Originally known as the ³Great American Ski Chase², the original ski marathon series was viewed from the start as a cooperative promotional vehicle for both citizen as well as elite XC ski racing. Over the years, the elite competitive element took on a life of itıs own and now ASM races are viewed as the premier marketing tool for U.S. ski companies. Traveling across the continent and featuring a constantly changing cast of characters over the years, the marathon series has averaged 7-8 events each season while weathering the fickle trends of Mother Nature, skier participation, organization changes and sponsor support.

The races themselves have also transformed over the years as the Series has seen no less than 16 different schedules in 22 years. Along the way, ASM events have evolved from local citizen races flung together annually by a few energetic volunteers into sophisticated major endurance sport events rivaling the biggest and best running marathons and cycling events. Yet throughout the evolution of the Series, a commitment to excellence in race organization, skier safety and participant enjoyment has remained to this day.

The latest incarnation...the American Ski Marathon Series...took over in the spring of 1997 as the ski marathon series member events unanimously made the decision to form an independent non-profit 501(c)(4) organization. Four consecutive years of growth have followed with the 2000/2001 campaign being the most successful season ever for the ASM Series. A record-setting eleven events now form the Series schedule with major corporate sponsorship by Nature Valley Granola Bars supporting a nationwide promotional effort.

Though the names and faces have changed over the years, todayıs team and individual battles are as hotly contested as ever before. Testimony to the lasting promotional power of mass participation events. Nearly 25,000 skiers and over 100,000 total participants are expected to take part in ASM Series events this ski season.

The 2001/2002 anniversary season will be a non-stop, nationwide salute to a quarter century of skiing across America. Every ASM event is inviting past participants to come back and once again experience the challenge and thrill of skiing full, half, or mini-marathon distances as individuals, teams, and/or families. With events and adventures for all ages and abilities, the ASM has something for everyone!

Come experience the celebration this season!

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Sidebar #1.) Schedule

Jan. 19  Pepsi Challenge
Jan. 26  Lake Placid, Noquemanon Ski Marathon
February 2 Boulder Mountain Tour
February 2  Craftsbury Ski Marathon
February 10  Mora Vasaloppet
February 16  Minnesota Finlandia
February 23  American Birkebeiner
March 3  Tour of Anchorage
March 9  Yellowstone Rendezvous
March 17  California Gold Rush (in conjunction with 2002 Subaru National Masters)

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Sidebar #2.) Overall ASM Champions Cup 2002

One of the premier titles in North American skiing, the Overall ASM Championship competition is scored on best 4 of 6 event format with an alternating list of ASM events being used for the Cup each year. Points are awarded using a modified World Cup system for the top ten overall men and women in the longest race at each ASM event. Top point scorers are recognized as the ASM Series Champions, an honor bestowed on many of the all-time greatest skiers in North American history.

For 2002, the six Champions Cup events are the Pepsi Challenge (January 19), Noquemanon Ski Marathon (January 26), Craftsbury Ski Marathon (February 3), American Birkebeiner (February 23), Tour of Anchorage (March 3), California Gold Rush (March 17). Season-long standings and final results posted on the official ASM section of www.xcskiworld.com website.

Last season Unni Odegaard (Factory Team) dominated the 2001 ASM womenıs field with a nearly perfect four event tally while Magnus Eriksson (Factory Team) eeked out a 4 point victory over Marc Gilbertson (Rossignol) in one of the closest menıs Series in history!