Good luck Ben wherever you venture and thank you for everything!
Ben Grasseschi has been the heart and soul of Far West Nordic for the past 9 years. He has been the head Junior Coach, has guided countless masters racers, created and nurtured the FW Farm Team, has overseen the expansion of the Far West mission to include a much bigger base, and has been at nearly every fund-raiser, ski race, and social event that Far West has put on. When you think of Far West the picture that comes to mind for most of us is the smiling face of “Coach Ben.” [Read More...]
Summer Housing Still Needed
We are currently looking for several more housing spots for this summer’s college residency program. In its third year of existence, this program has become a great asset to our division. Last summer’s athletes went on to podium and win at several College races, including an NCAA Championship. This year’s participants are all highly motivated individuals, both athletically and academically, attending schools such as Middlebury, Williams, Bates, Bowdoin, and Colby. It is a great opportunity for our juniors and local community to “see what it takes” to be a NCAA Division I student-athlete.
The skiers will be arriving mid-June, just as local schools are getting out, and will stay for approximately 2 months. Some stays will be shorter than this. It is important to note that the student-athletes are responsible for their own transportation and food while in the area. In a marked change from previous years, some funds will be available for hosts in an effort to offset the costs of hosting these athletes.
Please contact Martin Benes at martin.v.benes@gmail.com or 510-326-2667 if you are interested in hosting or have any questions.
SUMMER TRAINING CAMPS
Western REG: June 22-June 29
Open to Far West athletes by invite only. This is the premiere summer training camp for the best Juniors in the Western Region. Super motivating for the year ahead this is a must do camp if you are serious about your summer training and winter goals.
Lake Tahoe/Bliss Camp: June 25-27
Open to all Far West juniors age 12-19. This is a great camp for those of you who have never been to a Far West Camp, but also for experienced racers who want a little extra push and motivation. Super fun and challenging right here in our own beautiful backyard, the west shore of Lake Tahoe. Camp consists of hiking, kayaking, general water mayhem, rollerskiing, technique, and fun.
June Lake Camp: July 18-21
Calling all Junior Far West skiers aged 13 and up! A super fun and motivating camp for the ‘old hands” to the ‘newbies’. June Lake Camp is the longest running Far West Nordic summer camp for a good reason. It’s all about camping in the beautiful Eastern Sierra near the Big Mountains, swimming in clear June Lake, roller skiing on the smooth, low traffic east side roads, and hiking up a big old mountain, the likes of which you won’t find in the Tahoe area. Add to this top notch coaching and great camaraderie with your skiing buddies and you’ve got one of the best Nordic ski camps in the West. Get your Nordic game on and sign up for the camp! Skiers of all abilities welcome.
Additional information on our Junior Camps Page.
ASC Seeking a Programs Manager
Auburn Ski Club Training Center on Donner Summit, CA is currently seeking to fill the year-round position of Training Center programs manager. ASC-TC is a nationally recognized club that offers a wide range of Cross-Country, Alpine, Snowboarding, Freeride and Biathlon programs with a competition schedule in all disciplines. ASC-TC operates its own facilities that include a 20K XC trail system, biathlon range and Alpine race arena at the adjacent Boreal Mt. Resort. The TC Programs Manager is a key member of the TC staff devoted to providing winter sports opportunities and athletic achievement to club members. Interested applicants should submit a resume, references and cover letter to Bill Clark at bclark@inc.auburnskiclub.org. Deadline is June 1, 2013. More information and the full job description can be found at http://auburnskiclub.com/training-center-seeking-a-programs-manager/
2013-2014 Far West Nordic Board Elected
Congratulations to the New Far West Nordic Board of Directors
Far West Nordic held its annual Board of Director elections and election of officers on Monday, May 13, 2013. Congratulations to the incoming board. Fred Zabell will continue to serve as board President, and Stacey Herhusky as Secretary. Kathrin Hudson will serve as Vice-President, and Mike Wells will serve as Treasurer. Welcome to new board members Marcus Nash and Mike Wells.
A huge thank you to outgoing board member Geoff Griffin.
Thank you Truckee River Winery for hosting our annual meeting!
Tour De Manure
Tour de Manure
Sierra Valley Metric Century
Saturday June 15, 2013
Sierraville Volunteer Firehouse 8am
Ride with us through the ranchlands, meadows and historic communities of Sierra Valley in this organized tour benefiting the Sierraville Fire and Rescue Department. Keep your eyes open for hawks, yellow-headed black birds, sandhill cranes, deer, and other wildlife abundant on these headwaters of the Feather River. Both metric- and half-century routes give sweeping views over the valley from terrain that has only mild elevation gains.
The 62-mile route starts at the Sierraville firehouse heading west toward Sattley, turns north on A-23 to Beckworth, goes east for 2.5 miles on Hwy 70, then back into the center of the valley toward Loyalton and Sierra Brooks, and back down historic Hwy 49 to Sierraville. The 42-mile route cuts off the Sierra Brooks leg. The 30-mile route follows the gentle curves of Hwy 49 toward Loyalton and back.
Entry fee includes SAG wagon, food and drink stops, t-shirt, and a POST-TOUR PARTY with FOOD, LIVE MUSIC and DANCING.
Go to http://www.sierravillefireandrescue.com/biketour.html for details.
Proceeds benefit Sierraville Volunteer Fire and Rescue.
Summer Fun Runs & ASC Junior Nordic Team Fundraisers
Firecracker Mile
Wednesday July 4, 2013
Event starts 10am by US Bank. 1 mile gravity fed fun event for all ages & abilities. Run through the crowds waiting for the parade.
Outdoor Rep Sale
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Don’t miss out on some great deals on your favorite brands of outdoor clothing and footwear, nordic and alpine skis, cycling stuff, backpacking gear, etc etc. Sale starts at 9am -1pm in the Boreal parking lot (Far West end). 15% of proceeds go to Auburn Ski Club Junior programs.
Squaw Valley Mountain Run / Hike
Saturday August 3, 2013
Starting at the base of Squaw Valley USA (6200’) the course climbs the 3.6 mile mountain run to High Camp (8200’) where awards, raffle, music refreshments & beer are provided. RUN, HIKE or let the cable car do the 2000 foot elevation gain & participate in the beautiful 3 mile FLOWER WALK on easy rolling terrain. All participants in the run / hike and flower walk will be entered in the raffle for some great prizes.
Go to www.truckeefunrun.com for more information and registration.
Far West Nordic 2013 Slideshow
The 2013 Far West Nordic & Auburn Ski Club Multi-Media Slideshow, featuring photos from Summer 2012 through Spring 2013 from Mark Nadell and Ben Grasseschi. Courtesy of MacBeth Graphics.
Western Regional Elite Camp
Congratulations to Peter Holmes, Patrick McElravey, Julien Bordes, Dylan Syben, Katrin Larusson, and Hannah Halvorsen on their selection to attend the USST Western Regional Elite Group (REG) Training Camp in Park City, Utah. This camp is a cross country ski training camp for elite junior skiers from the five western divisions. They will have the opportunity to work with coaches from the US Ski Team and from other top club programs.
National J2 Camp
Far West Nordic would like to Congratulate our top J2′s for being selected to the National J2 Camp in Marquette, Michigan the 27 July to the 4 August, 2013.
Based on their top results, (the best two out of three races), at Junior Nationals in Fairbanks, AK recently, Dylan Syben, Hannah Halvorsen, and Julien Bordes have been invited by the USSA.
In addition, each USSA Division receives 2 discretionary picks and Far West Nordic chose Lizzie Larkins and Sam Zabell due to their upward trending results over the current season. First alternates, in case Lizzie or Sam is unable to go, will be Amanda Kirkeby and Peter Carroll.
This is a very strong group of J2s and Far West is proud to be sending them to train and compete with the other top J2s in the country.
Congratulations! to you all once again and keep up the great training and motivation.

