American Ski Marathon Series - Event Previews
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North America's longest-running and largest citizen's racing and touring series. Featuring thirteen premier ski marathons and winter festivals stretching from Vermont to Alaska. Pepsi Challenge - Saturday, January 19, 2008 Subaru Noquemanon Ski Marathon - Sunday, January 26, 2008 Boulder Mountain Tour - Saturday, February 2, 2008 Craftsbury Marathon - Saturday, February 2, 2008 City Of Lakes Loppet - Sunday, February 2-3, 2008 North American Vasa - Saturday, February 9, 2008 Lake Placid Loppet - Saturday, February 9, 2008 Mora Vasaloppet - Sunday, February 10, 2008 Minnesota Finlandia - Saturday, February 16, 2008 American Birkebeiner - Saturday, February 23, 2008 Yellowstone Rendezvous - Saturday, February 23, 2008*** Tour of Anchorage - Sunday, March 2, 2008 |
 ASM Series Home Info For Each Event American Ski Odyssey Information
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YELLOWSTONE RENDEZVOUS
West Yellowstone, Montana
Featuring a 25km loop starting at the Yellowstone Convention Center (just 500 yards from the West entrance to Yellowstone National Park) the course runs through totally undeveloped forest lands in the Galatin National Forest of southwestern Montana, USA. Situated on the Continental Divide, the course offers fantastic scenery and snow conditions. With an average visibility of 100 miles, the terrain is slightly rolling and not considered difficult. The 25km event is open to skiers under age 18, as well as those who do not wish to ski 50km. Also popular, the Classic 25km event starting separate of the freestyle events.
Events for the kids with 2km, 5km and 10km races. Awards dinner and banquet are held at the West Yellowstone Conference Hotel--separate fee.
Contact:
Yellowstone Rendezvous
P.O. Box 104
West Yellowstone, MT 59758
Telephone (406) 646-9379
MORA VASALOPPET
Mora, Minnesota
The Mora Vasaloppet is a special race in the hearts of thousands of skiers who have experienced it. The colorful mass start, the separate 58K and 35K courses, the wooded trails, and the exciting finish line in downtown Mora are reasons why the race is the largest in Minnesota and one of the biggest participation winter athletic events in the United States.
But more satisfying are the words of skiers who comment on the warm, hospitable attention they receive. And that is what defines the Vasaloppet. Through it's over 700 volunteers, the Mora community not only produces the race, but makes the race so special to skiers.
Contact:
Mora Vasaloppet
P.O. Box 22
Mora, MN 55051
Telephone 1-800-368-6672
Fax: 1-320-679-4840
Email: information@vasaloppet.org
PEPSI CHALLENGE
Biwabik, Minnesota
Seventy (70) kilometers of scenic, well-groomed trails climb on and over "Giants Ridge" which straddles the Laurentian Divide with superb overlooks of rivers, lakes and forest. A system initially developed for intensive training by the U.S. Ski Team presents long, gradual grades, spectacular vistas, roller coaster rides and a variety of challenges for beginners through accomplished skiers. Giants Ridge's cross country trail system is one of the finest in North America.
The annual Pepsi Challenge is a point-to-point 48K event on the world class nordic trail system at Giants Ridge. There are three (3) companion races: 24K Laurentian Loppett, 24K Classic and the 7K mini-challenge. Our trails are beautifully groomed with state of the art equipment. Jan Guenther, women's 48K winner in 2000 and a veteran of the cross country circuit, is effusive in her praise of the Giants Ridge course..."It's what skiing should be".
Join us and take the "Pepsi Challenge" this year and enjoy the earliest of the American Ski Marathon Series events.
Contact:
Pepsi Challenge XC Ski Race
Pepsi Challenge Headquarters
P.O. Box 505
Biwabik, MN 55708
Telephone 1-800-688-7669, Ext 3409 or 218-865-3000, Ext 3409.
CRAFTSBURY MARATHON
Craftsbury Common, Vermont
The Craftsbury Marathon, with 50 and 25 kilometer classic races, traverses some of Vermont’s most scenic countryside. The Center located on Lake Hosmer in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom has put this popular event on each year since 1981 and offers accommodations for 90 . The marathon is a point to point event featuring food stations provisioned with delicious soups and fresh baked goodies by local inns.
Contact:
Craftsbury Marathon
Craftsbury Outdoor Center
535 Lost Nation Road
Craftsbury Common,VT 05827
Telephone (802) 586-7767
stay@craftsbury.com
LAKE PLACID LOPPET
Lake Placid, New York
Utilizing the same intricate trail system built for the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympic Games at Mt. Van Hoevenberg, the Lake Placid Loppet is the premier New England citizens event of the winter. Winding among beautiful glades of trees up and around a dazzling series of canyons, hills and meadow areas, the Loppet offers first-class thrills for seasoned skiers as well as a reasonable test for tourers. Beware of the infamous "Siberia Hill" yet enjoy the occasional high point views of the spectacular Lake Placid area.
In addition to the Loppet events, Lake Placid offers an incredible array of wintertime attractions...many unavailable anywhere else! All of the 1980 Olympic venues are fully operational and annually host major competitions as well as offering unique drop-in opportunities to view and even try selected sports. All it the same day you can actually experience the rush of Olympic boblsed and luge courses; skate on the same ice arenas Eric Heiden and the U.S. Hockey Miracle Team accomplished the impossible; and watch international jumping, biathlon and combined events.
Contact:
Lake Placid Loppet
ORDA/Olympic Center
Lake Placid, N.Y. 12946
Telephone (800) 462-6236
URL: http://www.orda.org
info@orda.org
MINNESOTA FINLANDIA
Bemidji, Minnesota
Starting just miles from the headwaters of the Great Mississippi River, in the land of the legendary Paul Bunyan, the 25km loop is more or less in two parts, the 15km on the East side of the highway has very gentle terrain after a somewhat steep climb from the start area. Then after skiing through a tunnel to the West side of the highway, the next 10km has sweeping downhill curves and some respectable uphills, including "the wall", a steep face that presents a real challenge. The setting offers the beautiful old growth woods of northern Minnesota, USA passing several frozen lakes along the route.
Contact:
Minnesota Finlandia
P.O. Box 771
Bemidji, MN 56601
Telephone (218) 751-0041
minfin@paulbunyan.net
ROYAL GORGE'S CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH
Soda Springs, California (USA)
The California Gold Rush offers a tour of one of the world's largest trail systems at the magnificent Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort.
Cruising through beautiful Sierra Nevada forests past snow-covered lakes and offering incredible views throughout, the course is among the most scenic in the world. With a well-known reputation for having some of the deepest snowpacks anywhere, the course can sometimes have up to 30 feet/10 meters of snow in places! In addition, the Gold Rush has also earned a well-deserved reputation for having some of the best weather of any major ski event more often than not featuring sunny skies and fantastic wonderfully firm, fast tracks.
Includes (new course for 2008!) 42km marathon, 21km Silver Rush, Bronze Rush and special children's event the day before. Major fundraiser for Far West Division Junior Programs helping up to 4,000 kids and teens each year.
Contact:
Royal Gorge
P.O. Box 1100
Soda Springs, CA 95728
(800) 500-3871
info@royalgorge.com
TOUR OF ANCHORAGE
Anchorage, Alaska (USA)
The Tour of Anchorage offers an overall downhill "point to point" course which traverses the wilderness of Hillside Park, then enters a series of trails through the residential and city environment, eventually joining with the Cook Inlet Coastal Trail followed by a final climb up the bluffs to Kincaid Park (site of several major championship events) and the finish. Along the route are spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, Cook Inlet and in the distance...magnificent Denali (Mt. McKinley) itself. The Coastal Trail portion of the race is a truly unique opportunity to ski just a few meters from the Pacific Ocean.
The city of Anchorage (Population 260,000) offers much in the way of accommodations, restaurants, and nightlife. There is also a 40 km race that eliminates the big hilly section of the 50 km race, and there is a 25 km race that starts at Russian Jack Park in the middle of Anchorage. Both the shorter races use the same course and finish as the 50 km race.
Contact:
Tour of Anchorage
Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage
P.O. Box 103504
Anchorage, AK 99510
Telephone (907) 561-0949 or (907) 346-2233
afpjh@uaa.alaska.edu
AMERICAN BIRKEBEINER
Cable/Hayward, Wisconsin
The origin of the American Birkebeiner dates back to 1973, when 53 hearty skiers traveled 52 kilometers from Hayward, Wisconsin to Telemark Resort in neighboring Cable. Today, the American Birkebeiner is the largest, most prestigious cross country ski marathon in North America... second to none!
Skiers from around the world gather every February to celebrate the "Birkie," a race which has become a tradition in the cross country ski world. The Birkie is a member of the 13-nation Worldloppet League.
The Birkie exemplifies the true spirit of cross country skiing and has been instrumental in advancing the popularity and success of the sport as we know it today. The 25-kilometer Johnson Bank Kortelopet has grown tremendously over the years, and provides skiers age 13 and over the opportunity to participate in the international camaraderie.
Join us this year -- from warm-up races to the evening closing ceremony -- and catch the spirit of the American Birkebeiner.
Contact:
American Birkebeiner
P.O. Box 911
Hayward, WI 54834
Telephone (800) 872-2753
birke@birkie.com
WELLS FARGO BOULDER MOUNTAIN TOUR
Sun Valley, Idaho
Starting precisely 32km from the edge of the Sun Valley/Ketchum community at the rustic Galena Lodge, the Tour parallels the Galena Pass Highway as it flows steadily down to the finish. One of the shortest American Ski Marathon Series events, the Tour is also the easiest to navigate featuring a gently flowing course over a series of meadows and grass-covered foothills. Spectacular views of the surrounding mountains unfold continuously with each and every turn.
The Sun Valley/Ketchum area is known around the world as a major wintertime resort destination featuring a wide variety of activities, accomodations and attractions. A series of fun-filled events surround the actual Boulder Tour event.
Contact:
Wells Fargo Boulder Mountain Tour
PO Box 173
Sun Valley, ID 83353
Telephone (208) 788-1550
bouldermttour@aol.com
SUBARU NOQUEMANON SKI MARATHON
Marquette, Michigan
The Subaru Noquemanon Ski Marathon is a 51K cross country ski race taking skiers on a journey from Ishpeming (home of the National Ski Hall of Fame) to Marquette where the finish line is right outside the Superior Dome, the
world's largest wooden dome stadium. It's sister event, the Ski Hall of Fame
Half Marathon is a 25K race that utilizes the second half of the NOque
course sharing the finish line outside of the Dome. Both races reward both
classic and freestyle skiers.
The course is spectacular with granite outcroppings, Lake Superior vistas, a 1000-foot descent over the last 25K, and friendly volunteers along the trail. The race also shares a weekend with the Ski Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. Come meet the elite ski world and discover the Noquemanon this January!
Contact:
Noquemanon Ski Marathon
Telephone 1-866-370-RACE
Fax (906) 226-2099
info@noquemanon.com
CITY OF LAKES LOPPET
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Thousands of skiers, including many of the sports best, start at Theodore Wirth Park, ski through woods, over parkways and across lakes to a grand finish before cheering crowds on the streets of Uptown. Skiers of all ages and abilities will be challenged and thrilled by this beautiful urban course. Go for your best time, or simply enjoy this unique ski experience.
Join us on the first weekend in February for this celebration of winter in Minnesota! Contact:
The urban ski race. The City of Lakes Loppet is a 35km cross-country ski race featuring the beautiful trails and lakes of the Twin Cities.
City Of Lakes Loppet
P.O. Box 50304
Minneapolis, MN 55405
612-715-1479
info@cityoflakesloppet.com
NORTH AMERICAN VASA
Traverse City, Michigan
Michigan's premier cross-country ski event offers those of all abilities the opportunity to experience a wonderful day amongst towering white pines and through the pristine serenity of the Pere' Marquette State forest of Northern Michigan.
Contact:
North American Vasa
317 Wadsworth
Traverse City, MI 49684
231-938-4400
vasa2005@sbcglobal.net
