Methow Valley Nordic Team

Annual Mazama Orienteering

2011-11-15T08:48:00.001-08:00

Methow Valley Nordic Team meet in Mazama, every team got a map and clues, and ran to each spot for points!

MVNT Registration Dates

2011-10-10T20:51:00.001-07:00

Get Ready for the Ski Season - It's Time to Register for Ski Team!!!

October 17 - J3 and Older Registration Meeting, Liberty Bell High School, 5:30 pm, two new programs are being offered this year. A Devolopment Team for both J3 and J2 and older athletes. Click here for more information, registration forms and scholarship applications.

November 1, J4 and Younger Registration Meeting, Methow Valley Elementary School, 5:30 pm, Click here for more information, registration forms and scholarship applications

Ski Ball - November 11, 5:30 PM Red Barn

2011-09-30T13:05:00.001-07:00

Get ready for the biggest Methow Valley Nordic team party of the year, the 2011 Ski Ball!

Saturday, November 12, 2011
Doors open at 5:30 pm at the Winthrop Red Barn.
Live music, food and our annual "laugh-out-loud" live and silent auction.

Bring your finest, most elegant dress or suit and win the MVNT "best dress" award and prize.

Interested in donating or becoming a sponsor?

Contact Emily Post, 509-997-2251 or emilyapost@gmail.com

Methow Valley Nordic Team 2011 Junior Olympics Vidoe Update

2011-03-11T19:50:00.001-08:00

You tube link to video

MVNT Skiers Attend Western States Youth Festival in Montana

2011-03-02T21:15:00.001-08:00

Coaches Leslie and Alex Hall traveled to West Glacier Montana via train
from Wenatchee with 10 kids from the MV NordicTeam for the Western States
Youth Ski Festival which brings together about 150 skiers aged 7-14
mostly from the Intermountain West (Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and
Washington). It was very cold there but the kids managed to deal with
the conditions. They competed in a skate race, an obstacle course, a
downhill slalom (on the nordic trails) and a classic race with recognition
in each event as well as overall.

On a very chilly Saturday morning in the J3 category, Ella Hall had a
good skate race and placed 3rd in a 3km race won by Reilly Gibson of
Jackson Hole, WY. Izzy Jennings had a solid race coming in 7th,
followed by Maya Seckinger in 8th, Claire Waichler was 11th,impressing
her coach with her great technique and Sylvie LeDuc 18th in a field of
24. The two Methow J3 boys, Elliot and Damon Hardwick were30th and 32nd
in their skate race. We had a stellar showing in the J5 event, with
Novie McCabe leading the field with the fastest time on the 1.4km course
and Gretta Scholz placed third in the 8 girl field. Walker Hall was
mislead by his coaches and insisted on skiing a 2km course while his
competitors went 1.4km so he ended up13th on that course against older
boys. But he rallied and came back to win the downhill for the J5's and
place 3rd in the obstacle course that afternoon. Novie McCabe won the
J5 downhill and the obstacle course for the girls with Gretta Scholz in
5th in the downhill and 4th in the obstacle course. In the J3 events:
Maya Seckinger showed great form on the downhill and placed 4th,
followed by Ella Hall in 7th, Izzy Jennings in 15th, Sylvie LeDuc in
16th and Claire Waichler in 18th. Damon Hardwick was 27th and Elliot
Hardwick 32nd in their downhill races.

Sunday dawned snowy and a bit warmer for some great classic racing. Our
crew worked hard and had the following results in the 3km classic which
was dominated by Sun Valley skiers: Maya Seckinger 5th place, Ella Hall
7th place, Izzy Jennings 14th place, Sylvie LeDuc 19th place and Claire
Waichler 21st place. Elliot and Damon Hardwick were 29th and 31st
respectively. Our J5 skiers were dominant once again. Walker Hall won
the 1.4km race with the fastest time on that course, Novie McCabe made
it 4 for 4 wins with a first place in the J5 girls and Gretta Scholz
placed 4th. The Methow Valley Nordic Team skiers made their coaches
proud by being awarded the Sportsmanship Award for their positive
attitude and helpfulness throughout the weekend. GREAT JOB TEAM!!

With a train cancellation due to freight train problems we had to search
high and low for a way home in the blizzard. Thanks to Rob Seckinger
for shuttling David Lawrence to Wenatchee who then drove to meet us in
Spokane where the Whitefish coach delivered our tired but happy team.

Moonlight Ski Tour & Potluck - Sat. Jan. 15

2011-01-11T09:26:00.001-08:00

MOONLIGHT SKI TOUR & POTLUCK
Saturday, January 15th
Meet up for the Methow Valley Nordic club's annual Moonlight Ski and Potluck - Saturday, January 15th!

Meet place: the Mazama Community Center at 6:00p.m. for a pre-ski potluck and feed.

Then, hit the trails and expose yourself to a "waxing gibbous with 81% of the moon¹s visible disk illuminated."²

Bring family and friends - it¹s free and open to anyone and everyone, club members or not.

And be sure to bring good food to share!

Bend, Oregon Day One

2011-01-07T14:48:00.001-08:00

Awoke early for breakfast included at the Red Lion in Bend. Skied the course this morning. Everyone looks great and ready to race. After our am ski, we waxed then went to town for some big town shopping. Dinner tonight at the hotel. Here's a pic from waxing.

4th Annual Wooden Ski Classic

2010-12-21T16:35:00.000-08:00

Pull on your wool sweaters lace up your leather boots and bring life back to your wooden skis and bamboo poles at the 4th Annual Mazama Wooden Ski Classic Tour and Race on December 31st New Years Eve.

12pm Pine Tar Clinic and Registration
1pm Tour/Race Starts

Suggested donation $10, all funds go to the kids of Methow Valley Nordic so bring out the entire family to participate as spectators or skiers in the history of cross country skiing. 5k Race and 2.5k Tour.

Questions? or want to Help? Contact Chad Gregg chad.gregg@gmail.com

First on-snow J4 practice !

2010-12-09T19:55:00.001-08:00

Scott's Scotts ... love those reflector seams!

PM Classic Ski Silver Star

2010-11-26T17:13:00.001-08:00

Friday afternoon classic ski, power relays and fresh powder, 12 F, worked on mass start, fast and furious downhill craziness.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Silver Star Report Friday afternoon

2010-11-26T17:10:00.001-08:00

Enjoy the pictures from a fabulous waxing clinic hosted by Laura McCabe

Happy Thanksgiving from Silver Start, B.C.

2010-11-26T13:15:00.001-08:00

We had a wonderful, wintry Thanksgiving at Silver Star. Big classic ski in the am and an easy skate session in the afternoon. Light snow, cold temperatures, it's a winter wonderland with lots of smilling faces on the trail. Thinking of family and friends! Today we skated about 18 k this morning. After skiing, the team busted out 70 pushups for not brining water bottles. Think they will remember next time ;) Wax clinic this afternoon before a pm classic session. Working on goals this evening. Everyone is having a blast. Picture from Thanksgiving dinner.[[posterous-content:pid___0]]

Kudos for Kilometers!!!

2010-11-11T10:30:00.001-08:00

Kudos for Kilometers! All you Methow Valley Nordic Team skiers! Keep track of how far you ski this whole winter! Download your sheet here. Ski further than you ever thought possible. Record your kilometers and win awards for three different levels at the end of the year banquet: Bronze level 50kms; Silver level 250kms; and Gold level 500kms. It is totally voluntary! Ask your coach how far you skied after every practice. Download your sheet here

Lewis Butte All Team Practice - Let it snow!!!

2010-11-10T08:35:00.001-08:00

Lewis Butte All Teams Practice!
Kids being active outside in the snow!!! It was a great day.
Thanks to all the parents, coaches and kids who came out to enjoy the first snow of the year!
Get outside and play. See you next Tuesday at Patterson Mountain 1pm. Ski Ball this Saturday - Live music, prizes and a live and silent auction!!!!
Enjoy the pictures below.

See the full gallery on posterous

DRYland training on the first snowy day!

2010-11-10T07:06:00.000-08:00

First All Team Dryland Training

2010-11-08T07:33:00.001-08:00

Come to our annual MVNT hike up Lewis Butte TUESDAY, NOV EMBER 9 @ 3:30

Great registration meeting last night!

2010-11-04T06:37:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Annie B. for a great registration meeting last night. Highlights: financial aid application due November 29th to Midge Cross. Winthrop Mountain Sports has created another fantastic ski rental program, be sure to schedule your appointment (check the calendar on the MVNT website for dates). Hats and jackets comming soon! Registration deadline November 15th. Want to volunteer coach? Coaches meeting November 8th, 6pm, Winthrop Physical Therapy.

Nordic Team Coaches Wanted !

2010-10-31T20:33:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't you like to be part of this awesome group? MVNT is currently in need of coaches for the 2010-2011 season and beyond. If you have a few extra hours a week and love sharing Nordic skiing with kids, get in touch ... annieb@methownet.com . Previous experience not necessary - just enthusiasm and a lively spirit.

5th Annual Driveway Butte Hillclimb results

2010-10-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

Results of this year's time trial up the Driveway Butte trail can be downloaded at http://www.mvnordic.com/DrivewayButteHillclimb.pdf. The race was held on 10/17/10.

Registration Meeting for the 2010-2011 Season

2010-10-18T06:27:00.000-07:00

Time to register your skier for the upcoming MVNT season! The Registration Meeting for new skiers and returning skiers, of elementary school age is WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3rd @ 5pm @ the MV Elementary School!! We will meet to share plans for the upcoming season, answer questions, hand out the new SmartWool Team Hats and get excited for Nordic Skiing!!

Annual Ski Ball is Saturday, Nov. 13th, 2010

2010-08-21T18:03:00.000-07:00

Save the Date!

The Annual Ski Ball is Saturday, November 13, 2010 at the Winthrop Barn.

Information to come.

Methow Valley Biathlon June Shooting Camp

2010-05-11T11:16:00.000-07:00

June 18 - June 20, 2010
Mazama, WA

This camp will offer coaching for both the beginner and the advance biathlete. It will help the experienced biathlete improve their skills and take home drills for further improvement. For the beginner biathlete, it will introduce them to the sport and give them an opportunity to improve newly acquired skills.

Athletes must be at least 9-years old to attend. Ages are determined by what age you will be on Dec. 31, 2010. Shooting sessions will be assigned by age and experience (see schedule). All shooters must have completed a biathlon safety clinic before they can shoot on the range. There will be a safety clinic provided for individuals that need one. (Please note if you need a safety clinic on your registration form.) Rifles will be available on a first come first serve basis so register early if you don't have your own rifle. Registration deadline is June 1, 2010 and there is a $10 late fee.

A few of the topics that will be covered are:

Biathlon rifle safety
Perfecting prone and standing shooting positions
Live fire drills
Speed and accuracy
Basics of combo training
Wind and shooting
Relays, games and time trials

For kids ages 9-11, the camp is Friday night, Saturday and Sunday.
For kids ages 12-18, the camp is Friday through Sunday.

Coaches
Betsy Devin-Smith - Methow Valley Biathlon Head Coach, USBA Level 1 Coach, US Olympic Committee Volunteer, Biathlon Coach of the Year 2009-10
Sean Kato - 2009 US National Biathlon Masters Champion, Methow Valley Biathlon Coach
Lincoln Post - Methow Valley Biathlon Coach

Cost:
Kids 9-11.............$20
Juniors 12 - 18....$30

For more information or to register, contact Betsy at biathlon@methownet.com or at 509.996.3159.

Skiing on Patterson Lake

2010-02-26T21:43:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, February 23, the entire MVNT skate skied (carefully) from the Chickadee trailhead down to Patterson Lake Cabins and out onto Patterson Lake. What a fun way to end the season on skis together!

February Holiday Ski Camp 2010

2010-02-19T22:05:00.000-08:00

MVNT hosted another successful ski camp for 6-11 year olds this week. Thirteen kiddos, mostly from the 'west side', classic skied at Chickadee and on the Community Trail, with able coaching from MVNT coaches and ski team members. Beautiful weather and sweet skiing!

Bend Junior National Qualifier Challenging and Fun

2010-02-10T18:02:00.000-08:00

From February 4-7 the MVNT traveled to Bend, Oregon with 20 racers aged 12-18. Saturday brought challenging conditions, with 4" of new, wet snow, which was ungroomed before the race started. The skating race was a mass-start 5 or 10km course, with several large hills. The J2 boys started first, and packed out the trails for the rest of the racers. Kelsey Dickinson (J1) and Jacqueline O'Keefe (J2) won their divisions, Sage Abate (J2) was 2nd, Nina Ekblad (J1) was 3rd, Casey Smith (J1) was 3rd, and all skiers pushed themselves through the tough conditions to ski well.

In contrast to Saturday, Sunday's classic tracks were perfect, and skiers were surprised to be able to wax with VR40 rather than klister. The MVNT skiers used their good technique to stride up the hills, and notable finishes included Kelsy and Jacqueline, again first in their divisions, and Sage and Nina also holding onto their division places in 2nd and 3rd.

The MVNT celebrated Flash's birthday with cake and a 'birthday girl' crown, and the Team returned energized to continue on to its last JO Qualifier race in Spokane (Feb. 20-21st).

For full results see: http://www.mbsef.org/results/crosscountry/index.cfm?page=09-10

Soldier Hollow Super Qualifier

2010-02-02T19:47:00.000-08:00

On January 29-30th 8 skiers from the Methow Valley travelled to the 2002 Olympic venue at Soldier Hollow (near Park City) for a super-qualifier. This race included team from the Rocky Mountain, Far West, Inner Mountain, High Plains, and our division- PNSA. Over 650 juniors were at the race, making this the largest junior race in North America. The temperatures were cold- between 5-10 degrees F, and the MVNT skiers enjoyed perfect tracks!

Everyone skied well and pushed themselves to reach their goals of qualifying for Junior Nationals. There are two remaining qualifier races in February: Bend and Spokane. Junior Nationals will be held this year in Presque Isle, Maine, March 7-14th.

Results for the Soldier Hollow race can be found at: http://summittiming.com/races/race_results.php.

February Holiday SKI Camp

2010-01-29T08:06:00.000-08:00

Methow Valley Nordic Team is pleased to offer a second Holiday Ski Camp for 6-11 year olds February 16, 17, and 18th. We will ski from 2-5 each day. Registration Deadline is February 10,so sign up now! Download registration form here.

The SuperTour is NOT Just for BIG Shots!

2010-01-10T13:54:00.000-08:00

There will be fun kids' ski events at the SuperTour both Saturday, January 16 and Sunday, January 17th. Come bring your little skier and watch the Big Shots in the Skate Time Trial Saturday morning ... but bring skis. Eleven year olds and younger get to ski in the stadium, chasing celebrities on skis, between the Time Trial and the Sprint Heats. On Sunday at 9am there will be a Classic Event for 11 and unders at the loop by the Elementary School. No registration required, just listen for announcements. For more info email annieb@methownet.com Be part of the action!!

December Holiday Ski Camp

2010-01-03T22:29:00.000-08:00

Youngsters from the Methow Valley and west of the Cascades (even three Canadians!) enjoyed the first MVNT Holiday Ski Camp. Thirty kiddos from the ages of 5 to 12 classic and skate skied at Chickadee and in Mazama. Coaches and kids came away from the camp inspired and enthusiatic about the sport of nordic skiing!

Wooden Ski Classic

2009-12-31T18:59:00.000-08:00

The 3rd annual Wooden Ski Classic was a ton of fun with lots of old wooden skis, wool sweaters, and happy skiers. Check out these great pictures:

Methow Valley Biathlon New Year's Blast Race Results

2009-12-30T13:55:00.000-08:00

click to view Biathlon Blast Results

Rodeo Time Trial Results

2009-12-30T07:59:00.000-08:00

Due to thin snow conditions in Mazama, the traditional Rodeo race was cancelled, and instead the MVNT and MVSTA hosted a rodeo-like time trial at the Klipchuck trail on Sunday, December 27th.

Almost 40 skiers participated, and Olympic hopefuls Brian Gregg and Caitlin Compton posted the fastest times. The complete results are posted at: www.mvsta.com/summer/results.html.

Special thanks to MVSTA for grooming the Klipchuck trail for this event, providing bibs, providing timing assistance, and posting the results.

Wooden Ski Race this Thursday

2009-12-29T14:14:00.000-08:00

Get ready for the third annual wooden ski race this Thursday (New Years Eve) in Mazama.

Wear wool and bring out those old wooden skis to celebrate the history and beauty of skiing on a new 2.5 or 5km course.

12:30 Pine tar clinic

2:00 Race Start
3:00 Costume contest, awards, food

Mazama Community Center. $10/person or $25 for a family. All proceeds benefit the Methow Valley Nordic Team.

If you have questions or if you're interested in helping out with this great event contact chad.gregg@gmail.com or 509.293.9670

Check out the new course:

Ski to Santa ... and cookies

2009-12-23T07:30:00.000-08:00

Scores of MVNT skiers enjoyed skiing from Chickadee up to Sun Mountain Lodge where Santa awaited in the lobby. There were dozens of cookies for decorating and sharing in the Methow Room downstairs. Thank you Sun Mountain Lodge for having us!!

Holiday Ski Camp

2009-12-06T12:11:00.000-08:00

Methow Valley Nordic Team is pleased to be offering two camps for junior skiers, ages 6 to 12 years old, this season. The first Holiday Camp will ski in Mazama December 29, 30, 31 from 9:30-12:30 each day. Camps are open to outside skiers and kids from the team of any skill level. Ski gear, snacks and lunch are NOT provided. Come join us for camaraderie, healthy exercise and skill development led by some of our fabulous MVNT coaches. To sign up, download the Holiday Ski Camp registration form and mail to MVNT PO Box 1063 Winthrop, WA 98862 BEFORE December 23rd. Questions? contact MVNT Jr Program Coordinator annieb@methownet.com

Silver Star Thanksgiving

2009-12-02T21:43:00.000-08:00

The MVNT had a great five days of skiing at Silver Star resort. The snow was great, all the trails were open, and best of all the team was excited to ski. 22 MVNT skiers, plus an additional six skiers from other clubs in the N.W. made for the biggest Thanksgiving camp ever! Highlights included:
"Perfect" classic wax.
The Entire Pink Panther Series.
Moonlight ski with tele lessons on the fresh groomed alpine runs.
32lb Organic turkey from Crown S Ranch.
52 pairs of ski boots in one house.
Fabulous cookies that only the coaches new about till the last night.

Biathlon: New Year's Blast Information and Registration Form

2009-11-13T14:30:00.000-08:00

The New Year's Blast Information and Registration Form is available on the Biathlon page of the Methow Valley Nordic Team website.

You can also download the form directly:
http://mvnordic.com/team/forms/New_Years_Blast_2009_entry.pdf

Winter comes to the Methow!

2009-11-11T21:07:00.000-08:00

SNOW!!
NOVEMBER 10th??

The MVNT scraped the wax of their skis and headed out on the trails for the first day of skiing of the year. Clear skies and cold snow made for great skiing at Lone Fir campground on Washington Pass. All the skiers were excited to be on snow and looking forward to more skiing this weekend.

Almost Finished!

2009-11-08T20:44:00.000-08:00

The new 5km trail at Liberty Bell is almost completly finished. Thanks to everyone from both the Team and Club who came out the last two weekends to help make a truly great trail! All the extra hand work has really made a difference, and the hard work will also make everyone stronger and faster.
Also a big thanks to Dalton Dulac who has been out on the trail for the last two weeks making it all happen. We will all be skiing on the trail soon.

MVNT Fall Training

2009-10-14T18:27:00.000-07:00

It has been the "best ever" Fall training for the MVNT. Perfect weather has made for great trips into the mountains and long roller skis around the valley. New Sprint training on the track with the M.O.D. has really improved the quickness and technique of everyone.
The J2 and older skiers have put in the hours this fall and they are looking forward to a new season of fast ski racing!

See you at the 13th Annual Ski Ball!

2009-10-13T09:10:00.000-07:00

Please join us November 14th at the Winthrop Barn and help bring in the winter in style...put on your finest duds for an evening of dining, dancing and auctions. Former team member Sam Naney returns as our Master of Ceremonies and The Pipestone Combo and The Liberty Bell Jazz Band will fill the Barn with jazz and big band sounds.

Tickets: $35 in advance at Winthrop Mountain Sports starting Oct. 1st. $40 at the door. To reserve a table for 10, please call 509.996.9874 or email skiballinfo@footloose-communications.com.

The 2009 Ski Ball Auxiliary
Anna Kominak, Janice Dickinson, Leslye Harrop
Kelly Rohrer and Boo Turner

2009/2010 Enrollment Form

2009-10-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

Download the Enrollment Form from the Membership page.

Summer Training

2009-09-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

Mv Nordic Team skiers and their families enjoyed some beautiful hikes in our backyard this summer!

Spring Skiing at the Olympic Trails

2009-05-11T21:13:00.000-07:00

The MVNT took advantage of the last weekend of grooming at the 2010 Olympic Nordic trails for a perfect weekend of skiing in the Cost Mtns of British Columbia. Many of the athletes also honed their skills on the Biathlon range shooting next to the U.S. Biathlon team who were also training on the Olympic trails. In the afternoons, when the snow turned to slush, the team went back to Squamish for dry-land training which included a run/hike to the top of the Squamish Chief.
What a great opportunity to preview the Olympic trails!

Newsletter is up.

2009-05-11T11:20:00.000-07:00

View the 2009 Newsletter by clicking the following link.
Current Newsletter

Truckee Junior National Photos

2009-03-24T22:15:00.000-07:00

Nine MVNT skiers travelled to Truckee California from March 6-16th, and raced with the other top junior skiers from around the nation. The team stopped for a morning of climbing at Smith Rocks on the way down, and they brought energy and quality to their races. Results can be found at: http://xcjuniorolympics2009.org.

Team Photo Day at Sun Mountain Lodge

2009-03-05T14:11:00.000-08:00

Last all team practice of the 08/09 season... team photos, hotdogs and fun at Sun Mountin Lodge!

End of Season 'Ski to Town'

2009-03-05T13:41:00.000-08:00

On February 24th MVNT celebrated the last big ski of the season. Over 100 kids skied to the Town trailhead from as far away as Chickadee, and points in between. The Tree Candy Fairies heard we were coming and left prizes along the trails. Birthday balloons greeted coach, Rob Crandall, upon arrival.

Bend JOQ Photos and JO Team selection

2009-03-04T07:15:00.000-08:00

The MVNT travelled to Bend on Feb. 19-22nd, for the NW High School Championship Races and the last Junior National Qualifier of the season. Thirteen MVNT skiers raced in Bend, and nine qualified for Nationals: Eric Bjornsen, Evan Turner, Matty Coleman, Willie Devin, Casey Smith, Nina Ekblad, Kelsey Dickinson, Sage Abate and Jacqueline O'Keefe. Congratulations to all for a great training season!

Stay tuned for updates from the Junior Nationals in Truckee, CA, March 9-14th.

MVNT Coaches Attend PSIA Clinic

2009-02-26T13:21:00.000-08:00

PSIA Clinic

Seven MVNT coaches attended an all day PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) Level I Certification Clinic at Sun Mountain Lodge on Wednesday, February 25th. Our 'own' David Lawrence presented the clinic. David teaches for the Methow Valley Ski School, Coaches for MVNT and is on the PSIA National Nordic Demo Team. It was an info-packed and, as always, fun filled day that left everyone with new ideas and challenges and certification as a Professional Ski Instructor!

Browns Farm Ski

2009-02-22T23:37:00.000-08:00

Skate Sprints at the Race of the Methow

2009-02-08T11:51:00.000-08:00

Saturday was a beautiful day for races in the Methow Valley. The Skate Sprints for racers ages 6 and up were held at Liberty Bell High School on the new trails. More wonderful photos on the MVSTA Blog.

Soldier Hollow Junior Olympic Qualifier

2009-02-03T21:36:00.000-08:00

On January 30th and 31st, three MVNT racers (Kelsey Dickenson, Sage Abate, Jacqueline O'Keefe) competed at the former Olymipic venue near Park City, UT-- Soldier Hollow. The photos below are from Tamera Abate and Janice Dickenson who also travelled to the race.

Sadie and Erik in France: Sprints

2009-02-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

Erik and Sadie were the top US finishers in the Sprints: report from FasterSkier.com

Praz de Lys, France; Feb 1, 2009

Scott Johnston

Today began the 2009 Cross Country World Championships for juniors (those 19 and under). Today's event was the Sprint 1.4km for men and 1.1km for women. The sprint format is relatively new to Cross Country skiing and is very demanding physically but also strategically. It consists of an individual start time trial on the usually 1-1.5km course. From this the fastest 30 skiers are selected to move into the heats which follow, typically 2 hours later. The heats are done in elimination fashion with 6 racing in each quarter final, semi finals and finals. The fastest two skiers in each heat of the quarter finals advance to the semis. After a short break of about 45 minutes during which time the other heats are racing; 6 skiers line up for the semi finals and do it all over again. The successful skiers race 4 times during the day at an all out pace. This involves warming up multiple times, staying hydrated and fueled with the correct foods as well as getting mentally prepared to give 100% for 3minutes. So while the races are short the day is long and exhausting as the efforts involved are maximal. The strategy and technical prowess required are at the highest levels involved in XC skiing.

When the Sprint event was introduced a dozen years ago; like many traditional Nordic racers I was dismissive of it: Thinking, quite wrongly, that this did not really represent what XC skiing was all about. In fact I have come to think now of it as representing all the best qualities of XC skiing and then some.

Sadie and Erik came into today's race with quite different frames of reference. Sadie is a World Junior Championship veteran. This being her fourth and last trip so she knows the drill quite well and has done well in the Sprint before placing 15th a couple of years ago in Italy. Despite her veteran status she came into this race with a lot of doubts. Her training has not gone well since late October and she has been feeling quite unprepared to achieve her high goals of a top 5 finish. She is fully capable of skiing at that level but I was pretty sure that it would not be possible this time around. This is my first experience at my not expecting Sadie to perform to her expectations and I too was unsure of how she would go today. But then Sadie did what she has done so well in the past in demonstrating an almost unique ability to push beyond her limits while under extreme pressure. I'll let Sadie tell her story;

Sadie's Sprint:

Race Day #1

Today was the first day of the World Junior Championships in Praz de Le. The morning started with my alarm failing to go off, and me jumping out of bed, throwing on some shoes, still dreaming as I sat down at the breakfast table. I started the morning with a rush, but that may have been a good thing for me. We are fortunate enough to be staying right on the race venue, less than a five minute walk down to the wax cabins. Cruising through the morning I prepared for my first race here at Worlds, not really knowing what to expect. I set goals earlier this season, but with the realities of how my training has gone this first year of college, I didn't know where I would be today. Getting everything together, and heading down to the venue, I started to get into race mode. The kind where I fail to see what's going on around me much, but focus on getting what I need to do. I did my usual warm-up, feeling strong and quick. The prelim went well, I qualified 15th, which means that I qualify for the rounds. Another girl on the team qualified as well in 7thposition. Resting for the next two hours, I started focusing on tactics for the heats. In the heat rounds, five heats of six people start. With six people going at one time, it's important to focus on tactics, staying on your feet, and being one of the first two to the line. The quarterfinals went well, I was able to finish strong and get second qualifying me for the semifinals. The semifinals were fast, and I was not able to hold onto the top pack. Advancing to the B-Finals, I was determined to make top ten. This would include beating at least two girls in this heat. I started off hard, getting a little bit tripped up at the top of the big hill, but staying positive. I came into the finish stretch tired, but determine to catch the girl in front of me that would put me in tenth. I came across the line inches behind, putting me in eleventh place. It was a good day for me, I posted my best result ever at World Juniors and the top US result. My next race is Thursday, the five kilometer skate race. I am excited for what is to come! I will keep updating.

SCOTT AGAIN: (Don't worry I'll be brief this time)
Erik was one of two rookies on the trip. At 17 he is among the youngest to compete here. In qualifying 23rd in the morning he immediately achieved his first goal for the trip which have centered around gaining experience at an international level. I will only briefly say here that Erik later demonstrated that champion mindset when, during his quarter final he passed 3 skiers including Thomas Northug the Norwegian race favorite to take the lead on the biggest hill of the course. The importance of Erik recognizing that he can ski with the best junior skiers in the world is the affirmation that we have sought in coming to this World Championship and will give Erik the confidence he needs to make the next step in his racing career. Now for Erik's story of today.

Erik's Sprint:

Coming into the race I had no expectation. I wasn't sure if I was going to be last or first. I knew one thing, and that was I had prepared myself the best I could and I felt great. My warm up went as planned and my skis were ready. So I had nothing to loose. Racing in Europe is a different type of racing. It's the same vibe as a football game in America. There where lots of spectators, booths, and loud music. The sprint had 3 up hills in it, 2 of them being very long and steep. I felt awesome throughout the race and put everything on the line and had an awesome qualifier placing 23rd. It was cool to hear the announcer say my name after I finished and I knew that I qualified. I was first of the American juniors and the only one to move on to the heats. The heats started two hours later so I had enough time to go back to the hotel and get some food into my system. I lined up in the heats with 5 other big guys. One of them being Peter Northug's younger brother, Peter Northug is probably considered to be the best skier in the world right now. The gun went of the first time with a second firing right after, indicating someone had false started. We all returned to the line and it was fired again, I had a bad start this time and I ended up fifth out of the start. But when we hit the second hill I made my move and went from fifth to first. It went then into a fast long downhill to the last climb. I got to that last hill in the lead and a skier on my right and left slingshoted by me, they had caught my draft on the down hill. I went over the top of that hill in fourth with a Russian right beside me. About half way down that final hill into the finish the Russian cut directly into me pushing me out of the middle lane into the far lane that was much slower. I was then in fifth and stayed in that position to the finish. I was happy with my race but thought to myself I could have done better. This has been a great introduction to racing with the world's best and I look forward to the 20km Pursuit on Tuesday.

Results of Jan. 31 Time Trial

2009-01-31T17:04:00.000-08:00

The trails skied great, and we had sunshine! Thanks to Casey Smith for grooming; Mike Harvey and Nancy Cushing for timing, and everyone else who helped get it done. MVNT, you look fast and ready for your upcoming races! For a more readable table of results, please refer to email from me or Flash.

Methow Valley Nordic Time Trial/Training Race 1/31/2009 LBHS Trails
Lap dist 3.46 km and 2.5 km (*) Skating
Lap 1 Lap 2 Lap 3 Lap 4 Race
Bib Name Time Time Time Time Time

6 Casey Smith 09:34 09:46 10:02 09:36 38:58
68 Evan Turner 09:35 10:02 10:20 09:54 39:51
1 Matty C. 10:23 11:10 11:21 10:39 43:33
40 Marc LeDuc 11:01 11:30 11:34 10:57 45:02
69 Rem Rohr 11:04 11:28 11:37 11:20 45:29

17 Nina Eckblad * 07:48 08:07 15:55
11 Madison Jennings * 09:07 09:11 18:18
33 Nathalie Cushing * 09:05 09:28 18:33

46 Claire Waichler * 10:38 10:38

202 Laura McCabe 09:47 09:52 10:05 10:04 39:48
4047 Scott Waichler 10:07 10:30 10:51 10:50 42:18
57 Dave Ford 10:31 10:55 11:04 11:01 43:31
24 Louie Sukovaty 10:45 11:33 11:35 11:32 45:25
8 Steve Berg 11:17 12:07 12:02 11:45 47:11
7100 Rolf Borgersen 12:04 12:23 12:16 12:38 49:21
0 Dan Weinstein 13:16 13:24 13:17 13:30 53:27
70 Joe Brown 10:46 DNF

Sadie and Erik Bjornsen arrive at World Junior Races in France

2009-01-30T07:30:00.000-08:00

ERIK'S DSPATCH:

It's been three days since our arrival here in Praz De Lys: A small resort town in the French alps about an hour from the famous Chamonix. The hotel we are staying at is right next to the race venue. There are four other national teams staying with us; Canadian, Finnish, Russian and Chinese so the atmosphere is very international. Seeing all the other athletes as focused and into ski racing as much I am is really exciting and a great motivator. There are so many of us that the dining room in the hotel is crammed and has many different voice and languages. I'm rooming with George Cartwright, a J1 from Lander Wyoming. The ski trails are amazing with gorgeous mountain views in every direction. I've been trying to just ski the trails that we race on, but there are so many amazing trails it's hard not to ski all of them. The first few days have consisted mainly of skiing, sightseeing, homework and trying to get adjusted to the time change. I have had some problems sleeping, but it is finally starting to get better. It is a little hard to get used to sleeping during the middle of the day at home. The first day here, Scott Johnston took us to Chamonix to check out all the amazing mountains there. We took a tram up to 13,000 feet to view all the pointy mountains around that Scott has climbed. It was pretty amazing! Yesterday there was a random selection of drug testing on our team. Ten athletes were picked to get their blood drawn to check for doping from every team. Ironically, both Sadie and I got selected for testing. We still have four days until my first race which will be the 1.3km classic sprint. The coaches decided that I should also race the 20km pursuit, which is a 10km classic followed by a 10kmmm skate. A difficult part of the 20k pursuit is switching from your classic equipment to your skate equipment in the middle of the race. The U23's start racing tomorrow, so the racing atmosphere is starting to get exciting. This is a lot larger and more serious than any race that I have been to. It's a little scary, but I am really excited.

100 Mile House

2009-01-29T21:26:00.000-08:00

The MVNT traveled north this past weekend for some races in beautiful 100 mile house. Unfortunatly the temps hovered around -25 celius for both days, and because of the cold temps, the distance race was completly cancelled and the Sprint race was shortened to one qualification round. It was still a fun-filled weekend with the highlight being a stop at the tallest skis in North America.

Race of the Methow Video

2009-01-24T19:02:00.000-08:00

Race of the Methow is coming up February 7th and 8th.

This video is made from footage taken at a previous Race of the Methow. After clicking the link below, click "watch in high quality" to get the best video quality. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PMdvsikNHI

Ski Fun at the Junior Pursuit

2009-01-15T21:20:00.000-08:00

Junior 'racers' from 3 to 13 years old showed up for ski fun at the Methow Pursuit Saturday and Sunday, January 10 & 11.

Crust Cruising in Wilbur

2009-01-12T11:42:00.000-08:00

The Methow Valley Nordic Team took advantage of perfect crust cruising conditions on the way to a race in Spokane to do their pre-race training. A record amount of snow in eastern Wa. followed by rain and then more cold temps set the stage for once in a lifetime conditions. The kids burst from the van once they saw how great the skiing was going to be across the frozen wheat fieldshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSknVlRiTS8

Koch skiers in Mazama

2009-01-08T21:39:00.000-08:00

Salmon Bake Fundraiser

2009-01-05T21:15:00.000-08:00

Hello Nordic Ski World!
The 17th annual SALMON BAKE is coming up soon-this Saturday, January 10! during the MVSTA Pursuit weekend. Please join us for this fun event!
We will be serving good food including Misty Fjord Salmon, Emmer Salad, Baked Potatoes, Ceasar Salad and French bread, Brownies, Cookies and Blue Star Coffee. The Pipestone Jazz Ensemble will be serenading us and we will have a fantastic raffle happening including items from
Methow Cycle and Sport
Ultratune
Mazama Store and
Ski Lessons from Don Portman!
So come on out and support the Nordic Team!

Results of Jan. 3 Time Trial

2009-01-04T07:34:00.000-08:00

Here are the results of the Jan. 3 Time Trial hosted by Methow Valley Nordic Club for skiers of all ages. For skiers with 4 times given, the first three are their lap times, and the final is total time (9 km). The other skiers skied one lap (3 km). Conditions were 7 degrees and sunny.

Evan Turner 9:36, 9:52, 9:44, 29:12.
Brent Turner 10:03, 10:08, 10:12, 30:23.
Scott Waichler 10:21, 10:35, 10:45, 31:41.
Dan Weinstein 13:59, 14:32, 14:54, 43:25.
Max Christman 10:34.
Cole Christman 12:29.
Claire Waichler 22:36.

Classic Camp in Mazama

2008-12-31T11:41:00.000-08:00

Over 20 J3-OJ skiers from North Central Washington joined MV Nordic Team coaches Laura McCabe and Leslie Hall for a Classic Technique camp in Mazama on December 29. World Cup racer Torin Koos made a guest appearance to help everyone with empowering their double poling!

Classic Camp December 29th

2008-12-14T20:42:00.000-08:00

Methow Valley Nordic Team Classic Camp
Monday December 29
9am-3pm
Mazama Community Center

Join Methow Valley Nordic Team coaches
Laura McCabe & Leslie Hall
and their fabulous assistants
for a day of classical technique instruction

Open to all skiers J3-OJ
waxable skis only please
Cost: $10 per skier
Bring a bagged lunch, classic skis, cork, water bottle and a great attitude
Please return $ and commitment to Hall@methownet.com, MVNT office in Winthrop Vet. or call 996-3320 by 12/23 if possible

Sunday Training Race Cancelled

2008-12-13T20:58:00.000-08:00

The training race scheduled for Sunday, 12/14 has been cancelled due to insufficient snow. -ScottW

West Yellowstone Super Tour Results

2008-12-02T19:08:00.000-08:00

Several Nordic Team Alumni were racing in Yellowstone this past weekend, including Sam Naney, Brian Gregg, Jamie Devin, Casey Kutz, and Erik Bjornsen. The unofficial race results are available at the links below:

Classic Results
Skate Results

2008/2009 Ski Ball Slideshow

2008-11-25T07:49:00.000-08:00

LBHS Trailwork - Phase 1- Complete!

2008-11-16T19:55:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who worked on the LBHS trail on Saturday! Over 30 people helped to rake and seed the newly constructed 4km ski trail, and now it is ready for snow! Thanks again to Rob Crandall of Methow Natives for supplying 70 lbs of bluebunch wheatgrass seed, and for his help and enthusiasm in organizing the restoration work.

The Nordic Team will begin grooming this trail as soon as possible, so please start your daily snow dances.

Groomed skiing at Washington Pass!

2008-11-14T22:05:00.000-08:00

Today, 11/14, Scott Johnston groomed the Washington Pass Overlook road with a snowmobile and weighted fence. The snow was packed down pretty well, and the skiing was very nice. No set classic track, but hey, it's fantastic for November! The sun even came out for awhile and the views of the surrounding peaks were beautiful. Scott will probably groom again on Sunday morning, which should leave a very firm and smooth surface indeed. After working on the LBHS trails on Saturday, come on out and ski on Sunday!

Lewis Butte hike

2008-11-13T06:34:00.000-08:00

Click the slideshow to view larger pictures.

Ski Ball... Thank You!

2008-11-12T09:10:00.000-08:00

The Ski Ball was a great success.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who helped make it happen:

Ski Ball Sponsors
Team Sponsors
"In Kind" Sponsors
Donors
Bidders
Volunteers

Sincerely,
Methow Valley Nordic Team

Fall Biathlon Camp Photos

2008-11-12T08:08:00.001-08:00

Click the slideshow to view larger images.

Driveway Butte Hillclimb Results

2008-11-03T16:38:00.000-08:00

Results from the 3rd Annual Driveway Butte Hillclimb are available here. 6 juniors, 2 seniors, and 14 masters participated this year. The trail was as good as it ever is. Good job, everybody!

Dryland Training Begins!

2008-11-02T22:08:00.000-08:00

Older team members had a great trip up Driveway Butte on Saturday morning. Dryland training for all skiers begins this week with the annual All Team trek up Lewis Butte on Tuesday afternoon, November 4th. J3-OJs will train on Thursday, meeting at the LBHS football field immediately after school.
Reminder: Call Winthrop Mountain Sports for a fitting appointment for rental equipment beginning Monday, November 3rd!

Registration Meeting for MV Nordic Team

2008-10-23T07:42:00.000-07:00

Thursday, October 30th @ 5:30 join us in the Liberty Bell Multi-Purpose Room to learn about MV Nordic Team for 6-12 year olds and register for the upcoming season. The Enrollment Form may be downloaded from the Membership Page of our website and mailed in advance. Meet other families and coaches involved with the team. Your child must be present to pick up NEW Team jacket and HAT! First Team dryland practice for all ages: November 4th!

2008/2009 Ski Ball Sponsors

2008-10-16T10:59:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendar! Saturday, November 8th is the annual Methow Valley Nordic Team Ski Ball. This is a great opportunity for you to support one of the most successful ski teams in North America and join us in celebrating our 20th Anniversary.

Linda Kimbrell, the original team founder will talk about the humble beginnings of the team. It’s a great chance to look at the evolution of cross county skiing (and outfits) with the slideshow of the kids over the past 20 years! And who better to be a Master of Ceremonies than former team member and Dartmouth College graduate, Sam Naney. Music by the Jake Shaw Trio will get your feet tapping before and after dinner.

Great silent and live auction items are available. Doors open at 5:30 so come early to bid on silent auction items, followed by a hors d’oeuvre buffet at 6:30. A live auction will be shortly thereafter.

Sun Mountain Lodge is providing a special room rate of $70 for those attending the Ski Ball, so call and get your reservations at 996-2211.

Tickets are available at Winthrop Mountain Sports, or call Kelly Rohrer at 996-3357. Ticket prices are $35/person and $40 after November 5th.

In addition to silent donations, the Ski Ball is made possible by the efforts of numerous volunteers and the generous support of the following sponsors.

Keith and Carol James

Mazama Country Inn
Mac Dunstan and Linda Grob
Eric Thorson and Rita Hsu

Medicine Wheel Website Design

Richard A. Fisher Architects
Char & Ed Alkire

Lost River Winery

4th of July Pass run-hike studs!

2008-10-05T21:08:00.000-07:00

Rem Roher, Matty Coleman and Casey Smith ran up Panther Creek, chased by Coach Flash, and they met Kelsey Dickenson, Gareth Hardwick and Kyle Lints at 4th of July Pass. Maples were bright red and new snow was just above!

2008 Registration Meetings

2008-10-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

Registration for the 2008/2009 ski season is open! Click to download the Enrollment Form, or download it from the MVNT website Membership Page. Fill it out and mail it in.

Registration Meeting for Returning J3-OJ Skiers - Wednesday, October 15th @ 5:30 @ Liberty Bell High School. Come get the season schedule, turn in your registration forms and fees, see the new jackets and hats(!) and get excited to ski!!

Registration Meeting for new skiers and J4-J7 kids - Thursday, October 30 @ 5:30 @ LBHS Find out what's in store for this season, turn in forms and fees, and get your new hat!

Sourdough Mountain and Crater Peak Photos

2008-09-30T17:08:00.001-07:00

Here are some photos from the MVNT weekend hikes to the Sourdough lookout on Sept. 28th and Crater Peak on Sept. 13th. Two beautiful days! Great kids and great huckleberries. Even saw a bear- could someone post a photo of it?

2008/2009 Schedule

2008-08-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

Oct 15 Registration J3-OJ at LBHS 5:30pm
Oct 30 Registration J7-J4 at LBHS 5:30pm
Nov 1 3rd Annual Driveway Butte Hillclimb
Nov 4 Ski team starts for all ages
Nov 8 Ski Ball
Nov 26-30 Annual Thanksgiving camp at Silver Star
Dec 27 Mazama Rodeo Race
Dec 31 Wooden Ski Race
Jan 3-10 Senior Nationals
Jan 10-11 Spokane JOQ
Jan 10-11 Methow Valley Pursuit
Jan 10 Salmon Bake
Jan 30-31 Soldier Hollow Super Qualifier
Feb 7-8 Methow JOQ and J3 Championships and Spaghetti Feed
Feb 20-21 Bend JOQ
March Midget Championships at Whistler
March Sovereign Lake Loppet, Kelowna, BC
Mar 9-14 Truckee Junior Nationals

Methow Valley Nordic Team -- Blogging

2008-03-09T20:41:00.001-07:00

To view this blog in a separate window, click here.

If you customize your homepage, use this link to add an RSS feed:
http://methowvalleynordicteam.blogspot.com/rss.xml

This blog is intended to provide the most current Nordic Team information.

If you wish to contribute to the blog, contact me, Brian Drye, or Katharine Bill.

2007/2008 Race Results
Mazama Rodeo 12/29/2007
New Year’s Blast Biathlon Race Results 12/30/2007
Sunnyside Pursuit 1/5 and 1/6/2008
Methow Valley Pursuit 1/19 and 1/20/2008
Leavenworth Classic 2/2/2008
Leavenworth Skate 2/3/2008
Great Methow Challenge 2/10/2008
Jr Olympic Qualifier hosted by Kongsberger Ski Club at Snoqualmie Pass. 2/16 and 2/17/2008
Junior World Races 2/22 - 2/29