Justin Beckwith

The student led Race for Snow illustrates the resiliency of the community of skiers that live on the Atlantic Ocean in Boston, Massachusetts.  It also portends the danger that climate change brings to our sport as we sit in the third season of La Nina.  Despite the ominous tones, the Race for Snow and the Eastern Mass Cross Country club have created a setting for snow sport to thrive in one of the most unlikely places.  The numbers, determination and skillful leadership of EMXC continue to produce and support exceptional skiers and human beings — they exemplify the mission that, “empowers lifelong learning, development and community-building through the sport of cross country skiing.”

 

Like many popular races that include all aged-skiers, the Race for Snow began with the Lollipoppers — some completely adept on theirs skis — and some perhaps having their first skinny ski experience.  Their short out and back loop included two small climbs, but never left the line of sight of spectators.  If you’ve never experienced a Bill Koch event, or it’s been a while since you have, stay up to date on the NENSA Calendar and warm your heart by attending one this winter!

Seven years ago, Tyler Lee, a then CSU skier, now Dartmouth ski team alum and Ford Sayre coach, had the vision to create the Race for Snow.  He saw it as a way to motivate his community to support their passion of skiing and climate advocacy at the same time.  Proceeds from the race have always been donated to 350.org or POW (Protect Our Winters).  Lee is inspired by the legacy of the event, and stoked to see, “each generation of CSU (EMXC) skiers taking it on.”  From rabid volunteerism, to animated pajama costumes, each generation of skiers has boosted the impact of the original mission.  In the past few years, the 2023 Race for Snow now includes an online auction — which is open until the 29th and typically raises more money than registrations.

Back to the Race.  During the third event of the evening a quick — a “hisp” happened — it was the first, of eight snow guns to be fired up  on the night.  While a concern of the student-led-organizing-committee — veteran DNC employees held their own course — “we have to make snow when we can.”  Indeed, Weston was one of the first to employ artificial snow to make winter happen in the 80’s.  And so even on on 500 meter loop, in Boston, you can enjoy seasonal snow changes in a single session.  Perfect.

Despite the precipitous snowfall hitting most of the Northeast, Boston continues to flirt with frozen vs. liquid precipitation over the ten-day forecast.  NENSA sends the biggest kudos to EMXC and the DNCR.

 

If you are interested in making an additional donation to support 350 Mass and the Race for Snow, our donation page is here: https://donate.protectourwinters.org/RaceForSnow2023. Many thanks!

Race for Snow Website

RESULTS
NENSA IG Video

 On Sunday, 98 skiers from Pre-K to eighth grade traveled from throughout Vermont to attend the Mad River Scramble, a cross country ski race at the Blueberry Lake Cross Country Ski Center.  Fifteen clubs were represented in an event that embodied the fun spirit of the Bill Koch Ski League (BKL) and fell fortuitously just after a beautiful snowfall.  The event was organized by Mad River Nordic with the support of the Green Mountain Valley School nordic team and inspired grooming by George Robinson and Jason Fowler.  

  Although there were smiles on over 300 faces throughout the day, George perhaps had the biggest, as he reflected on how happy his father, Leonard would have been to, “see all the kids skiing.”  Not only was there soft and fast snow – having hardly a wisp of wind made the open field start/finish area ideal for spectating.  Lollipop racers through fourth grade stayed within sight of the spectators in a three-fingered loop, many parents were zig-zagging between the trails cheering and supporting their skiers around the cour.  

  The 5/6 and 7/8 grade races ventured out on loops 2 and 3, where they were greeted by undulating terrain and some sporty bridge crossings.  Although the Bill Koch philosophy is based on having fun on skis, Vermont is arguably the home of the strongest development program in the United States.  While the Scramble was an inclusive event that included several first-time skiers – a high level of skill and ability to glide on skinny skis was on full display.

  Skiers started in waves by school year, between Cabot Cheese start blocks and finished between two Swix flags.  Several clubs brought tents and lawn furniture and two fire pits allowed for warming hands and roasting marshmallows.  Awards consisted of ribbons for the top-ten in each category and bags that included homemade chocolate cookies and M&M’s.  The Lollipop skiers (Pre-K/kindergarten) of course received lollipops as they crossed the line.

  Full results are available on the New England Nordic Ski Association website under the results tab.  Twenty-one Valley kids who are a part of Mad River BKL took part in the Scramble, many after a morning skiing the slopes of Mad River Glen and Sugarbush.  A Valley kid can ski it all and it was so nice to share our terrain with many skiers who had never visited the Blueberry Lake trails.

We keep using the word miracle to describe many of the events we are having despite a challenging start to winter for the East Coast.  Perhaps what stood out the most about the 2023 Bogburn was a robust, indoor awards in the Rikert Outdoor Center’s Barn.  Over one hundred BKL skiers and their families gathered in a way we haven’t seen in quite some time — to honor both participation and outstanding performances — with a rustic podium background humbly displaying Olympic bibs from past Middlebury skiers.

The Bogburn is a beloved event and the life’s work of Bob Haydock — however this year, and perhaps into the future, Rikert jumped at the offer to host as there was no considerable snow in Pomfret.  Rikert’s new manager did some research and helped retain the character of a simple track passing through the woods.  Despite the stark difference of racing on manmade snow — the course had beautiful undulations and several opportunities for two-way traffic.  The balance of new and old school was struck perfectly.

As many know, the day is designed to accommodate skiers of all ages, starting with BKL skiers: 1-4, 5-6 and then 7-8.  After the “big” kids went, it was Lollipop time!  Despite no registration or expectations, quite a festive clump of children amassed at the start area like clockwork — and many of the parents shared proud smiles as they acknowledged the experience of raising the next generation on trails that they used to compete and train on themselves.  Haydock then took his bullhorn into the barn to acknowledge every skier, including medals for the top three in each age group and a coveted Skida hat for the winners.

Like any good event the show kept rolling outside with juniors and masters out trying the track and their first true klister race of the year.  At 12:30pm the action kicked up with over a hundred skiers tackling four laps of a demanding, yet playful two kilometer loop.  Athletes were seeded as so the fastest skiers could clear the track before the majority of the masters field was on course.  Savvy skiers erred on the side of kick versus glide, allowing for effortless climbing with good grip — it also provided a unique and sometimes humorous experience for much of the field as they navigated a tight 180 degree turn at the lap lane.

A huge thanks to the Haydock Family and the staff of Rikert for pulling together an outstanding event and having the vision to carry this New England gem into the future.

Historic Bogburn  Winners:

Jamie Doucett Photos
Bogburn Page

NENSA is pleased to announce our staff for the 2023 Junior Nationals.

Justin Beckwith will humbly serve as this year’s Trip Leader, joined by veteran Junior National Head Coach, Matt Boobar of the Stratton Mountain School.

Age Group Coaches:

Erin Waters – U16 Female – Concord High School
  Erin grew up skiing for Concord High School and then skied for St.Lawrence University. After graduation she returned home and dove into coaching, as assistant coach for 2 years and now heading into her second year as head coach. 
  In addition to public High School coaching, Waters, has been active in summer club camps and served in leadership roles at Eastern High School, U16 and Eastern Cup races.

Steve Bruner – U16 Male – Stratton Nordic Center
  Steve is originally a Minnesota high school racer,  former Amherst (MA) High School coach, and the current manager of the Stratton Nordic Center.  Both of his children are competitive skiers at the Stratton Mountain School, where Steve has served as an assistant coach/wax tech/tester, along with being a staple of SMS Summer Camps for the past two summers.
  Steve also jumped in to assist the New England Team at last winter’s Junior Nationals in Minneapolis when our staff was shorthanded.

Audrey Mangan – U18 Female – Craftsbury Ski Club
  Audrey competed in three Junior Nationals as a junior for the Mid-Atlantic division, including a podium performance.  She has been coaching junior and collegiate athletes for almost 10 years in New England.  “This sport has given me so much and it has been an inspiration to remain involved with developing the next generation of skiers, and in some cases, future coaches!”  In the last 6 years with Craftsbury, Audrey’s coaching responsibilities have included, “coaching brand-new BKLers, JN’s-bound juniors, new high school skiers, and wax teching for the GRP depending on the day.”
  Mangan has been a part of three Junior National staffs, U16 and EHS Championships, and been a valuable member of REG and many other camp projects.

Evan Kendall – U18 Male – Dublin School/DXC
  Evan has been a part of two recent New England staffs. He learned to ski “halfway through high school,” raced in Eastern High School Championships, Junior Nationals, and then skied for St. Olaf College.  He has led wax efforts at the High School and Eastern Cup level and assisted teching at Junior and Senior Nationals.
  Kendall brings a “can do” attitude that stems from leadership in education, coaching and outdoor adventures.

George Forbes – U20 Female – Stratton Mountain School
  George has coached at the Stratton Mountain School for five years and was a part of the wax team at the 2020 Junior Nationals in Truckee.  He is known for his energy, positivity, enthusiastic cheering, and his self proclaimed, “love for picking fast skis.”
  Aside from his leadership skills, Forbes is an accomplished photographer.

Will Solow – U20 Male – Ford Sayre
  Will raced with the Mansfield Nordic Club for four years in high school before taking a gap year to race for SVSEF where he first qualified for Junior Nationals for the Intermountain division.  Heading back East for college, he qualified for the New England JN team in Kincaid, AK where he had 4 All-American finishes including a podium in the sprint and in the relay. He also received the prestigious David Quinn Award.
  During his time at Colby College, he was a co-captain of the men’s team for 3 years, culminating with two-top-thirty results at NCAA’s in 2021 his junior year.  During his senior year he had mono and bridged into a support role for the Mules, that passion has continued with the Ford Sayre program as a junior coach and wax technician.

Service:
Colin Rodgers – Head Kick – Green Mountain Valley School
  Colin has been a valuable part of the New England Team for the past six years.  His depth of knowledge spans from growing up under the tutelage of his father, Dale, who is an inspired coach and venue manager — to National Championships as an athlete and coach, World Cup starts and an organizer of projects of all aspects.
  Rodgers loves kick wax as much as anybody and his fitness and energy will naturally lead the service staff.

Jacob Volz – Kick – Gould Academy
  Jacob grew up in Alaska and skied for Team AK in three Junior Nationals.  That led him to Middlebury College where he competed for four years.  After graduation, he coached for summers in Williamstown for the Berkshire Nordic Club, and started teaching and coaching at Gould.  Now into his third year at Gould, he’s in —  “pretty good shape, and am capable of doing many laps testing skis. I have a decent feel for ski speed, and particularly enjoy testing and applying classic wax. I have spent a good portion of my life skiing on hard wax in Alaska, and have a good sense for it. I have also spent a decent amount of time racing at Birch Hill and have a good knowledge of the trail system. I am used to working long days and getting up early to test and/or wax skis has never been a problem for me. I am also very enthusiastic about ski racing.”
#perfect

Jefferson Tucker  – Head Glide – Quarry Road Ski Club
 Jeff grew up ski racing in Vermont, where he achieved success in High School and junior racing, under the tutelage of the Woodstock Ski Runners.  He was a New England JN athlete in 2012, a Colby Mule, and then started his coaching career with: Colby College, Harvard, Craftsbury Nordic Ski Club, Nordic Ski Club Fairbanks, “and now I’m the coach of Quarry Road Ski Club. — I love testing skis and working long days on the bench, so I signed up to be part of the wax/tech team.”
  Tucker was a part of Team AK last year and offers his expertise on, “(navigating the area and ski trails, dealing with the cold, avoiding moose, etc.)”

Cate Brams – Glide – EMXC
 Cate didn’t fill out the form, but she is an invaluable member of our Team.  She helped orchestrate the Team.

Sara Nicole Falconer – Glide – Mansfield Nordic Club
  Sara has coached for Mansfield Nordic Club for eight years and been a part of three New England coaching staffs.  With Mansfield and the SkiRack she has worked with all levels of skier — with extensive experience in ski service and athlete support.
  Falconer is a physical therapy student.

Annika Martell – Glide – Williams College
  Annika competed in Minnesota and then went off to ski at Colby College.  “After my time there, I started coaching with US Biathlon, then moved to Hanover NH where I coached at Ford Sayre and now I’m coaching at Williams College where, during my summers, I’ve spent some time working with the Berkshire Nordic Ski Club! I recently traveled to Norway and Switzerland as a Trail to Gold Fellow with the US Ski Team.  I’ll bring some expertise from both the coaching and the wax tech side, both from my experience as the T2G Fellow, but also as a college coach we have to do both coach and wax tech on race weekends. I’m so excited about skiing and love giving back to the community as well – pass on the knowledge!”

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The New England Team will stay and eat at the Wedgewood Resort, and utilize the Organizing Committees shuttle service for the majority of our transportation.  As a reminder we also have a hold on tickets for athletes and staff from Boston to Fairbanks with one stop in Seattle for $1065 (auto qualifiers from Senior Nationals should contact [email protected] directly to discuss intentions and travel arrangements).

You can read further information about NE Junior National qualification and team composition HERE.

Eastern Cup Update:
NENSA, the Chisholm Ski Club and Bates College are excited to host the next Eastern Cup at Black Mountain.

Final Snow Control will occur on 1/6/23 — with updates to the VTCM.

Please note: if there is any confusion, all fluorinated wax products are not allowed in NENSA events.  Kick Wax Included.

Triple La Niña Popular Racing Update

Is we wring out the year we have so much to be thankful for, from thriving Bill Koch clubs, to competitive junior racing, coaches, parents, masters and new skiers.  We all share the love of gliding on snow, and perhaps we need cherish that just a little bit more each time we experience a winterscape like we did in Lake Placid a few short weeks ago.  NENSA is especially grateful for the venues that lose sleep and put in the tremendous work it takes to maintain skiing in much of our new winters.  One thing is for sure, we’ll do our best to support our community getting out on snow.

Please read on for updates on our next few events — we will have updates on the Chisolm Ski Club Eastern Cup
& Bates Carnival this coming week too.

The Jackson Jaunt has been moved to Jan. 8.   REGISTRATION
NOTE: Possible later start time to be determined Wednesday. Intended Course: Wave Trail. Parking is in the Village so you will need to warm up by skiing to the start via the Yodel. Rolling start times, so you can warm up and start without having to wait. Puzzle Prizes. Top Masters in each age group awarded.

The Bogburn has every intention to be hosted, with a backup site on January 7th – stay posted to Bogburn Facebook page and the SkiReg site for details on Tuesday.  REGISTRATION

The Gunstock Freestyle — Zak Cup, is postponed until a later date this winter. Stay tuned!  REGISTRATION

The Lake Placid Loppet is BACK – February 26th. This storied event is a part of Club, Zak and Marathon Scoring.  EVENT SITE

As always stay posted to the NENSA Calendar, our social channels and the event registration pages for the latest info.

#stridingintothefuture #bettertogether #community

Sanctioned races in the East started, thankfully, without-a-bang in Lake Placid, last weekend.  There have been so many recent positive changes in US cross country skiing — extensive club development, associated international success, elimination of fluorocarbons, and for the first time officially in Eastern events #equaldistance.  However, the reality of climate change continues to play out, with the longstanding forecast of the East being, “warmer and wetter.”  All these factors set the stage for The Miracle on Snow.

While originally slated to be hosted at the Rikert Outdoor Center in Central Vermont, one week before the competition, the Jury and the venues of Rikert and Mt Van Hoevenberg made a nimble and collaborative decision to move the first Eastern Cup to Lake Placid.  The decision was based on snowmaking windows and highlighted by the fact that there were less than eight kilometers of skiing on the entire East Coast at the time.  There was no insight into the most beautiful snowstorm we have seen in the past few years.  The decision was made with the mantra that we are all in this together.

And how did Frost Mountain Nordic and Mt Van Hoevenberg shine, coming together to create a spectacular weekend of racing without a hitch.  Well, there was a hitch — that was luckily overcome by the candor of an exceptional organizing committee.  Before the dawn on Saturday there was an extensive propane leak at Mt Van Hoevenberg that halted not only our event, but also a World Cup Bobsled and Skeleton competition.  The strength of our community could not have been illustrated more clearly — while there was concern and questions — there was never more than a flicker of doubt the events would go off.

Although delayed, on Saturday at 1pm, the classic interval races got underway on perhaps the most demanding course in the United States. In two hours and forty-three minutes, 356 competitors left the starting gate on a course that was expertly prepared despite nearly two feet of recent snowfall.  The pictures tell a tale of yesteryear, with the gray-snow-filled skies hovering over the Adirondacks.  Despite tricky waxing conditions, the field, supported by skilled and collaborative ski service, displayed a dazzling depth of skill and love of sport.

Sunday dawned a new day, with midwinter temperatures and a fast firm surface.  The format for the weekend was a pursuit — with a 5km drag race schedule for all four competitions.  Racers were aligned in four lanes with digital readouts of start times to hunt the competitors who had bested them in the classical event.  While ranking points, both U.S. Ski & Snowboard and NENSA Junior Ranking List, will be assigned by time of day — the added excitement of a pursuit start with skiers flying out of the Cabot Lanes was made for TV.

On Sunday we witnessed exceptional efforts by all competitors, however the future and the foundations of our community were highlighted.  In the Open Men’s Race, Tabor Greenberg, a GMVS skier, and first year U18 was able to defend his Saturday lead for the Overall Men’s victory. In the Open Women’s event Alexandra Lawson, a professional from the Green Racing Project was handily the class of the field.  The Open Flower Ceremony also highlighted two pillars of our community and a rising force in club and collegiate skiing: Rosemary Shea-Cobb was awarded the Bill Koch Leadership Award, John Ogden with the John Caldwell Award and Paul Smith’s College with the NENSA Rollerski College Cup.

Never before has it been more apparent that we are community that loves sliding over snow.  With tremendous gratitude to Frost Mountain Nordic, Mt Van Hoevenberg, Rikert Outdoor Center and the countless volunteers who supported this event, we wish you a Merry Christmas and look forward to Skiing you in a New Year!

Saturday Classic Races:

Open Men:
1. Tabor Greenberg – GMVS
2. Finn Sweet – UVM
3. Zachary Nemeth – Colby

Open Women:
1. Alexandra Lawson – Green Racing Project
2. Jasmine Lyons – UNH
3. Ava Thurston – Dartmouth

U16 Boys:
1. David Northcott – Caldwell Sport
2. Henri McCourt – Mt. Blue High School
3. Lucas Barstow – Gould

U16 Girls:
1. Amelia Circosta – Craftsbury
2. Ava Schneider – GMVS
3. Annelis Hanna – Ford Sayre

U18 Boys:
1. Finegan Bailey – SMS
2. Luke Rizio – Prospect
3. Aidan Jacobu – GMVS

U18 Girls:
1. Virginia Cobb – Mansfield/EABC
2. Maddie Hooker – Stratton
3. Julia Thurston – Mansfield

U20 Men:
1. Jack Lange – Dartmouth
2. Aidan Burt – UVM
3. Nathan Maybach – UNH

U20 Women:
1. Quincy Massey-Bierman – Middlebury
2. Hattie Barker – UNH
3. Sofia Scirica – EMXC

Sunday Freestyle Pursuit:

Overall Pursuit Men:
1. Tabor Greenberg – GMVS
2. Finn Sweet – UVM
3. Seve Decampo – Snow Australia

Open Men Time of Day:
1.  Finn Sweet – UVM
2. Finegan Bailey – Stratton
3. Jack Christner – Middlebury

U18 Boys Time of Day:
1. Tabor Greenberg – GMVS
2. Luke Rizio – Prospect
3. Micah Bruner – Stratton

U20 Boys Time of Day:
1. Sam Galludet – EMXC
2. Parke Chapin – GMVS
3. Nathan Maybach – UNH

U16 Boys Pursuit:
1. David Northcott – Caldwell Sport
2. Henri McCourt – Mt. Blue High School
3. Lucas Barstow – Gould

U16 Boys Time of Day:
1. David Northcott – Caldwell Sport
2. James Crowley – Gould
3. Charlie Kehler – Craftsbury

Overall Pursuit Women:
1. Alexandra Lawson – Green Racing Project
2. Ava Thurston – Dartmouth
3. Michaela Keller-Miller – Green Racing Project

Open Women Time of Day:
1. Alexandra Lawson – Green Racing Project
2. Ava Thurston – Dartmouth
3. Michaela Keller-Miller – Green Racing Project

U18 Girls Time of Day:
1. Maddie Hooker – Stratton
2. Beth McIntosh – GMVS
3. Gillian Fairfax – Mansfield

U20 Girls Time of Day:
1. Hattie Barker – UNH
2. Evelyn Walton – EMXC
3. Sophia Scirica – EMXC

U16 Girls Pursuit:
1. Amelia Circosta – Craftsbury
2. Annelis Hanna – Ford Sayre
3. Cate Carlson – Mansfield

U16 Girls Time of Day:
1. Amelia Circosta – Craftsbury
2. Mary Harrington – GMVS
3. Annelis Hanna – Ford Sayre

Full Results
JRL

NENSA Socials

NENSA is proud to present the 2022-2023 Eastern Cup Series, a set of eight U.S. Ski & Snowboard sanctioned  competitions.  Each year, venues bid and are elected to host these prestigious events, balancing regional locations and collaboration with collegiate and SuperTour competitions.  We are extremely fortunate in the East to have many robust venues with incredible physical and human infrastructure.  Eastern Cups are open to all U.S. Ski & Snowboard and NENSA members (NENSA 1-Day memberships are available on all registrations.  Athletes under 20 years of age are scored to the Junior Ranking List (JRL), which is the basis for qualification for the New England Junior National Team.

Each year NENSA committees review our competition guidelines — athletes, coaches and parents should be familiar with the Race Rules document.

This year features some major changes, the most notable that all events feature equal distance for male and female competitors.  All NENSA races remain fluoro-free, and testing could occur at any event.

NENSA is also introducing two new TEAM Oriented Competitions this year for all to be involved in! Whether you are a junior racer new to the Eastern Cup, or come from one of the more established clubs in the East there is something for everyone to get on board with:
1) Club Cup – Season Long Club Points Tally
2) Eastern Cup Club Score – For Juniors for each Eastern Cup Competition

We are poised for a successful season, starting in just over three weeks, with many areas already seeing natural snow — and temperatures that have allowed venues to get a strong start snowmaking.  Eastern Cup’s are built to be spectator friendly events, with inspired action and a festival atmosphere — we so look forward to seeing the Eastern skiing community soon!

The first stop on the tour is the Rikert Nordic Grand Prix – Eastern Cup Opener on December 17th & 18th in Ripton, Vermont. The Rikert Outdoor Center is a storied race venue with iconic mountain views and winding wooded trails.  The historic Bread Loaf Inn is available for housing for the first time, offering trailside lodging with meal package options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  You can find out more about these options on the registration page under Merchandise Options — book early as these rooms will likely fill quickly and all reservations must be made by December 6th.

Rikert Nordic Grand Prix Registration Page

On January 14th & 15th, we travel to Black Mountain of Maine for the Chisholm Ski Club Eastern Cup and Bates Carnival in Rumford.  This unique event overlaps with an EISA Carnival this season on Saturday — which will likely be one of the largest and most competitive races in the East this winter.  Registration will open shortly.

After several years of hosting the Opener, the Roy Varney Memorial Quarry Road Eastern Cup will be hosted on February 4th & 5th in Waterville, Maine.  Quarry Road Trails puts on a beautiful event and continually invests in the Quarry Road Recreation Area, which is owned and operated by the City of Waterville Department of Parks & Recreation.  Registration will open shortly.

For the second year we will conclude the Eastern Cup season with the Dublin Double Eastern Cup,
February 18th & 19th in Dublin, New Hampshire.  The Dublin Nordic Center and its undulating trail network provide a fantastic weekend of fast paced racing, with the collaboration of the Dublin School and the Dublin XC Club.  Of note the New England Team is named at the conclusion of the races Sunday. Registration will open shortly.

NENSA also promotes and supports a diverse set of Popular Races.

 

We’ve been extremely fortunate with the weather for Mt. Greylock Hill Climb rollerski race for two years in a row.  The event is possible because of the partnership of Massachusetts Department Conservation and Recreation and the volunteers of the Berkshire Nordic Club.  The Climb ascends eight miles to the highest point in the Bay State, winding through undulating terrain in boreal forest, making it an ideal venue for cross country skiers.  This year saw the largest participation to date and with 114 finishers it was our largest rollerski race of 2022.

Results
NENSA Event Video
Mt. Greylock Nordic Ski Team 360 Video

Greylock offers both long and short course options, with masters having the ability to choose between classic or freestyle skiing.  The short course is seven kilometers and skiers ages U14 through M10 took to the course at :30 second intervals from the Jone’s Nose gate.  The long course is twelve kilometers, starting at the Visitors Center, where skiers started in waves of five.  Mixed gender skiers were seeded by U.S. Ski & Snowboard points making for some fun and exciting starts with 90 skiers departing the base in ten minutes!  The top ten skiers of each gender used matched Swenor Alutech skis and over half the field was on the same brand and wheel speed.

 

How fitting to be introducing the 2022-2023 NENSA Popular Race Series on the first snow of the year!  There are 25 events on the calendar, which include 17 Zak Cups and seven marathons — all 25 events (and the eight Eastern Cup races) will be scored to season-long Club Cup standings.  Popular races are intended to be inclusive events, with options for all skiers from the most competitive to those who might be just exploring the sport.  NENSA is working with event organizers to make your experience the best it can be, from registration and promotion, to course prep, results and awards.  As we continue to emerge from a pandemic climate venues are encouraged to bring back some of the festive touches that make a race experience — including music, food and robust award ceremonies.

NENSA is pleased to announce that we will have more automated scoring of both Zak and Club Cup throughout the winter and that NENSA members will receive discounted entry at many of the events.  We hope individuals will consider renewing memberships early and that clubs will check in ([email protected]) and make sure their NENSA Club Membership is current.  Both of these steps insure that event timers and NENSA staff will have the best data possible, which allows us to provide the best product.

Zak Cup scoring is a way for senior and master skiers to have friendly rivalries across the race series, with both age group and overall classification.  At the end of the season, the top three competitors of each age group will receive a coveted NENSA mug.  In the winter of 2021 the scope of Club Cup scoring was expanded to include not only Popular Races, but also the four Eastern Cup weekends in an effort to reflect the broadest club participation across all competitive events.  Through the Masters and the Athletic Development Committee’s we have adopted a new point structure for this season — where the point base for any given category is 60 points for a win, then decreasing by 1 point per place.  Up to three skiers per category score points for their club.

All races will score the following age groups:
U16 ages 14-15, U18 ages 16-17, U20 ages 18-19
SR ages 20-29, M1 ages 30-34, M2 ages 35-39, M3 ages 40-44
M4 ages 45-49, M5 ages 50-54, M6 ages 55-59, M7 ages 60-64
M8 ages 65-69, M9 ages 70-74, M10 ages 75-79, M11 ages 80-84
M12 ages 85-89, M13 ages 90-94, M14 ages 95-99, M15 ages 100+

We also track participation across the Marathon Races with a Challenge for skiers to complete more than half of the events.  This year skiers who complete four or more of the seven marathons will receive a co-branded NENSA / LL Bean hat.  We are excited to to have a range of “marathon” distances, some that are 20+ km all the way up to 50km, with a balance of both classic and freestyle.

Recent cold temperatures have allowed venues to fire up snow guns across the region and we are only 18 days from the first race of the season, the Quarry Road Opener in Waterville, Maine.  That event will also be held in conjunction with our annual TD and Event Organizer Training — any event organizers are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Whether you are a seasoned veteran, a recreational skier or a junior looking for a local race there really is something for everyone on the calendar.  We look forward to a long winter, and the return of the Club Relay Championships & End-of-Season Celebration at Craftsbury on March 25th.  This event will be held at the end of Super Tour Finals where skiers from across North American will be present.  NENSA will recognize season-long Zak, and Club awards as well as other NENSA Awards at this joyous occasion.

Think snow and reach out to [email protected] with any questions.