Pre-VASA Kids Cross Country Ski Event on Feb 1

Mon, Jan  26, 2009 - By Bryce Dreeszen

A "Pre-VASA" Kids Cross Country Ski event is coming to Reindeer Run Nordic Center in Empire, Michigan on Sunday February 1st. The event is geared for grade school, middle school and high school skiers.

Registration for the Pre-VASA event starts at 1pm. Participants will have their equipment checked, followed by a warm-up, balance drills and cross country ski technique review.

At 2pm there will be a 500-meter race/tour for younger children and a 1km race/tour for older kids. Medals will be awarded to ALL finishers. The emphasis is on participation and not speed. Following the races/tours there will be a cool down ski.

There is a $5 entry fee/donation to help offset the cost of grooming the trails at Reindeer Run Nordic Center. The Nordic Center is located at 7580 Osborn Road - off of County Road 677 (Benzie Trail). Our hosts are Kevin and Jennifer Kelly – the owners of Reindeer Run Nordic Center. The event is being organized by the Sleeping Bear Dunes Cross Country Ski Club. The ski club was launched this season in order to provide Glen Lake High School Students an opportunity to get into cross country ski racing and improve their cross country skiing skills in both classic and skate techniques. Members of the team will be on hand to help younger skiers with their equipment and skiing skills.

The goal of the "Pre-VASA" event is to get more kids excited about cross country skiing and encourage more young skiers to participate in the North America VASA Festival of Races held annually in Traverse City. The North American VASA festival of races returns to Traverse City on February 14th and is Michigan’s premier cross country ski event. Applications will be available for The North American VASA Festival of Races. The registration fee for the Kids VASA events on February 14th are also $5 for skiers up to 15 years of age. The North American VASA offers races and tours for ALL levels of ability – from beginner to Olympic hopeful. In additional to the FUN "Kids VASA" races there are a variety of events to chose from on February 14th including:

1. The Kids VASA Races (200 meters + 2km) – for ages 3-15
2. 10km Tour
3. 12km Timed Race – hilly course
4. 27km Timed Race – hilly course
5. 50km Timed Race – hilly course

Cross country skiing is one of the healthiest fitness activities on the planet. Cross country skiing burns twice as many calories as walking. Given the excellent ski conditions we have consistently experienced so far in northern Michigan during the 2008-2009 ski season there is little doubt that fantastic ski conditions are here to stay for the rest of the winter.

For more info about the "Pre-Junior VASA" event please call: 231-334-3080

For more info about the North American VASA and Festival of Races check out: WWW.VASA.ORG

To find an excellent Nordic Center near you go to: WWW.SKINORDIC.ORG