Nordic Club sets race at Blacktail Mountain crosscountry trails

Bigfork Eagle

The North Shore Nordic Club will have a “classic style only” Nordic ski race on Feb. 15.

 The race is open to all ages as a fundraiser for the club. The North Shore Nordic Ski Club is holding what it hopes will be the first annual race focused on the classic style of skiing. Dubbed the “Y Loppet,” the race will be in the classic style of cross-country skiing that differs from skate skiing in both the technique and equipment. “One of our members suggested the race and we thought it was a great idea,” Dave Hadden, president of the club, said.  “Our club strives to provide consistent, high quality, groomed cross-country skiing.  And we also appreciate our members’ suggestions for fun ideas that help raise funds for our operations.” North Shore Nordic must raise about $20,000 a year to provide the groomed cross-country skiing at its Blacktail and Bigfork ski areas, Hadden said. “We don’t have a problem having fun while we raise funds,” Hadden said.

Racers are welcome to use modern or more antique classic ski gear.  The Blacktail Nordic trails will be set up with two classic tracks and the course will be a total of about 22 kilometers (or 13.5 miles).  

Skiers interested in participating in the race should plan to arrive early for registration between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m.  A mandatory, pre-race meeting will start at 9:45 a.m. The race starts at 10 a.m.

There is a $10 entry fee per racer with all proceeds to benefit the club.  

Racers should be prepared to be self-supporting; feed and support stations will not be provided.  

The club will provide awards for the top 3 overall racers for both men and women in a post-race ceremony.

“Come on out and have some winter fun and support Nordic skiing,” Hadden said.

For more information contact jimruck@gmail.com or 406-407-584