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Getting Ready to Race in Silverstar
By:  Sheila Kealey   (2015/12/11)

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I am currently vacationing with family and friends at Silver Star Mountain Resort, one of my favourite xc ski destinations. Located in south-central BC, the area is usually amazing for early season cross country skiing. The temperature is mild, and there is plenty of snow (it's snowed over 70 cm since we arrived 6 days ago).

The very best part about Silver Star is that from most accommodations, you can ski from the door, with groomed "skiways" that lead to the major trails! This is our fifth year staying with friends at the Silberne Spitzen house, a beautiful place perfectly equipped for skiers in many ways.

Tracks To House (640x480)

Just a few steps from the house to get on the Knoll Ski Way


Along with the adjacent Sovereign Lake network, there are over 100 km of beautiful xc ski trails. And if you can't get enough skiing in during the day, you can ski on a well lit trail after the sun goes down.
 
Night Ski (640x480)

Part of the night loop


A popular outing is to ski over the mountain to the adjacent Sovereign Lakes Nordic Center, which features long climbs and descents not typical of most ski trails. Most of this on the aptly-named Paradise trail.

Mountain Top Snow (640x398)

Heading over the mountain - too much snow for the groomers to keep up!


The racing gets underway this weekend at Sovereign Lakes, with a NorAm competition that includes skate sprints on Saturday and individual start skate races on Sunday. I'll be racing a 10km Sunday around a fun 5km loop.

 Sovereign Venue (640x480)

Sovereign Lake Nordic Race Venue
 Yukon Team (640x480)


And after the race it's back to Ottawa, which will be quite the contrast!  
 
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