The Quarry Road Eastern Cup Opener paints a realistic picture of what the races will look like for the majority of our 2021 season.  It’s a little quiet, safer than your local grocery, and a lot of fun!  Many thanks to Steve Fuller, Ian Tovell and Bill Harmeyer for creating this piece.  We will continue to document our major races and share the victories of every in-person event this season.  Read on to learn about NENSA’s December Challenge, Popular and Eastern Cup Racing opportunities.

Scheduling continues to be fluid as snowpack and regulations oscillate in the early winter.  With every event — big or small — we are gaining confidence and reaffirming that we have appropriate protocols in place to protect the health of both our NENSA family and communities we visit.  Virtual events or hybrid in-person / virtual events will continue to bring the community together and provide competitive opportunities regardless of the cards we are thrown.

December Club Cup Challenge

Last month we launched the December Club Kilometer Challenge #DCKC — 13 clubs mobilized and reported 60878.85 kilometers of skiing!!  Mansfield Nordic started a massive charge from the get go, leading the contest for most of the challenge, with consistent skiing, whether on snow or pavement.  Soon, Ford Sayre activated some 187 skiers to eclipse the Mansfield juggernaut and a back and forth battle ensued for the last week of the competition.  All this time the crafty and robust CSU / Eastern Mass Nordic squad was meticulously logging some serious K’s – backed up by fitness monitors.  It was the home based Christmas camp, typically held at Mount St. Anne, on the Weston patch, that led this team to the top of the Virtual Podium.  In all, 131 CSU / EMN skiers logged an average of 124 km / per skier over the four weeks.  Congrats to all our participants – you can see full DKCK results here – and updated A Hall Mark of Excellence (Club Cup) results here.  Our forever fashionable sponsor, SKIDA, has provided headbands for CSU/EMN, and they along with Ford Sayre and Mansfield Nordic scored valuable points toward the $9000 purse provided by Kathy and Marty Hall to spur Club Development.

We will continue to total kilometers skied throughout the season in Eastern, Zak and Club Cup racing.

Popular Racing 

Bogburn Virtual Edition:

It’s not too late to join Zak Cup stalwarts for the 2021 version of one of the most iconic races in New England.  The competition runs from January 3-9th and reminds us why we love skiing — sliding through the woods with two slippery planks.  As you plan your route don’t forget to keep the race motto of, “anyone who takes this race too seriously will be disqualified” and find some fun single track or off track skiing.  This is one of the first opportunities for all senior and master skiers to get some “points on the board.”  BKL entries have no cost.  Register on SkiReg and check the event Facebook site.

Ain’t Nothing But a Ski Race: 1/10

The newly branded Nonstop Nordic club in Maine is providing awesome opportunities for skiers of all ages and abilities to compete in the state of Maine.  Check out their website for more details. Ain’t Nothing But a Ski Race is the second of a seven event series.  Ain’t Nothing But a Ski Race will be held at Quarry Road Trails.  Bravo!  Prizes by Boulder Nordic East.

Celebrate Good Wax, Come on!: 1/16

Nonstop won’t stop.  The series visits Pineland Farms – the home of our NENSA offices – maybe our Operations Manager will take on his first ski race?

Freeman Frost – White Mountain Challenge: 1/23

Another staple race that is adapting to Covid times.  Jackson XC is excited to host an in-person 22km (marathon) event for those who can attend.  The organizing committee is also finalizing plans for a virtual component that will safely allow for One Day Club Championships continuity.  Overall Club Ranking will provide a “double score” to the A Hall Mark of Excellence (Club Cup).  The in-person event will have distances for M7+ and BKL skiers.

Gunstock Freestyle Zak Cup: 1/24

Gunstock has moved their event a week later to let Mother Nature (and some snowmaking love) give the best opportunity for an awesome race.  New Hampshire provides a unique opportunity for folks to get to an in-person event.  Registration is open.

I Wanna Ski with Somebody: 1/30

One more for good measure. Nonstop visits the Libby Hill Forest Trails in Gray, Maine.

Eastern Cup

The Rodrigues Cup – Vermont Cup #1: 1/16

Craftsbury is an invaluable partner and continues to do what ever it can to support the sport of cross country skiing.  Regulations have allowed for snow competitions to start in a restricted fashion for Vermont residents.  Please visit the event site for more details.  This race will replace the 1/2 event on the Junior Ranking List.  5/10/15k clasic interval start.  Again Bravo!

Prospect Mountain Vermont Cup #2: 1/23-24

NENSA is so excited to bring Eastern Cup to Prospect Mountain.  Race specifics will develop in the next week.
January 23: Classic sprint 1.2k
January 24: Classic interval 5k U16 / 10k men & women

Sugarloaf Eastern States Cup: 3/19-21

Due to current restrictions of intrastate competition in Maine, and the opportunity for a festive Championship Event in late winter, the Sugarloaf event has been moved into March.  Stay tuned for exciting updates of how many juniors might wrap their 2021 racing season.

All other Vermont and Eastern Cup events are set to move forward — stay tuned to NENSA updates.  The calendar will be updated here.

Bib and Chip

We’ve re-opened a third window for “Bib and Chips” as we are confident we will be able to host Eastern and State Cup events.  This window is open until January 31st — if you plan to race in these events please register or contact us.  Bullitt Timing will be reaching out to larger clubs for mailings or you might receive your bib/chip/schwag bag at the first event you attend.

Pending U.S. Ski & Snowboard Memberships

If you registered for a U.S. Ski & Snowboard membership this year please make sure you are marked as “Current.”  Those with “Pending” memberships will jeopardize their ability to participate in sanctioned events.

Thank you all — see you on the trails.

Click HERE to read and enjoy!  December racing updates |  NENSA’s 2020 Club of the Year Award | Year End Giving | Women’s Day postponed to 2/21/21 | BKL Youth BINGO in full swing | December Club Virtual KM Challenge reaches 10,000 km’s to date

As anticipated, our racing calendar is, and needs to remain fluid – increased COVID case numbers and health care stress throughout New England reinforces NENSA’s paramount focus to protect the health of our membership and the communities we reside in.

While there will be undeniable disappointment with some decisions, we can all take solace in the creative programming available for the next month and a half — find motivation in cooling temps, a start of a snow-base, and the addition of regional on-snow racing!  Cross country skiers are leaders – we must all be vigilant and do our part over the coming weeks “to abide” above our regional guidelines.  We’ve laid down some brilliant plans and protocols, including the New England Cross Country Promise – now is the time to stay focussed on adherence to exemplary behavior – which includes a reduction in our personal travels.  To steal a phrase from Killington Mountain, “Help us get Open, and stay Open.”  We’re all in this together.

Eastern Cup & States Cups:

NENSA is committed to holding all of our events to the highest health standards, and Maine is currently under guidance to host events without cross-state participation.  Quarry Road Trails and Sugarloaf will move forward with their scheduled races, December 20th (QR) and January 23-24th (Sugarloaf) — for residents of Maine only.  These races will be rebranded as “Maine Cups” and scored to the Junior Ranking List.  All registered out-of-state racers will be refunded entry fees in full.  Due to this limit on attendance, both Quarry Road and Sugarloaf might be able to offer more opportunity for open registrants and masters.  Registration for Sugarloaf will open in January.

In Vermont we will likely see limited shift in regulation until after the New Year.  NENSA is working with Craftsbury and Prospect Mountain (our listed January events) and will update the status of these races as guidance comes from the state — potential postponement dates are likely to be announced.

Our February events are still scheduled as planned and we will continue to monitor regional regulations and update the community.

Eastern Mass Nordic is in the beginning stages of developing “State Cup” racing in Massachusetts.

NENSA is committed to providing race experiences for our developing skiers and we will focus on “State Cup” events and scoring those races to the Junior Ranking List.  We are optimistic the end of the winter will allow for more opportunities and races similar to a typical Eastern Cup.  We thank you all for your continued resilience and point you towards local opportunities including Popular Racing.

Popular Racing – Zak Cup / Club Cup / A Hall Mark of Excellence:

The Popular Race calendar and Zak / Club Cup scoring pages for 2020-2021 have been updated.  While these events have typically been focussed on the masters population they now have added value to all levels of skiers in the pandemic climate — these scheduled races give “race start” opportunities and help promote the guidance of staying close to home.  Some events will be offered that are only Virtual, some will be duel (in-person / Virtual), and some might be forced to become Virtual.

The December Club KM Challenge is off to a strong start – with Mansfield Nordic already logging 2000km since the beginning of the month.  It’s not too late join in the fun and there is financial incentive this year to show the strength of your club with the – A Hall Mark of Excellence Award – offering $9000 of incentives for the three top Club Cup teams.

This weekend brings us the first Zak Cup race at the Quarry Road Trails – albeit limited to Maine residents.

Jackson XC is excited and planning to host the Jackson Jaunt on December 27th — this could be an excellent opportunity for juniors who were planning to attend the Quarry Road Eastern Cup.  As with all races – please register early – it is so important to the organizers to be able to plan and provide for safe events!

Bob Haydock has created an elaborate and well-vetted Virtual version of the iconic Bogburn Classic.  This race gives all of our masters and club participants an opportunity to compete and engage with their peers throughout the region and beyond.  Stay tuned – registration is slated to open on the 21st.

The Popular Race schedule has robust offerings into late January, February and March — you know we will keep you posted!  In the meantime — enjoy the building snowpack in your backyard, your local touring centers, and as you head out for organized events — be safe and have fun!!

As we bravely stride into 2021 we are fortunate for folks like Bob Haydock who are adapting to a Virtual world by creating competitive and fun-focused events.  The Bogburn motto has always been, “anyone who takes this race too seriously will be disqualified.”  In all, 86 participants from nine clubs took part in the event.  The event was scored to both the Zak Cup and the A Hall Mark of Excellence (Club Cup) standings.  Rankings here. Results here.  Keep reading below for a wonderful view into the mind’s eye of Damian Bolduc from NWVE about how he prepared and executed the 2021 Bogburn.

The Bogburn dates back to 1986 and has only been cancelled four times due to lack of snow.  As you can see from the above historical results there have been some impressive names on the leaderboard!  We look forward to next winter when we can hopefully travel to North Pomfret, Vermont and celebrate a set of tracks winding through the woods.

While in-person events are starting to happen across New England, many locally organized, there is a new season long Craftsbury Marathon Virtual Challenge that has recently been released.  You can find complete information about that here: https://www.craftsburymarathon.com/

Stay safe and keep skiing.

Virtual Bogburn 2021
by Damian Bolduc (interspersed with participant Strava maps)

The Bogburn has always had a little lore surrounding it. While there is not really a question in the mantra “Ski the Bogburn,” there are things that need to be answered. What is a Bogburn? Bob Haydock, the long-time director of the race, can eloquently answer that, but it never satisfies Why the Bogburn? Of course, once you have Bogburned, you most likely will have the answer ingrained in you as the name suits the experience so well, and you will keep coming back for more. After a night of restless contemplation of how to attack the Virtual Bogburn, I rose to the occasion a bit grumpy due to a lack of sleep.

Eric Tremble, NWVE – Craftsbury
Questions of what I should do for a course kept me awake. Should I find the longest downhill I can and go for time? Should I trespass and set a track for a warm-up and then ski the race? How equivalent to the traditional Bogburn should I be? Should I go over to Hazen’s Notch and ski the Ted Means course? Maybe climb Burnt Mountain, start at the top and use the runout on Route 58? Should I ski Dante’s Loop, away from spectators and everyone? Would all the mass I have added to my abs shock the SMS and GRP Teams? Will my uniform even fit this year?

I decided to go to the Craftsbury Outdoor Center and slug it out on the humanmade loop. So, the decision answers the question, What would the Bogburn be like if it were held on a course, I can ski rather than one I fight against? I know it is a copout, and perhaps I will try the Dante’s idea this weekend to make it more legit, but as I said, I spent a lot of energy overthinking it and ended up just wanting to get it over with. A Bogburn truism.

The course was the Craftsbury Manmade Outer Loop. I extended it as much as possible. I had a homologated course with bomb-proof tracks—a far cry from the usual. There were no water bars; my poles never punched through the ground up to my grip, the tracks never went into that ten-meter section where I am pretty sure it is just set mud after the earthen dam. Mud tracks are fine as long as they are not frozen. There were no hairpin turns, and there was no reason to thrash. It was a tame course designed and groomed by a team of perfectionists.

Elissa Bradley, Ford Sayre – Woodstock

So, my physical condition is not the usual as I have not even done 20% of my racing quota this past year. Only six running races. No December ski races. Only one, more challenging ski effort last Saturday. Thus, all the mass I have added in the off-season.

I started at the Yurt and went out on Lemon’s, taking the Ruthie’s Cut Off onto Screaming Mimi and cresting the hill at Coaches Corner into the dip into the lower field, up Teaching Hill, across the Upper Field, onto Round-a-bit to the Junction with Murphy’s, back to the old clubhouse between the Activity Center and Events building, down Teaching Hill back to the Yurt. To get to 13km and change, it was 6.5 laps of this finishing at the Coaches Corner. So, seven Screaming Mimi’s.

Carole Van Dyke, Stowe Nordic – Trapp Family Lodge

The conditions were excellent. Pistenbully 400 groomed, temps steady in the high 20’s, overcast with no wind. At the end of my warm-up, I inspected what SMS was using for kick. Some type of red, Rode WC -1-7, and some Oslo Violet. I was kicking fine on my Rode Multigrade Violet. I was using my trusty old RCS’s with whatever was on them from before as my base. This is another Bogburn Truism. Not your best skis, and not a lot of prep. I also make sure they are a little slick so as not to rip out the soft tracks (if there are any left) on the traditional course.

I did not feel great; I was compromising what I really wanted to do mentally and was fatigued by the abandoned grandiose ideas that kept me up most of the night. After a 2.5 lap warm-up, I stripped to my racing threads and the Bogburn magic began. While this loop pales in comparison with the Bogburn course, it is still demanding.

Justin Beckwith, Mad River Nordic – Catamount Trail

I got underway in my usual fashion and was launched into the racing zone. An easy start can do that. I kicked up Screaming Mimi fine and thought that this was not going to be too bad. I found the trouble spot on the loop to be the Upper Field to Round-a-bit. I guess getting the heart rate up on Mimi; then a brief recovery turned Teaching Hill into a kicker that launched me through the ceiling. Going into the double-pole hurt, and for yet another season, I was reminded I ought to work on that. Don’t worry; I won’t.

During my race, some GRP and SMS Men were doing different workouts. It was nice to have some speedy company. The coaches were out, so of course, I had to try to step it up a little under their critical eye, especially after Pepa’s presumption that the GRP would pass me at my pedestrian pace when skiing the weekend prior. At the Bogburn, I am familiar with being passed by someone wearing a bib number twenty-plus mine. Here my age was greater than twenty of theirs. We were all cordial, but there may have been some confusion about why I was dressed up in a racing suit and going for it with everything hanging out.

A Master’s practice was also taking place. World Master’s Medalists Trina Hosmer (Stowe Nordic) and Peter Harris (Craftsbury) were participating. So more familiar masked faces from the races were there. The Bogburn Magic continued as I checked my progress, thinking I must be close to done, only to find I was halfway. Just like in the real Bogburn! Do I really want to do this again!? I did. Heidi Caldwell cheered me as I trudged over the top of Screaming Mimi, recognizing I was up to something. I shouted, “Virtual Bogburn!” She kicked it up a notch with excitement – “nice, GO GET IT.” Mansfield Nordic’s Tom and Sheila Weaver gave encouragement at least once every lap. The racing mentality stuck through-and-through.

Cipperly Good, NWVE – Quarry Road Trails

So, while not the usual Bogburn, many of the event’s key aspects remained in place. The anticipation, the dread, the wax, and ski selection, trying not to get caught, the slow burn flaring into anaerobic despair on a course that will not give up, then starting the second half. The internal battle of mind over muscle and the encouragement out of the blue just when you need it most. So, to answer my question, “What would the Bogburn be like if it were held on a course, I can ski rather than one I fight against?” A blast getting a 13km PR!

There is virtually only one way to find out the answer to what the Bogburn can bring you this year – Ski the Bogburn!

Chummy Broomhall Award: This award is named after Chummy, who was the Chisholm Ski Club leader for 70 plus years, 2 time Olympian, and builder of the Olympic race courses for Squaw Valley, Lake Placid and Black Mountain.  He embodied the spirit of being a volunteer as he was a man who gave his time to generations. It is in this spirit that this award be in his honor for the unsung heroes of ski racing.

This year’s recipient of our NENSA 2020 Chummy Broomhall Award is Jim Rodridgues ~ posthumous

Last February, during one of our weekly NENSA staff meetings, we started talking about our NENSA Awards for 2020.  Two awards were easily and unanimously decided that day – our Chummy Award and our John Caldwell Award recipients.  This was just a few short weeks before Jim’s sudden and unexpected death.  We wish he could be here now to receive this award – we know he would have been thrilled – for the honor, and for the association with Chummy – a dear friend of his and part of his Chisholm Ski Club.  

After growing up in the city of Oakland California, Jim learned to ski when he was 18 at Yosemite National Park, and soon became a backcountry guide for 10 years. In 1985 Jim moved to New Hampshire, as the XC Ski Director at Temple Mountain in Peterborough New Hampshire, where he built ski trails, and by 1989 had a 1 km lighted loop with snowmaking. During that time he was also the Milford High School XC Ski Coach bringing the team along to five State Championship titles. 

Jim was the Event Director at the New England Nordic Ski Association for 12 years, and helped create a higher standard of New England Nordic ski racing.  Jim launched an annual Event Organizer Seminar to help New England race directors and venues raise the bar in their operations ranging from homologation of championship level race courses to hosting youth events. He was a tremendous regional resource, quietly helping bring premier competitions to our region.  Jim has been a tireless volunteer and resource to so many individuals and organizations for over 40 years.

Janice Sibilia had the pleasure of working with Jim for ten years at NENSA. “He was a fabulous mentor and a very giving person. He expected 100% from all of us, but at the same time, had a great way of encouraging and working with each person and venue as an individual. His passion for nordic skiing and all things related, was contagious and his laugh and enthusiasm was something I will never forget. He was truly one of a kind.”

Jim was a FIS Technical Delegate (TD) at races ranging from youth events, to National and International high-level events such as NCAAs, Junior Nationals, and international roller ski races.  Jim always went above the call of duty to ensure races were at the highest caliber and the best race experience for all involved. Jim’s TD resume speaks for itself with over 130 events, but what sets him apart was his constant search for ways to contribute to the Nordic community, and to offer his expertise in any capacity – officially or advisory. 

Amie Smith remembers “I first worked with Jim in 2010-11 when I was the Race Director for a NENSA Eastern Cup in Boston.  He then took me under his wings when I officially started working for NENSA in 2015 as the Competitive Program Director.  He supported and mentored me as a TD, and for that I will always be grateful.” 

Justin Beckwith adds that “Jim was able to serve any position with authority yet able to have a wicked sense of humor – he no doubt helped raise the level of New England and American events.”

Ollie Burruss thinks “Unsung hero is a great description of Jim Rodrigues. While many of us in the race organization and race official world know of Jim and his outsized contributions to our sport, he was probably unknown to most athletes, coaches, parents, wax techs, and spectators. It is one of the grand ironies of his passing that a man known for his enormous personality, warmth, and good cheer to his friends and coworkers was never recognized by much of the race community whom he served so tirelessly. Whether Jim was cracking jokes and telling stories when everything was going well, or commiserating when things were tough, he always had a positive effect on race day. New England skiing lost a real one, but his legacy will live on through those who learned from his drive and commitment to making race day the best it could be for the athletes.”

Knut Sauer remembers “Jim was a frequent TD/COC in Lake Placid where I am a long time dedicated volunteer.  I had the opportunity to interact with Jim many times, and observe his work, which got me inspired to become a TD.  Jim encouraged me to take the step and become a TD.  I had the opportunity to shadow him, unofficially, a few times and he was a great mentor and truly a believer in the sport.“

Mike Bastisi from ORDA adds, “Jim was the one who encouraged us here at ORDA into going after bigger events again, and it was through his friendship and mentoring that I’ve been able to hone my skills as an event organizer/official in regards to Nordic competition. I will be forever grateful that our paths crossed if even for a few short years.”

Besides his multifaceted role as an official, Jim is the person to do what is needed, make the call, pick up the shovel or jump in the Pisten Bully to groom the course. Whatever questions needed to be answered and whichever tasks needed to be done, Jim was a resource, and NENSA and our entire cross country ski community was lucky to have such an outstanding individual in our ski community. 

Fred Bailey fondly recalls that “Jim always impressed upon me that we as TDs are at events to make sure they can give the user a good experience. Often this means helping the OC get ready on race morning with venue setup, particularly the mass start chevron. Sometimes it meant shoveling. Jim’s truck was always full of tools to help pull off the event.  One of my funnier memories is him and Justin Easter gearing up for a night of riding the tracks pans on the snowmobile tracks to make sure we had deep set tracks for the next day. They had a good laugh about who would be the first to fall off or lose all feeling in their limbs from the cold! Jim loved ski racing and we all greatly benefitted from his passion.”

John Estle of Fairbanks AK, and fellow FIS TD sums up Jim’s volunteer spirit this way, “Jim was an active skier, but was also active in almost every aspect of the sport as a Level 3 FIS Technical Delegate, Chief of Competition for major national calendar events, mentor to organizers and officials as NENSA events coordinator for many years, designer of trails, volunteer at whatever job needed to be filled.  Jim had a lasting impact on event organizers and officials throughout New England via his role as NENSA event coordinator.  He used his leadership roles to mentor and teach those with whom he came in contact for the long-term improvement of our sport.  There was no aspect of the sport in which he was not active and did not have extensive experience.  He did all this with a smile on his face and a good sense of humor, which engaged others, assisting in the transfer of knowledge to ‘the next generation.’ “

NENSA and FIS TD Bill Rogers can still recall skiing the Holderness NH course with Jim where he emphasized the simplicity of the TD’s role – “keep the race fair and keep it safe”.  Bill still thinks of this simple advice to this day when he is on an assignment.

Longtime friend Alison Weber shared this remembrance of Jim, that captures his volunteer spirit well, as he was always ahead of the curve, supporting kids of all income levels, always rooting for the under dog and the top dog. “Jim always kept up with what the younger kids were doing in their ski development and always wanted to encourage kids in their racing careers.  He was always cheering on the kids at Koch League and Junior races, and kept himself really informed about how all of the kids were progressing.  Jim and Chip (Woodbury) always got together when they could at races and other times to talk about skiing development and how things could be done without spending exorbitant amounts of money.  Jim was one who liked to come up with new ideas and invent ways where things could be done with whatever materials they had on hand.  One of the last times Chip and Jim talked…last season at the Great Glen Koch Festival, he and Chip spent hours chatting.  One of the discussion points was how to use foam shipping corner protectors as trail markers!  Jim always enjoyed those good times, just jawing about skiing….with his wonderful laugh.”

Brad Bates, Head of School at  the Dublin School had this to say of Jim, which is reflective of so many other venues Jim worked with too: “Our Nordic Center is only six years old and we would not be anywhere close to where we are today without Jim’s wisdom, help, and confidence.  Jim whipped us into shape and helped us organize and train our volunteer base. As he had done in so many towns around New England he helped us build community by making everyone feel they were important and they were valued. He had a story and ten minutes for everyone he met. 

These old friendships ran deep for Jim. He is well known in the Monadnock Region for his work at Temple Mountain back in the day. He was way ahead of his time in creating a “Super Kilometer” race trail at the base of the mountain using the ski area’s snowmaking system. Those who worked with him at that time clearly had a special bond with him. Jim was not always the easiest person to work with but after a year or two, you realized his bluster was endearing, and not meant to be taken too seriously. He had opinions and was not afraid to tell you how you felt. And most of the time, despite not always wanting to agree with him, he was right! He was extremely loyal and would always defend his buddies. The Dublin XC club loved working with him and we hung on his every word. We miss him every day and will never forget what he did for skiing in our area and throughout the northeast.”

Fred Griffin shares how we all feel, that “Jim understood every aspect of nordic skiing. He was a racer, groomer, coach, event manager, Chief of Comp, official.  He knew something about everything. At every level he made lasting friends. He gave all of us so much of him that his final legacy is one of warm and lasting memories.  Jim, we miss you!”

“What comes to my mind when I think of Jim is that whenever I knew he was coming to Black Mountain as an official or just a club member to help, he was a person you always looked forward to seeing. He shared his knowledge in a way that made you want to do better for the sport he loved.”  shared Roger Arsenault of Chisholm Ski Club.

Fellow TD Carlie Casey adds, “Jim was such a big-hearted and generous friend!  Like most who were lucky enough to know him, I miss him.” 

Justin Easter recalled “My last conversation with Jim was about keeping skiing affordable and accessible to everyone.”

Dan Warner “Mouse” of Chisholm Ski Club sums it up:  “Jim was a strong leader in our community and he is missed. He would be honored to get the Broomhall award. RIP Jim!”

Jim’s good friend and fellow FIS TD Matt Pauli of Anchorage AK echoes all of our thoughts ~ “As with everything I do in skiing, Jim always comes to mind.”

Congratulations to Jim, for his many years of volunteer service to our Nordic community, and for all that he accomplished and gave to our sport over the past 40 years.  The fact that Jim is not here to accept the award is heartbreaking, but his many friends and colleagues feel honored to know this Chummy Broomhall Award was bestowed upon him this year.

Being today is December 23rd, we will close with this story from Brad Bates of a time when Jim resembled Santa Claus… “During the Eastern Cup at our Nordic Center last winter I was called out to our famous “S Curves” section of the 3 km loop due to some fast and icy conditions. I kept radioing back to race headquarters for heavier duty rakes to help break up the crust. Just as I was about to panic, our groomer Steve Sanders, one of Jim’s old friends, came snowmobiling out to where we were working with Jim in tow. Without a word Jim jumped off the sled with a large bag in his hands and began spreading salt on the icy sections as if he were distributing toys to children. Within seconds, the areas that he had salted were soft enough to rake into some sweet corduroy. After a quick smile and mentioning how this same technique worked at Black Mountain in ’96 or Placid in ’88…, “he sprang to his sleigh, to [Steve] gave a whistle. And away they flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight.” Good luck to you all, and to all a good night…”

We are all eagerly awaiting the beginning of the race season and doing snow dances.  Unfortunately, due to current Vermont Guidance the opening Vermont Cup has been removed from the calendar.  Quarry Road has gotten a jump start on their snowmaking and is optimistic to host their Opener on December 6th (popular race only / no chips) and the Eastern Cup Opener on December 20th.  Registration for the Eastern Cup Opener will go live tomorrow.  Registration for later Eastern and Vermont Cups will be moved closer to race dates so we have the most up to date information before opening.

We ask that all competitors who intend to race at the Quarry Road Eastern Cup Opener register to purchase their bib and rent their chip by tomorrow’s 5pm deadline.  You can do that here.  Please also take the time to thoughtfully make your season long race intents in the custom questions — this is very helpful for planning and creating safe event schedules.  We will email a list of bibs and chips that will be sent in bulk to larger clubs shortly after registration closes (to all that registered) — the remainder will be picked up at the race site on the date of the competition.  Bib and chip assignments will be listed at: https://www.bullitttiming.com/events/NENSA-bib-chip

We will also reopen bib purchase and chip rental for a second session — from December 2nd through December 31st — for Vermonters and those who might have missed the current window.  There is no penalty for waiting until the second registration if you do not intend to race at Quarry Road.

Thank you all for your patience and resilience in these unprecedented times — NENSA will continue to make every effort to make safe competitions available throughout the season and we can’t wait to see you out on the tracks.

While we are living in such a dynamic time – especially with the current regulations in Vermont – NENSA is here to bring us together and #getskiing

Our @tokous Marathon Challenger hats arrived with NENSA “25 in 20” branded labels yesterday – last year we had a record of 24 folks who completed the challenge.  They will look sharp heading into 2021!!

Look forward to an update about Popular Racing next week – and the announcement this Friday of a December Challenge designed to give clubs and teams the opportunity to “ski together” even if they aren’t physically together.

These beautiful #wasatchhats are shipping today – see you out there.

– NENSA Staff

#25in20 #letsgetskiing #letitsnow

Eastern Cup & Vermont Cup Primer – 2020-21 Season

Resilience, ingenuity and compliance will be the mantras for the winter of 2020-21.  NENSA, alongside venues throughout the East are committed to making the Eastern Cup Series happen by providing safe competitions.  State and institutional guidelines will continue to shift throughout the winter and the proposed Eastern Cup and Vermont Cup is designed to give us the best chance for success.  Athletes will need to be resilient as challenges arise, and use ingenuity to stay focused on the overall goal of development through the season.  Perhaps the keystone in the puzzle is compliance to Health Protocols – we ask that athletes, coaches and parents adhere to the high standards we have created to insure the health of not only participants, but the communities we visit throughout the season.

Vermont guidelines dictated the creation of a “Vermont Cup” within the traditional Eastern Cup framework.  All 15 races listed on the proposed schedule will be run to the same high standards of a typical Eastern Cup and used to score points for the Junior Ranking List.  We encourage athletes and clubs to be judicious in their planning and travel – giving priority to race starts in close proximity to their homes.  Athletes will be ranked on their “Best 3” races this season to help support this guidance.  As the final details and disciplines of our newly calendared races occur we will publish guidelines on qualification for Eastern Regional Championships, scheduled to happen at a similar time to Junior Nationals.

Read on below to learn how the 2020-21 Eastern Cup season will be conducted.

All Eastern Cup (EC) & Vermont Cup (VC) race registrations are hosted by SkiReg.com and will be open by December 1st.  Please note all competitors who intend to attend multiple EC, VC or FIS races should purchase a bib and rent a chip – this page is open now and will close December 1st.

1. All racers must have valid NENSA and U.S. Ski & Snowboard (USSS) membership to race – please note a $10 daily NENSA membership is available on individual race registration pages.
2. **Due to our expanded calendar there are several EC’s and VC’s that will not require a USSS membership –  EC’s: January 24, February 7.  VC’s: January 24, February 6-7. 
3. Purchase or renew your your NENSA membership here.
4. Purchase or renew your U.S. Ski & Snowboard membership here.
5. Foreign membership options updated (11/26/2019).
6. Purchase both your NENSA & U.S. Ski & Snowboard memberships early to ensure proper validation at registration.
7. All EC & VC racers will be listed in the overall race results, regardless of your U.S. Ski & Snowboard membership type ($20 general or $115 competitor).  If you want to be listed on the National Ranking List (NRL) you need to purchase a U.S. Ski & Snowboard competitors membership.  Competitors 17+ (who will turn 18 during the 2020-21 season need to purchase a Competitor membership to comply with SafeSport regulations.
8. For the 2020-21 Season all junior competitors from New England will be ranked to the NENSA Junior Ranking List (best 3 races for both U16 and U18/U20).  This list will serve as the qualification list for the Eastern Regional Championships.
9. You can upgrade to a U.S. Ski & Snowboard competitors license later in the season (points may not retroactively apply to previous races).
10. Each Eastern Cup has a Virtual Team Captain’s Meeting (VTCM) an information page for updates: on venue, times changes, and important racer/coach information.
11. Registration will close at 5pm on the Wednesday before each Eastern Cup weekend.  Please note all competitors must also fill out a Health Screen Form on this day in order to compete – the form will be sent via SkiReg to all competitors and coaches on Wednesday.
12. Seed lists will be posted on Thursday (using points from the current NRL / FIS lists)
13. Start lists will be posted on Friday by 6pm for Saturday and Sunday races.
14. Final Eastern Cup race results can be found here.  Live results links will be made available on the EC event pages.
15. Eastern Cup and Vermont Cup races will be scored by U.S. Ski & Snowboard (except for the 5 races listed under #1 above), and updated to the NRL.  Races marked as (FIS/NRL) are also scored by FIS.
16. NRL and FIS listing dates can be found in the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Nordic Competition Guide. 
17. SEEDING:  All racers will be seeded by their best of either, NRL or FIS points.  If you have a U.S. Ski & Snowboard general membership, or have 990 points you will be seeded randomly at the end of the field.
18. U18/U20 Junior Ranking List:  Best 3 EC or VC races.  Scored by USSS points **see 2. Junior Ranking List Points.
19. U16 JN Junior Ranking List:  Best 3 EC or VC races.  Please note for the 2020-21 season U16 will be scored by USSS Points – the same way as U18/U20.