2010 VASA NEWS #3



The North American VASA Newsletter

LET IT SNOW!


The Race is On!
With our pre-registered skier count approaching 600, we are expecting an incredible weekend of skiing for the 2010 North American VASA! A number of the top Michigan Cup skiers in the state have told us that the ski conditions on the VASA trail system have been consistently better than anywhere else in the state. Our TART groomers do a great job with state-of-the-art equipment. They begin grooming around December 1 and don't stop until the end of March, conditions permitting. We are blessed with one of the few wholly owned race courses in the Midwest which allows us to pack and fine-tune the course all season long. The ski conditions the past few weeks have been incredible and the expected 6-12 inches of new snow expected the next few days will only improve the course.

King VASA Speaks
For many of you first time VASA skiers, you may be concerned about logistics for the race, times, etc.  Our annual race informational brochure is called King VASA Speaks and it will be included in each skier race packet. It will usually answer 99% of all questions related to the race and the entire weekend's festivities.

VASA Valentine's Day Tour
After the Hagerty Gran Travers race, invite your Valentine to enjoy our new Valentine's Day Ski Tour. It is an untimed fun event on Sunday afternoon after all racing is completed. Wear your best red or pink outfit and compete for a gourmet prize basket from one of our local chocolatiers. Enjoy this relaxed untimed tour while skiing with friends or a special someone. The Tour features après-ski music by TC Celtic around the lodge fireplace, gourmet chocolates, refreshments and a warming bonfire. Tour registration is only $20 with net proceeds to benefit the Munson Women's Heart Health Program. Information and registration for all events available at www.vasa.org or you can call (231) 938-4400.

King VASA's Viking Club New Members
As many of you know, we founded the King VASA Viking Club two years ago to recognize and honor our core skiers who have completed at least 20 VASA races. It is a testimonial to  their athletic prowess, longevity and appreciation for the North American VASA. The Club has over 40 members to date and this year we have (7) new members who are already registered including Dick Naperala, Doug Cornell, Phil Anderson, Pete D'Arienzo, Bill Schulz, Pat Tobin and Russ VanHouzen. We will recognize these skiers at the awards party on Saturday afternoon at the Hagerty Center beginning at 5:30 pm. We will also present each of them with a nice ski item that will recognize them as a member of a distinguished group. We appreciate the contributions of each member of the King VASA Viking Club.

Hagerty Insurance Gran Travers Classic Races
A few years ago, the Michigan Cup organization asked us to add a special classic race so that skiers in their series could earn points both on Saturday (freestyle) as well as Sunday. Our premier race is the 16km Classic that will begin at 9am on Sunday and it is open to all skiers. You can register Sunday morning at Timber Ridge just prior to the race. The course will be specially groomed with two sets of classic tracks along the entire course.

Several years ago, we also added a 6km classic race for those who preferred a shorter course. This distance benefits many of the high school skiers and is a preparation for the state championships which follows in late February. The 6km race starts at 9:15 am and is also open to all skiers. If you are seeking a low-key fun, but competitive classic event, you should give the Hagerty Insurance Gran Travers a try. No big crowds to contend with and no skating racers to contend with. Wool knickers or lycra your choice. Wooden skis and poles are also acceptable. They are perfect races to introduce yourself to the sport of cross country skiing on a scenic route through the magnificent Pere Marquette State Forest. A food station is included in the 16km race. Awards, door prizes, hot soup and refreshments will be available in the lodge after each race.

Z-93 Radio - Voice of the 2010 North American VASA
This year, Z-93 Radio has agreed to act as our local radio voice for this years Festival of Races.. We appreciate all their coverage of our events. They are the top Best Hits station in the area and can be found at Z93hits.com for further information.


Cherry Capital Winter WonderFest
This weekend, Traverse City will be jumping with the 2010 VASA coinciding with Winter WonderFest and Presidents weekend. There will be dozens of activities for all ages in downtown Traverse City, at the Grand Traverse Resort and at Mt. Holiday. We have assisted with a Kids Biathlon that will be conducted from 11am-3pm at the Grand Traverse Resort. Admission is free. There is also a huge Microbrew and Music Festival on Friday night from 5-10pm. It will feature many hand -crafted microbrews, great music and a snow castle.  The festival will be presented by local impresario, Sam Porter of Porterhouse Productions, also at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa.

Ride Needed from Grand Rapids area
We have a young athlete who could use a ride from Grand Rapids anytime after 3pm on Friday afternoon. He will be in NE Grand Rapids near 3 Mile & Fuller. If you have room for an additional rider, please call Adam Fivenson at (734)216-3336 or via email at afivenson@gmail.com.



For any information related to the North American VASA either call (231)938-4400 or check our website: www.vasa.org.
Pete LaPlaca                                      
VASA Board President                          

Lisa Taylor
VASA Race Director

Jim Datsko
Sunday Events Director