Conditions for this year's event should be ideal. "The Birkie Trail has been tracked since Thanksgiving and is in excellent shape for this time of year" stated ski club member, Dennis Kruse. Participation should increase over last year due to the early snow received in most of the Midwest. "The only thing that could hurt numbers is that there are many races each weekend for area skiers to choose from and this year, everyone has good snow" commented race organizer, Gary Penman.

Over 500 skiers are expected at this year's race, sponsored in part by New Moon Ski Shop, Seeley Hills Ski and Bike, Atomic Skis, Riverbrook Bike and Ski, Outdoor Ventures, Hayward Bakery and Cheese Shop, and John Mundahl, DVM. Race finishers will be awarded a one of a kind ski hat as well as hot soup after the race. Awards will go to the top 2 in each age class to 70 and over. Awards for this year's race were created by Blue Moon Pottery and Dragonfly Studios.

The pre and post race festivities will again take place at the Sawmill Saloon. "The Sawmill Saloon is looking forward to making our role in this exciting event the best ever!" stated Cindy Ferraro. "The Sawmill will be featuring a spaghetti feed on Friday evening during registration. We are all set up in the Freight Station for the awards ceremony after the race, and, an additional feature this year will be live music with Bruce Burnside from Big Top Chatauqua after the awards on Saturday. The Sawmill is the middle of the action!"

The Classic is the major fundraiser for the Seeley Ski Club and the revenue generated has allowed the Club to promote skiing in many ways, including grooming and maintenance of the Seeley Hills County Trail system, lighting at OO, and their role in this past summer's ski camp which was well attended by young hopefuls from around the country.

Registration for the 22k and 42k races will be held at the Sawmill Saloon on Friday, January 19th from 5-9pm and on Saturday morning from 7-9am. The races start at 10am at the OO building. The Awards Ceremony will take place at the Sawmill Saloon on Saturday at 3pm followed by live music. For additional information, call Dennis Kruse at 715/798-3571.