trips
August 22, 2023Through the end of the month Lumi Experiences is running a promotion on their 2024 Italy trips where you can save up to $200. If you've ever wanted to ski the famous Marcialonga Ski Marathon or see the stunning Seiser Alm plateau, now is the perfect time to consider signing up for one or both of the trips.
CXC John Hugus Community Leadership Award: Siiri Morse
August 8, 2023The 2023 John Hugus Leadership Award winner is Siiri Morse from the Duluth skiing community. Morse has served on the DXC board, led the fundraising, trail maintenance, and grooming for Spirit Mountain Nordic Center, run the North XC and Nordic North Stars programs and organize major events at Grand Avenue Nordic Center.
CXC Announces Coaching Excellent Award: Deno Johnson
July 30, 2023Each year CXC recognizes one of its great coaches with the Igor Badamshin Coaching Excellence Award. This year’s recipient of the Igor Badamshin Coach of the Year Award goes to Deno Johnson, who has as the head coach of NordicWerks SkiKlubb and a long-time member of the Midwest Junior National coaching staff.
NNF: Central REG Camp Recap
July 20, 2023Central Regional Elite Group camp wrapped up last week in Cable, taking in the trails and roads of the Northwoods. Check out the full recap, including photos and videos.
BSF x Nordic Team Solutions Summer Nordic Clinics, Aug 26th
July 19, 2023
Coming to the Twin Cities from Bozeman, MT, join Andy Newell and a group BSF Pro Team athletes for a day of clinics for Junior and Master skiers alike at Theodore Wirth Park. Starting in the morning, the first of the three clinics will focus on speed for junior skiers, while the later two clinics will focus on dryland and skate rollerski technique for master skiers. Space is limited, so beat the rush and sign up soon.
NNF Online Auction Underway
July 9, 2023National Nordic Foundation's Online Auction kicks off Monday, July 10th, with dozens of great items! All proceeds from NNF's summer auction go directly towards supporting their pillar projects for next winter.
CXC: Wayne Fish Volunteer of the Year Award Announced
July 6, 2023Tom Ajax has been honored with the Wayne Fish Volunteer of the Year Award this year. Ajax has been serving as the volunteer Chief of Operations - Infrastructure for the Loppet Foundation race organizing committees for the past 10 years
CXC Drawing in Final Stretch
July 6, 2023CXC Annual Fundraising drawing is in the final week with the drawing being held July 17th. This year features Trek bikes with the winner able to choose from high-end road, mountain, gravel or fat bike! Only 250 tickets will be available for the drawing and less than 51 are left, so act quickly! The fundraiser supports the CXC Adaptive Program, which aims to produce and distribute adaptive sit-ski equipment to assist people with disabilities in learning and experiencing cross-country skiing.
Finn Sisu: Free Rollerski Clinic and Demo Wednesday, July 5th
June 30, 2023This coming Wednesday Craftsbury Green Racing Project athletes Michaela Keller-Miller and Margie Freed will be hosting a rollerski clinic and demo with Finn Sisu at Long Lake Regional Park. Ideal for intermediate to advanced high school or college skiers, the focus of the clinic will be on coordination and stability exercises, as well as refining technique, with a Q&A and raffle scheduled for afterward. If you're considering attending, don't forget to fill out a waiver and register in advance.
Endurance Adventures: Free Strength Clinic Monday, July 10th
June 28, 2023Coming up on July 10th Endurance Adventures will be hosting a free strength and balance clinic for master skiers. Join owner Kim Rudd and Olympian Brian Gregg for an evening of strength, plyometric, and balance exercises, and stick around afterward for drinks, appetizers, and a presentation on some of the upcoming trips to SilverStar, the Methow Valley, and Anchorage.
Hoigaard's Paddle Derby Returns June 1st
May 30, 2023Returning from a three-year hiatus, this summer's Hoigaard's Paddle Derby kicks off on Thursday at Thomas Beach on Bde Mak Ska. Running through August 3rd, the weekly race series will have plenty of options available for paddlers of all abilities to get out and enjoy the Chain of Lakes.
Gear West: Registration Open for Summer Rollerski Clinics
May 25, 2023For those looking to learn the basics of rollerski maintenance, safety, and technique along with ski technique drills and discussion, Gear West is hosting a series of summer rollerski clinics bimonthly through the month of June. The clinics are free to attend and are run out of the Gear West parking lot, with demos available for reservation as well.
CXC Drawing Underway
May 13, 2023CXC Annual Fundraising drawing is underway, this year featuring Trek bikes: the winner can choose from high-end road, mountain, gravel or fat bike! Only 250 tickets will be available for the drawing, so act quickly! The fundraiser supports the CXC Adaptive Program, which aims to produce and distribute adaptive sit-ski equipment to assist people with disabilities in learning and experiencing cross-country skiing.
Endurance United Summer Junior Training Starts June 12th
May 8, 2023We're just a few short weeks out from the start of Endurance United's summer junior training which kicks off on June 12th. Running through early August, there are three different training options to choose from, ranging from 3 sessions a week to 5 sessions a week.
Registration Open for Rice Creek Boat Club Summer Programs
May 4, 2023With the waters warming throughout the Twin Cities, registration is now open for Rice Creek Boat Club's summer training programs. An excellent cross-training option for nordic skiing, this year's programs include several new and returning options.