This winter, we’ll once again host XC-skiing enthusiasts from throughout New England and beyond for the only point-to-point ski marathon in the east! Our 3rd Annual Classic Ski Marathon Tour and Race will be held on Sunday, February, 13, 2011. This year’s event will feature three distances: a 20K, 40K and (new this year) a 60K. Participants in the 40K have the option to spend the night before the race at Flagstaff Lake Hut, while all 60K participants are required to stay at Grand Falls Hut the night before, due to the remote, early start.

While this annual event certainly attracts its fair share of accomplished ski racers, it is also a great event for first time racers and anyone interested in enjoying a day touring our system with others. The 20K is a great distance for anyone interested in taking part in a long-distance ski race for the first time and starts just off Long Falls Dam Road, along the east shore Flagstaff Lake in the southeast corner of the Bigelow Preserve. The 40K begins at the Flagstaff Lake Hut Trailhead and the 60K will begin in front of Grand Falls Hut. Each distance ends at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center, where participants will be treated to a delicious lunch, a raffle and prizes for various age categories.

On race day, all participants (except those who stayed at Flagstaff Lake Hut the night before or those taking part in the 60K) will meet at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center between 7:30-8:30 a.m. for packet pick-up and to catch the shuttle bus to the starting point of each race. Interested participants must register in advance. To do so, register here.

We need volunteers to help us staff the aid stations along the course and help ensure safe crossings of the few roads along the course. If you are interested, please contact bnickerson@mainehuts.org.