The 37th Annual North American VASA races officially kicked off Saturday at the Timber Ridge Resort in Traverse City.
/ Upnorthlive.com Photo
TRAVERSE CITY -- Mother Nature came through, creating some prime conditions for this weekend's North American VASA races.
The 37th Annual North American VASA races officially kicked off Saturday at the Timber Ridge Resort in Traverse City.
731 cross-country skiers from all over the country suited up and hit the snow packed trails, ready for their competition.
"It was really perfect," said race director, Lisa Taylor. "Mother Nature cooperated, the grooming was excellent, the skiers were happy, the soup was great. I was just a perfect weekend."
On Saturday, skiers had a choice between a 12km, 27km, and 50km (Freestyle & Classic) as well as the 6km Freestyle races.
On Sunday the Gran Travers' was held and featured both 6k and 16k challenging loop courses that captured the rich heritage of traditional cross-country skiing at it's finest. Following the races was an aware ceremony where the weekend's top performers were given medals.
Long time skier, Amy Powell, was awarded third place in the Women's 27K Freestyle. On Tuesday she will be taking her passion all the way to Italy where she will compete in the Masters World Cup.
"Skiing can take you everywhere," said Powell. "I mean you can cross country ski on trails all over the world. Not just in the United States. So many beautiful areas that you may not get to see if you're not on ski's."
For more information on the 2013 VASA race, CLICK HERE.
