Nanook skiing hosting historic on-campus races

two skiers ski fast, one behind the other — Photo by UAF athletics
Nanook skiers practice on the new UAF ski trails.

Dec. 5, 2024

For the first time in decades, the �ֻ�ֱ�� Nanooks ski teams are set to host races on the Troth Yeddha’ Campus.

This weekend’s annual Nordic Cup event is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6-7, and is expected to draw more than 50 skiers. The races will pit the Nanooks against intrastate rivals, the UAA Seawolves. Dozens of local community skiers are also registered for the races.

The Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks has partnered with UAF for the event, grooming the trails and bringing in timing equipment and volunteers for the races.

Races begin at 11 a.m. each day. Friday will feature the men’s and women’s 10-kilometer freestyle event. Men’s and women’s classic sprint races will take place on Saturday.

The Nordic Cup is the inaugural race on UAF’s new competition trails, which were constructed this summer thanks to a $300,000 gift from Usibelli Coal Mine. The event is the first on-campus ski race in more than 40 years. The new trails are approved by the International Ski Federation (FIS).

In addition to meeting the requirements for competition, the new trails offer several options for spectators to catch the action at the start/finish line, located southwest of the Student Recreation Center, and along the trails. A is available on the �ֻ�ֱ�� Nanooks website, and the Patty Center will be open for spectators to warm up.

. for both days will be available online.