2016 AXCS National Masters Coming To Royal Gorge March 19-20
With several feet of recent fresh snowfall to replenish the trails, the world-famous Royal Gorge ski resort is ready and waiting for master skiers from across the USA to visit for the 2016 National Masters coming up March 19-20.
Racing will start off on Saturday, March 19 with a 10km classic race. Skiers will start in various waves based on age category registration. An open 5km is also offered for juniors and adults not interested in the full 10km distance. Current plans are for the classic race to begin at 8am, but that time may be adjusted to allow for additional kick wax testing if temperatures and snow conditions permit.
Then on Sunday, March 20 the NM2016 will wrap-up with the California Gold Rush taking center stage offering 42km, 28km (Silver Rush) and 14km (Bronze Rush) freestyle races. A new 14km course will be used for 2016 with all races starting at the Summit Station trailhead beginning at 8am.
As is traditionally the case at the AXCS National Masters, skiers are welcome to enter any distance race they wish, but only the official distances designated for each masters age category will count towards points for the 2016 U.S. Masters Team presented by Podiumwear and also the honorary NM2016 official podium.
AXCS National Director J.D. Downing is excited for the NM2016 to be returning to the Far West. “It’s been a long time since we’ve had the National Masters in California, the last time was in 2002 so this is a really special opportunity for skiers across the nation. The recent snowfall has bolstered the snowpack quite a bit so we are looking for great conditions March 19-10. Hopefully a bunch of skiers from places that haven’t enjoyed the best winter will consider hopping on a plane to come join the fun!”
Royal Gorge Event Director David Eastwood adds, “Royal Gorge XC is very proud to host the NM2016 Classic and Marathon races. We believe our varied terrain, sunny weather and enjoyable spring skiing conditions will challenge the athletes and provide great competitive racing!”
Registration for all events is available at RoyalGorge.com with links and supplemental NM2016 info also available on xcskiworld.com.