GENERAL RACE SCHEDULE

The MS race schedule starts mid-December and runs through late February.  Races are typically on weekends. Race events are typically one technique, either freestyle or classic. Girls and boys race separately.  In most cases, the HS skiers also race at the same event, but in their own divisions.  Therefore, one race event may have 4+ races. Race distances range from 2 to 5 km over flat to rugged terrain. Most races are day trips, but a couple 2-day race events will require overnight stays.  Travel to/from races and lodging for weekend race events are paid by the skier’s family. Race registration is covered by LNST.

Racing is optional for MS skiers.  MS skiers will set goals early in the season with the coach. At this age when kids are developing at different rates/time periods, races will be ‘training’ checkpoints for the skier to gauge their status in relation to their individual goals.  More experienced skiers are encouraged to compete in most or all races. Less experienced skiers are encouraged to do some races – the coach will work with skiers to develop an appropriate race plan.

DECEMBER

WinMan Early Bird (Typically Saturday race)

WinMan Trails, 6870 County Hwy W, Winchester WI 54557

Website-https://www.winmantrails.com/event/

Lakeland Invite at Minocqua Winter Park (Typically during the school day afternoon)

Minocqua Winter Park, 7543 Squirrel Lake Rd, Minocqua, WI 54548 

Website-https://tshq.bluesombrero.com/Default.aspx?tabid=2741503

Hayward Holiday Sprint 

American Birkebeiner Trailhead, 14875 Mcnaught Rd, Cable, WI 54821
Website-https://www.birkie.com/ski/events/hayward-dash/ 

JANUARY

Snekkevik Classic

Nine Mile Recreational Area 8704 Red Bud Rd. Wausau, WI

Website- http://wausaunordic.org/snekkevik/

Iola  Invite  

Iola Winter Sports Club   E. 398 Country Road MM  Iola, WI   

Website- https://www.iolawintersportsclub.org/Events.html

Hodag Challenge

This is a 2 Day race weekend (Skate one day and Classic the other)   

CAVOC Trails  4321 Shore Drive Rhinelander, WI     

Website – https://www.hodagnordic.com/page/show/4220722-ascension-hodag-challenge

WNSL Northern Conference Championship (Typically during the school day)

Typically during the week on a school day; in recent past, it has been at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead in Cable, WI.

Location/Date vary each season

FEBRUARY

WNSL State Sprint Championships
Typically first weekend of Feb.  2-day event.  Recent locations in Madison and Brillion.
Location/Date vary each season

WNSL State Distance Championships
Typically second weekend of Feb.  2-day event.  Recent location in at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead in Cable, W.
Location/Date vary each season

MARCH

Loopey Loppet
Typically first weekend of March. Fun, costume event!
Minocqua Winter Park, 7543 Squirrel Lake Rd, Minocqua, WI 54548 
Website-https://www.minocquawinterpark.org/schedule/

OPTIONAL RACES AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE

(You register, you pay, and your skier can wear the LNST uniform and wax.)

Junior National Cup/CXC Great Lakes Division Junior Cup

There are some higher level competitive races that are optional for athletes. One can compete to earn a spot on the Great Lakes junior national team or just have the desire to experience a higher level of competition.  A CXC membership/race license is required.  Additional details can be found at https://cxcskiing.org/pages/events/cxc-junior-cup.html. Athletes must pay for their own race license, race fees, and accommodations.  LNST can assist with wax recommendations and ski prep or can provide suggestions for private vendors for wax services. See Coach for additional information.

Other

• See all Wisconsin Nordic Ski League races https://www.wisconsinxcski.org/events/

• Spooner Dash (December), Spooner School District Trails, Spooner, WI https://www.railsontrails.org/events/spooner-holiday-dash/

• Hinderbinder (January), Camp Forest Springs Trails, Westboro, WI  https://forestsprings.us/events/hinder-binder

• Birkie Events
  • Junior Birkie (February), U14/U12/U10 races, Hayward, WI https://www.birkie.com/ski/events/junior-birkie/
  • Prince Hakon (February), Age 13+, American Birkebeiner Trails, Hayward, WI https://www.birkie.com/ski/events/prince-haakon/ 
  • Kortelopet (February), Age 14+, American Birkebeiner Trails, Seeley/Hayward, WI.  https://www.birkie.com/ski/events/kortelopet/
    •  If your skier is interested to race the Kortelopet for the FIRST time, ask the Coach about first-year Korte scholarships. 

Other citizen races in the local and regional area can be found on Skinnyski.com https://www.skinnyski.com/racing/calendar.asp  .

See Coach for additional information.