FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SISU Ski Fest Cancelled, Alternate Plans Underway

With a heavy heart we need to cancel our race a second year in a row.

In the past week we received rain and warm temps, followed by a cold snap that has turned parts of the race course into ice and exposed bare ground in other sections. Scant snowfall has failed to make up for the loss of our base. Our snow storage area is void of snow for our nine road crossings, and snow piles along roads and in the woods are full of dirt, sand, and rocks, making the point-to-point race into town impossible.

We have spent the last few days scouting routes for a shorter race at ABR. The current 20-25K of trails ABR has been grooming and skiing have been making skiers very happy. However they are not suitable for a safe, quality race for 500-800 racers. For example, currently there is not enough snow to set classic tracks. The amount of new snow required for a minimal race-ready base is not in the forecast.

Mother Nature's lake effect snow guns have not been firing this year! Several snow advisories failed to deliver any appreciable snow to Ironwood. Last night was our last best hope, with up to 8 inches forecast and only 1 inch delivered. It is time to cut our losses and let you plan accordingly.

Therefore, we are cancelling all Saturday ski events, the Expo AND the SISU Party.

All registered SISU skiers can ski free at ABR on race day, Saturday, January 11th. We will be on hand at ABR from 9am-noon so racers may pick up their racer packet and tee shirt.

The Depot Dash for kids 10 and under WILL take place on Friday, January 10th, from 4-5pm at Depot Park in downtown Ironwood. This free event takes place on level turf and needs only two inches of snow. Bring the little ones out for a fun introduction to our sport!

Our claim to fame is a high quality early season race on natural snow. This year we have to live up to our name and show our "sisu" by enduring this hardship and steadfastly staying the course through the rest of winter and all the seasons until we have another chance next year. We would like to thank members of the race committee, volunteers at the ready, our sponsors, and all the participants who have come every year to make SISU Ski Fest a premier Winter event in our area.

Jackie Powers
Race Director