WinterSonnenwende race at risk: Where's the snow?

Michigan Cup

Fri, Dec  9, 2011 - By Chris Dandeneau

With the impending weather forecast of minimal snow, the viability of pulling off the WinterSonnenwende next weekend (December 17) decreases daily. Conferring with course groomer Jim Ollie yesterday, we still ideally need a 12” base of system snow or 16‘ - 18‘ of higher moisture Lake effect to have enough to pack and roll a decent skate lane. In looking at the 10 day forecast for Otsego County, it appears that it will not happen. - I am hopeful, but also realistic.

Contingency planning has been in place to allow for a rescheduling of this race to a later date.

Late registration Fees have been removed and updated on the MichiganNordic.com and SkiReg.com websites.

At this time, I am seeking the option to move this to Sunday, Jan 22nd - The day after the Cote’ Dame Marie Loppet and reduce the Michigan Cup race distance to 12km. I believe this will allow for a dual weekend race up north and not spoil the Marathon training for those racing the Noquemanon the following weekend. I am formally asking Michaywe’ and the Michigan Cup Board to allow for this adjustment and a final decision be made after the Tuesday Decision on the Race.

*** A FINAL DECISION WILL BE MADE AND ANNOUNCED ON TUESDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 13TH. ***

Sincerely yours,
Chris Dandeneau