New England Nordic Ski Association
The Home of Cross Country Skiing in New England
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Keys to the Castle
September 22, 2023 - September 23, 2023
The Mt Van Hoevenberg track provides a world class surface for rollerski sprint competition. Jessie Diggins leaves the gate in 2021.
REGISTRATION is OPEN
NENSA is excited to return to Mt Van Hoevenberg to partner with the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) for the third edition of the Keys to the Castle — an event that brings together Elite and Junior skiers to highlight the speed and excitement of modern rollerskiing!
Mt Van Hoevenberg’s Keys To The Castle race kicks off a full weekend of events on Saturday with a sprint competition. The event is staged in a Court format, meaning that all competitors continue to ski through the rounds. After the event there will be opportunity for youth to play on the course, experience fun agility components and receive instruction as well as a US Biathlon Try-It Laser Biathlon.
On Sunday, the New York Ski Education Foundation (NYSEF) Climb to the Castle race ascends the 8% grade of the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway. This will be the 16th edition of the historic Climb to the Castle race. The event was created by Margaret Maher who was at the time the Head Nordic Coach at NYSEF. Over the years juniors, masters and national team skiers from all Nordic sports have challenged this iconic roadway that climbs nearly 2800 feet in just under five miles.
Come enjoy the competition for yourself OR the experience of cheering on and being inspired by some amazing athletes competing in one of the most beautiful backdrops of mountains and forest at the Lake Placid Legacy Sites.
Direct Link to Mt Van Hoevenberg (Including Course Map)
SCHEDULE Sep 23, 2023
- Saturday, Sept 23 | Keys To The Castle | Mt. Van Hoevenberg
- 8:00-9:30 – Event Registration Opens – 2nd Floor Race Office
- 8:30-3:30 – Café Open with Specials
- 9:00am – 9:50am – Loop open for warm up
- 9:00am – 9:50am – Loop open for warm up
- 10:00am – Sprint Qualifier
- 10:30am – 11:00am Court Format Round #1
- 11:00am – 11:30am Court Format Round #2
- 11:30am – 12:00pm Court Format Round #3
- 12:00 – 1:00 Banquet for Participants 2nd Floor Lodge
- 12:15pm – 1:15pm BKL Skills Zone
- 1:00pm – XC Awards
- 10:00am – 5:00pm – Mountain Coaster Open
- 11:00am –1:00pm USBA Try-It Laser Biathlon
- 10:30 – 1:15 Kids Open Bouldering
