Scott Patterson (front) and David Norris of the APU Nordic Ski Center Elite Team
If you’ve ever wanted to watch the APU Nordic Ski Team in top-level competition, now’s your chance. Due to COVID-related race cancellations in the Lower 48 and Canada, more APU Nordic athletes are competing locally, right here in Alaska.
In a typical season, APU Nordic’s top skiers race internationally from November to April on the World Cup. But this year, the International Ski Federation (FIS) and U.S. Ski and Snowboard have added Alaska’s races to its competitive schedule. The sanctioned races allow competitive APU Nordic Skiers to accrue points based on their finish, enabling them to qualify for international and highly ranked races without needing to travel outside the state.
That’s great news for Alaska fans, who can watch 16+ members of the university’s Elite Team (including three 2018 Olympians) compete for world rankings on Alaska snow.
You can catch the Elite Team – made up primarily of full-time students at APU – at the following races this winter. NOTE: Races may be cancelled due to weather or COVID restrictions. Check the individual race links for up-to-date event information.
Anchorage – Kincaid Park
Dec. 13 – AMH Anchorage Cup
Dec 19 and 20 – Besh Cup Race (FIS-sanctioned)
Jan. 10 – AMH Anchorage Cup
Volunteers are needed for this APU-organized event! Email nordic@alaskapacific.edu to assist
Jan. 24 – AMH Anchorage Cup
Feb. 14 – AMH Anchorage Cup
Feb. 21 – AMH Anchorage Cup
March 7 – Tour of Anchorage
Palmer
January 16 and 17 at Government Peak Recreation Area – Besh Cup Race (FIS-sanctioned)
Fairbanks
January 30 and 31 at Birch Hill Trails – Besh Cup Race (FIS-sanctioned)
Hatcher’s Pass will host an FIS-sanctioned race on Jan. 16-17, 2021
World Cup update: A handful of APU Nordic athletes and one coach will still spend their winter in Europe racing on the World Cup circuit. They will travel and stay with the U.S. Ski and Snowboard team and are required to take COVID tests every 3-4 days.
You can watch the rest of the APU Nordic Elite Team compete on the World Cup circuit this winter on NBC Sports. The 2020-2021 World Cup races will air on Peacock Premium (click here for details) with select races also appearing on the Olympic Channel (click here for schedule).
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