The US Cross Country Ski Championships are set to begin in Anchorage, featuring 350 top skiers from around the country. The event will take place from Thursday to Tuesday, with skiers competing in various divisions.
According to Matt Pauli, chief of competition, the Kincaid courses will be in fine shape despite the lack of snow. Pauli has four decades of experience working in major competitions.
Trond Flagstad, a UAA associate Nordic Coach said that while the lack of snow is a challenge, the base is good, and skating is excellent. Naomi Smith, a 12-year-old winter star’s skier, will be cheering on her brother Lance, who will compete in the U26 category.
The event is a significant undertaking, with over 200 volunteers signed up to work the races. Ida Gullet, co-chair of the event, highlighted the institutional knowledge and volunteer enthusiasm vital in preparing for the championships.
The US Cross Country Ski Championships will feature top skiers from around the country, including multiple Alaskans who could be in contention for national titles. The event will conclude on Tuesday, wrapping up the exciting competition.
In addition to the competition, the event will also feature a live stream with former Olympian Nina Keppel as part of the commentary team. The live stream will provide fans with a unique perspective on the competition.
The US Cross Country Ski Championships are expected to have a significant impact on the local community, with many businesses and organizations supporting the event. The championships will also provide a platform for young skiers to showcase their talents and compete against top athletes from around the country.
This News Story was originally published by Anchorage Daily News.
