It’s March, the snow is melting off the Birkie Trail, the Super Tour has headed off to, well, wherever the Super Tour heads off to these days, and the weather is turning warmer in California. Hang ‘em up? No way, not with the premier racing event of the season looming at the end of March — the CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH at Royal Gorge Cross Country ski area, March 28th, 2010.
The California Gold Rush is of the most scenic, exciting and challenging Nordic ski races in the country. With 3 separate race distances, there is an event suitable for any cross country ski racer. Most importantly, Royal Gorge donates all proceeds to the Far West Nordic Ski Association and Auburn Ski Club Junior Programs for this race. Whether you’re a serious cross country ski competitor, citizen racer, junior skier, or spectator, this fun-filled weekend has something for everyone. If you’ve never skied the trails at Royal Gorge (the largest cross country ski resort in North America), this is the perfect opportunity to come out and experience some of the most beautiful, fun, and best-groomed trails in the world.
Saturday includes a full-scale Demo Day hosted by Salomon and Fischer, along with special kid’s races and challenges. Sunday’s events are the highlight of the weekend, with exciting races for any level of skier, from experienced racers to casual ski tourers. Top billing goes to the 45 kilometer GOLD RUSH competition. Many of the top skiers from across the country will converge on the trails at Royal Gorge, and this race is also the culmination of the multi-event AMERICAN SKI MARATHON SERIES of long distance competitions from around the country (including the Birkie, the Yellowstone Rendezvous, Boulder Mountain Tour, and many more), with members of ski industry factory teams fighting it out for the overall individual and team titles.
Great competition is also found in the shorter variety of races, including the 2 lap, 30 km SILVER RUSH or the 1 lap, 15 km BRONZE RUSH. Whether you’re a serious racer, or want to add another fun and competitive event to your ski season, there is a distance to suit your fancy. Come race, or come out and watch this exciting competition, where all the proceeds go to the local Junior Development Programs.
For more information, or to register online, go to http://www.goldrushskirace.com. Don’t miss this chance to experience California Sierra Nevada racing at its absolute finest! You can also call Royal Gorge for specific information at (530) 426-3871.
