"Bill has been a part of my life for almost as long as I can remember. From asking my sister and me about our homework in what seemed to be a different accent each week while we studied at the Trapp Family Lodge, to being one of my mentors instructing me in how to teach ski lessons when we both worked at Trapps. He was at the start line of nearly every local ski race during my career and always had time for a cheerful greeting or quick chat whenever our paths crossed working at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center. He had a positive impact on so many in our ski world and beyond. I can't imagine this community without him and I can’t put into words how strongly his presence will be missed by me and all those who knew him." Kait Miller, NENSA's Youth & Introductory Program Director

"I have known Bill for decades and have so many memories of sharing event organization endeavors with him. He was passionate about race venue perfection and was a mentor to many on race rules and how to instruct young athletes. He had adamant opinions that mellowed with age. I was just with Bill helping in the start corral at the Craftsbury Vermont Cup race ten days ago chatting it up and analyzing the racers’ lines and how to groom such and such better. This is so so sad to lose him so suddenly." Carol Van Dyke, NENSA Board President

"Whether at Trapps or Craftsbury, Bill would be the first to greet you and one of the last ones helping clean up after an event - reflecting on how things went and the skiers experience that day. He was one of the workhorses that make these venues the amazing resources they are. He will be sorely missed." Justin Beckwith, NENSA Competitive Program Director

"I have so many fond memories of working with Bill as a TD, a jury member, or as a NENSA staffer at an event. Bill took me under his wings when I became a TD, and I learned so much from shadowing him at races. Bill's passing is a huge loss to our cross country ski community. I can not imagine going to Craftsbury again, and him not being there." Amie Smith, fellow TD, Executive Director of NENSA

A huge thank you to SWIX Sport, who have jumped into the season long A Halll Mark of Excellence club challenge with a donation of multiple sets of junior poles to be added for club prizes. The current top three clubs who are all duking it out for the top prizes are: Stratton Mountain School, Craftsbury, and MNC in the top spots, with Ford Sayre, EMN, and Quarry Road, now nipping at the heals.

This week, I asked what this monitory award would mean to the Eastern Mass Nordic (EMN) club, if they were to win the $5000, $3000 or $1000 top prize, and they said this ~

It is easy to see why our clubs and schools are so enthusiastic about this season's A Hall Mark of Excellence Award, and how it would help them improve their junior ski and racing programs!

In 2017, a group of CSU juniors in Eastern Massachusetts organized the first ever Race for Snow, motivated by growing concerns of climate change and its impact on our sport.

Our team, now called the EMN juniors, has continued this tradition each year, this year being the 5th Annual event to date. In a typical year, this race is a fun community event at the Leo J. Martin Ski Track (in Weston, MA) which draws many masters, juniors, college students, young children, and people almost entirely new to skiing. The purpose of the 2021 race is to raise funds for the nonprofit 350mass, a sub-organization of The Better Future Project, and last year we raised over $5000 for them. This organization is dedicated to fighting climate change through various actions including municipal action, statewide legislative advocacy, and narrative-changing efforts. In the ski community, climate change is particularly devastating with the rising temperatures, dwindling amounts of snow, and the increasing reliance on man made snow and trips up north to satisfy our training needs and recreational aspirations.

This race includes 3km, 5km, and 10km options, which are $10, $15, and $15 respectively. The 5km and 10km will count towards NENSA’s Zak and Club points, but can also be done recreationally. There will be a silent auction with items from many great sponsors, and a closing ceremony zoom will take place at the end of the virtual racing period. This will be a time for us to go over the raffle, auction, results, our team and mission, and most importantly, a time to host guest speaker Bill McKibben--activist, educator, author, and fellow cross country skier from Middlebury, VT.

To SIGN UP for the VIRTUAL RACE and/or participate in the wonderful on-line AUCTION they are also having, go to: https://theraceforsnow.wixsite.com/2020/2021-race

....click HERE for the current NENSA plans for Eastern Cups, Popular/Citizen Racing, U16 & EHS Camps, BKL Festival and Women's Day