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NORTHERN RETURN – Olympic skiers Chandra Crawford, left, and Madeleine Williams compete at the 2010 Haywood Ski Nationals in Whitehorse. The Canadian cross-country ski championships will once again be held here in 2016.

Haywood Ski Nationals returning to Whitehorse

Canada’s cross-country ski championships will return to the Yukon capital in 2016.

By Marcel Vander Wier on October 23, 2014

Canada’s cross-country ski championships will return to the Yukon capital in 2016.

Cross Country Canada, in co-operation with Cross Country Yukon, announced the decision to award the 2016 Haywood Ski Nationals to the Whitehorse ski club yesterday.

“This is the ultimate event of the year for most of the racers,” said Claude Chabot, who will serve as chief of competition. About 60 clubs from across the country will be represented.

The community last hosted the nationals in 2010 with more than 420 North American skiers participating.

In 2016, about 500 skiers representing the elite of the national ski community are once again expected to flood the city, alongside a hefty influx of funds into the local economy.

The eight-day event will kick off March 17, 2016 and will include a five-race series, running the gamut from sprints to long distance races in four age categories.

“The events committee made the selection based on the excellent facilities available in Whitehorse,” said Dave Dyer, Cross Country Canada’s event director.

Other factors included the close proximity between accommodations and ski trails and solid performance of Yukon skiers on the national and international stages, he said.

The Whitehorse club finished second in the country at the 2014 Haywood Ski Nationals hosted by the Blow Me Down Ski Club in Cornerbrook, Nfld., and has traditionally finished among the top clubs.

Hosting the races provides a bonus for the local ski community, giving home-field advantage to the Yukon Ski Team, and also granting local officials and volunteers the opportunity to showcase their talents.

The territory typically sends 12 to 18 athletes to compete at the national championships, but having the races in Whitehorse means more skiers will be given the opportunity to race.

In 2010, the Yukon fielded 29 skiers in divisions ranging from midget to senior.

While having a significant impact on skier development locally, the event also provides a boost to the Yukon’s economy.

An economic evaluation completed after the 2010 event estimated the event provided a net benefit of over $1 million to the capital city.

Organizing the event is no trivial matter. Approximately 250 volunteers will need to be recruited and trained, infrastructure fine-tuned and grooming equipment upgraded.

All races will be held at the ski club, and the event will conclude with a banquet at the Canada Games Centre.

The 2015 nationals will be held in Thunder Bay, Ont.

Comments (1)

Up 97 Down 87

Michael McCann on Oct 23, 2014 at 4:20 pm

Congratulations to the Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club ... they have tremendous volunteers and a ton of experience. They'll do a tremendous job.

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