Winter is in full swing. The busiest weekend on the NENSA calendar is coming right up! Whether you’re up for a guided tour, want to try Paintball Biathlon or some great low key racing opportunities nearby – there’s an option for you. These are wonderful events that you don’t want to miss! Click on the blue links below for more details.
MNC Skiathlon
The Mansfield Nordic Club is hosting their annual Skiathlon – where skiers switch from classic to freestyle skis mid-race. Included in the day’s event offerings and Back by Popular Demand: “What the Heck, I’ll Try It” 5km Freestyle (your choice of technique) as well as a slew of Bill Koch youth races. This race is part of the NENSA Zak Cup and Club Cup Series.
Moonlight Ski & Snowshoe
Carter’s XC Ski center is hosting a Moonlit guided tour. Learn about the history of the area, observe native plants and animal tracks, and discover more information about nordic skiing, outdoor recreation and more. After the guided tour there will a bonfire and snacks at various rates provided by a local chef. This is part of NENSA’s 2023-24 Community Tours & Events. If you are coming to Bethel for the Flying Moose, this a great way to loosen up after a long drive and share some great entertainment the evening before.
Flying Moose
This year marks the 33rd annual edition of the Flying Moose Classic. This fun and exciting event starts at the Bethel Inn Resort and takes you through the rolling hills and forest lands of the Bethel Inn and Inland Woods + Trail’s in Bethel, Maine, providing you with a wonderful scenic adventure. Skiers can select from either the 12.5KM or 25KM course, also a 3km Sit-Ski & Middle School race and 1KM kids race that will take them over fun little obstacles and zig-zag pathways. Awards and cookies to follow at ~12:30 p.m. with a special after party event at Carter’s XC Ski Center (12:00-5:00 p.m.). This race is part of the Part of the NENSA Marathon Series and scored to NENSA Zak Cup and Club Cup.
Dublin Winterfest: Ski Your Heart Out
Dublin School’s winter carnival, called Winterfest, celebrates the middle of winter with a weekend of outdoor games and competitions. This year, we are adding a NENSA Popular ski race to the calendar for the first time. All ages and abilities welcome. Race and play in the woods on our rolling Morton Trails-designed ski trails. To celebrate Winterfest and Valentine’s Day, we will host a 10km freestyle open race and 2.5km BKL race. Get ready to race your heart out! This race is part of the NENSA Zak Cup and Club Cup Series.
Gunstock Paintball Biathlon
The Gunstock Nordic Association is hosting their annual Valentine’s Paintball Biathlon race this weekend. This event is a big hit with skiers young and young at heart. If you’ve ever want to try biathlon, it’s a great way to get started. This event is part of NENSA’s Community Tours and Event Series. Check out the video from 2022 to get a sense for how it works.
Tour de Greensboro
The Tour de Greensboro is a non-competitive classic style ski tour event located in the beautiful town of Greensboro Vermont. The course is a 25 km single loop starting and ending at the Highland Lodge with a 15 km cutoff for those who prefer not to ski the entire distance. Participants will experience some of the best classic skiing in New England with spectacular views along the course incorporating the Greensboro Trail System and private trails that are graciously opened to the public only during this event. Registration has reopened with about 10 spots available – secure your today, they will go fast!