Spokane, Wash.
By Trevor Finchamp
As many winter sports continue to get cancelled around the Inland Northwest, the Spokane Nordic Ski Association (SNSA) is gearing up for a busy, but different, 2021 XC ski season. Despite the outdoor nature of the sport, SNSA has had to cancel several events, while adjusting its lessons to accommodate smaller groups.
This left organizers looking for a new, socially-distanced way to fundraise and compete. The solution? A month-long Ski-A-Thon competition.
Participants simply need to visit Go.rallyup.com/spokanenordic, create an account, and gather sponsors (per mile or flat donation) throughout January.
Then, starting February 1, participants will record how many kilometers they ski throughout the month, self-reporting their distance on RallyUp as they go.
SNSA will offer a variety of prizes for reaching various fundraising milestones, including t-shirts, beanies, gaiters, winter jackets, and more. There will also be special prizes for the person wo raises the most money and the person who skis the furthest distance.
After committing their 2020 donations to a new snowmobile for Nordic trail grooming, SNSA hopes that the funds raised from this event will cover its normal operating costs, trail maintenance, and future classes.
Anyone interested in participating should visit SpokaneNordic.org/ski-a-thon to learn more.
Learn more about Nordic skiing in the Inland Northwest and family and youth cross-country ski programs.
