FLASH: Noque shortens 50K to 23K!

Thu, Jan  25, 2024 - By Noquemanon Ski Marathon

Course Changes In Effect Due To Conditions!

Our top priorities as a race organization are making the Noquemanon both a safe event and a high quality event. Despite our maximum efforts, and our own stubbornness, we have determined that putting on a near-normal length event with the current conditions would mean we could not deliver on either of those priorities. Unfortunately the snow base is simply not deep enough to support quality grooming capabilities consistently across the routes we use and the major water crossings have deteriorated to the point where they are not able to be prepared and are likely becoming unsafe. In addition to this, above freezing temperatures will remain in place and we still have the added possibility of rain/freezing rain that will further degrade an already thin base. Given all of these factors we have decided to concentrate all of our efforts on race routes that will have the greatest potential to hold up to the current (and upcoming) conditions, and, will provide a safe and enjoyable ski experience.

The race bulletin is now published on our race website main page. We will have print copies available at the Friday packet pick-up (starts at 5pm inside the NMU Superior Dome). You can also view and download here: 2024 Race Bulletin

A bus schedule will also be available at the Friday packet pick-up.

Below is a summary of the changes - and yes - better maps are coming!

1. The 50K has been shortened to a distance of 23K
2. The 24K has been shortened to a distance of 23K
3. The 50K and 24K will ski the exact same course (total distance of 23K)
4. The 15 Mile snowshoe will follow the same adjusted 23K distance course as the skiers
5. The 12K has been shortened to a distance of 10K
6. The 12K will merge shortly after their start onto the primary 23K course
7. The 50K, 24K, and the 15 Mile snowshoe start line will be at the NTN County Road 510 Trailhead
8. The 12K start line will be at the NTN Forestville Trailhead
9. The 50K, 24K, 15 Mile snowshoe, and 12K events will all finish at the NTN Forestville Trailhead
10. There will be a small section of well marked and separated two way traffic at the powerline NW of the Forestville Trailhead...it will be widened to accommodate this and we'll make it safe
11. We will have aid at the 50K/24K and 12K merge point
12. Buses will return participants from the Forestville finish line to the Superior Dome - all services still available at the Dome
13. Busing to a participants respective start line is mandatory - there is no participant or spectator parking available at the 510 start line or at Forestville
14. Spectators are encouraged to visit the finish line at Forestville but MUST ride a bus as there is no parking available except for volunteers, race officials, busses, and emergency personnel
15. Wave schedules remain unchanged - skiers should remain in the wave originally assigned and as printed on their race bib
16. Awards remain unchanged despite everyone skiing the same course - skiers are still competing against each other within their originally scheduled event and within their respective waves - please reference the award section of the race bulletin for more information on award and age group categories
17. No changes to the Junior Noque!
18. Please reference the race bulletin for more information

At this time the base on these routes is holding up well and we will address any thinning spots as needed. We believe this route will provide an really enjoyable, and safe, ski experience for everyone. There may be a little more congestion and the course will degrade over time for those in the later waves (the forecast for race day is 35 degrees and sunny) but remember to smile because you're skiing with 1300 friends you didn't know you had (and maybe a few you do) before the big melt comes. For those that are familiar with the Forestville trail system in the 50K/24K, you will get an extra special treat as you'll get to ski Bagwaji (ie the expert loop) BACKWARDS from it's usual direction!

Thank you for your continued support, and patience, as we pivot all of the necessary pieces needed in order to provide a safe and high quality event. Given most ski events in the mid west have either cancelled completely this year, or, been significantly adjusted to be held on small man made snow loops, we are committed to working hard to offer a quality event of significant length on natural snow. It may be the only, or one of the few, that will be able to pull off a big event in such a low snow/warm winter. Stay tuned for more details as needed!