FAR WEST NORDIC

SUMMER TRAINING CAMPS

Far West Nordic — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:39:22 +0000

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

Far West Nordic — Thu, 16 May 2013 01:06:48 +0000

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

Far West Nordic — Tue, 14 May 2013 03:31:59 +0000

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!

Ben Grasseschi

Far West Nordic — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:20:35 +0000

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.”

Ben came to Far West as a young ski racer out of the College of Idaho in 2002. He immediately made an impact on our juniors when he started coaching with the ASC Comp and Devo teams and coaching at Far West camps. Ben’s humor, obvious love of skiing, and his child-like joy in all things winter related, made him an instant favorite with juniors. Pretty much every day saw 15-30 junior racers following him around and usually everyone had a huge smile on their face!

Ben coached the Far West team at eight Junior National Championships and helped produce several National Champions including Matt Gelso and Joanne Reid.Throughout his career Far West skiers received incredibly well waxed skis, great technique fundamentals, and most importantly, a love of the value of sport, sportsmanship, and being a great all around person. Ben’s impact on hundreds of juniors will guide them in positive ways for many years.

Ben’s main focus has always been the Far West juniors but he deserves equal credit for his vision in seeing the need to build a strong program for post high school senior racers. He created the Far West Farm team and has built it into one of the premier senior race teams in the country. Who wouldn’t want to come to Tahoe after their college racing days are over and get to work with Ben as their coach?

Far West is home to many top tier masters racers and they too love to work with Ben. On most winter mornings Ben can be found skiing around with a gang of master racers all trying to bend their knees and get on as flat as a ski as Ben does. And just like with the juniors, they are all smiling! Ben Grasseschi has given his heart to far West Nordic and we are immeasurably richer for it.

Good luck Ben wherever you venture and thank you for everything!

Summer Housing Needed for Collegiate Athletes

Far West Nordic — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:16:26 +0000

This upcoming summer, we will once again be providing collegiate student-athletes the opportunity to come to Truckee and train as part of structured group. The program will benefit both the student-athletes, as they take advantage of the numerous training options in the area, as well as the local Nordic community. Exposure to these high level athletes will benefit the local juniors by providing them with exceptional role models. The collegiate student-athletes will help raise the level of training for our junior skiers as well.

As part of this program, we are aiming to provide housing for these student-athletes. They will be in the Truckee area from mid-June through the beginning of August. They are all highly motivated athletes as well as exceptional students. The host families who generously provided housing last summer had overwhelmingly positive experiences.

Over the summer, they will be involved in near daily training sessions lead by Far West and Sugar Bowl Academy coach Martin Benes, along with help from the rest of the Far West coaching staff. They will all be seeking employment in the area so that they may cover their various expenses.

For almost all the student-athletes, qualifying for the 2014 NCAA Championships hosted by University of Utah is the primary goal. It is the objective of this program to provide them with the best opportunity to pursue their goals through a solid base of summer training.

This group and their future success will certainly provide the Far West Nordic community with increased national recognition. In addition, the student-athletes involved with the program now, and in the future, have the potential to raise the level of Nordic skiing in the region. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or thoughts you may have.

Martin Benes
510-326-2667
martin.v.benes@gmail.com

Studio Apartment for Rent in Serene Lakes, Donner Summit

Far West Nordic — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:51:17 +0000

Studio Apartment for Rent in Serene Lakes, Donner Summit

Just two blocks from Summit Station, Royal Gorge
Partially furnished: bed, dresser, kitchen appliances and table
Cozy: ideal for an individual
Sunny southern exposure with two large windows
Electric baseboard heating
Bathroom with shower
6900’ Elevation; Great trails for training and lake for swimming
Rent for summer: $500 / month. Includes all utilities!
Move in anytime between now and June
Call John for details at 775 336-0244 (w) or 775 230-2530 (cell)

Summer Fun Runs & ASC Junior Nordic Team Fundraisers

Far West Nordic — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:15:28 +0000

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.

Tour De Manure

Far West Nordic — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 01:47:21 +0000

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.

ANNUAL ELECTION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

Far West Nordic — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 01:46:18 +0000

The Far West Nordic Annual Meeting and the Annual Election of Directors and Officers will be held Monday, May 13, 2013 at the Truckee River Winery (11467 Brockway Road, Truckee CA). Appetizers and wine and an informal get together from 5:30 pm followed by the board meeting and annual election of directors and officers at 6:30 pm. Come meet the Far West Nordic directors, officers, and committee members. Learn how you can get involved and help shape the future of Far West Nordic.

Far West Nordic 2013 Slideshow

Far West Nordic — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 01:42:29 +0000

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.