2012 Vasa Newsletter #7

January 30, 2012

The VASA Festival of Races is On!

We hope that you are all well-rested and ready for a tremendous weekend of great cross country skiing. As of right now, it is snowing with more expected. We have a solid 2-5” base on almost all parts of the 5km, 10km and 25km loops. The 50K Rileys Loop is still being packed and worked on. Our LMC groomer has been completely refurbished over the summer and is in tip-top shape and is now in use since we have the base to support it. Classic tracks are improving daily with the added snowfall. At our annual Volunteer Meeting last night, our fearless leader taught 250 people how to do a Finnish snow dance so we are expecting additional accumulation. Online registration will close at midnight Feb. 9th.


VASA Host Hotel Grand Traverse Resort & Spa

We are proud to have the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa as our host hotel again this year. They are the top hotel complex in this part of Michigan and amenities include a full spa, indoor tennis, an indoor water park, cross-country skiing, ice skating. This year, they are offering special room rates both in the hotel and the tower. Vasa skiers can also receive a $15 discount at the spa on any services over $99, for reservations call 1-800-236-1577 or visit www.GrandTraverseResort.com.

VASA Awards Party

The annual VASA awards party will also be held at the Grand Traverse Resort's Michigan Ballroom. This year they are offering some new options, as follows:
a) $10 individual or $20 family pass into the Health Club/pools/Hot tub and sauna.
b. Unwind after your great race starting at 4pm before the awards party. Bar will be open outside the Michigan Ballroom and assorted snacks will be available for purchase ($2-$5). A place to trade stories, unwind and meet other skiers from all over the country.

6:30 pm Awards party with a number of food specialties available

c.We anticipate the awards party to finish around 8 pm so you are welcome to enjoy other amenities at the Resort, The Aerie Restaurant atop the Tower will offer drinks and dancing until midnight.
Lots of choices to wind up another fantastic day of racing at the North American Vasa.



Annual VASA Pasta Feed

You will probably want to carbo load the night before a big race and boy do we have a deal for you! The Traverse City Combined High School Nordic Ski Team parents will, once again, be hosting the annual VASA Pasta Feed. It will begin at 5pm at the Timber Ridge banquet hall. Come and mix with fellow skiers from all over the country in a warm, friendly environment while you pack on the carbs for your race/s on the weekend. The Feed will support the high school ski teams programs. The menu will include pasta with a special VASA sauce, delicious Stone House Bread, Caesar Salad, homemade desserts, coffee and hot chocolate. Requested donation is $10/adult and $5 for kids 12 and under.


Call for Volunteers

Last year more than 350 people helped to stage the Vasa Festival of Races. Without their help, there would have been no events. This year, with the addition of the Masters National Championships and the Great Lakes Youth Ski Fest, we will need a record number of volunteers. If you have a few hours during the week of Feb. 5th and especially Feb. 11-12, please replay to :  www.info@vasa.org or call (231)938-4400. If you love to ski, we can still use a few more forerunners to “warm up” the trail prior to the races.
  
Skiing at Timber Ridge on Friday Feb. 10th

If you would like to test your skis (and legs) at Timber Ridge on friday before or after you pick up your race packet you will have nicely groomed trails on their property to ski on. In addition, you can ski out onto the Vasa trail system for a longer workout. On friday there will be a reduced trail pass rate of $5. Also, you can take advantage of the Brick Wheels ski shop that is now on site for race waxing, recommendations, ski products, clothing or rentals.

TC the Place to Be on Feb. 11-12!      
If you would like to “Shake-a-Leg”, loosen up and taste a few of our great local brewskis, Porterhouse Productions will be hosting the Traverse City Microbrew & Music Festival on Saturday night Feb. 11th at the Grand Traverse Commons. Enjoy great music and try some microbrews, mead, cider, food, etc. while benefiting the local arts community. For details check out their website (www.PorterhouseProductions.com).


Showers are Available at Timber Ridge

One of the most often asked questions is whether there are hot showers available. Timber Ridge offers a bath house with coin operated showers. Just bring a handful of quarters and a towel and you will be in business.