North American Vasa

National Masters Championship and 36th Annual North American Vasa

February 10-12, 2012

This race is hosted and run by the North American Vasa Board of Directors. It is not an event of TART Trails, but the race occurs on the Vasa Pathway that we groom.

The North American Vasa cross country ski race takes place on the Vasa Pathway and is held on the second Saturday in February each year. The first Vasa was held in 1977. Skiers can compete in several distances including 12K, 27K and 50K races. Each race has a Freestyle and a Classical division for the different cross country techniques.

The Gran Travers Classic race is held on Sunday and features distances of 16K and 6K for Classic only technique.

For more information, please go to the race website at: Vasa.org.

Race info at a glance:

Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012 - 36^th Annual North American Vasa Race

The relentless Lake Michigan snow making machine supplies plenty of snow for our course. The superb grooming by the TART Trails organization has made this exceptionally beautiful course a winter-long top destination for cross country skiers from throughout the midwest. Races offered for 2012:

50 km Classic 8:00 am

27 km Classic 8:16 am

27 and 50 km Freestyle 9:00 am

12 km 1:00 pm

Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012 - Hagerty Insurance Gran Travers Classic Race

If you are seeking a low key fun but mildly competitive event this is the one for you. No big crowds to contend with and no skating racers blowing by, but rather a purely classic race reminiscent of the simpler era of cross country skiing. Wool knickers or lycra, your choice. Its perfect for introducing yourself or a friend you're mentoring to the sport of timed cross country skiing. Enjoy a scenic route through the Pere Marquette state forest with like minded individuals. The GT is an ideal event for a recreational skier to challenge himself or herself to try a fun race for the first time. Both loops avoid the bigger hills of the VASA course, but feature classic set-tracks custom groomed just for this event.

16 km Classic 9:00 am

6 km Classic 9:18 am

2012 Great Lakes Youth Ski Festival

Saturday, February 11, 2012 (All races are Freestyle)

Skier's Age, Start Time, Distance

5 yrs and Under - 12:30 pm - 0.5km

6 and 7 yrs 12:35pm 1km

8 and 9 yrs 12:40pm 2km

10 and 11 yrs 12:45pm 3km

12 and 13 yrs 12:50pm 4km

Sunday, February 12, 2012 (All races are Classic Technique)

Skier's Age, Start Time, Distance

5 yrs and Under - 9:25 am - 0.5km

6 and 7 yrs 9:30am 1km

8 and 9 yrs 10:05am 2km

10 and 11 yrs 10:10am 3km

12 and 13 yrs 10:15am 4km

Awards ceremony immediately following each race.

Hot soup, tasty snacks and camaraderie await everyone after the Sat. & Sun. races back at the lodge.

2010 North American Vasa – February 13-14
Pre-Season Nordic Ski Clinic
North American Vasa Feb 14

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