This article was made possible through the generous support of our voluntary subscribers. If you would like to see more articles like this one, please support FasterSkier with a voluntary subscription. Despite a challenging start to the 2023-2024 season, Zak Ketterson (entering his third year on the U.S. B-Team), narrowly qualified for the Minneapolis World Cup—fulfilling his goal of racing, not merely in the United States, but in his own hometown. The Minnesota native has...
This article was made possible through the generous support of our voluntary subscribers. If you would like to see more articles like this one, please support FasterSkier with a voluntary subscription. As the 2024/25 ski season approaches, elite skiers are finalizing their preseason training for the World Cup circuit. For Graham Ritchie (CAN), a member of Canada’s A Team, this year’s preparation has been unlike any other. Recovering from a significant injury, Ritchie’s focus has...
We’re thrilled to announce that the first edition of the 2024-2025 Boulder Nordic Sport Magazine is now live! Dive into engaging stories, expert tips, and the latest in skis, boots, wax and more! New this year, click directly from the magazine to more in-depth stories and product links. Visit bouldernordic.com/magazine to explore the first issue of the season and immerse yourself in the world of skiing and adventure. -The Boulder Nordic Sport Team
This coverage is made possible through the generous support of Marty and Kathy Hall and A Hall Mark of Excellence Award. Learn more about A Hall Mark of Excellence Award—or about supporting FasterSkier coverage—by contacting info@fasterskier.com. It’s hard to believe, but the start of the World Cup ski season is upon us. The weekend opener in Ruka, Finland begins November 29th. While many of us will be bemoaning our Thanksgiving excess and recovering from NFL binge...
The National Nordic Foundation’s (NNF) Drive for 25 (D25) goes live today through December 3, Giving Tuesday. NNF’s goal is 1,000 individual donations totaling over $100,000. It’s an exciting week for skiers and supporters across the country. Some are busy finding their first fresh tracks of the season, some are enjoying hours and hours out on the trails, and all are looking forward to the return of the FIS World Cup and the US...
FasterSkier readers can receive 25% off ARC brushes for the next week by shopping at EnjoyWinter.com and using FasterSkierARC as your promo code. No stacking of discounts allowed. As we’re getting ready for winter, I want you to go out to your garage, basement, or wherever you keep your ski tools and take an honest look at your ski brushes. How are they doing? Are they clean and the bristles standing straight up? Or do...
Apply for ANY positions that you are interested in by December 1, 2024. Trip dates: World Junior/U23 Championships: Bergamo-Schilpario, Italy, February 3–9 [pre-camp: tentatively slated for Seefeld, Austria, January 24–31] Staff arrival travel dates vary from Jan 24 to Jan 28. U18 Scando Trip: Gjoevik , Norway February 15–24 The U.S. Ski Team is seeking coaches for our upcoming 2025 U18 Scandinavian Trip and 2025 World Junior & U23 Championship Teams. The teams will be...
In its first three years, the Sovereign 2 SilverStar (S2S) niche is becoming clear. Participants say it’s an awesome goal event for all types of skiers and a terrific event to conclude and celebrate the ski season. Here’s what else they say about the S2S and what brings them back each year: Awesome late season snow and grooming Extremely friendly and helpful volunteers The focus on Finishing is Winning A very fun and social atmosphere;...
Our bodies are very good at adapting to change, as long as it comes slowly enough. That first frosty day in autumn always feels brutally cold. Take the same temperature in March and we’re in shorts and short sleeves. Our response to exercise load is no different. Taken as a slow and progressive build up, our bodies will respond with increased strength and capacity to stay on the right side of the load vs tolerance...
You know you missed us. Devon and Nat return with a soft launch into the 2025 winter season. We cover off-season developments and other hijinks, from the still-missing Russians to Therese Johaug’s return. Read here and here if you want to understand wth the references are in the show title. We’ll be back soon. Hit us up at nat@fasterskier.com and devon@fasterskier.com; we’re psyched to be back.
Cross-country ski travel company Lumi Experiences is celebrating its partnership as an official tour operator for the Worldloppet’s series of 20 international ski marathons with a… Trip giveaway for two lucky skiers on the 2025 France – Transju’ trip, a value of over $10,000. Enter the trip giveaway today for your chance to win two spots on the trip, including two entries in the Transju’ ski marathon! To double your chance of winning, follow Lumi...
There’s a great scene in the 1983 classic movie epic The Right Stuff, where the test pilots are hanging out in their dank watering hole discussing the future of supersonic flight and bemoaning what they see as misplaced priorities. The press liaison throwing back a beer with Chuck Yeager and Jack Ridley seems to innocently ask, “you know what makes your rocket planes fly?” The aeronautical engineer puts down his beer and responds by beginning...
The Minneapolis Loppet Foundation announced today, November 8th, that it has hired a new Director. Meghan Cosgrove will take the reins of the organization beginning November 18th. She takes over from Claire Wilson who resigned from the Director’s position in September for family reasons. Wilson had been at the helm of the Loppet Foundation for four years. Cosgrove’s most recent leadership post was as Executive Director at YMCA of the North for Camp Menogyn, where...
Every fall the U.S. cross-country ski team announces its new roster. But there are teams within the team which makes it a little complicated to figure out exactly who belongs where. With designations of A, B, and D teams. The method for how members are selected to these teams is well documented, and it’s all contained in a public document on the U.S. team’s website. But as you’ll see, that process is going to change...
This February and March, the attention of Nordic ski world will be on the 2025 World Championships in Trondheim, Norway! The World Championships only happen every two years and, besides the Olympics, it’s the most prestigious event for World Cup skiers. And did I mention it’s in Norway? Lumi Experiences has lodging and grandstand tickets reserved for this unique Nordic event. The trip deadline is approaching fast: receive a $300 / person booking discount...
Hello XC Skiers! Join us for the 2024 West Yellowstone Ski Festival and Clinics. Fall season is around the corner which means the West Yellowstone Ski Festival and Clinics will be here before you know it. This year’s festival takes place November 26th – November 30th, 2024 with clinics starting on Tuesday November 26th. Check out schedule details here. West Yellowstone Ski Festival and Clinics are excited and proud to announce that Todd Eastman had joined Jack...
Grain bowl Green Curry Flatbread with chickpea tomato pistachio – NYT Stir fry Food can be fun, tasty, nutritious and easy to make! I love to cook elaborate meals when I have time, but often the simple and quick recipes end up being my favorite. Whether it is a recovery day or a 5 hour training day, eating a well-balanced meal is important for staying strong, healthy, and happy! When I can, I...
In Part I of our interview with Sophia Laukli, FasterSkier caught up with her before she had returned to the Golden Trail Series Tour, and discussed the ups and downs of the difficult summer she had. We’ll continue our discussion with Laukli about the upcoming race season but first, we need to bring readers up to date with how she fared in the Golden Trail Series finals, and how she is feeling after her summer...
Last year was a breakout season for Sophia Laukli. She reached the top of the podium in a World Cup race and had a solid skiing season. In her non-skiing job, she also won the Golden Trail Series championship, being crowned the best international trail runner, all while making it look fairly easy. She dominated the race circuit and gave the best professional trail runners fits as she casually strolled to the race starts fresh...
We all have two choices in life when it comes to staying active and healthy. Lethargic winter, curling up in bed, and the sleep-eat-repeat mantra is undoubtedly unhealthy. Cross-country skiing is famous among fitness freaks and students aiming to stay healthy. For those looking to combine fitness with employment opportunities, platforms like Jooble offer options such as h2b winter jobs, perfect for staying active during the cold months. Keep reading for some great benefits of...