In just 15 weeks, the focus of the entire masters XC ski world will return to North America as the 2011 Sparkling Hill Masters World Cup pays a long-awaited visit to Sovereign Lake/Silver Star, British Columbia — March 3-11. With such an exciting focal point for the ski year, master skiers throughout the U.S. are buzzing with anticipation even before the snow starts falling.
One of the true XC ski gems in all the world, Sovereign Lake/Silver Star offers amazing snow, 100km of trails, beautiful scenery, easy air/ground access, ski-in/ski-out lodging, and a moderate elevation within the World Masters Association requirements of 1700m/5,500ft. Featuring three individual races, an international relay, numerous ceremonies, and social events all spread over a 10 day period — the MWC2011 will serve up a fun-filled ski vacation perfect for skiers of all abilities with no qualification process required.
For USA masters, the MWC2011 is especially exciting as the event will also double as the 2011 AXCS National Masters. Every Masters World Cup individual race will also see the top three U.S. finishers in each age/gender category recognized as the age-group champions for 2011. Two special USA-only award ceremonies will just add to the MWC2011 festivities.
With so much to look forward to this season, nearly one thousand U.S. masters have already discovered the best way to stay informed about every detail related to U.S. masters XC skiing is to join the non-profit American Cross Country Skiers (AXCS) — the U.S. masters XC ski association.
Recognized as one of the best ski associations in the world, annual AXCS membership includes the two top-rated masters ski publications, an exclusive E-Bulletin series, the American Ski Odyssey challenge, exclusive discounts, and annual support for a host of worthwhile ski education and promotion projects. All this is on top of a license to race the annual Masters World Cup (that license alone worth $140!) and annual production/support of the U.S. National Masters and American Ski Marathon Series.
