Far West Nordic Ski Education Association

Cross Country Skiing in California, Nevada, and Arizona. Presented by the Far West Nordic Ski Education Association (a recognized 501(c)(3) organization).
Last Updated Thu, Sep 20, 2007

THE FAR WEST NORDIC SKI EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

WESTERN REGIONAL ELITE GROUP CAMP IS COMPLETE
The Best Young Nordic Skiers in the Western U.S. Here to Train in the Sierra Nevada
On June 24 through 29th, top skiers from all over the Western United States were at Claire Tappaan Lodge for this year's Regional Elite Group camp. For a full recap and a link to photos from the camp, CLICK HERE. Or CLICK the PHOTO GALLERY link on the left for photos from all of our camps.

SUMMER FAR WEST NEWS AVAILABLE
Download the Latest News for Far West Nordic!
Don't wait for winter to plan your training schedule! Read the latest Far West News and learn about how the TOP skiers in the division are training this summer. Plus, a full listing and registration form for Junior Summer Camps, and a Registration form form membership. Renew Now! To download the newsletter, CLICK HERE.

GELSO GRABS END-OF-SEASON AWARDS
CU Freshman, Ski-Racing's Nordic Junior of the Year
Though he's out of the Far West limelight, Colorado freshman Matthew Gelso of Truckee has been racking up the season-ending awards. Named to the U.S. Ski Team in 2006, Gelso was recently pegged as the U.S. Nordic Junior Skier of the Year by Ski Racing Magazine. Plus, Gelso was recently named Colorado University's Freshman of the Year for 2006-2007, a heady honor considering his competition in the football/basketball pantheon of major university sports. He also became the first American freshman to win a race in the West since the sport went coed in 1983. Gelso tallied 10 top-five finishes in 12 races, was a National All-Academic Ski Team member and earned first-team All-America honors in the classic and second-team accolades in the freestyle at the NCAA National Championship this past March. CLICK HERE for a recent Sierra Sun article.

STIMSON, FERNEYHOUGH AWARDED BEAUCHAMP SCHOLARSHIP
Dayna Stimson and Alex Ferneyhough Given Far West Grant
The Far West Nordic Ski Education Association is proud to announce the winners of the annual Ted Beauchamp Scholarship fund, awarded each year to young cross country ski racers who are avid participants of the sport, and who show a dedication and character that serves as a positive example to all of those involved in Nordic competition. This year’s winners of the $300 Scholarship Award are Dayna Stimson of Crowley Lake, CA and Alex Ferneyhough from Truckee, California. CLICK HERE for all the information.

FAR WEST & JO2007 SLIDESHOWS AVAILABLE ON DVD
Order your DVD of the Popular Year-End Show!
For those who missed it, and for those who want to watch it again, we're offering the year-end Multi-Media Slideshow of the 2006-2007 Far West Nordic Junior Racing Season! 15 minutes long, this DVD compiles photos from summer training to Spring racing. An extra bonus on the DVD is a 10 minute short of the Best of Junior Olympics 2007, with lots of photos of great junior skiers from around the country. To Order the DVD, CLICK HERE.

2007-2008 FAR WEST BOARD ELECTED
Congratulations to New Far West Nordic Board of Directors and Incoming President Jeff Schloss
Far West Nordic held its annual Board of Director Elections and election of officers on Monday, April 9th. Congratulations to the incoming board, and a huge thank you to Gary York, the 2006-2007 outgoing president. All current members will remain on the Board, with the addition of Mitch Dion (taking the vacated seat of Anna Voegele, who moved out of the area). New officers include Jeff Schloss, President; Mitch Dion, Vice-President; Dan Hill, Secretary; and Joan Jones returning as Treasurer.

There is also an effort being made to strengthen the role of Committees in the Far West Nordic organization. If you're interested in becoming more involved, check out the Committee List on our CONTACTS PAGE and let us know.

SQUAW VALLEY MOUNTAIN RUN NOW AN ASC JUNIOR TEAM FUNDRAISER August 4th Marks Date for New, Improved Event One of the largest, deepest and purest alpine lakes on earth and the towering peaks of the High Sierra, and the California sunshine make Squaw Valley is one of the world’s most famous and beautiful outdoor playgrounds. The Squaw Valley Mountain Run is the perfect opportunity for you to experience this region on your own two feet and celebrate the summer season in the Sierra. MEMORIAL WEEKEND REP SALE AT AUBURN SKI CLUB Sunday, May 27th 2007 (10am-2pm) If you like GREAT DEALS on outdoor gear, don't Miss the Memorial Weekend REP SALE at Auburn Ski Club Training Center (Boreal Exit I-80). Reps will be spring cleaning their samples and demos at heavily discounted prices, to make room for next years stuff. The top names in the outdoor / ski industry - Salomon, Fischer, Lowe Alpine, Mountain Hardware, Patagonia, Pacific Outdoor Equipment, Alpina, Rossignol, Asolo, Tubbs, Leiki, Lafuma to name but a few.
MASTERS NATIONALS 2007 RESULTS Far West Wins Masters Nationals 2007 Team Competition The Far West Women's team rode out a wild final day at the 2007 National Masters to claim a one point victory over the defending champion Sun Valley team. XC Oregon came in third with Methow Valley just three points shy in fourth. Far West Men and NENSA rounded out the team ladder. The victorious Far West Women's team consisted of June Lane, Louise Goodman, Carolyn Tiernan, Hedda Anya, Julie Bradley, and Martha Bellisle. The team championship is based on club or regional teams of 4-6 skiers with points awarded per place in age/gender groups. Teams must have four scoring finishers in each of the three NM events. The honorary 2007 U.S. Masters XC Ski Team has been selected based on the top individuals in each age class over all three individual races at the 2007 National Masters, and included 6 Far West skiers, including Julie Bradley, Carolyn Tiernan, June Lane, Hedda Anya, Louise Goodman, and Jack Wilson. 30 K Cascade Crest Freestyle Finishes NM2007 in Bend TEN more medals from the Far West Nordic contingent on the final day of National Masters 2007 in Bend, Oregon. With Gold by Carolyn Tiernan, June Lane, Louise Goodman, Louise Wholey, and Jack Wilson, Silver by Julie Bradley, Chris McGovern, and Ben Grasseschi, and Bronze by Hedda Anya and Ulrich Luscher, this was Far West's best overall showing in a very competitive field at the 30K/20K/15K Cascade Crest Championships. Congratulations to the Far West Nordic team, coached by Ben Grasseschi! Classic Race Brings More Medals for Far West Masters 8 more medals for Far West Nordic skiers at the 15k/10k Classic event in Bend, Oregon for Masters Nationals. Highlighted by Julie Bradley, Carolyn Tiernan, and Hedda Anya's Gold medals, the Far West women were especially dominant. Silver Medals for Ben Grasseschi, June Lane, Louise Wholey, and Jack Wilson, plus a bronze for Martha Bellisle. Zach Violett had the 4th fastest overall time of the day skiing in the open (non-Masters) division. Far West Skiers Snag Skiathlon Medals On First Day of Championships The first day's results from Masters Nationals competition in Bend, Oregon are in, and Far West Nordic skiers had some great races. Gold medals were won by Julie Bradley (F5), Carolyn Tiernan (F6), June Lane (F7), Hedda Anya (F8), and Louise Goodman (F9). (We'll even take credit for Gary Klingler's gold in the M5 division, since we taught him how to ski here in California). And our own Zach Violett had the fastest time outright overall in the 15 kilometer Pursuit race, with other Far West skiers taking additional Silver and Bronze medals. CLICK HERE for more info on Masters Nationals 2007.
FAR WEST JUNIORS GRAB 11 MEDALS AT JUNIOR OLYMPICS 32 Athletes and 9 Coaches Participated in the 2007 Junior Nationals at Soldier Hollow Daniel Gelso, Dayna Stimson (2), Gabrielle Joffe, Sophie Aaron, Annika Taylor, Joanne Reid (2), Carl Reid, all bring home medals from Utah, with Bernie Nelson adding Far West's only Podium spot (3rd in the 5K Classic), along with an additional relay medal. CLICK HERE to check out all the results and links to photos and weblogs. NEW: Photo prints are available for purchase online from JO's. CLICK HERE to go to the MacBeth Graphics website for ordering.

ERIKA FLOWERS STORY IN BOZEMAN CHRONICLE
Important Reading for Athletes, Coaches and Parents
Sometimes, we need to put athletics and ski racing into life's perspective. Recommended reading: http://bozemandailychronicle.com/articles/2007/04/29/sports/10flowers.txt

END-OF-SEASON RACE RESULTS FINALIZED
Sierra Ski Chase, Fischer Cup, Masters Team Points End Scoring
With only a few more races to go (the Mammoth Marathon, Tom's Classic, and the Billy Dutton Uphill), scoring has ended for all the important season-long competitions. Click on the Results Link for all the standings from the Race Series, including the FISCHER CUP, the SIERRA SKI CHASE, and the FAR WEST NORDIC MASTERS TEAM. Congratulations to all of you who participated in these great events this year, and thanks to Julie Bradley, Molly Zurn, June Lane, and Dan Hill for their continued efforts and sponsorship of them.

IVERSON, SMULLIN, WEAVER IN GREAT RACE PHOTO FINISH
Steamboat Springs' Mark Iverson Wins Tahoe to Truckee, Beth Reid Takes Women's Crown
In probably the closest Great Ski Race finish in history, Mark Iverson won a 3-way Photo Finish against multiple Great Race winner Pat Weaver of Bend, Oregon and Park City's Josh Smullin. On a local note, Far West's own Beth Reid destroyed some of the top women competitors of the country by winning the race going away, coming in 12th overall! For full results, CLICK HERE to go to the official Great Race website.

GREAT LOCAL RESULTS AT THE NCAA 2007 REGIONALS
Gelso, Reids Top List of Locals at Auburn Ski Club Races
Matthew Gelso continued his stellar freshman year's performance at the NCAA Regional Competition at Auburn Ski Club on Friday. Gelso placed 4th overall in the Men's 10 kilometer Freestyle competition, the first of two races this week. A big surprise, however, went to the mother-son tandem of Beth and Carl Reid, who skied the race as independents. Beth placed FIFTH overall against some of the top women skiers in the country (and even the world) in the Women's 5K, and Carl placed a very impressive 9th overall (4th U.S. skier!) against incredibly stiff competition. (We wonder how many college kids Joanne would have beaten). In Saturday's Classic competition, Gelso was even better, placing 3rd (first U.S.A. skier) in the 15K men's race. For complete results, CLICK HERE for the Far West Nordic Results Page.

CNISSF STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS AT AUBURN SKI CLUB
Sunny Skies Greet High School and Middle School Racers For Championships
Dayna Stimson and Spencer Wood held off strong charges in the second leg of the Pursuit for the State Championships on Saturday, February 17th to win the High School titles for 2007. Justin Ondry and Annika Taylor completed their clean sweep domination of the league by winning the Middle School State Titles in their 4 kilometer Classic event. For Results, CLICK HERE.

CANADIAN TEAM IN AUSTRIA
Special Training for the World Cup
Sorry folks, but we couldn't resist putting this link up on the site. With our lack of snow and incoming wetness, it's important to get a good perspective on what real lack of snow looks like. CLICK HERE to enjoy.

FAR WEST NORDIC WAS IN UTAH FOR JUNIOR RACES
Soldier Hollow, Site of 2007 JO's, Hosts Huge Field
Far West had 29 racers skiing for top results at the Intermountain/RockyMountain JOQ at Soldier Hollow, UT on January 19th and 20th. Led by 4 coaches and additional parent/coaches, many racers had exceptional results, including a 2nd place in the Classic Sprint by J2 Boy Daniel Gelso, and a near win by inches in the same event from J1 Girl Bernie Nelson. Other top results were placed by Sophie Aaron, Dayna Stimson, Russell Kennedy, Kelsey Dion, and more. Plus, everyone had a blast. Photos will be online soon, so check back. Results are available from Summit Timing Systems: CLICK HERE. Plus, CHECK OUT THE SOHO PHOTO GALLERIES ONLINE.

FASTERSKIER.COM ARTICLE ON BEN GRASSESCHI
Far West Nordic and Auburn Ski Club Head Coach Gets the Press
Check out the article about Ben, written by Rob Whitney, on the Fasterskier.com website. CLICK HERE for article.

THE "REAL" RACE SEASON BEGINS!
SnowShoe Thompson Classic at Auburn Ski Club Kicks Off Far West Schedule
2006's Swan Song was a huge hit at the ASC Training Center, as Far West racers said goodbye to '06 and skied-in the new season. With a Junior Olympic Qualifier event combined with the first leg of the Masters Team, Fischer Cup, and Sierra Ski Chase, 146 competitors took to the trails for some exceptionally great Classic skiing. CLICK HERE for results.

UNR SKIERS, NELSON DOMINATE ASC SPRINTS
Great Conditions for the first Junior Olympic Qualifier of the Season. Plus, an Unofficial 5/10K Time Trial next Sunday
The top three spots for the men were dominated by University of Nevada, Reno racers, while the top women's went to Far West skier Bernie Nelson. For full results, CLICK HERE. For Junior Olympic Qualifier Information for this race, CLICK HERE.

And next Sunday, December 24th (Christmas Eve) marks the inaugural annual ASC XMAS-EVE PHUN TT, an unofficial, "do your best time" 5K or 10K CLASSIC time-trial to bring in the Christmas Cheer. It's not on the official schedule, but there'll be lots of college racers home for the holidays, plus Far West Juniors and Masters. CLICK HERE for details.

FASTERSKIER.COM ARTICLE ON SARA SALO
ASC Assistant Coach Gets Well-Earned Press
Check out the article about Sara, written by Rob Whitney, on the fasterskier.com website. CLICK HERE for article.

FAR WEST THANKSGIVING CAMP COMPLETED!
27 Junior Athletes Gear Up for Ski Season
Whether it was Roller Skiing, Running, Hiking, Skating, or Climbing, Far West Juniors were getting into gear over the Thanksgiving Holiday. Led by Elyah Gordon, Jeff Schloss, and Sara Snyder, this camp had it all. CLICK HERE for pictures from the camp.

SF CHRONICLE ARTICLE ON MATT GELSO
Read Laura Read's Mainstream Media Article in the Chronicle's SUNDAY MAGAZINE
NORDIC SKIING ON THE RISE
Matt Gelso: Knocking for a Medal
Can young Matt Gelso break the spell on the U.S. cross country team's dismal Olympic record?
by Laura Read, Sunday, November 26, 2006
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

ZACH VIOLETT & MATT GELSO TAKE SECOND & FOURTH IN SUPERTOUR
Far West Skiers are Impressive in West Yellowstone
With most of the best skiers in the country in West Yellowstone for the first SuperTour races of 06-07, Far West Nordic took 2 out of the top 4 men's results in Saturday's 15 kilometer Classic, with Zach Violett coming in second place and Matthew Gelso fourth overall. U.S. Ski Team Continental Cup member Matt also won Friday's Junior Division in the Freestyle Sprint, with J1 racer Bernie Nelson taking 4th place in the girls division. All in all, Far West Nordic racers were well-represented in West Yellowstone this fall, with 24 current or former local racers entering the competitions. Click Here for Results.

2007 NORDIC NEWS ARRIVES!
Hot Off the Press, this year's Edition is Ready for Snow
Slicker than ever, the 2007 Nordic News from Far West Nordic is packed with great articles by the likes of Jeff Schloss, Ben Grasseschi, Nat Brown, Andrew Hall and others, including information about training techniques, equipment, health, and more.

You can view a text-only version online, but for the full, colorful magazine, check your nearest cross country ski area or retailer. Far West members can also have the newsletter mailed to them upon request. Email us at info@farwestnordic.org and let us know.

RECORD-SETTING FUNDRAISER AT THE 2006 AUCTION/RAFFLE PARTY!
The New Home in Kings Beach Proved A Winner!
A great time was had by all who attended the 2006 Far West Nordic Auction/Raffle Fundraiser. Far West raised a record $25,000 in the Auction and Raffle, along with a $10,000 MATCHING GRANT from John Slouber, formerly of Royal Gorge Cross Country! CLICK HERE for details on the winners of the auction and raffle items. Thanks to all who put in such a great effort this year!

SIERRA NEVADA JUNIOR SKI FOR LIGHT PROGRAM DATES ANNOUNCED
Once again, Far West Nordic is proud to sponsor the Sierra Nevada Junior Ski For Light Program. They are looking for both Adult and Junior skiers to volunteer to guide blind and visually impaired skiers. For this year's dates and information on how to participate, CLICK HERE.

JOIN FAR WEST NOW!
Get ahead of the game by signing up NOW for the upcoming Far West Nordic Ski Season. Go to our Membership Page for more information and downloadable forms. Updated information on discounts at most of the California/Nevada XC Ski Areas is also on our Membership Page. We need your membership to keep our great programs running. Please sign up today!

Meetings are held the second Monday of every month throughout the year, except when otherwise noted. Write for Info.

To contact Far West Nordic you can email us at info@farwestnordic.org,
call us at (530) 587-0304, or drop a letter to:

FWNSEA | P.O. Box 10046 | Truckee, CA | 96162
you can also fax us at (530) 587-0304