WinterSonnenwende first distance race of Michigan Cup season

Fri, Nov  18, 2011 - By Chris Dandeneau

Michaywe’ resort in Gaylord, MI. will be the venue for the inaugural WinterSonnenwende (Winter Solstice) nordic ski race. The event is slated for Saturday, December 17, 2011. Race Director is long time resident Chris Dandeneau; triathlete, endurance swimmer and lifelong skier. Website to Register is www.MichiganNordic.com

The event will feature men’s & women’s 17 km Freestyle, which is a Michigan Cup points race. There is also a 7.5 km Classic race open to everyone. Friday night during packet pickup and late registration will be a kids 2km Lighted Loppet around the Lake with all kids receiving a special award.

The 7.5km course is a one loop course with 64 meters climbing. The 17km course for men and women will offer a lollipop style course which takes skiers out on the same course as the juniors only they will do two 4.85 km loops before returning to the finish area. - Total of 177 meters of climbing with some screaming downhill’s. This is a technical course, narrow in spots, but will offer sections of wide areas to really get the lead out and make some moves. The course will accommodate a wide 1km start loop on the Golf Course - to spread out the pack before skiers head into the trail system. There are also several sections that allow for passing and hill climbs to mix up placement a bit.

Elevation of 17k course

"I wanted to coordinate the timing & theme of the event to the Winter Solstice and Swiss/ Bavarian theme of Gaylord’s alpine village. We are notorious for our consistent snow and early season conditions; there are very few years I have not used rock skis at Michaywe' in mid December, which makes it ideal for an early season race!"

Nordican's are itching to ski in mid December and we have the ideal venue for it.

Michaywe' is committed to this event and has been gracious to allow us use of the conference center and clubhouse areas which are literally a few feet from the groomed trail system.