New Gloucester, ME – September 19, 2022

New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA) in partnership with the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) and New York Ski Education Foundation (NYSEF), will host a trifecta of Nordic events open to the public from September 24-25 at venues around the Lake Placid Olympic region.

On Saturday, the weekend kicks off with Mt Van Hoevenberg’s Keys To The Castle. Athletes will battle for a spot on the podium to earn the “Keys To The Castle” by roller skiing the World Cup trails at Mt Van Hoevenberg in an epic race of endurance and speed. After a highly competitive Sprint competition last year — this year the event will be more inclusive with a Court style format — meaning all competitors get to ski in the rounds!

CALLING ALL YOUTH SKIERS! On Saturday, a fun ‘youth’ agility course with ramps and agility features will be set around the lower rollerski loop at MVH. NENSA and NYSEF coaches will be on hand to help new skiers gain confidence on rollerskis from 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm. Registration is free — bring your own boots and helmet if you have them, with the option to get outfitted with equipment when you arrive! Find the NYSEF registration tent at the event for more info.

As if that’s not enough, afterward, take to the range with the intense precision of rifle marksmanship in a Biathlon Super Sprint.

On Sunday, race to Whiteface Mountain’s summit during the NYSEF Climb to the Castle race. Join one of the most anticipated Nordic events of the fall and see if you have what it takes to conquer the castle at Whiteface Mountain’s summit. Ascend 13km of the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway in Wilmington on rollerskis. The 8% grade provides a challenging climb, but the views are incredible!

Come out and conquer the Castle Long Course, or try the new SHORT COURSE option! Waves start at 8 am.

A big thank you to our NENSA associate sponsors – Salomon, LL Bean, Swix, and Fischer – for their dedicated and ongoing support of NENSA. We are also grateful to Enjoy Winter and Swenor Rollerskis for supplying us with an awesome fleet of rollerskis and Cabot Cheese for providing #theworldsbestcheddar for our Open, Junior, and Masters podiums!

The NENSA Team

#CASTLECONQUEST #CLIMBTOTHECASTLE #KEYSTOTHECASTLE