Emil Nordeen was a decorated ski pioneer who won numerous Central Oregon Nordic races during the 1930s and 1940s. The Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation in Bend, OR will remember and celebrate Nordeen for the fourth year by hosting the Desert Orthopedics Great Nordeen Nordic Ski Race on January 21st, 2006. At 9:30am skiers will start at the Sunrise Lodge at Mt. Bachelor and use freestyle technique to descend through 36km of lava flows, hemlock and pine forest stands.
The Nordeen is quickly gaining the reputation as the fastest ski marathon in the West, descending 1500 feet in elevation from start to finish. Race organizers shortened the 2005 Nordeen to a 30km event where Justin Wadsworth won the men’s race in a scorching 57 minutes. Suzanne King took the overall women’s victory by skiing the course in just 1 hour and 6 minutes. Average times for the 2005 racecourse were 1 hr 25 minutes. The manageable terrain makes the Nordeen a great race for first time racers and recreational skiers according to MBSEF Nordic Program Director, Ben Husaby. Husaby also notes that Moon Country Snomobile Club and Mt. Bachelor plays a large part in the success of the event by meticulously preparing the once-a-year course.
The 2005 race attracted 350 participants and organizers are expecting over 400 skiers in 2006. Top competitors receive $1,000 in cash prizes and over $1,500 will be awarded in raffle prizes. Awards will go to age class winners and will be presented at the event banquet, which is scheduled for the evening of January 21st.
Entry fees are $55 from December 24th to January 6th. After January 7th the price increases to $65. No day of race registration is available. Entry forms can be accessed at www.mbsef.org or sign up online: www.signmeupsports.com Paper entries are available at the Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center, Sunnyside Sports, Webcyclery or Bend Bike ‘N Sport. Bib pick up is from noon to 6pm at Bend Bike ‘N Sport, 345 SW Century Drive.
The Great Nordeen is a fundraising event for the MBSEF Nordic department to support race-training programs and keep program costs down for MBSEF Juniors and Youth skiers.
Direct your e mails to nordic@mbsef.org and phone calls to Ben Husaby (541) 388-0002.
