VASA to Host National Championships and Jr. Olympic Qualifier

by Kandace Chapple

Move over just a little. Wait, to the left. There. That’s it. Welcome to center stage where Traverse City’s own VASA ski race is enjoying the national spotlight.

For the first time in its 36-year history, Michigan’s oldest Nordic ski race is going big-time: It will host the American Cross Country Ski Association Masters National Championships during the VASA races Feb. 10-12.

What’s even cooler is that top dog Traverse City skiers have home-court advantage, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a splash.

“If a skier wins their age group in specified distances, they will be both a VASA Champion and a National Champion,” says Pete LaPlaca, VASA Board President.

The Championships will bring in nearly 1,000 skiers from about 20 states, LaPlaca estimates. The opportunity to host will keep Traverse City and the VASA on a short-list of the top Nordic destinations in the country.

“Our trails and grooming are some of the best and most challenging in the country,” he says. “Our lake-effect snow is so consistent that we are the only cross-country ski race in the Midwest that has offered a full 50km race over the past decade.”

LaPlaca estimates that the economic impact on the area will exceed $300,000 from lodging, dining, entry fees and ski gear.

In addition to the Championships, there’s a little something the youth can take a stab at – qualifying for the Junior Olympics. That’s right, this year also brings the addition of the Great Lakes Youth Ski Festival which will serve as the U.S. Ski Association’s Junior Olympic qualifier. These youth races will replace the former Jr. VASA races.

Kids of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate in the weekend-long festival that will include races, relays and obstacle courses. Age-appropriate race distances are offered to age group skiers including: 5 and under, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, and 14-19.

New changes this year, according to LaPlaca are: a start line that is 20 percent wider for safer starts, an improved sound system for fans and course improvements including widening parts of the trail system, removing pinch points and improving passing zones.

In all, the VASA weekend includes two full days of racing with the Saturday 1-6K Junior races, and the original 12K, 27K, 50K freestyle and classic races, and the Sunday Gran Travers events including 1-6K Junior races, and 6K and 16K classic races.

The following Sunday features the Healthy Heart Benefit Tour on Feb. 19, also at Timber Ridge, benefiting the Munson Women’s Heart Health Fund.

For information on racing or volunteering, visit www.vasa.org.