Nordic Ski Series resumes at Nub's Nob Jan. 6

Sun, Jan  3, 2016 - By Ben Doornbos

Calling all skinny skiers! The Nordic Ski Series is back by popular demand and better than ever for the 2016 ski season! In its third winter, the series brings together skiers of all ages and abilities every Wednesday night at Nub's Nob for an evening of "fun, fundamentals, and food." Co-hosted by The Outfitter of Harbor Springs and Nub's Nob, the series begins Wednesday, January 6 (snowpack permitting) at 6 p.m. with a focus on classic skiing. The focus will alternate each week between classic and skate skiing and continue every Wednesday night through March 9, 2016. Skiers meet at 6:00PM in the Brown Bagger Room at Nub's Nob ski area.

Each weekly session starts indoors where skiers gather for a brief overview of a specific "fundamental" such as body position, weight transfer or double poling. The fundamental reviews are led by Jim Harrington, coordinator of Straits Striders Ski Club and top finisher in the North American Vasa, White Pine Stampede and American Birkebeiner. "We're lucky to have a coach of this caliber who is willing to share his passion for Nordic skiing and volunteer his time to help bring skiers of all abilities along," says Ben Doornbos, Assistant Manager at Nub's Nob. Harrington was head Nordic ski coach at Whitman College, University or Wyoming and College of Idaho and has coached a NCAA Division I National Champion and numerous successful athletes.

After the fundamental review, skiers head outside and break into two groups (Beginner/Intermediate, and Advanced) to do practice drills. Afterwards, skiers can choose to do a non-guided trail ski or compete against the clock in an optional time trail at 7:00PM. The evening's festivities end with an optional Après Ski of light appetizers in the Brown Bagger.

"The series' emphasis on fundamentals in a fun and supportive atmosphere has proved to be a great combination for building our Nordic ski community here in northern Michigan," says Josh Baker of The Outfitter of Harbor Springs, adding "And food always adds to the fun, especially when it's free."

The Outfitter will again be offering cross-country ski rentals at a discount and Nub's Nob has drastically reduced the nightly trail pass rate to just $8 for participants. Season Pass holders do not need an additional trail pass.

Ben Doornbos, Asst. Area Manager at Nub's Nob is excited to see the series continue, "At Nub's Nob we have 21 kilometers of groomed Nordic trails for skate and classic skiing. We are happy to see the trails used for the Nordic Ski Series. Our hope is that more people will come to discover this lifelong sport and make new friends in the process".

To register and for more information about the Nordic Ski Series visit: www.outfitterharborsprings.com or call (231) 526-2621.