GUIDE TO THE NORTH AMERICAN VASA YOUR GUIDE TO CROSS COUNTRY SKI ETIQUETTE IN THE VASA AND OTHER RACES

IT’S VASA WEEKEND! NOW WHAT? It’s race day at the Vasa. For novice skiers, their first big race can be a little intimidating. This guide will answer many of your questions. For the experienced skier it will serve as a reminder of skiing etiquette. This will make everyone's Vasa experience more enjoyable.

CHOOSE YOUR TECHNIQUE The North American Vasa offers both Classic and Freestyle categories for the 50K, 27K, and 12K races. If you enter the classic race, please use only the diagonal technique. Your bib will have a “Classic” sticker, if you are caught skating you will be disqualified.

PACKET PICK-UP & RACE EXPO Packet pick-up for the 2007 Vasa will be at Timber Ridge Resort located at 4050 Hammond Rd. Hours are Friday noon to 10:00PM and Saturday from 7:00AM to your race start time.

New this year will be a race expo to be held on Friday in conjunction with packet pick up. - Try out the latest ski and snowshoe equipment - Meet ski reps and fellow skiers - Get the latest wax recommendations for race day.

YOUR PACKET YOUR RACE PACKET WILL CONTAIN YOUR RACE BIB YOUR TIMING CHIP A BAG FOR YOUR WARM UP CLOTHES LAST MINUTE RACE INFORMATION

WHAT TO WEAR Use equipment you have used during training. The race is no time to try new boots, skis, poles or new clothing. Dress in layers so that you can remove clothing as you warm up. Clothing bags are provided to place warm ups so you will have dry clothing to change into after you finish. Make sure your bib is visible. Race officials will be checking numbers along the course and the photographers use bib numbers to identify skiers in the race photos.

WHAT NOT TO WEAR Leave the headphones at home. They may be OK for training but they can be a safety hazard during a race. When wearing headphones it is difficult to hear other skiers as they approach or volunteers or race officials as they try to give you vital information.

AT THE START You will be placed in a wave based on previous race results. You should self seed yourself in your wave by how fast you like to start. If it takes you a while to get up to speed, you should not be in the front row. You will have plenty of opportunities to pass skiers who go too fast at the start and run out of gas.

Double Pole DO NOT SKATE AT THE START OF THE RACE! DOUBLE POLE UNTIL YOU HAVE ROOM TO START SKATING OR CLASSIC SKIING.

ON THE TRAIL Be careful when passing skiers and in heavy traffic. An “On your Left/Right” warning will alert a skier you are passing. Pass only when it is safe to do so. Sometimes a skier will not hear you the first time, you may have to repeat your warning. A thank you is appreciated when you get by.

IF YOU ARE BEING PASSED Try to stay to the right as much as possible. Make yourself as narrow as possible without impeding your progress. Bring your poles in close and try a few double poles. They are faster and easier than trying to get untangled after a fall. If something happens where you get yelled at or knocked around, keep your cool and try to get a race number to turn in to the race director after the race.

Respect the Classic Tracks Do not skate over the classic tracks. If you have ever classic skied in great tracks, you know how enjoyable it is to have smooth unbroken tracks. There is enough room on the Vasa course to skate without crossing the tracks.

Be Polite We all accidentally tap a pole basket or step on a leading skiers ski tails. When this happens a “sorry” is appreciated. But more importantly, you should immediately allow more space between you and the other skier. This is especially true on up hills where a stepped on pole will slow the skier in front of you even more after they lose their momentum. If someone falls in front of you on a downhill, try to get around them. If that is not possible it is better to sit down than to slam into them at full speed. Ask the skier if they are OK. If they are injured report the injury at an aid station or road crossing. If they are hurt badly try to offer assistance until an emergency crew can reach them. Think of how you would feel in their place. There will always be another race to show your stuff.

Adaptive Skiers The Vasa is the only ski race in the Midwest that offers a very special race for adaptive skiers. We are very proud of this long time Vasa tradition. They are very special athletes with special needs who really enjoy participating in the Vasa. Please cheer them on and give them a wide berth if you are passing a skier in a green jacket.

Aid Stations When you reach an aid station, grab a cup and move away to allow other skiers to access the drinks. Call out water or energy drink so the volunteers can get you the correct refreshment. Some aid stations have fruit and cookies, volunteers will let you know if they are available. If you want to stop and rest at an aid station move out of the way as much as possible so other skiers can keep going if they want to.

The Vasa Race course elevations with food stop approximate locations.

STOPPING ON THE TRAIL If you need to stop during the race for any reason (waxing skis, remove excess clothing, adjust equipment, etc.) get as far off of the trail as possible. Do not stop in the classic tracks. Make sure your poles are out of the way of passing skiers. If you need to drop out of the race let a race official know. You can drop out at a food station or at some road crossings.

FINISHING THE RACE A RACE IS ABOUT WHO CAN GET TO THE FINISH LINE FIRST. SOME RACE THEIR COMPETITORS, OTHERS RACE THEMSELVES. ANYONE WHO FINISHES SHOULD BE PROUD OF THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENT.

AT THE FINISH LINE When you reach the finish line, don’t stop to catch your breath. You need to continue through the chute area before you stop. If you stop right after you cross the finish line, you may cause a pile-up of skiers trying to cross behind you. Listen to race officials and volunteers. They are there to help you and will guide you through the finish area. Don’t forget to return your timing chip. Volunteers will remove the chip for you. Make sure the chip is removed before you leave the finish line area.

Food Food will be available inside Timber Ridge Hall (the building on the left) after you finish. The food is for skiers and volunteers only. Timber Ridge will have food available for sale to spectators and family members.

AFTER YOU FINISH Don’t just go home after the race. Congratulate your competitors and cheer on the skiers who are finishing. Without your fellow skiers, your only race would be against the clock. You can also stay to help or enjoy the Kid’s races which begin at 12:30. They are our future Vasa skiers.

THANK THE VOLUNTEERS Don’t forget to thank the volunteers. Without them the Vasa would not be possible. Your appreciation keeps them coming back year after year.

Bring the Kids Don’t forget about the Vasa Kid’s races held on Saturday starting at 12:30PM

Relax Take some time to recover, then join us at the Hagerty Center for the awards ceremony starting at 5:30PM.

Gran Travers’ 16K Classic Race on Sunday 9:00AM

The Vasa Benefits

Photos by:

Developed By: Jim Dombrowski