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From the FasterSkier archive — posts syndicated from athletes’ and coaches’ own blogs between 2004 and 2012, kept online as published. Current coverage is at fasterskier.com.

Author: Sovereign 2 SilverStar

  • The 5th Annual Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon: April 4 & 5, 2026

    The 5th Annual Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon: April 4 & 5, 2026

    Finale to a 10-day mountain festival!

    Next Price Increase February 28 at midnight PST

     

    Sovereign Lake Nordic Club and SilverStar Mountain Resort near Vernon, British Columbia are teaming up for an end-of-season celebration! Come for up to 10 days of sport, music, art, culture and culinary. Expect to see free live music, arts and crafts, official après kick-off Après zone, BBQs & beer gardens, comedy nights, film nights, and signature Sport Events including Timber Tour, Skijoring, Stussi Night Sprints, and the 2-day S2S Ski Marathon! Check out event details as they develop at SilverStar Mountain Resort and Sovereign Lake Nordic Club.

    To whet your appetite…

    March 28th, 4pm: Skijoring 3rd Annual Tails on Trails

    This event has lots of tails wagging and people laughing! Fun for participants and spectators! For registration: Tails on Trails Registration. For more information: Pooch Partners

     

    March 29th: Wine Dinner at d’argento

    A night of fine dining in SilverStar Village. Please contact hmrkvicka@skisilverstar.com for questions or to save a table.

    April 2nd: S2S Stussi Night Sprints

    With Elite and Competitive categories for males and females, prize money, and a 1.1km course in the heart of the Sovereign Lake Nordic Club stadium, the races will be exciting and very spectator-friendly! Race Information Package. Registration.

     

    April 4th, 6:30pm: Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival

    The VIMFF celebrates and embraces mountain film and culture, outdoor sports, and environmental initiatives. Join the S2S crew for an exciting night of mountain films in the NATC Auditorium, SilverStar Village. Tickets $20. Registration.

    April 4th & 5th: Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon

    5th Annual, and it keeps getting better each year! A Point-to-Party event with two of everything: two days (classic and skate), two distances each day (41km and 21km), and two ski areas (starting at Sovereign Lake and finishing on Main Street in SilverStar village). Elite/Racer, Competitive, and Finishing is Winning categories (got us, that’s three not two!). Wave starts. No repeated trail sections. Great scenery. Lots of fun. Full service, convenient, and discounts on lodging at SilverStar Mountain Resort and surrounding area. Race Information Package. Registration.

     

    Register for the S2S before the next price increase midnight February 28.

    Questions, local and event intel, and a real person! info@sovereign2silverstar.com

     

     

  • 5th ANNUAL Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon (S2S): Make it YOUR ‘Olympic’ Event

    5th ANNUAL Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon (S2S): Make it YOUR ‘Olympic’ Event

     

    APRIL 4 & 5, 2026

    Canadian Olympic Trial Venue!

    Next price increase February 23, 2026

    Accommodation deals

    Group savings

    REGISTER NOW! You qualify!

    Canadian Olympic Trials Sprint podium.

    In this Olympic year, what a great chance for skiers of all ages and abilities to plan their ‘Olympic event’. Make the S2S yours! Host of the Canadian Olympic trials in December 2025. Rub shoulders (likely best when not skiing!) with Canadian World Cup and Olympic team members and some top Norwegian and other international athletes. There truly is something for everyone at the S2S. Elite, competitive, and Finishing is Winning categories. The last one is the biggest category with the biggest smiles too! The course is a very scenic point-to-point ski marathon. Both Classic and Skate races. 21km and 41km distances. Stussi Night Sprints (1.1km Skate) as an extra race or spectator option. Other extras too, like a Film Festival, lodging deals, full-service stays at SilverStar Mountain Resort, and springtime activities 20 minutes away in the Okanagan Valley. Wow. Sign me up!

    To register or learn more: Check out the S2S website, Register, or contact info@sovereign2silverstar.com

    S2S features officially on the Worldloppet Global Calendar, and is part of the Ski Classics Challenger series. It’s quickly becoming a popular season finale for ski groups, clubs, and elite racers too.

    Last year’s event video is under 3 minutes and worth a watch. Cool drone coverage, voices of participants, a fun social vibe, and some hearty competition too!

    We’re especially keen on welcoming first timers to the S2S. If that’s you, a Q&A with a first-time S2S participant might be that little reassurance and nudge you need. You can also direct any questions to info@sovereign2silverstar.com with a real person (no bot!) at your service.

    We’re also keen to welcome clubs who can vie for prize money (and bragging rights!) in the Club Championships. A fun and fair winning formula includes the number of club members finishing the event and travel distance to the S2S. Fewer finishers are needed with longer distances traveled.

    A few final links to get set for your Olympic event for 2026:

    We look forward to seeing you in April!

  • 5th ANNUAL Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon (S2S): Early season savings for your late season finale

    5th ANNUAL Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon (S2S): Early season savings for your late season finale

    Best pricing until midnight November 23, 2025

    Accommodation deals

    Group savings

    Enjoy one of Canada’s most popular and scenic point-to-point ski marathon, with some night sprints too!

    Ski Marathon

    • Two days: April 4 & 5, 2026
    • Two distances: 21km & 41km
    • Two ski techniques: Classic (day 1), Skate (day 2); Wave starts
    • Two world class venues: SilverStar Mountain Resort and Sovereign Lake Nordic Club, Vernon, British Columbia
    • Rates steady for 5 years! With thanks to our sponsors, who allow us to offset increasing costs.

    Stussi Night Sprints

    • April 2, 2026 after 4:00pm
    • Sovereign Lake Nordic Club Stadium
    • Competitive and Elite/ Racer categories
    • Exciting race format and very spectator-friendly

    To register or learn more: Check out the S2S website, Register, or contact info@sovereign2silverstar.com

    Sovereign2Silverstar Ski Marathon 2024

    S2S features officially on the Worldloppet Global Calendar, and is part of the Ski Classics Challenger series. It’s quickly becoming a popular season finale for ski groups, clubs, and elite racers too.

    “All of us athletes are so fond of the Loppet, and thrilled by its growing popularity. Every year more and more of our teammates have been adding S2S to their calendars as the finale to their ski season.” Olivia Bouffard-Nesbitt, Olympian and Team Canada, Cross Country Skiing

    For most skiers at the S2S, Finishing is Winning. Photos and videos from past years say it best, with the smiles, the hugs, the cheers. We want YOU to experience that this year.

    Often the biggest hurdle to finishing is signing up. To help get you over that hurdle, check out a Q&A with a first-time S2S participant. Marcy did it; you can too!

    Sovereign2Silverstar Ski Marathon 2024. (Photo: S2S / Vanessa Garrison)

    Curious what S2S participants have to say about the event? Their comments are consistent, year over year:

    • Awesome late season snow and grooming
    • Extremely friendly and helpful volunteers
    • The focus on Finishing is Winning
    • A very fun and social atmosphere; great to enjoy with family, friends, ski groups, and others
    • A Point-to-Party event at world-class venues; start in the stadium at Sovereign Lake Nordic Club and finish in the village at SilverStar Mountain Resort
    • Club championships, with prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place

    Now that you’re sold on signing up (right?!), be sure to cash in on savings and make your planning as easy as possible. Here’s how:

    We look forward to seeing you in April! Questions? info@sovereign2silverstar.com

  • Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon: FIRST TIMERS and SPRINTERS, we’re looking for you!

    Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon: FIRST TIMERS and SPRINTERS, we’re looking for you!

    Registration closes Sunday March 30th 6pm Pacific Time.

    Q&A with a First Timer in S2S 2024:

    Don’t let these unknowns keep you away from the start line!


    FIRST TIMERS: Have you not done a Loppet before? Or the S2S? But know (deep down!) you want to give it a try? At S2S, Finishing is Winning, and signing up is a win too, especially if it’s your first event. An S2S first-time participant in 2024 shares the unknowns she overcame in this new Q&A. S2S first timers have a third chance to win too! You’ll be entered into a draw for some Nordic gear. Register to win!

    SPRINTERS: Be part of the inaugural Stussi Night Sprints (Free Technique) at the S2S this year! Sprints are an exciting race format for skiers and spectators.

    April 3rd starting at 4pm

    A great opportunity to go head-to-head for prize money, or to just try out the exciting discipline of sprinting. Two categories will race separately:

    • Elite/Racer – With $1000 for 1st, $500 for 2nd and $200 for third, this is the category for the fastest among you!
    • Competitive (no prize money): This event is for development athletes, master blasters, or anybody who wants to give it a go. The S2S will do their best to ensure that as many people make it to heats and finals as possible.

    Sprints are a great spectator sport, too, so just come out and watch the thrills of the most exciting format in cross-country skiing. And grab a bite to eat (a Smokey!) while you’re watching the fun.

     

    Register

    Information Package

    Pre-order dinner

    Learn more

     

  • Register for S2S Before February 23rd and Be Part of a Rundle Nordic and Rossignol Draw

    Register for S2S Before February 23rd and Be Part of a Rundle Nordic and Rossignol Draw

    It’s a terrific year for Nordic and we look forward to hosting you at the Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon for your season finale. Register for the Classic event on April 5th (21km or 41km), Skate event on April 6th (21km or 41km), or both! If you register before the next price increase on February 23, you’ll be entered into a draw for awesome poles. With thanks to our sponsors from Rundle Nordic and Rossignol!

     NEW this year! Stussi S2S Night Sprints

    The S2S is pleased to announce a new and exciting race format for the 2025 event! The Stussi S2S Night Sprints are on April 3rd starting at 4pm and in the heart of the Sovereign stadium. Sprint races are an exciting race format and very spectator friendly. There are two categories:

    • Competitive: for participants who want to go fast but not be up against top Provincial and National level athletes. This is a good category for developing athletes or for faster Master skiers.
    • Elite/Racer: for high-end racers who want to compete for the $3,400 in prize money.

    Register, come and watch, or both! You can even pre-order a smokey to add to a fun evening!

     

    Book NOW for Accommodation Deals on the Mountain!

    You can’t get any closer to the action and fun! S2S accommodation partners are offering great deals for lodging at SilverStar Mountain Resort. Deals range from 10% to 25% off the standard rate. Check out the Lodging Page for more information.

    See below for S2S at-a-glance!

    Two days: April 5 & 6, 2025

    Two disciplines: Classic (day 1) & Skate (day 2)

    Two distances: 21km & 41km, both days

    Two world-class venues: Sovereign Lake Nordic Club & SilverStar Mountain Resort, Vernon, BC

    Too great to pass up!

    For more information: Visit the S2S website

  • Sovereign2SilverStar Ski Marathon (S2S): Register Before January 10th for a Chance to Win Swix Triac 4.0 Poles

    Sovereign2SilverStar Ski Marathon (S2S): Register Before January 10th for a Chance to Win Swix Triac 4.0 Poles

    Any New Year resolution worth making will be realistic and rewarding. The S2S as a goal event and season finale can be both of those! Register by January 10th and the deal is even sweeter with a chance to win amazing Swix poles.

    A few event details:

    When? April 5 & 6, 2025

    Techniques? Classic on April 5; Skate on April 6

    Distances? 21km and 40km on both days; Wave starts

    Where? SilverStar Mountain Resort and Sovereign Lake Nordic Club, Vernon, British Columbia

    To register or learn more: www.sovereign2silverstar.com

    S2S skiers keep coming back! Here’s what they say about the event and experience:

    • The late season snow and grooming are amazing!
    • Volunteers are extremely friendly and helpful.
    • Elite, competitive, recreational, first-timers- the S2S suits all types of skiers!
    • Finishing is Winning is the most celebrated goal at the S2S.
    • The atmosphere is fun and social; a great event to enjoy with family, friends, ski groups, and others.
    • You can’t beat the Point-to-Party format at two world-class venues; Sovereign Lake Nordic Club and SilverStar Mountain Resort.
    • Clubs can take home cash! $3,500 of participation prize money is available for Club Championships, and it’s a fun ‘battleground’ between clubs, including from the U.S. and Canada!
    • S2S is the final event in the Pacific Northwest Loppet Series– 6 events, 8 races, a friendly competition across all ages (another New Year resolution?)!
    • The S2S has many special touches. One is lodging discounts from S2S sponsors SilverStar Mountain Resort and Vance Creek Accommodations. They also offer incentives for groups of 10 or more by emailing info@sovereign2silverstar.com.

    You’ll come up with your own reasons to keep coming back to the S2S! One might be winning the Swix poles! Register by January 10th to get in the draw for that added bonus! Questions? Please email info@sovereign2silverstar.com

    Sovereign2Silverstar Ski Marathon 2024
  • Make the Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon a Goal Event and Season Finale for 2025

    Make the Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon a Goal Event and Season Finale for 2025

    In its first three years, the Sovereign 2 SilverStar (S2S) niche is becoming clear. Participants say it’s an awesome goal event for all types of skiers and a terrific event to conclude and celebrate the ski season. Here’s what else they say about the S2S and what brings them back each year:

    • Awesome late season snow and grooming
    • Extremely friendly and helpful volunteers
    • The focus on Finishing is Winning
    • A very fun and social atmosphere; great to enjoy with family, friends, ski groups, and others
    • A Point-to-Party event at world-class venues; start in the stadium at Sovereign Lake Nordic Club and finish in the village at SilverStar Mountain Resort
    • Club championships, with a fun winning formula, and prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place
    • And more!
    Sovereign2Silverstar Ski Marathon 2024

    At the S2S, social and savings go together. Learn about incentives for groups of 10 or more by emailing info@sovereign2silverstar.com. There are also discounts for accommodations in SilverStar Village; the spot to be for the event and to Stay & Play for springtime in the Okanagan valley.

    For those who like a little extra challenge and fun, consider participating in the Pacific Northwest Loppet Series, which includes the S2S as the final event. The Series is entering its third year and added two more events for 2025. All events are for those who like to go the distance; from 20-50km! The events are well-spaced from January through April, and held in picturesque locations. Skiers of all ages are part of the same friendly competition (yes, there is such a thing!). The point system is based on a unique blend of participation and competition. Here is the event line-up for 2025 (Note: SIX events, with EIGHT races, since two are double-headers):

    NEW! Reino Keski Salmi Loppet

    January 18, 2025. 34km classic. Salmon Arm, British Columbia.

     

    Nipika Panorama Loppet Weekend

    January 25-26, 2025. 30km Classic + 20km Free. Invermere, British Columbia.

     

    All smiles in a sunny Methow during the Ski to the Sun. (Photo: Steve Mitchell/mitchellimage.com)

    Ski to the Sun

    February 8, 2025. 40km Free. Methow Valley, Mazama, Washington.

     

    Coast Outdoors P’ayakentsut (Payak)

    February 22, 2025. 50km Free. Whistler Olympic Park, Whistler, British Columbia.

    NEW! Yukon Ski Marathon

    March 8, 2025. 44km Free. Whitehorse, Yukon Territory.

    Sovereign2Silverstar Ski Marathon 2024

    Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon

    April 5-6, 2025. 40km Classic + 40km Free. Vernon, British Columbia.

     

    With the two S2S races as the Series finale, participants are usually battling out their positions on the leaderboard right down to the final day; adding to the fun and interest!  Awards for the top three males and top three females in the Series are presented at the S2S. All participants are awarded with a fun and festive atmosphere, and a sense of community with others who share their passions for Nordic skiing, outdoor activity, healthy living, and more!

    To register for the S2S or learn more about the S2S and the Pacific Northwest Loppet Series, visit: www.sovereign2silverstar.com

    Sovereign2Silverstar Ski Marathon 2024
  • 3rd Annual Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon 2024: Exciting finishes, many winners, great season finale

    3rd Annual Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon 2024: Exciting finishes, many winners, great season finale

    Video Credits: Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon

    April 6 & 7 was a winning weekend for Nordic skiing in North America. The Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon (S2S) reminded us that late season snow and great conditions are still possible!

    The 2-day event featured two distances (21k and 40k), two ski techniques (Classic and Skate), co-hosted by two world-class venues – Sovereign Lake Nordic Club and SilverStar Mountain Resort.

    Sovereign2Silverstar Ski Marathon 2024. (Photo: S2S / Vanessa Garrison)

    The S2S attracted over 600 participants and 830 race entries. Skiers ranged from 6 to 83 years and came from all over North America and as far away as Switzerland and Australia.

    Everyone was treated to some exciting finishes (including one that was to 100ths of seconds!), the highest number of young skiers ever participating, and many smiles!

    The S2S doled out many prizes – to those who skied and to those who joined in a festival of fun, with a Movie Night, live music, discounts from S2S sponsors and a Silent Auction. The Silent Auction raised $12,300 for KidSport Vernon, the S2S partner charity that provides grants for kids who may otherwise miss out to play a season of sport.

    Sovereign2Silverstar Ski Marathon 2024. (Photo: S2S Vanessa Garrison)

    Prize money for the Club Championships – a competition based on participation and distance traveled – went three deep this year. Congratulations to Montana Endurance Academy ($2,000), Space Dogs Nordic ($1,000) and Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club ($500). Another $500 was won by Black Jack Ski Club for the Best Club Story about increasing participation in Nordic skiing, including in the S2S.

    S2S Classic Race 2024. (Photo: S2S / Tor Nenzen)

    Beautiful wooden plaques were awarded to the top 3 overall females and males in the Pacific Northwest Loppet Series; a series that combines events from the Columbia River Valley, the Callaghan Valley, the Methow Valley and the Okanagan Valley. Top 3 overall women: 1st Barb Riley, 2nd, Daphne Brown, 3rd Suzanne King. Top 3 overall men: 1st Dave Riley, 2nd Clark Shipka/ Mikhail Kudienko, 3rd Geoffrey Wasteneys.

    Sovereign2Silverstar Ski Marathon 2024. (Photo: S2S / Vanessa Garrison)

    Top 5 overall winners in the 40k distance received prize money, and 6th, 7th and 8th received one free race entry for next year. Medals were awarded to the top 3 overall finishers and by age group for the 21k and 40k distances, Classic and Skate. Congratulations to all who finished and all who placed. Final results are available in Zone4. Below are the top 3 overall winners for each distance, ski technique and gender.

    Sovereign2Silverstar Ski Marathon 2024. (Photo: S2S / Vanessa Garrison)

    Saturday Classic: 21k Males 1st Zibi Cieplak, 2nd Heron Land-Gillis, 3rd Hamish Woodman. Females 1st Fiona Woodman, 2nd Annika Heale, 3rd Annika Vipler. 40k Males 1st Xavier McKeever, 2nd Tom Stephen, 3rd Max Hollman. Females 1st Hannah Mehain, 2nd Anna Sellers, 3rd Dasha Atkins.

    Sovereign2Silverstar Ski Marathon 2024. (Photo: S2S / Vanessa Garrison)

    Sunday Skate: 21k Females 1st Fiona Woodman, 2nd Emelie Kvick, 3rd Lisa Johannesen. Males 1st Odin Berryman, 2nd Hamish Woodman, 3rd Jake Ulansky. 40k Females 1st Amanda Butler, 2nd Anna Sellers, 3rd Katya Semeniuk. Males 1st Tom Stephen, 2nd Max Hollman, 3rd Xavier McKeever.

    Sovereign2Silverstar Ski Marathon 2024. (Photo: S2S / Vanessa Garrison)

    The S2S 2024 Photo Gallery is live, with hundreds of photos that are all free to download*, and a 2-minute event video that’ll make you want to sign up for next year already! 2025 dates will be available soon at www.sovereign2silverstar.com

    Sovereign2Silverstar Ski Marathon 2024. (Photo: S2S / Vanessa Garrison)

     

  • S2S: Last Call for a Great Season Finale

    S2S: Last Call for a Great Season Finale

    Even in this low snow year across North America, the Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon will deliver on April snow and an incredible weekend! Classic technique on Saturday April 6 and Skate technique on Sunday April 7. Choice of 21k or 40k on both days. Finishing is Winning and even better when it’s in the Village at SilverStar Mountain Resort, where music, awards, a Silent Auction, and lots of great deals await!

    REGISTER NOW

    S2S 2023 (Photo: Nathaniel Mah)
  • Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon: Last Chance to Register Before Price Increase

    Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon: Last Chance to Register Before Price Increase

    Register at the mid-season price until Feb 25th at midnight.  Now’s the time to Register!

    We’ve Got Great Conditions! 

    Even after the rain/warming we are in great shape.  We’ve received well over 0.5m of snow since then and all of our trails are open and amazing to ski on.  Come visit!

    S2S 2023 (Photo: Nathaniel Mah)

    Club Championships

    The top 3 clubs win prize money of $2000, $1000 and $500 respectively. Come and take on Yellowknife as the defending champs! True to the S2S priority that Finishing is Winning and to encourage clubs that have longer travel distances, the winning formula takes into account the percentage of club members finishing the event and the number of travel hours that clubs are from Sovereign Lake Nordic Club. For a club to qualify it must have a membership of at least 50 members.

    Here are the top 10 clubs to chase! Listed alphabetically and based on current registrations.

    Black Jack
    Canmore Nordic
    Edmonton Nordic
    Haliburton Highlands
    Nordic Racers
    Revelstoke Nordic
    Space Dogs Ski Club
    Sun Peaks
    Whistler Nordic
    Yellowknife Ski Club

    Movie Night at the S2S! New in 2024!

    We’re hosting the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival this year on the Saturday evening just to add to the excitement of the Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon. We think tickets may go quickly, so get your ticket now at Sovereign2SilverStar – VIMFF

    Pacific Northwest Loppet Series

    This amazing series is worth putting on your radar! Two events done and two to go.  The Coast Outdoors P’ayak and our own S2S as the finale!  See this link for the current standings.

    Best Club Story Contest to win $500!

    Clubs are eligible to enter if they register a minimum of 5 participants. Club stories must include S2S imaging with the club and describe what the club will do with the money. The winning story will show how a club is boosting participation and enjoyment of Nordic skiing in their community, especially through participation in the S2S! Submit your story by March 31st, 6pm Pacific Time to info@sovereign2silverstar.com


    Group Discounts with a Minimum of 8 Registrations

    The more you register, the more you save!  If booking in one accommodation receive an additional 15% discount on lodging at select locations. Enjoy other discounts too that can be tailored to you – free entries, trail passes, S2S swag, alpine passes, and more. For more information, email info@sovereign2silverstar.com

    Incredible Silent Auction Donations

    With thanks to our generous sponsors, we already have items valued over $15,000, including a VO2 Master Portable Analyzer, a package for two with flights and 3 nights accommodation to the Yukon Ski Lodge, and a Fischer SpeedMax ski package.  And lots more smaller packages. Wow!

    Dahria Beatty crosses the line for the women’s win in classic during the Sovereign2Silverstar Ski Marathon. (Photo: Peggy Hung)
  • Wrap Up Your Season, Save and Win at the Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon

    Wrap Up Your Season, Save and Win at the Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon

    Location: (Beautiful!) British Columbia; SilverStar Mountain Resort and Sovereign Lake Nordic Club

    Technique/Format: April 6, Classic technique; April 7, Skate technique; Wave starts

    Distances: 21k & 40k

    To register or learn more: www.sovereign2silverstar.com

    Win!

    • Finishing is Winning! The joy of finishing is top prize at Sovereign 2 SilverStar (S2S). We also have Age Awards for every 5 years.
    • Club Championships: More to win in 2024! Last year Yellowknife won the $2,000 prize. This year, due to the popularity and close race, we have more prize money that will go to more clubs! The top 3 clubs will win $2,000, $1,000 and $500.
    • Fast wins too! The S2S loves fast elite and competitive athletes too! Total purse is $6,000 for the 40k on both days; half each for males and females; money for top 5 places and free entries for 6th, 7th and 8th.
    • Finale to the Pacific Northwest Loppet Series: Building on last year’s success, this series is back! Four events, four beautiful locations, a fun winning formula!

    Save! Discounts available for groups of 10 or more; the more you register, the more you save! Contact admin@sovereign2silverstar.com for more information.

    Pssst! There’s more!

    • Awesome late season snow: Experience amazing April snow and world-class grooming.
    • Point-to-Party! Starts in the stadium at Sovereign Lake Nordic Club and finishes on Main Street in SilverStar Village. The finish line is the end of the skiing and the beginning of a celebration – music, awards, Silent Auction and more!
    • Stay and Play! Twenty minutes away and 1,200m lower in elevation, springtime in the valley offers paddling, biking, hiking, wine tasting, and golfing.

    We’re eager to hear from you and to see you in April!

    Any questions, contact: admin@sovereign2silverstar.com

  • Second Annual Sovereign to SilverStar Ski Marathon: Success

    Second Annual Sovereign to SilverStar Ski Marathon: Success

    The second annual Sovereign to SilverStar Ski Marathon has successfully completed with 70% more registrations than in its inaugural year.  With over 600 participants, and 800 entries over the two days of event the S2S has already grown into Canada’s 3rd largest loppet and the biggest in BC.  This partnership event between Sovereign Lake Nordic Club and SilverStar Mountain Resort managed to raise $11,500 for Kidsport Vernon this year. Kidsport is a local charity that provides grants to cover the costs of registration fees so that all kids aged 18 and under in Greater Vernon can play a season of sport.

    From left to right: Marcus Boyle, Sovereign 2 SilverStar, Shayne Wright, Kidsport, Doug Ross, Kidsport, Pat van Mullem, Sovereign 2 SilverStar (Photo: Cynthia Flores)

    Skier’s ages ranged from eight to 83 and came from all over North America to participate.  Yellowknife Ski Club won the Club Competition based on participation and distance travelled, resulting in a large plaque and $2000 to the club.  Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club was a very close second.  The Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon was also the culmination of the Pacific Northwest Loppet Series.  The overall winners for the Series were: Women: 1st Suzanne King, 2nd Maureen Clement, 3rd Daphe Brown; Men: 1st Mikhial Kudienko, 2nd Kent Murdoch, 3rd Dan Packman.  The men’s was particularly close with the top three being 46,45 and 42 points.

    Winners over the weekend:

    Saturday: Skate 21k Men: 1st Lex Hostyn, 2nd Brian Brush, 3rd Simon Lapointe; Women: 1st Natalie Wilkie, 2nd Erica Casey, 3rd Rhea Loiselle. Skate 40k Men: 1st Luke Jager, 2nd Scott Hill, 3rd Jack Carlyle; Women: 1st Novie McCabe, Olivia Bouffard-Nesbitt, Katherine Stewart-Jones

    Sunday: Classic, 21k Women: Ayla Musselman Bell, 2nd Sarah Johnson, 3rd Laura Salmon; Men: 1st Craig Demars, 2nd Rowan Musselman Bell, 3rd Michael Brewster.  Classic, 40k Women: 1st Novie McCabe, 2nd Olivia Bouffard-Nesbitt, 3rd Dahria Beatty; Men: 1st Julien Locke, 2nd Luke Jager, 3rd Scott Hill.

    Image (credit Cynthia Flores) from left to right:

    Marcus Boyle, Sovereign 2 SilverStar

    Shayne Wright, Kidsport

    Doug Ross, Kidsport

    Pat van Mullem, Sovereign 2 SilverStar

    Image of Event (credit Nathaniel Mah).

  • Pacific Northwest Loppet Series

    Pacific Northwest Loppet Series

    Editor’s note: FasterSkier is fortunate to have the partnership support of The Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon.

    The Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon is proud to announce the forming of the Pacific Northwest Loppet Series combining 4 events into one amazing event series. The events are located in Washington State and British Columbia and are structured in a manner that any age can win the series.  The various event organizers are intending to join forces to promote cross country skiing as a healthy lifestyle to stay active during the winter months.  To win the series athletes don’t have to be at the front of the overall pack.  Points are awarded at each event and according to their place in their age category.  By doing this the event organizers hope to recognize older athletes that are getting on skis consistently.

     

    Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon

    April 1st, 2023 – 40km free + April 2nd, 2023 – 40km classic (Vernon, BC)

    The Sovereign 2 SilverStar Ski Marathon (S2S) is a two day, two technique, two distance, two mountain extravaganza! Either race with the elite waves and try and take home some prize money or just come to enjoy the “Finishing is Winning” waves. The S2S is the best way to end your ski season with some of the best snow of the year! Starting in the world class Sovereign Lake Nordic Club and ending on the main street of SilverStar village, athletes can choose from either the 21km or 40km distances. Come join us on either the classic or skate days or do both to double your party time at our “Point to Party” event. We look forward to seeing you at the beginning of April!

    Nipika Panorama Loppet Weekend

    January 28th, 2023 – 30km classic + January 29th, 2023 – 20km free (Invermere, BC)

    The Toby Creek Loppet Weekend, January 28 & 29 is the collaboration of the Toby Creek Nordic Club, Nipika Mtn. Resort and Panorama Mtn. Resort. Come and race the 30 km classic Saturday at Nipika, then the 20 km Skate event Sunday at Panorama and experience the two major trails in the Columbia Valley. Kids and recreational distances are included on both days. Ski two exciting venues and experience racing in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Registration is on zone4.ca.

    Ski to the Sun

    February 11th, 2023 – 40km free and classic (Methow Valley, Mazama, Washington)

    The Methow Valley’s Ski to the Su`n Marathon and Relay is a 42km point to point race traveling through North America’s largest ski trail network. The event offers Skate, Classic and relay options. There is a shortened para Nordic event. The full course takes skiers from the tranquil banks of the Methow River to the beautiful mountain vistas at Sun Mountain Lodge.

    Coast Outdoors Payakentsut

    February 25th, 2023 – 50km free (Whistler Olympic Park, Whistler, BC)

    The Coast Outdoors P’ayakentsut (Payak) is a free technique event for all ages and abilities. The wide courses traverse old growth forests and offers breathtaking views of Black Tusk, waterfalls, and the Brandywine mountain range in the Callaghan Valley. Held on the fourth Saturday in February, there is an abundance of snow, chili, draw prizes and friendly competition. The Payak is also a qualifier for the prestigious American Birkebeiner, or “Birkie” race in Wisconsin.