2009 National Masters

The return to the great white North!

On March 5-8, 2009 skiers of all abilities from throughout North America will enjoy three days of fantastic National Masters ski races, fun social events, amazing sight-seeing, and the start of the world-famous Iditarod. All of this wrapped up in one of America's great ski vacation destinations...Anchorage, Alaska.

The AXCS National Masters serves as the U.S. National Championships for citizen skiers 25 and older (and also as a great race week for "Seniors" age 20-24 as well!). Past events have seen over 600 participants from up to 30 states and several different countries. For the eleventh consecutive year, American Cross Country Skiers (AXCS) is proud to be the executive producer and sanctioning body of North America's largest annual XC ski championship event.

For 2009, the Nationals returns to Anchorage and continues the recent trend towards a long weekend format to better fit tight work/family schedules. On Thursday, March 5 the NM2009 will kick off with 10km classic (all categories) individual evening races. The evening theme will continue on Friday, March 6 with the return of the NM freestyle sprint relay (3 skiers x 3 legs each x 750m loop). A weekend full of exciting Anchorage events will culminate in the NM2009 finale -- the incredible Tour of Anchorage freestyle ski marathon. For NM2009 scoring purposes, age groups will be assigned a particular distance, but all skiers are free to ski any distance you like with 25km, 40km and 50km options.

No qualification or license of any kind is necessary for the AXCS National Masters...you just sign up and enjoy yourself. Guest skiers from other nations are also encouraged to take part and will be eligible for all age group awards. Under AXCS leadership, the National Masters Championships has evolved into one of those special events where skiers ranging from experts to complete novices can all participate together...and everyone has a great time.