Rosie Brennan: Grinding On, But Not Forever. Part I

This coverage is made possible through the generous support of Marty and Kathy Hall and A Hall Mark of Excellence Award. To learn more about A Hall Mark of Excellence Award, or to learn how you can support FasterSkier’s coverage, please contact info@fasterskier.com. Rosie Brennan has been a mainstay of the U.S. ski team for years and is routinely one of its top performers. The APU (Alaska Pacific University) skier has earned the status and acclaim...

Audrey Leduc joins forces with Courons Gatineau

Gatineau Olympian to take part in September 28 event and becomes its spokesperson   The Courons Gatineau organizing committee is proud to announce that Gatineau-born Olympian Audrey Leduc will be the event’s official spokesperson. This partnership reflects a shared desire to promote physical activity and self-improvement in the Gatineau community. Just back from the Paris Olympic Games, where she took part in the 100 m and 200 m events, as well as the 4 x...

Nickel Plate Nordic Center Seeks General Manager

Nickel Plate Nordic Center: The Nickel Plate Nordic Center is operated by Nickel Plate Cross Country Ski Club under a management agreement with Recreation Sites and Trails BC and is located 40 minutes from Penticton.  Situated at 1800 meters of elevation, Nickel Plate has a ski season with great snow conditions that stretches from early November to the end of March. The center has 45 km of groomed ski trails, 3 kms of dog friendly...

The Battle for the Globe: Will Jessie Diggins Defend Her World Cup Overall this Season

Jessie Diggins, the superstar of American cross-country skiing, made history in the 2023/24 season by securing her second overall World Cup title. As she now looks to defend her crown, the upcoming season promises to be a thrilling challenge for Diggins as she faces a highly competitive field. A Historic 2023/24 Season The 2023/24 season was a monumental one for Diggins, filled with achievements that cemented her legacy in the sport. She won six individual...

The Engadin La Diagonela: A Preview of Switzerland’s Premier Skiing Competition

The Engadin La Diagonela, taking place on January 18-19, 2025, is one of the most prestigious events in the world of cross-country skiing. Set in the stunning Engadin Valley in Switzerland, this event is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, challenging course, and high-altitude conditions. It is part of the esteemed Ski Classics Pro Tour, attracting elite athletes and amateur skiers alike from across the globe. The 2025 edition of the event promises yet another spectacular...

Countdown to Trondheim: What to Expect from the FIS World Championship

The FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2025 in Trondheim, Norway, promise to be a monumental event in winter sports, running from February 26 to March 9, 2025. With its rich history in skiing and the newly modernized Granåsen venue, the championship is set to host exciting races across cross-country skiing, ski jumping, and Nordic combined. Let’s dive into what you can expect from this world-class event and how the odd look like on gamblingguy.com. A...

The Old Man and the Lake: A Skier Swims Across the Mackinac Straits. Part II

In Part one of The Old Man and the Lake, our reporter shared his story about dealing with the sudden onset of chronic illness; how time, persistence, and swimming helped him regain his athletic life, and the odyssey of swimming across the Mackinac Straits. In part two, the story continues with his ongoing swimming saga post bridge swim, and the lessons learned about goal setting and the reality of dealing with disappointing outcomes. Next up...

Skiing as a Complement to Soccer

Skiing is one of the most complete sports in the world and because of the physical condition of the athletes who practice it, many coaches adapt the training for many sports, because it is very useful for the performance of athletes such as soccer. In many European teams, the hard training that Olympic athletes go through is replicated so that they can do much more on the field and endure the long seasons in which...

Northeast Ohio Ski Resorts: A Season of Improvements

Northeast Ohio ski resorts are preparing for a season that promises significant upgrades to improve the overall skiing experience for visitors. With enhanced facilities, expanded trails, and better amenities, skiing enthusiasts can look forward to a winter filled with excitement. Key players in the region, such as Boston Mills, Brandywine, and Alpine Valley, are all undergoing changes led by Vail Resorts. These improvements aim to elevate the experience for seasoned skiers and newcomers alike.  ...

T-Minus Ten Years: Soldier Hollow’s Preparations for Salt Lake City 2034

As the pageantry and athletic performances of Paris 2024 captivated audiences across the United States, a team of organizers had their eyes fixed on a target far beyond the shores of the Seine. Ten years beyond, in fact. The International Olympic Committee announced on July 24th that Salt Lake City, Utah will host the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with the Cross-Country and Biathlon events returning to the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, site of the...

The Old Man and the Lake: A Skier’s Swim Across the Mackinac Straits. Part I

Bobbing around in the middle of Lakes Huron and Michigan like a cork in a bathtub while staring up at the intimidating mass of the Mackinac Bridge tends to put things into a different perspective. My perspective was one of incredible insignificance. Everything around me was huge: the lake, the bridge, the distance, the current, and especially the stomach churning, energy sapping swells. I felt incredibly small. How does a guy end up in this...

National Team Development Center (NTDC) Assistant Coach and Cross Country Ski Ontario (XCSO) Development Coach 

We are excited to announce an opportunity for a passionate and experienced coach and/or former high-performance/varsity athlete to join our dynamic team. If you have a deep understanding of elite-level sports, a commitment to excellence, and a desire to develop and support top athletes, we encourage you to apply. This role offers the chance to work alongside leading professionals and contribute to the success of our athletes on the national and international stage. This dual...

NNF Announces Trail to Gold Application is Now Open

  The National Nordic Foundation (NNF) is excited to announce that the application period for Trail to Gold Coaching Grants is now open. The Trail to Gold Coaching Grant program provides American women coaches and technicians the opportunity to gain international-level experience through an immersive internship with the US Ski Team. The third class of T2G Coaches will further build on the success of the past two years by continuing to add a dynamic, impactful presence to...

Shane MacDowell: Filling Some Very Large Shoes. Part II

Last May, FasterSkier wrote about the retirement of University of New Hampshire’s (UNH) legendary ski coach Cory Schwartz, who had been with the University for 42 years. This summer, UNH named Shane MacDowell— the team’s former assistant coach— as Schwartz’s replacement. In Part one of our interview with MacDowell we discussed the lessons learned from his mentors, and the challenges of following in the footsteps of a beloved legend. In Part II we discuss meeting...

Quarry Road Trails Seeks Development Coach

  Development Coach Overview:  The City of Waterville is accepting applications for the position of Development Coach for Quarry Road Trails. This position will work under the direction of the City of Waterville’s Quarry Road Trails Program Director. The Development Coach will help organize and lead the Quarry Road Ski Club’s youth and middle school Nordic ski programs.  This position will provide high-caliber coaching and assistance to Quarry Road Ski Club’s athletes, volunteer coaches, high...

A Story of Resilience and Hard Work: Coming Back from a Season-Ending Injury with Graham Ritchie

Speaking with FasterSkier from Torsby, Sweden, Graham Ritchie is together with three teammates from the Canadian National Development Team completing a three-week long training camp in the Torsby Ski Tunnels – an experience he describes as “unique.” Working with his coach, this camp will provide Ritchie with some valuable hours on snow after an injury that caused him to sit out last season entirely. A 25-year-old Canadian nordic skier, Ritchie made a late debut into...

Lessons in Process Goals

I think Jessie Diggins has taught the world many things. Maybe it’s how to find your grit and accept the pain while you push your body to new limits. Maybe it’s a better understanding of eating disorders, where to find help, and knowing you’re not alone. Or maybe it’s the art of applying face glitter on race day. I’ve learned a bit about all of those things (when Jessie says you’re getting glittered, you’re getting...

Harvard Seeks Assistant Coach for Men’s & Women’s Nordic Skiing

  Under the supervision of the Head Coach, the purpose of this position is to use athletics as a tool to educate college students.  By using inter-collegiate competition and all activities related to such competition, this position serves as a teacher and mentor to help build student character, prepare students for a constructive and effective life, and teach valuable life lessons including work ethic; discipline; resilience; persistence; teamwork and selflessness; goal-setting and goal achievement; overcoming...

Shane MacDowell: Filling Some Very Large Shoes. Part I

Last May, FasterSkier wrote about the retirement of University of New Hampshire’s (UNH) legendary ski coach Cory Schwartz, who had been with the University for 42 years. This summer, UNH named Shane MacDowell— the team’s former assistant coach— as Schwartz’s replacement. Following in the footsteps of a person whose career stretches back to the Reagan administration is a daunting task. Doing so at a university which has a dedicated and passionate alumni base is even...

Olympic Reflections from Paris

It’s been 14 years since I became an Olympian, competing as a cross country skier in the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver. Since then, it hasn’t been easy to get to the Olympics as a spectator. The Winter Games have been in Sochi, Pyeongchang and Beijing, while the summer games have been in Rio and Tokyo, with an interruption by the Covid pandemic. The Paris Games were finally an opportunity for me to attend my...