FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MNSA
April 16, 2026
Minnesota Skiers Receive Awards at the 2026 Minnesota Nordic Ski Association Banquet
The Mora Vasaloppet Nordic Center was filled with skiers and ski fans on Sunday, April 12, at the Minnesota Nordic Ski Association’s annual Minnesota Nordic Skiing Achievement Awards Banquet.
Following a social hour with refreshments, Chris Hecker inspired the group with the story of his cross country skiing journey from the Minnesota Youth Ski League to the US Ski Team, where Chris has been working for the past six years as a wax technician on the most successful US Cross Country Ski Team season in history.
The 2026 Minnesota Nordic Skiing Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Amy Cichanowski and Arne Stefferud. Amy and Arne have made significant impacts on the Minnesota ski community, not only in the Twin Cities but across the state. Amy has led the Minnesota Youth Ski League through explosive growth in the past twenty years, developing thousands lifetime skiers and racers. Arne has represented Nordic skiing interests in Federal grant administration for many years, along with leadership positions in the influential North Star Ski Touring Club.
Irina Viskavatykh of Minneapolis and Paavo Rova of Duluth were recognized with the Biathlon High Achievement awards. These rapidly developing young biathletes are showing great promise and love of the sport.
A new award category, Minnesota Visually Impaired (VIP) Skier, was awarded this year to recognize the courage and commitment of VIP skiers. Charlotte Czarnecki and Brent Nesser of the Twin Cities received this inaugural award. Both have attended Ski for Light International Events and plan to continue their involvement in the VIP Nordic skiing community.
Master Skier award winners Liz Holliday of Duluth and Dave Christopherson of St. Paul have raced at a high level for many years, along with coaching others in their community.
The Minnesota Nordic Skiing Community Ski Organization Excellence Award went to the Itascatur Outdoor Activity Club. Brita Sailer accepted the award for the club, highlighting the 45-year history of growth and the expansion of outdoor recreational opportunities that the club has brought to the Park Rapids area.