The Sweden “Spring Series” trip is ON! Between the racing opportunities, the Spring skiing, and what is developing into a fun group of athletes it was impossible to say “no.” We do have two spots still available, and are actively hoping to fill them to round out the group.

Here is a quick run-down of the trip:

Note: Except for the “Knallcrossen” at the end of the trip all races are FIS scored.

Flights are being suggested but not arranged. People can use miles, or points and fit departure points best to individual needs.

The first races are in Northern Sweden in Pitea (Peet’-eh-oh) on the weekend of the 4^th and 5^th of April. Most of the Swedish National team will be racing. I will leave for Stockholm on the 31^st of March, arriving on the 1^st (no foolin’!), and will pick up a van and drive north. Athletes are welcome to follow this schedule. I’ll stop in Solleftea to pick up some wax benches and gear and take a visit with the coaches at the Ski Gymnasium there. On to Pitea on the 2^nd. Athletes could arrive from North America on the 2^nd and connect through to Lulea, a short drive to Pitea, and I can meet them there. This gives departure flexibility, and avoids a long road trip right after a long flight. The 3^rd is for course inspection and shaking off the inevitable jet-lag. On the 4^th a short freestyle, 3km wos and 5 km, men followed by pursuit start 10 and 15 classics the next day.

We will stay in Pitea through the 8^th to unwind after travel and two race days. Ski and train there and in Lulea. We’ll make the decision about the Finnish races as a group before we go. The first of these is in Tornio, an easy drive from Pitea. Races are a 5 and 10 Free on the 10^th. Next is a choice of another 5/10 in Pello or a 15/20 in Rovaniemi on the 11^th. We could do none, one, or both. After the Finnish races we will take the drive down to Ostersund, arriving on Easter Sunday. If you haven’t fired up Google earth to help you with this geography I would do so. It is kind of fun.

If people decide to take more training and rest instead of the Finnish races we will head to O-sund sooner and spend the Easter Weekend somewhere in the mountains…Norwegian border, Lappland, somewhere fun. Local races would be on the plan for that time or a special longer tour.

We will arrive in Bruksvallarna on the 13^th and stay at Walles Sport Hotell which lies right on the trails. The first race there is a full sprint protocol on the 17^th. On the 18^th is a 26 km free. The 19^th, is a fun race called the Knallcrossen. It starts with a downhill (helmets required, which we can rent there) on xc gear. Finish time determines a place in a ski-cross with heats and ski-downs against members of the Swedish National team. Fun to do or watch.  Non-FIS.

On the 20^th I will drive down to Stockholm, spending the night there and flying out on the 21^st.

Two spots are open. Ground price in $USD is $2300. This includes lodging, meals except on the road or on-your-own excursions, van rental, fuel, and coaching help. It does not include race entry fees.

There are good flights right now on Continental out of Newark, and Icelandair out of Boston. Very reasonable connections from Stockholm to Lulea are available on Norwegian Air www.norwegian.no

Feel free to call with any questions or better yet to fill out the group!

Pete Phillips

Head Nordic Coach

Burke Mountain Academy

pphillips@burkemtnacademy.org

gamlefisken@yahoo.com

802-626-1516-ext-1010