The clock keeps ticking toward the start of the 2020 Arctic Winter Games which begin March 15 here in Whitehorse.

With the Games inching ever closer teams have been set and here at the Star, we’ve been checking in on them to see how they are progressing.

The snowshoe trials were held Dec. 14 and 15 and the team of eight has been set. Snowshoeing has two age categories, junior (born 2001 or later) and juvenile (born 2005 or later).

A team can consist of up to eight athletes and that is how many will be donning the Yukon colours when the Games begin.

Before the weather got absurdly cold, coach Don White said the team had been working on technique.

“The kids have to learn the method,” said White. “The snowshoes can come off at any time. Once they get the technique locked in we will start working on other things.”

White said all the team members will be competing at their first Arctics including three female athletes from Dawson.

Teams that regularly participate in snowshoeing are Alaska, Alberta North, Northwest Territories, Yamal, Nunavik and of course the Yukon.

White who is experienced at the Arctic Winter Games said it’s any contingents game when the races begin.

“It’s always subject to change,” said White when asked who is a strong contingent. “Everyone has been strong at one point. Usually, there is one individual from a team that outruns everyone else.”

White explained what he set as the team’s goals for the Games.

“I want the kids to enjoy the Games and have a good experience,” said White. “Podium finishes are a bonus.”

Snowshoeing will have four events: long distance, short/middle distance, relay and a combined event consisting of three shorter distances on a track.

The races will take place at two venues, Shipyards Park and F.H. Collins.

White said if anyone from the community wants to watch the snowshoeing, Shipyards Park will have good viewing areas.

White said he hopes the kids competing will be inspired to take their training on the snow and carry it over to track and field come summertime.

Snowshoeing has a long storied history as a traditional activity across the circumpolar North and was used for both transportation and recreation.