Racing
Racing is at the heart of Nordic skiing. In a sport that tests endurance, strength, mental fortitude, and fitness daily, there’s no better payoff than putting on a bib, stepping over the start line, and seeing just what you can do!
A typical race season in Far West can see more than 25 races – read on for the breakdown of the different types, events, and how you can get in on the action!
Race Overview
Citizen's Races
Citizen’s Races are at the core of racing in the Far West region. These races are open to everyone and of all ages. Races are held at venues around the region, from Auburn Ski Club all the way down to Mammoth. Courses distances vary from 1 kilometer sprints, to 50km marathons, in skate or classic discipline, and mass, wave, pursuit, or individual start. Citizen’s Races do not require a Far West Membership or USSS license to compete, but venues do require a registration.
Scored races
Races scored for USSS points are where the heat gets hottest! In addition to, and sometimes in parallel with Citizen’s Races, these races are opportunities not only for our athletes to compete at a high level, but to score points towards Junior Nationals qualification, improve their USSS points, and build their race skills.
Some races require memberships and licenses in addition to race registration. Athletes must be members of Far West Nordic in order to score points in Junior Nationals Qualifiers (JNQs), and must hold a USSS license to compete in a race scored for USSS points, such as National Ranking List (NRL) races.
CNISSF Races
CNISSF Racing encompasses the high school and middle school leagues in California and Nevada. Athletes compete through their school clubs and programs for these races, which are run by CNISSF programs in conjunction with Far West Nordic. Racers looking to participate in these races should contact their school’s coach or athletic director for information specific to their programs.