cross-country skiing

In just over 20 days the 2019 NENSA Eastern Cup Series begins with a freestyle race weekend at the Craftsbury Opener, December 22nd and 23rd. With plentiful early snow, and racing already happening at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center this November, a large and talented field is expected for the Opener – register early as the event might need to be capped.  Competitors will include aspiring junior racers from throughout the Eastern US and Canada, elite skiers prepping for the 2019 U.S. Cross Country Championships, and master skiers looking to race on expertly groomed trails. There is something for everyone and Craftsbury is, “excited to welcome any and all to the trails at the Outdoor Center, whether you want to race, spectate, or volunteer.” Come join us and be a part of what could be the most attended race in the East this winter! (FIS, NRL)

January 26th and 27th the Series travels to New York State for the Lake Placid SuperTour and Eastern Cup. The combined event will showcase top national talent from the U.S. Ski and Snowboard SuperTour, alongside junior and senior skiers from New York, New England and Canada. Racers will be treated to the Olympic Trail system of Mt. Van Hoevenberg, the professional staff of the Olympic Regional Development Authority and the hospitality of the Lake Placid community. With SuperTour prize money and Junior National qualifications on the line for both the Mid-Atlantic and New England divisions you can be sure there will be awesome competition for racers and spectators all weekend. (SuperTour begins 1/25 – FIS, NRL)

The Rikert Nordic Center hosts the Frost Mountain Nordic Eastern Cup on February 16th and 17th.  Saturday’s Eastern Cup event will be run in conjunction with the EISA Middlebury College Carnival, allowing competitors the opportunity to compete against 200 collegiate athletes in the the storied Rikert woods. Sunday offers a unique skiathlon (continuous classic/skate pursuit) option for master and junior skiers at the conclusion of the morning’s races.  Come enjoy the festive show that Rikert and Frost Mountain always create with their challenging trails and spectator friendly stadium area – including tasty food, music and colorful announcers. (NRL)

On Saturday February 23, 2019 the Dublin School will host the Dublin Double – a new race format with two freestyle races.  Don’t miss out on this exciting new addition to the NENSA Eastern Cup Series.  Competitors will race two separate distances: 3.0km and 1.5km.  The 3.0km represents a prologue distance (& JN relay distance) and the 1.5km, a sprint qualification (there are no rounds).  Each race will be scored to the NRL and included in New England Junior National rankings.  Skiers will be seeded by U.S. Ski & Snowboard Overall points for both races.  Come try the exhilarating serpentine trails in Dublin, New Hampshire – the racing will be fast and furious. (NRL)

The Eastern Cup Series concludes on February 24, 2019 at the Holderness School with the Cheri Walsh Memorial.  This staple of the Eastern Cup gives racers of all ages the opportunity to race on “old school” or traditional New England trails in the classic style.  The Cheri Walsh represents the final qualification race for the New England Junior National Team – which will be named during the awards ceremony after the races.  Holderness has brought back a masters wave and we hope that to see many of our veteran New England racers join in the fun! (NRL)

NENSA is able to host our signature race series with the generous support of our associate sponsors: Swix, Nokian, LL Bean, and Kathy and Marty Hall (more about our sponsors).  By partnering with great venues and dedicated organizing committees, officials, timers, and volunteers NENSA produces some of the highest caliber races in North America.  This year we have partnered with SkiTrax Magazine to provide increased media coverage of all our programs and the sport of cross-country ski racing.  We strive to offer professional events, while making the sport exciting (new for 2019, several venues will have stand alone Cross Country Cross courses set up near their stadium areas), and accessible to as many participants as possible (there is a $10 one-day NENSA membership fee for 2019).  We are proud to present this Series to all ages and abilities and hope you will join us for these four fantastic weekends of racing!

Further Information:

Detailed Eastern Cup Event Pages
Eastern Cup Race Rules.
New England Junior National Qualification.
Registration for all events are live on SkiReg.com
Printable Eastern Cup Schedule Poster