Current Issue
#43.2 | 2024 Photo Annual
Inside you’ll find the work of more than half a dozen of our favorite photographers, whose images range from serene Alpine landscapes to racing’s intensity. In addition, Allison Slavick pays tribute to 50 years of the American Birkebeiner through a wide-ranging oral history, while several of our writers herald the behind-the-scenes work of the groomers who create pristine trail surfaces. Learn why Nordic skating is the hot new cold-weather sport and what inspired four former U.S. Ski Teamers to earn private pilot licenses. Read about the incredible variety of skiing in Jackson, N.H., and a rare ski day on the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Also inside: the inaugural U.S. Biathlon Collegiate National Championships; how to improve your V2 and a guide to self-coaching; the “flakey” photography of “Snowflake” Bentley; at home with Olympians Sophie Caldwell Hamilton and Simi Hamilton; and essays on skiing near Whistler, B.C., embracing speed and finding satisfaction in slowing down.
Inside the Issue ›
Features
Page 44
Photo Annual
We showcase the images that inspire us, from photographers with whom we love to work. Whether a snow-blanketed landscape or skiers in the throes of giving it their all, these photos capture the breadth and spirit of Nordic skiing. Bonus: See the winning entries from our recent photo contest.
Image by Christoph Jorda
Page 62
The Birkie at 50
There’s no better-known ski race in the U.S. than the American Birkebeiner. To commemorate the event’s 50th anniversary this February, we compiled an oral history, with insights from those who competed or were involved in the race from the first run- ning, with 35 skiers, to today’s field, capped at 7,500 racers.
by Allison Slavick
Page 74
Trail Heroes
We enjoy the products of their work every time we set ski to a groomed trail, but the men and women piloting those grooming machines are the unsung heroes of cross country skiing. Here, we pay tribute to six of them who have exceptional skills and unwaver- ing passion for their craft.
Words Tim Hauserman, Cindy Hirschfeld, Peggy Shinn, Allison Slavick and Thomas Weaver | Image by Nathan Bilow
Mass Start
Page 13
Editor’s Note
Power of Community
Page 14
Wax Box
Page 16
Essays
Tom Weaver learns to like speed, Rebecca Weiss skis among giants and Hansi Johnson finds satisfaction in slowing down.
Destination
Page 36
Ski In, Ski Out
Jackson, New Hampshire, is a true ski town, with more than 100 kilometers of Nordic trails that weave through and around the picturesque village.
Words by Peggy Shinn | Image by Cait Bourgault
The Skinny
Page 22
Air Time
Thanks to a partnership between U.S. Ski and Snowboard and Tex- tronic Aviation, athletes can take advantage of scholarships to earn a private pilot license. Four Nordic ski- ers have been spreading their wings.
Page 24
Ice Is Nice
More and more recreation enthusiasts are discovering a hybrid of cross country skiing and ice skating that lets you zoom across lakes and rivers.
Page 28
Scholar Biathletes
In March, U.S. Biathlon will hold its inaugural Collegiate National Championships.
Page 30
Overland: The Snows of Yesteryear
When conditions are just right, skiing at the Grand Canyon reveals a magical landscape.
The Final Stretch
Page 82
Inside Line
Think like a cat to improve your V2; a step-by-step guide to self-coaching.
Page 94
Perspective
Former U.S. Ski Teamers Sophie Caldwell Hamilton and Simi Hamilton settle into life post- racing at their home in Colorado.
Page 96
Classics
“Snowflake” Bentley made it his life’s work to photograph and study snow crystals, revealing their infinite variety.
Page 99
Photo Finish
A colorful collage of Birkie posters from 50 years of races.
The Journal of Nordic Skiing