All-comers Nordic ski race set for Saturday

The Sisters High School Nordic Ski team and Hoodoo Mountain Resort will serve as hosts for an all-comers ski race set for Saturday, December 31 at noon.

The event will include both a freestyle (skating) race and a classic race. The freesyle race will start things off at noon with the classic race to follow. A $5 entry fee covers both races. Competitors can choose to skate either one or both races.

Nordic ski coach Lee Fischer hopes to attract entrants of all ages, skill levels and experience.

“It’s really just about celebrating the sport of cross country skiing and giving our team a chance to interact with the community,” he said. “We hope recreational skiers who have never raced understand that they are encouraged to come and ski through the course.”

The old lodge at Hoodoo will serve as race headquarters. Both courses will be 3 kilometers (1.8) miles. Registration will open at 10 a.m. Any proceeds from the race will help support the team as it enters the competitive season after the first of the year.

Weather conditions may affect the race. Competitors may call Crystal Pizzola at Hoodoo (541-822-3799) on race day to find out the race’s status if things look sketchy, according to Fischer.

Fischer may be contacted at 318-5988.

“Right now, everything is a go,” he said.