BSSEF Nordic Viking Races kick off fifth year on Jan. 16 

Next community race is Valentine’s-Day-themed on Feb. 13 

By Jen Clancey DIGITAL PRODUCER 

The Big Sky Ski Education Foundation kicked off its 2024 Viking Race series with a Wild West community race on Tuesday, Jan. 16. The Wild West race was the first of three throughout January and February, all open to the public to participate in and spectate.

Each Viking Race starts just outside of the Bunkhouse Deck & Grill at the Big Sky Golf course. BSSEF provides hot beverages and food for racers and supporters. Anna Fake has coached the BSSEF Nordic team for three seasons and finds the Viking races special for their ability to host both competitive and relaxed skiers while fostering Big Sky’s Nordic skiing community.

For the young athletes on the BSSEF Nordic team, the event lets younger skiers try out racing for the first time. “It’s a chance for younger kiddos to put on a bib, put on a race suit and push themselves,” Fake said. 

She explained that some young racers exert themselves on the track, while others ski alongside friends, teammates or family members.

“It’s really cool to have a space where they get to choose how they want to do it,” Fake said. 

The program has prioritized fun and allowed athletes to get serious only if they want to, and grown fast in recent years. In 2021-22, 75% of fifth graders participated, according to former coach Leah Lange. Last year, the program had to cap registration. 

Community involvement

Fake explained that the Viking Races are great opportunities to get people out on the snow. Each race has a theme, which can be seen in spectator outfits and racer accessories—cowboy hats on top of beanies were a staple for the Wild West race.The next race is on Feb. 13 and will be Valentine’s-Day-themed, and the season will conclude with disco-themed high energy Viking Relays on Feb. 27—all of which are open to the public for registration. 

As for spectators, Fake recommends joining in on the theme and bundling up to cheer on competitors. 

Results of each race are posted online, and with one race down, the neighborly competition is just getting started.