Wasatch Citizen Series, Town Series community ski race schedules released

PARK CITY, Utah — The Utah Nordic Alliance (TUNA) and the separate entity of the Park City Ski and Snowboard Team (PCSS) are once again offering community all-comers ski races which are open to all ages, all abilities and all skill levels, just for fun.

The TUNA cross country races are called the Wasatch Citizen Series and the PCSS Alpine and Skimo races are called the Town Series.

The unique charm of local races: Olympic athletes quietly blend into the crowd at starting lines across America. For newcomers, you might be shoulder-to-shoulder with someone who’s worn the stars and stripes on the world’s biggest stage – and never know it. These events let elite athletes compete without fanfare, returning to the grassroots spirit of their sport.

The Wasatch Citizen Series information is below:

Registration for the Cross Country Wasatch Citizen Series races must be completed online by the Thursday at 5 p.m. prior to that Saturday morning’s races.

The WCS is a great way to get to race alongside the many para skiers in the area in their sit-skis.

Date: Technique (Distance):Location:

1. Postponed (lack of snow) New Date TBD: classic (5/10k wave start):White Pine Farm
2. Sat, Jan 4: free (5/10k wave start): Soldier Hollow
3. Sat, Jan 25: classic (5/10k interval start): Mountain Dell
4. Sat, Feb 22: free (5/10k interval start): Mountain Dell
5. Sat, Mar 8: free (7/20k wave start): White Pine Farm

All participants’ names are automatically put onto a slip of paper, placed into a hat, drawn out at random with the crowd gathered post most races, and athletes get to chose from all manner of winter sports goods and services in a raffle. Those who register for all the races in the series usually get an event logo t-shirt at the end of the final one.

Check the above website for forthcoming race registration and event details.

The Town Series information is below:

All the races are held at the Utah Olympic Park.

Each Friday night, under the lights, includes both skimo and alpine races.

Tentative Dates (subject to change)

• Friday, January 24
• Friday, March 7
• Friday, April 4

“The Park City Town Series is a long standing tradition in our community,” Adam Loomis told TownLift. The retired U.S. Ski Team athlete coaches Park City’s Skimo and Nordic Teams. “Skiers come back to the series year-after-year for the fun-first atmosphere and community vibes, as well as the opportunity to be on the same start-lists and race course as Olympians and World Champions. All ages are present and encouraged to participate.  The  addition of the Skimo component a few years ago added a new element. For those who prefer to push their endurance limits rather than skills around gates – our “uphill focused” race is a perfect opportunity to experience the sport of skimo.”

Both the WCS and the TS have, in past seasons offered discounts in registration fee if participants sign up for all of the dates.