BRITISH COLUMBIA
Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre Hosts Spring Training Camp
While most North Okanagan residents had put away the skis for the season and dusted off their golf clubs, Canada's elite Nordic skiers returned to Sovereign Lake in mid-May for some on-snow spring training.

Earlier this season, an elite ski team from Alberta approached Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre Manager Mike Edwards about hosting a spring camp. "It's something we've wanted to do for a while," said Edwards. "When this team indicated that they wanted to come back for some off-season training, we thought it might be a good opportunity to put the word out and see who else was interested. Judging from the success of this first camp, we'll consider making this an annual event."

The Sovereign Lake Race Team, who had been enjoying the snow and skiing since the race season ended, were joined by dozens of skiers and biathletes from all over British Columbia and Alberta, and as far away as Quebec and Nova Scotia. They enjoyed expertly groomed trails, which included Passmore, Woodland Belle, Wylie's Loop, Maid of Vernon, the Stadium and the Biathlon Range. While the snow was mostly melted on the mountain, the trails that were packed and groomed all winter held up well against the Okanagan sun.

"The snow conditions were unbelievable," said Rocky Mountain Racers coach John Jacques, who brought 10 athletes from Canmore and Banff. "You simply can't beat skiing on this quality of snow under beautifully sunny skies in the middle of May. It's been great early season training for our athletes. Everyone should be here."

Several athletes from the Canadian National Cross Country Ski Team also took the opportunity to get back on-snow for a few days. Olympian Chris Jeffries commented on the benefits of the facility being available to skiers in the off-season. "We were able to ski a great hour-long loop on different trails. This is the best spring skiing I've ever seen. It's such a nice, relaxing way for us to get in some long training sessions together on snow.

CNL INCOME PROPERTIES INC. ACQUIRES OF CYPRESS MOUNTAIN SKI AREA
CNL Income Properties Inc., a real estate investment trust focused on lifestyle properties and Boyne USA Inc., the largest privately owned four-season resort company in North America, announced the completion of CNL Income Properties' acquisition of Cypress Mountain, a premier snow sports and biking attraction in British Columbia. CNL Income Properties acquired the assets from Cypress Bowl Recreations Limited Partnership, a subsidiary of Boyne USA, and is leasing it back to the partnership for operation under two long-term, triple-net leases.

Cypress Mountain, located 13 miles north of downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, will host the freestyle skiing and snowboarding competitions during the 2010 Winter Olympics. Consistently ranked the second most-visited ski resort in British Columbia, the property features 38 downhill runs, five chairlifts, a base lodge and an elaborate system of multi-purpose trails.

COLORADO
COLORADO CUP WRAPS UP SUCCESSFUL FIRST SEASON
The inaugural season of the Colorado Cup series of Nordic ski races is in the record books. Overall and age-group champions for men and women were named after tallying nine races around the state in classic, freestyle and pursuit formats. On the women's side, Karen Waeschle won the overall title needing only a few races to build up a big point total due to her high finishes. In second place was former CU skier, Maria Wik (Boulder Nordic) who also needed only a few races to earn her points. Sharon Crawford came out of the women's 60-69 age class to take third overall by virtue of strong racing and consistently scoring in many races. On the men's side, Ben Blaugrund (Boulder Nordic) took the title after winning the last race of the series staying ahead of Stephen White (Vail Nordic) in second and overtaking the previous leader, Mike Hogan (Salomon), who finished third overall. Virtually all the races in the Colorado Cup this year saw increased racer registration and ski area directors voiced strong satisfaction with the race series. The goal of the Colorado Cup is to foster Nordic skiing in the region, develop competition, and support competitors, ultimately, on the international level.

The Colorado Cup will return for the 2006-07 Nordic ski season with many improvements for racers, sponsors and venues. Chief among them will be the transfer of ownership to Rocky Mountain Nordic (RMN), the region's official governing body for cross country skiing.

DEVIL'S THUMB RECEIVES AWARD
Devil's Thumb Ranch, transformed from a cross country center into an eco-friendly, luxury year round ranch resort and spa, was selected as the winner of the Responsible Development Award in Tourism from Mountain Living magazine as announced in the publication's May/June 2006 issue. The Ranch is located approximately 65 miles west of Denver, just outside Winter Park in the heart of the Fraser Valley.

The Responsible Development Award is the second such honor given to Devil's Thumb Ranch, the first being an Environmental Protection Agency Award in 2004, which recognized the Ranch's broad based commitment to environmental and historic preservation practices.

Mountain Living's Responsible Development Award is annually bestowed upon three businesses, one each for a destination, development and private home. According to Irene Rawlings, editor-in-chief of Mountain Living, Devil's Thumb Ranch was selected from the numerous tourism industry applicants based upon owners Bob and Suzanne Fanch's proven ability and commitment to finding "green" solutions. Notable "green" programs include:

• Ranch and guest cabins are geo-thermally heated.
• Chimneys are built to EPA standards, making it possible to have wood burning fires.
• Recycled asphalt is used for paving.
• Waste water is filtered and purified naturally through a sand-filtration system.
• Organic meats, produce and eco-friendly fish are used including working with local farmers and vendors who practice sustainable agriculture.
• A reclaimed circa 1850s barn from Indiana serves as the frame for the Ranch's multi-use meetings, events, activities center and spa.
• Both the Elk Lodge, currently being used for employee housing, and the former activity lodge, which is currently being used as a day lodge for cross country skiers have been relocated.

CU Buffs Take NCAA Ski Championships
The University of Colorado is back on top of the collegiate skiing world, after another dominant Nordic performance cruising. The team claimed the 53rd annual NCAA Championship with the fourth largest margin of victory in history. Colorado won its first national championship since 1999 and the school's 16th NCAA title in the sport. Overall, it is the 17th national ski championship for the school counting the women's AIAW in 1982 before the men's and women's programs were combined the next year.

Colorado won with 654 team points, clinching the 12th straight crown claimed by an NCAA West region school. New Mexico finished second with 556, followed by Darmouth (537 1/2), defending champion Denver (522 1/2) and Vermont (516). The Buffs, who had moved from sixth (after the giant slalom) to second (following the classic races) to first after the night's slalom events, entered the day with a five point lead on the Lobos.

"You dream about it for seven years, and then you execute it in four days," said head coach Richard Rokos. "We proved something that was unprecedented and in theory only, that you could in fact win with a partial team. Everyone knew it was mathematically possible, but we needed to prove it physically. It goes to the credit of all those kids who came in and wanted to prove just that, even though we were underdogs."

MAINE
GOOD WINTER FOR NENSA
It was a busy and productive winter for the New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA). Despite a challenging January thaw, NENSA saw many positive accomplishments and successes. Significant among NENSA's accomplishments this past season were:

• Reaching its fundraising Challenge Goal of over $5,000 which allowed NENSA to receive $10,000 from anonymous challengers for its Endowment Fund.
• New England skiers won a number of national titles at the U.S. Nationals at Soldier Hollow.
• NENSA membership reached an historic high at well over 1,800. Event participation numbers were very strong and continued to grow.
• Trapps was the largest Eastern Cup weekend in recent memory with over 550 racers. The Bogburn had a record 220 racers and Women's Day pre-registrations were four times more than ever before.
• The new Masters-only start wave was very successful at Trapp's and will be repeated in all Eastern Cup mass starts and pursuits.
• Bill Koch programs all over New England reported record membership.
• Publicity placements included: WCAX TV covered Trapp's race with results, interviews and a long feature story; the Times Argus had a front page photo in the sports section with many more photos inside. In addition, the Weston race was photographed in the Boston Globe.
• An anonymous contribution of $500,000 was made to the NENSA Endowment Fund. NENSA now has the long-term security of a half million-dollar endowment. The letter that accompanied the check described the donor as someone interested in amateur sports, youth and health. The funds will be invested and carefully managed. NENSA's Endowment Fund policy allows them to spend the interest generated by the funds - usually four to five percent per year, which is roughly equivalent to having another good sponsor.

MINNESOTA
Hoigaard's To Relocate
After more than 45 years in St. Louis Park, Hoigaard's, Inc. will relocate to the Miracle Mile Shopping Center on Excelsior Boulevard, just southeast of its current location at 3550 South Highway 100.

"We are delighted to have found a new home in St. Louis Park," says Todd Brewer, Hoigaard's president. "We have enjoyed being part of this community since 1960. The new location will keep us close to our customers, with much improved access and an exciting new facility."

Construction began this spring and the new store is expected to open in early fall, just in time for the start of ski season. The current Hoigaard's location will remain open until the new facility is completed, providing the same quality service and merchandise it has for more than 110 years.

Established in 1895, Hoigaard's is a family owned and operated retail leader with a national reputation in ski, camp, paddle sport, bike equipment and apparel and casual furniture for the porch, patio and cabin.

NEW HAMPSHIRE
THE MOUNT WASHINGTON RESORT AT BRETTON WOODS SOLD TO CNL INCOME PROPERTIES AND CELEBRATION ASSOCIATES
In April, Celebration Associates and Crosland Inc. completed the $40 million purchase of over 900 acres of land and other assets that surround the historic Mount Washington Hotel and the Bretton Woods Mountain Resort in northern New Hampshire. The assets acquired include the 18-hole Mount Washington Golf Course, an adjacent nine-hole course, equestrian stables and paddocks, Nordic ski center, water company and cable company.

As part of the overall transaction, CNL Income Properties Inc., Orlando, Fla., acquired the Mount Washington Hotel, the Bretton Arms Country Inn, The Lodge at Bretton Woods, the Bretton Woods Ski Area and other related assets for $45 million. CNL Income Properties has already entered into a long-term lease agreement with Celebration Associates and Crosland who have engaged National Resort Management Group to market and operate the resort property.

NEW YORK
ORDA Generates $356 Million
The results of an independent economic impact statement have concluded that the events and activities of the New York Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) in Lake Placid generated over $356 million statewide in 2004-05. Approximately $323.7 million of that total was felt directly and indirectly in Essex, Franklin, Clinton and Warren counties.

This report was researched and completed by the Technical Assistance Center(TAC) at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh. The organization remarked that the study of ORDA's economic impact is useful in developing an appreciation of the benefits generated by these substantial community investments.

Since 1982, ORDA has operated, promoted and upgraded the venues that were used in the 1980 Lake Placid Olympic Winter Games. ORDA maintains these sites for world class training and competition and the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike.

"Over the past 12 years, Governor Pataki has demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to the Adirondacks and North Country, with more than $60 million invested in capital improvements to keep ORDA venues in state-of-the-art condition," said Empire State Development Corporation Chairman and ORDA Chairman Charles A. Gargano. "As this report illustrates, these investments have had a significant, positive impact on the community. Since tourism is such an integral part of the economy in the Olympic region, it is imperative that we continue to promote both world-class and community events at these venues so that local municipalities, residents and businesses will enjoy the benefits.

According to the report, "the study attempted to ascertain the total economic contribution of ORDA to the primary study area (defined as Essex, Warren, Franklin and Clinton counties) and throughout New York State, considering both dollar and employment flows. The overall economic impact of ORDA facilities and operations in the primary study area was $323,709,866 in 2004-2005, and $356,179,578 in New York State over the same period. ORDA's presence in the four-county study area additionally led to the creation of 1,138 local jobs (over and above the people employed by ORDA). Another 1,407 jobs were created statewide as a result of ORDA operations."

In the four-county study area, total visitor spending impact was $310.1 million; total employee impact was $10.7 million; and the total expenditure impact was nearly $2.9 million that accrued $323,709,866. The corresponding statewide figures were $332.2 million for visitors; $15.3 million for employees; and $8.6 million total expenditure impact for a sum of $356,179,578.

WASHINGTON
Doyle Best All-Around Skier in XC-Ski "Estafette"
Mt. Shasta's Sean Doyle removed any doubt that he is the local King of Nordic Skiing with a decisive victory in the cross country ski "Estafette." As is customary in this sort of race, "classic" technique only was allowed in the first 4.1 km of the race. The second 4.1 km was freestyle and racers were allowed to switch skis and poles at the transition point.

Doyle skied the first lap in 18:04 followed by Yreka's Mike Giordanengo at 19:53 and Sig Orwig (Edgewood) at 20:16. Orwig was faster changing skis at the transition area than Giordanengo and able to skate away on the second lap a few seconds ahead of him. This order didn't change in the second lap. Doyle completed the race with the best overall time of 34:35. Orwig was second at 38:16 and Giordanengo third at 39:05. Orwig and Giordanengo were first and second in the Men's 40-59 division. Mt. Shasta's Craig Vivas, who finished fourth overall with a time of 42:07, was third in the Men's 40-59 division.

Anna Soviecke of Mt. Shasta won her fourth race in the series by being the first woman finisher with a time of 45:06. Shanhong Lu was first in the Woman's 40-59 division with a time of 46:17.

Ernie's XC-Ski Race
Sean Doyle also won the Ernie Woodfield Memorial Tour/Race, the 10th and final event of the Shasta Mountain Spirit Series, hosted by the Mt. Shasta Nordic Center.

"Ernie's" is billed by race director Craig Vivas as "the most unique and fun cross country ski event in the known universe." One of the unique features is that it goes between groomed trails and skier-tracked backcountry trails. Those doing it as a race typically switch between skate skis for the groomed portions and light-touring or classic race skis for the backcountry portion.

The event commemorates Ernie Woodfield, a beloved local figure, who shortly after he had heart surgery, died at the Nordic Center of a heart attack while skiing on one of its quiet trails. Ernie was an avid sportsman who would often go from an early morning tennis game to ski both downhill and cross country in the same day. He coached the high school ski team and was an English professor at The College of the Siskiyous. His positive spirit was a great inspiration to the many people who knew him.

In keeping with the spirit of Ernie, the start/finish line was marked by cheap red wine poured by Nordic Center Manager, Karen Aldous on the snow. The bottle was then passed around among the participants just before the start of the race for anyone who cared to take a drink.

Both the 15 km and the 5 km races started at the same time and did the same 3.6 km groomed loop before heading into the backcountry. The longer course headed uphill through a snowy glade and emerged near the top of the Skyline Trail, which it followed for a short distance before descending down the longest section of backcountry and finally emerging on Ernie's Stairway to Heaven, a trail dedicated to Ernie Woodfield that has the longest and steepest climbs and descents at the Nordic Center. Some skiers stashed a second pair of skating skis at this last transition point to ski the final 6 km of groomed trail.

The race was a test of skier's ability to excel on both groomed trails and in backcountry. Some of the hot "skate skiers" found the backcountry section a grueling test indeed. Sean Doyle completed the course in just 1:11:32 followed by Tim Loughlin (Mt. Shasta) at 1:15:28 and Mike Giordanengo (Yreka) at 1:19:21.The first woman finisher was Anna Soviecke at 1:25:40 followed by Shanhong Lu at 1:32:57 and Linda Vivas at 1:33:45.

WISCONSIN
TOP SUPERTOUR HONORS GO TO CXC AT TELEMARK
Only the organizers of cross country's SuperTour Finals in Presque Isle, Maine could prevent a Central Division clean sweep of the top three spots in the inaugural Award for SuperTour Race Organizers (ASTRO) competition. In the competition to name the best SuperTour organizer of the season, the Central Division events at Telemark Resort in Cable, Wis., took top honors, winning the distinction of Best Organizer of the 2006 SuperTour. Second place went to Presque Isle, Maine, with third and fourth, respectively, to Madison, Wis., and Mount Itasca, Minn. The 2006 SuperTour was organized in nine cities, and those sites were ranked by the FIS technical delegates assigned to oversee them. Each site was ranked on a 1,000 point scale, using 14 categories. The Telemark site, however, was the clear winner, earning 816 of the possible 1,000 points, compared to Presque Isle's 747.

Along with Mount Itasca, Telemark scored the highest of all sites in the technical areas, which is key to a successful competition. The downtown sites of Minneapolis and Madison competed for top honors in the categories of media, spectators and atmosphere, with Minneapolis earning the top score for media coverage, and Madison scoring highest in the number of spectators (over 4,000), and in the race atmosphere it created. 2006 U.S. Cross Country Championship organizer Soldier Hollow, Utah, was perhaps the most fun place for the teams to visit this season, scoring the highest in the category of social events. And despite its frigid reputation, Fairbanks, Alaska, clearly took best care of its spectators and teams, earning the highest scores in the spectator and team area classification.

Northland College To Inaugurate NCAA Nordic Ski Program for the 2006-2007 Season
Northland College in Ashland, Wis., announced the addition of Nordic skiing to its athletic programs. Northland is an NCAA Division III school and is part of the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference. Northland's Nordic team will compete in the CCSA. Dave Beeksma, Head Cross Country (running) Coach, will assume the head coaching duties for the team. Beeksma is a 1988 graduate of North Dakota State University where he competed in cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track at the NCAA II level. He was an All-Conference Nordic skier for Minneapolis Edison High School in the early 1980's and has competed in Nordic ski marathons such as the Mora Vasaloppet and the Seeley Classic. Beeksma holds a Master of Arts Degree from St. Mary's University in Counseling Psychology and a Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology from The Fielding Graduate University. He is currently completing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from The Fielding Graduate University.

Northland College is a small Liberal Arts College located on the shore of Lake Superior in northern Wisconsin. With easy access to some of the best Nordic trails in the country and abundant snowfall, Nordic skiing is a natural fit for the school. Northland is within 45 minutes of the Birkebeiner trail and 60 minutes away from Nordic trails in "Big Snow Country" of the UP of Michigan. To learn more about Northland College and its Nordic ski program, visit www.northland.edu.