Preparations for the 2006 National Masters season-ender in Bend, Oregon (March 22-26, 2006) continue at a furious pace over the early winter weeks.
Come March, skiers from throughout the U.S. as well as several foreign countries will enjoy a long weekend filled with three race events, numerous social activities, demos, clinics, downtown awards, XC youth festival, plus unlimited dryland adventures once the on-snow fun has wrapped up each day.
Mother Nature has already done her part to lay the early foundation for a first-ever North American season finale for citizen skiing. Over seven feet of snow already covers the Mt Bachelor Nordic Center trail system site of all race events…with more forecast in the coming week.
On the organizational side, race registration has opened with the first early-bird registration deadline set on January 31. Skiers can register individually for the three races over the four day period or they can opt for a full package deal. Members of the American Cross Country Skiers (AXCS) are offered an exclusive discount on race registration. Skiers can find both on-line credit card registration via Active.com as well as a print-and-mail form on www.xcskiworld.com , the official website of the National Masters.
In a notable early development, whereas there is a tremendous supply of potential lodging choices in the greater Bend area for the NM2006, already some of the nicer westside Bend hotels and resorts have been reporting close to no vacancy for the NM weekend. Skiers desiring a westside Bend lodging choice are advised to begin contacting lodging providers as soon as possible to get your reservation on the books. A list of popular westside hotels has been added to the NM2006 lodging page on xcskiworld.com. Many additional options are available by contacting the various visitor association links provided on the NM2006 Lodging webpage.
For more information about the NM2006 visit www.xcskiworld.com , email AXCS ( axcs@xcskiworld.com ), or call (541) 317-0217.
Source: AXCS press release
