Top Nordic athletes are competing on the Howelsen Hill Nordic Trails Friday and Saturday

December 19, 2024 Shannon Lukens

By Shannon Lukens.

Photo: SSWSC Cross Country training in West Yellowstone during Thanksgiving Break, by Jessica Devin

Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club and Howelsen Hill are hosting a Rocky Mountain Nordic Junior National Qualifier. These are top cross country skiers from around the region, competing Friday and Saturday on the Howelsen Hill Nordic Trails, starting and finishing in the rodeo grounds.

Press Release from Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; Dec. 18, 2024.

Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club Hosts First Rocky Mountain Nordic Cross Country Ski Junior National Qualifier December 20-21, 2024

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. – Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club will host the first Rocky Mountain Nordic Junior National Qualifier of the season at Howelsen Hill on Friday, December 20, and Saturday, December 21, 2024. Cross country ski enthusiasts should bring cowbells and come out to cheer on the top cross country skiers from around the region competing for a spot on the Rocky Mountain Division Junior National Team. Over 250 athletes will race this weekend, including SSWSC alumni and collegiate athletes skiing at the NCAA level. Races start and finish at Howelsen Hill Rodeo Grounds on Friday, beginning with the U20 skiers at 10 a.m. and continuing with ski classifications as young as U8. Saturday’s Race is an individual start classic 5K race and Saturday is mass start skate races.

SSWSC Cross Country Ski Team Head Coach Josh Smullin was thrilled to host the first race of the season at Howelsen Hill, “The team has raced in smaller races in preparation for this event but this is the first big race and Junior National Qualifier of the season. All of the best clubs from Colorado will be here and top collegiate athletes will also be racing. It is a unique challenge for our SSWSC athletes to race at the end of final exam week as they try to find the balance in their academic and athletic lives to perform their best in both areas.”

SSWSC has worked closely with the City of Steamboat Springs to prepare the venues for both the Murphy Roberts Holiday Classic and RMN Junior National Qualifier, with both events taking place in the same time frame. The athletes, coaches, and staff are grateful for the commitment from the City of Steamboat and Steamboat Ski Resort for their dedication to athletic development in Steamboat. For more information and schedule visit, www.sswsc.org.