Mt. Bachelor Names Cross Country Manager

Bend, Ore. - October 14, 2002 - Mt. Bachelor Resort, the Northwest's Premier Ski and Snowboard resort, has promoted Michael Keep to the position of Cross Country Manager.

For the past seven years Michael has been in the Mt. Bachelor Grooming Department, four of those as Grooming Manager. Prior to that he worked for four years in management, and six years in sales and service for The Bike Peddler in Salem, Oregon. He graduated with a B.A. in Communications from the University of Oregon. He will use his experience managing people and operations to oversee 56 kilometers of trails, a rental shop and day lodge.

"We are extremely happy to have a person such as Michael to oversee the operations of our Cross Country Center," said Ken Klecker, Mt. Bachelor Director of Skier Services. "He has a true passion for the sport of Nordic skiing." For more information please visit www.mtbachelor.com or call 800-829-2442.

# # #

Mt. Bachelor is in the Cascade Mountain Range just 22 miles southwest of Bend, Oregon. 3,683 acres of terrain surround the classic cone-shaped peak of 9,065. Mt. Bachelor receives 350 inches of light, dry snow each year. Ski Magazine readers have ranked Mt. Bachelor's lifts best in North America three of the last four years. For more information please visit our website at www.mtbachelor.com

Birkebeiner Hires New Executive Director

The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation Board of Directors announced the hiring of a new Executive Director, Shirley Riedman to replace Cheri Morgan. Morgan announced her resignation the day after this year's Birkebeiner event.

Shirley Riedman enters her new position with years of business management experience and various community and volunteer fund raising efforts. In addition to her professional experience she has been involved in the United Way, YWCA, Special Olympics, Sydney Summer Olympics and a variety of other professional and community organizations.

Bill Pierce, Chairman of the Board said, "Shirley's past employment and volunteer efforts have really prepared her to step right into the position of Executive Director with the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. She has been involved in organizing and leading fund raising campaigns, supplying volunteers, training volunteers, promotional campaigns and many other business and volunteer endeavors."

SILVER STAR MOUNTAIN RESORT
APPOINTS NORDIC MANAGER

Silver Star Mountain Resort announced the appointment of Glenn Bond as Manager, Nordic Operations effective September 1, 2002. Glenn brings many years of Nordic skiing experience as an elite athlete as well as formal education in ski resort management.

Silver Star hosted several international athletes this season for pre-Olympic training in Biathlon and Cross Country skiing disciplines. A total of sixteen Olympic medals were awarded to these same athletes at Salt Lake City, including Becky Scott, the first Canadian to ever win an Olympic medal in a Nordic discipline. Scott regularly trains at Silver Star Mountain Resort during the Month of Nordic every November.

For further details please contact: Silver Star Mountain Resort website : www.skisilverstar.com

SUMMER SKI COLLEGE ANNOUNCED

The Maine Winter Sports Center and the University of Maine at Fort Kent have announced plans for the Stride Ahead Summer Ski College. From June 21st through August 5th, 2002, twenty cross country skiers and biathletes, age 16-19 from around the country will have the opportunity to take great strides toward achieving their academic and athletic goals. Camp attendees will take a college course at the University of Maine at Fort Kent and train with two time Olympian and NCAA Champion, coach Peter Vordenberg. Camp tuition of $2,000 includes tuition for a three credit University course, room, board, coaching, transportation, and camp uniform.

Student-athletes will live, eat and take classes on the campus of UMFK. They will train on the 10th Mountain Ski Center rollerski loop and trail system, as well as the roads and in the wilderness of northern Maine and at the University’s athletic facilities.

Training will be overseen by camp coach, Pete Vordenberg, with help from the MWSC staff. Athletes will come away with an in-depth understanding of training theory, personalized help creating a short and long term training plan, as well as individual technique work based on the latest ideas in ski technique, not to mention a solid six weeks of training. Athletes will also be introduced to the demands and joys of balancing studies with training.

Camp attendees will choose a college class based on their interests and background. Classes available to students will be limited to those that fit into the camp schedule (late morning or afternoon classes). Courses are offered in various subjects, including: English, Math, Psychology, Economics and History.

MASTERS CAMP ALSO AVAILABLE
There will be a training and technique intensive master’s camp just prior to the Stride Ahead Ski College, also coached by Peter Vordenberg, also in Ft. Kent, Maine. Please contact Eli Brown for further info.

For more information on both camps, contact camp coordinator, Eli Brown via email at eli.mainewsc@ainop.com, or by phone at (207)328-0991. More info can also be found at www.mainewsc.org.

Masters Events News

Following a very successful competition in Quebec at the Valcartier biathlon track, the World Masters event will move in 2003 to Seefeld, Austria from Jan. 30 to Feb. 8. In 2004, the races for skiers over 30 will move to Lillehammer, Norway. During the Quebec event, the masters governing board had to choose between two competing sites for 2005: near Moscow and McCall, Idaho. The nod went to Moscow. The board is looking into a change in the rotation sequence that could give the event to McCall in 2008. As for the US masters competition, which was held in Lake Tahoe in 2002, the venue for 2003 will be Anchorage, Alaska.

Watch www.crosscountryskier.com for future Masters news.

Rangeley Lakes Loppet
Saturday, March 2, 2002

Now in its sixth year, the Rangeley Lakes Loppet is the jewel event of the nordic community of Rangeley Lakes, Maine. The cross-country ski loppet is a part of the New England Marathon Series, and the only one that allows the skate/freestyle technique as well as the traditional classical technique.

Held on Saturday, March 2nd, the 25-km and 50-km freestyle (ski-skating or traditional technique) event includes a racing and a touring division. The touring divisions are not timed, so everyone can enjoy the day at their own pace. The race division begins with a mass start at 9:30am. Skiers in the touring event begin at 9:40am. Participants, whether racing or touring, can accumulate kilometers-skied to earn medals certifying the distanced skied in this event.

Classic tracks will be set for the touring division. Since Rangeley is in the mountains, there will be some hills, but the uphills are gentle and the downhills wide and safe. There are also long stretches of flat and rolling terrain suitable for cruising. Skiers doing the 25km event will do one loop of the course, known as the Outer Limits; those doing the 50km event will do 2 loops. There are 5 food or drink stops on each lap, 4 to 8 kilometers apart. All the courses offer wide trails through woods, fields, and areas with panoramic winter vistas of the Northwoods. All participants, in addition to receiving recognition awards, will have an equal opportunity to win $6,000 worth of merchandise prizes, including such items as Patagonia wear, skis, poles, ski clothing, and wax, and recreational equipment, not just racer stock!

"We're trying to establish the Loppet as a recreational goal for the family," says race director, Jeff Foltz. "Just come out and have a party on the snow! Each year we try to emphasize you can do the whole thing (50km), or half the distance (25km), and you can leave anytime in a 20-minute window after the racers. There are food stations with gourmet treats approximately every 5km.

The Rangeley Lakes Loppet is the second of the New England Marathon Series. Both the Craftsbury Marathon, February 2nd, and the Great Glen to Bretton Woods Adventure race, March 10th, reached their registration limit weeks before the race! And since the Loppet does not accept Day of Race registration, if you are interested, register now!

To contact the Rangeley Lakes XC Ski Club call 207/864- 4309 or email them at: rlxcski@gwi.net. Online registration for the Loppet available at www.active.com

The New England Nordic Ski Association is a non-profit organization for the development of cross-country skiing in New England.

For more information on cross-country skiing in New England, for an updated schedule of races in your area, qualification criteria, athlete bios and more, go to WWW.NENSA.NET

Time to race the Birkebeiner
Posted 2/18/2002 7:08:31 PM

Race organizers report three inches of fresh snow have fallen on the trails this week. Volunteers have worked hard to cover bare spots past the 25K mark.

According to Board member Jane Bidwell the course will be ready this weekend. "The Birkie trail continues to hold up even better than we originally anticipated," Bidwell said. "Skiers should not count on a 25K race. As it stands on Sunday evening, we could go all the way to Duffy's Field which is 45K."

The 23K Kortelopet course remains in very good shape, and the Korte will not be altered. Once again skiers will start at Cable Union Airport and finish at Telemark Resort in Cable.

Birkie festivities begin on Thursday, Feb. 21 with opening ceremonies, Salomon Elite Sprints, and the Sons of Norway/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie on Main Street in Hayward. The Salomon Elite Sprints will be a roller ski event, and the Sons of Norway/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie will be a walk/run event. Races continue on Friday, Feb. 22 with the Junior Birkie and the Chequamegon Telephone 10K held at Telemark Resort in Cable.

The entry fee for Birkie and Kortelopet registrations has been frozen at $90, and new registrations will be accepted through Friday, Feb. 22. For more information or to register for the Johnson Bank American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, Junior Birkie presented by Century Tel, Chequamegon Telephone 10K, or the Sons of Norway/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie, call 715-634-5025, e-mail birkie@birkie.com, or log on to www.birkie.com.

Birkie 2002 is sponsored by Johnson Bank, Subaru, Murphy McGinnis Media and other businesses throughout the region and country.

Olympic News
Best Finish Ever in 4x10 Relay
Posted 2/18/2002 7:08:31 PM

The U.S. cross country skiers relay team made history Sunday when the four man team finished fifth in the men's 4x5km Relay. The quartet of John Bauer (Duluth, Minn.), Kris Freeman (Andover, N.H.), Justin Wadsworth (Bend, Ore.) and Carl Swenson (Boulder, Colo.) fifth place finish was the highest in Olympic history for the United States team.

Bauer skied the first leg, Freeman the second, Wadsworth the third and Swenson served as the anchorman. The U.S. posted a time of 1:34:05.5, 1:20 behind Norway.

Norway won the gold with a time of 1:32:45.5. Italy took the silver medal in 1:32:45.8 and Germany won bronze in 1:33:34.5.

2002 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES
February 17, 2002
Men's Cross Country 4x10km Relay
Soldier Hollow, Utah

1. Norway (1:32:45.5)
2. Italy (1:32:45.8)
3. Germany (1:33:34.5)

5. USA (1:34:05.5)
John Bauer, Duluth, Minn.
Kris Freeman, Andover, N.H.
Justin Wadsworth, Bend, Ore.
Carl Swenson, Boulder, Colo.

2002 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES
February 12, 2002
Men's 15km Classical
Soldier Hollow, Utah

1. Andrus Veerpalu, Estonia (37:07.4)
2. Frode Estil, Norway (37:43.4)
3. Jaak Mae, Estonia (37:50.8)

--

12. John Bauer, Duluth, Minn. (38:55.7)
16. Patrick Weaver, Lenox, Mass. (39:24.4)
22. Kris Freeman, Andover, N.H. (39:34.3)
54. Lars Flora, Anchorage, Alaska (42:11.5)

Women's 10km Classical

1. Bente Skari, Norway (28:05.6)
2. Olga Danilova, Russia (28:08.1)
3. Julija Tchepalova, Russia (28:09.9)

--

38. Wendy Wagner, Park City, Utah (30:50.7)
40. Nina Kemppel, Anchorage, Alaska (30:51.9)
54. Tessa Benoit, Ketchum, Idaho (33:09.1)
55. Aelin Peterson, Fairbanks, Alaska (33:18.9)

High Finish for Bauer
John Bauer of Duluth Minnesota finished 12th in the 15km Classical event, the highest Olympic Winter Games cross country finish for the U.S. in 26 years. MinnAndrus Veerpalu of Estonia won the gold with a time of 37:07.4 in the one lap event. Norwegian Frode Estil took the silver in 37:43.4 and Estonian Jaak Mae won bronze in 37:50.8.

Bauer's finish was the best by any American since Bill Koch took the silver in the 30km at the 1976 Olympic Winter Games.

In the women's 10km Classical race, Bente Skari of Norway won in 28:05.6. Russian Olga Danilova won the silver in 28:08.1 and teammate Julija Tchepalova was third in 28:09.9.

Wendy Wagner (Park City, Utah) was the top U.S. women's finisher in 38th place with a time of 30:50.7.

2002 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES
February 12, 2002

Men's 15km Classical
Soldier Hollow, Utah
1. Andrus Veerpalu, Estonia (37:07.4)
2. Frode Estil, Norway (37:43.4)
3. Jaak Mae, Estonia (37:50.8)
--
12. John Bauer, Duluth, Minn. (38:55.7)
16. Patrick Weaver, Lenox, Mass. (39:24.4)
22. Kris Freeman, Andover, N.H. (39:34.3)
54. Lars Flora, Anchorage, Alaska (42:11.5)

Women's 10km Classical
1. Bente Skari, Norway (28:05.6)
2. Olga Danilova, Russia (28:08.1)
3. Julija Tchepalova, Russia (28:09.9)
--
38. Wendy Wagner, Park City, Utah (30:50.7)
40. Nina Kemppel, Anchorage, Alaska (30:51.9)
54. Tessa Benoit, Ketchum, Idaho (33:09.1)
55. Aelin Peterson, Fairbanks, Alaska (33:18.9)

JR. WORLD BIATHLON SILVER
Ridnaun, Northern Italy.
In Ridnaun, Italy, the US junior women took second place in the Jr. World Biathlon relay finishing behind Germany. This the first ever relay medal at the World Junior Championships for the USA. The Russian team finished 3rd.

The American team consisted of Carolyn Treacy, Tracy Barnes and her sister Lanny Barnes. Earlier in the competition, Lanny Barnes won the bronze medal in the women's 12.5 km individual race.

The US men's relay team finished 7th out of 20 teams.

Nordic Sees Sales Increases
According to figures compiled by SnowSports Industries America, sales of nordic equipment continue to be strong this winter. Even without much snow, Nordic skis climbed 5.5 percent to $1.9 million followed by bindings (up 4.9 percent to $710,167), boots (up 25.9 percent to $2.0 million) and poles (up 9.4 percent to $457,254) in the last reporting period. SnowSports Industries America (SIA) is thenational, not-for-profit, member-owned trade association that represents snow and winter sports outdoor companies. For more information, check out www.snowlink.com.

Alternate Plan Developed for Race Day
American Birkebeiner shortened to 25K
by Leslie Hamp

HAYWARD, Wis. -- As Old Man Winter slumbers through the ski season, race officials of the Johnson Bank American Birkebeiner ski marathon in Cable and Hayward, Wis. are making contingency plans for the 51K cross-country ski race scheduled Saturday, Feb. 23.

At a special Feb. 13 meeting of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF), board members decided to shorten the 51K Birkebeiner race to 25K. Under the alternate plan the shortened Birkebeiner will start at Cable Union Airport and finish at "OO" in Seeley. If Mother Nature dumps additional snowfall and conditions permit, the race will be lengthened, possibly up to 45K with a finish in Duffy's Field.

The 23K Kortelopet will not be altered. Once again skiers will start at Cable Union Airport and finish at Telemark Resort in Cable.

Opening ceremonies, Salomon Elite Sprints, and the Sons of Norway/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie will still be held on Main Street in Hayward on Thursday, Feb. 21. The Salomon Elite Sprints will be a roller ski event, and the Sons of Norway/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie will be a walk/run event.

Races continue on Friday, Feb. 22 with the Junior Birkie and the Chequamegon Telephone 10K held at Telemark Resort in Cable.

ABSF board of director Jane Bidwell says the changes are a positive decision based on current conditions.

"As it stands right now, we can hold a safe and quality event to at least 'OO' at 25K," Bidwell said. "I would say 90 percent of the trail is spectacular skiing. It's just a few of the hills that are causing us concern. If we can solve those problems, we will continue the race to 45K at Duffy's Field."

Executive Director Cherie Morgan said festivities will continue on race day with food, music and a festive atmosphere on Main Street.

Morgan notes that conditions remain good on the Birkie and Kortelopet trails. Colder temperatures and light snow flurries in January and early February have meant skiers have been able to train on the Birkie trail. In fact, two races were held the weekend of February 8 and 9 with 900 racers skiing the pre-Birkie and 200 racers skiing the North End Classic. Racers reported good, fast conditions on the Birkie trail.

While Old Man Winter keeps race officials and skiers guessing as to race day conditions, one thing is certain: nearly 8,000 skiers and 20,000 spectators will descend on the communities of Hayward and Cable, Wis. for race week festivities from Thursday, Feb. 21 through Saturday, Feb. 23.

They'll be welcomed by area businesses, residents, race officials and the 2,000 volunteers who make the Johnson Bank American Birkebeiner possible each year. They'll be honored as the hearty athletes who snub their nose at Old Man Winter as they set out to fulfill their dreams and goal of competing in a world-class event. They'll be winners who walk away with stories to tell, proud participants of a 29-year tradition.

For more information or to register for the Johnson Bank American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, Junior Birkie presented by Century Tel, Chequamegon Telephone 10K, or the Sons of Norway/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie, call 715-634-5025, e-mail birkie@birkie.com, or log on to www.birkie.com.

Birkie 2002 is sponsored by Johnson Bank, Subaru, Murphy McGinnis Media and other businesses throughout the region and country.

NOQUEMANON IV A HUGE SUCCESS
The smiling faces of almost 900 skiers on Saturday told the story of the fourth running of Michigan's largest skiing event,

This year's Noquemanon Ski Marathon attracted almost 900 skiers. Race officials altered the course slightly and hauled in snow to lower elevations because of the unusually mild winter, skiers were rewarded with great skiing over almost the entire 42 kilometer course. Due to the low snow level, the normal 53 K distance was shortened to 42k and its start was moved to the Dead River Basin.. A six kilometer jaunt along the Basin brought skiers to the regular Noque course and the dash to the Superior Dome in downtown Marquette was on!

The feature event was the 42 K Classic races, one of the Champions Cup races to determine the overall American Ski Marathon Series Champion, and it featured a very strong field. Despite Team Rossignols Justin Freeman taking the cash as the first over the Subaru Road Crossing Preme Line 15 K into the race, the Subaru Factory Team ruled the day in the mens race. In the Mead Highlands, Swedish native Magnus Eriksson pulled away from teammates Dave Stewart, Chad Geise and Scott Loomis to win the mens race in a time of 1:49:38. Stewart and Geise finished second and third.

On the womens side, Norways Unni Oddegaard made it a classic sweep for the Subaru Factory Team. She continued her dominance on the ASM circuit by leading from the start and winning by more than seven minutes over former Olympian Suzanne King of Bend, Oregon. Irene Eder of Denver took third.

The 42 K mens freestyle crown was taken by Duluths Brian May in a time of 1:44:31. He was followed by Christopher Sachs of Marquette and Dale Niggeman of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. The ladies race came down to an exciting sprint to the finish by three Duluth skiers. Team Rossis JoAnn Hanowski managed to hold off hard charging Sara Zimmer and Abigail May to take the win by just hundredths of a second.

Volvo Eastern Cup at Jackson Touring Center.
At the end of January, the Volvo Eastern Cup headed to the Jackson Touring Center for an important classic cross-country ski race. Due to warm temperatures, race organizers shortened the race to 5km.

Men's winner, David Chamberlain, of the Subaru Factory Team Olympic Trials, bested the competition with a time of 11:50, almost a minute over Stratton Mountain School's David Smutok, and Craftsbury (VT) Nordic Club's Nick Trautz.. Chamberlain, who teaches at Gould Academy in his non-training time, was just one spot short of making the 2002 Olympic Team in his first bid for the team. In the J2 division (age 14-15) Thomas Ebner of Green Mountain Valley School had a time of 13:55 for the course, 15 seconds ahead of Cameron Mackugler of Stratton Mountain School, and Simon Thomas-Train of the New York Ski Educational Foundation, based in Lake Placid, NY.

The women's race was dominated by the Juniors, who were in the hunt for Junior Olympic Team qualification points. Sara Jorg, of Green Mountain Valley School, was 5 seconds ahead of Stratton Mountain's Morgan Smyth, and 12 seconds ahead of Ida Sargent, another Craftsbury Nordic Club member.

Final results are available at www.jacksonxc.org

Quick links to read more Nordic related news.

Cross Country
Sixteen cross country skiers -- one of the largest U.S. teams ever named, and including four-time Olympian Nina Kemppel (Anchorage, AK) -- have been nominated to compete at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games . More info. here

Nordic
Todd Lodwick (Steamboat Springs, CO) and Bill Demong (Vermontville, NY), who have each won a World Cup this season, headline a group of seven nordic combined skiers nominated Wednesday to compete in the 2002 Olympics, the U.S. Ski Team announced. More info. here

* ICY CONDITIONS
Given the poor snow and icy conditions this season, it might be time to consider a new winter sport --- like long blade skating. Try strapping on two-foot long blades and logging 100K: More info. here

US Olympic Cross-Country Team Named
The US Ski Team has elected to take a full team to the Olympic Games.

The team is as follows:
Justin Wadsworth. USST, Bend, Oregon. Carl Swenson. USST, Fischer/Salomon/Swix. Kris Freeman. USST, Fischer/Swix. John Bauer. Duluth, MN. Andrew Johnson. Park City, UT. Lars Flora. Gold 2002, Fischer/Salomon/Swix. Patrick Weaver. Home Depot. Bend, OR Torrin Koos. USST. Salt Lake, UT.	Nina Kemppel. USST. Fischer/Salomon/Swix Wendy Wagner. USST. Fischer/Salomon/Swix. Barb Jones. Subaru Factory Team. Tessa Benoit. Subaru Factory Team. Kristina Joder. Subaru Factory Team. Kikkan Randle. Gold 2002, Fischer/Salomon/Swix. Aelin Peterson. Fairbanks, AK Lindsey Weir. CODP.

Contrary to their initial stance on team size, the USST administration has decided to take a full team of 16 to this year's Olympic games. The large team size is an indication not only that we have many talented skiers, but also that the optimistic, winning spirit that has been lacking from the US Ski Team is being rejuvenated by cross-country director Luke Bodensteiner and crew.

Birkie Skiers Count Down to Race Day
by Leslie Hamp

It's only 30 days until race day but whose counting except the 9,000 skiers who plan to participate in American Birkebeiner festivities in Cable and Hayward, Wisconsin. from Thursday, Feb. 21 through Saturday, Feb. 23.

The American Birkebeiner, launched in 1973 by Tony Wise, was patterned on an event from the Norwegian civil war of 1206. Two Viking soldiers, nicknamed birkebeiners for the birch-bark leggings they wore, skied 55 kilometers to rescue the infant prince of Norway, Hakon Hakonsson, who was later crowned king.

Since 1973 more than 100,000 skiers from all walks of life have completed their own Birkebeiner in Cable and Hayward. Race day, Feb. 23, 2002, will continue the tradition as waves of brightly colored Lycra suits and knicker-clad skiers shoot out of the starting gates when the canon sounds.

"When all is said and done, we anticipate nearly 9,000 skiers from 19 countries and 45 United States participating in Birkie events and festivities," said Cherie Morgan, executive director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation.

Race day logistical support includes 11 food and medical stops, 10,000 oranges, 5,000 bananas, 4,000 cups of hot chocolate, 600 gallons of soup, 5,000 gallons of water, 98,000 cups, 1,500 gallons of sport drink, 16,000 cookies, 15,000 bread rolls, 165 portable toilets, 4,000 medals, 7,100 pins, and and 18,000 ski stickers.

The 2002 Johnson Bank American Birkebeiner, which is part of a Worldloppet series of 14 international ski marathons, part of the International Ski Federation (FIS) Marathon Cup series and part of the American Ski Marathon series, is the largest cross country ski race in North America. It starts at the Cable Union Airport, continues on some of the most beautiful and challenging terrain of any location in the Worldloppet series, and finishes in downtown Hayward.

The 2002 Kortelopet, a 23K race, also starts at the Cable Union Airport, splits from the Birkie at nine kilometers, continues on scenic and hilly Bayfield County and Telemark trails, and finishes as a race of its own at Telemark Resort in Cable.

The two races are the grand finale to three days of shorter races, sprints, family events and equipment demonstrations. For more information or to register for the 51K Birkebeiner, 23K Kortelopet, Hayward Chamber of Commerce Citizen Sprints, Junior Birkie presented by Century Tel,, Chequamegon Telephone 10K, or the Sons of Norway/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie, call 715-634-5025, e-mail birkie@birkie.com, or log on to www.birkie.com.

Birkie 2002 is sponsored by Johnson Bank, Subaru, Murphy McGinnis Media and other businesses throughout the region and country.

News From The Snow Sports Industries of America
Nordic & Snowboard Gear See Sales Increases

The overall picture is much brighter. When specialty and chain store numbers are combined through the end of November, sales were down only 1.4 percent in dollars compared to 2000. The sales for all stores were $632 million compared to $642 million. Equipment sales were up slightly by 1.7 percent to $276 million. Both snowboard (up 14.8 percent in dollars) and Nordic equipment (up 24.5 percent) kept this category in the positive. Alpine equipment took a hit, down 4.8 percent in dollars. Apparel and accessories were down in sales, 2.9 percent and 4.6 percent respectively. In dollars this translates to $190 million in apparel sales and $167 million for accessories.

Snowboard and Nordic Gear Up
One of the bright spots at sporting goods stores this winter is the increase in the sales of Nordic ski equipment. Even without snow, Nordic sales climbed after two poor seasons. Nordic skis were up 22.3 percent to $822,928 followed by bindings (up 23.8 percent to $289,081), boots (up 13.4 percent to $753,743). The only weak sales in Nordic were seen in poles, down 15.0 percent to $159,883.

Auto Racks Sales Up
Equipment accessories were up 10.9 percent to $70.3 million from $63.4 million last season. Auto racks are benefiting from the zero percent financing in auto sales and are up 14.9 percent to 15.2 million. A recent SIA/Leisure Trends Consumer Study found that 58 percent of Americans Planning on traveling in the next six months said that they would drive to their destination ˆ another contributor to the increase in car racks..

Want to Learn a Snow Sport?
Snowlink.com is First Step to Learn and Improve
If you want to learn to snowboard,snowshoe, or cross country, Snowlink.com has much of the information needed to get started. Snowlink is the consumer Web site of SnowSports Industries America (SIA), the national, not-for-profit trade association that represents ski, snowboard and other winter sports outdoor companies.

One of Snowlink's five main sections is Learn & Improve (www.snowlink.com/learnimprove).Within this section are several articles that answer the range of questions that novices have. The section has separate articles about learning to snowboard, snowshoe, and cross country ski, as well as an article about dressing properly for the various snow sports in order to keep warm and dry. Award-winning snow sports journalist Claudia Carbone wrote an article about why good gear is so important for novices (and how to know if the gear youíre renting is good or not).

Snowlink.com has more than 300 pages of snow sports information, including sections on getting started with skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. It also has more than 1,000 links to the Web sites of equipment manufacturers, retailers, ski and snowboard clubs, resorts, weather services and events.

Sports Participants Plan to Travel
Sports participants travel plans are returning to normal faster than the average American, according to a survey commissioned by SnowSports Industries America (SIA.) Three months after the terrorist attacks on the United States, 80 percent of self-identified skiers and snowboarders plan to take an overnight trip this season, compared with 57 percent two weeks after the attacks. Mountain resorts are now considered the safest vacation spot by 63 percent of Americans, up from 57 percent in September. Additionally, nearly three quarters of sports participants want to take a vacation for pleasure in the next six months.

The SIA study found that 63 percent of Americans say they will plan a pleasure trip or vacation in the next six months, which falls in line with the latest Travel Confidence Survey administered by the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA.) The TIA Study found that 62 percent of Americans now plan on taking at least one leisure trip in the next six months. Sports participants are leading Americans out of the paralysis that put a lock on travel and vacation plans just after the terrorist attacks, and are 18 percent more likely to have finalized their winter and spring leisure travel plans.

Americans were asked what would be their primary mode of transportation when traveling for pleasure in the next six months, 58 percent said they would drive. One-third will fly and the rest will take the bus or train. However, 36 percent of sports participants would fly and are more likely to take advantage of lower airfares and deal. Of those that will drive, the average time they are willing to drive to a destination is ten hours one way.

Marquette, MI – The Noquemanon Ski Marathon appears “highly likely” to be run on its regular course, race officials announced today.
Periodic snowfalls and cold temperatures have improved the course conditions significantly in recent days, and additional accumulations are forecasted over the next week. There was concern in recent days that the January 26 race would have to be relocated to Blueberry Ridge due to lack of snow in certain areas on the Noquemanon trail.

Trail Chief Tom Mahaney reports that trail crews have surveyed the course and find 90% of it to be in skiable condition, with a snow base of six inches or more. “We just inspected the course and we’re real pleased with how much it has improved over the last few days”, stated Mahaney. “It looks like we’ll be able to use most, if not all, of the entire 53 kilometers. We ’ve pulled all the trail crew from Blueberry and have them working on the Noque course. We’ll be running the Bombardier pulling snow in from the sides, hauling snow, and shoveling right up to race day if necessary to get the entire course in the best possible condition.”

Forecasts call for continued snow accumulations of three to four inches each day over the weekend with additional snow mid-week. “Any additional snow now will ensure the course is in top shape for the race,” stated Jon Mommaerts, Race Director. “The race is on, we’ve got a full line-up of events and it’s going to be a great weekend for Nordic skiing! We’ve also got unconfirmed reports of an Olympic team member racing. Between the Rossi Team and Subaru Factory Team, we have 20-30 top competitors coming in this year hunting for American Ski Marathon points. This will be the most exciting race yet.”

For more information on the Noquemanon Ski Marathon and U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame Half Marathon, call 1-888-578-6489

OLYMPIC BIATHLON TEAM

The Olympic biathlon team has been named and is as follows:
Lawton Redman
Jay Hakkinen
Jeremy Teela
Dan Campbell
Rachel Steer (Fischer/Addidas)
Kara Salmela (Salomon)
Andrea Nahrgang
Kristina Sabasteanski (Fischer/Salomon)

Congratulations to all!