On the cover: Rosie Brennan pushes up the last climb in the final stage of 2021's Tour de Ski in Val di Fiemme, Italy. Brennan ultimately placed sixth in the Tour. [Photo] Vianney Thibaut/NordicFocus

FEATURES

Photo Annual
As dedicated skiers, we draw inspiration equally from words and photos. But once a winter, we give even more space to the photographers who inspire us through their images of scenic snowscapes, athletes in motion and slices of the ski-inspired lifestyle. From a cute-as-a-button aspiring racer to Crested Butte's impeccably groomed trails, these photos capture what we love about Nordic skiing.

OlympicsPreview
The Beijing Winter Games will take place February 4–20, with Nordic events, from the cross country skiathlon to biathlon's 12.5km women's mass start, being run almost every day. Veteran sportswriter Peggy Shinn gives an overview of the contenders in cross country, biathlon and Nordic combined. We also preview the Paralympics and explain events for newer fans.

DEPARTMENT CONTENTS

Mass Start

Editor's Note
Light up the Night

Wax Box

Essays
Leath Tonino extols the joy of ekeing out the last vestiges of late-spring snow, and John Seward tries out skijoring with his Samoyeds.

Nordic Nation

Making Winter More Welcoming
Nordic skiing has never been known as a diverse sport in terms of who participates. These learn-to-ski programs hope to change that by introducing more youth and adults of varying racial backgrounds to cross country skiing and other snowsports.

Medals Matter, But They Don't Define an Athlete
U.S. Ski Teamer Hannah Halvorsen has an important message: Strive for excellence but don't let mental pressure overtake you.

The Ultimate Sporting Venue
Recently opened, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs offers both diehard fans and the merely curious interactive, high-tech ways to learn more about the Winter and Summer Games.

Overland: Aspen, Colorado
Aspen may seem an unlikely place to enjoy free skiing. But an extensive trail network, supported by a dedicated community of volunteers and donors, offers just that to Nordic skiers. Here's how it all came together.

Destination

Escape to Little Bavaria
Leavenworth, one of Washington's premier outdoor lifestyle towns, offers multiple cross country trailheads just minutes from downtown, as well as a twist of German kitsch. And don't miss the dazzling display of lights that takes over the town every winter.

The Final Stretch

Back Shop
Race techniques that the everyday skier can use.

Gear Bag
Versatile jackets that are tops in performance on the trail.

Perspective
Aidan Powell set a fastest-known record on Vermont's Catamount Trail, skiing it in 14 days, two hours; he realized it's half about the skiing, half about surviving in the winter environment.

Classics
Recreating a youthful backcountry adventure, wooden skis and all.

Photo Finish
How to celebrate with sombreros at the Mexican National Ski Championships.