FEATURES

Page 44
2026 Gear Guide
We returned to Snow Mountain Ranch, Colorado, in March, where our local testers evaluated the top 2026 gear from leading manufacturers. This year, we reviewed nearly 70 products, categorizing them by beginner, intermediate, and expert levels, and included practical buying tips to bring to your local retailer.

Page 78
An Arctic Lesson in Suffering
Two weeks after the equinox, three skiers left Anaktuvuk Pass to haul pulks across Alaska’s remote Brooks Range toward Coldfoot. Diamond dust, caribou, and vast silence dazzled, but deep cold, failing gear, and aching bodies bit back. As fire battled ice, one skier confronted the limit and called for rescue.

MASS START

Page 13
Editor’s Note
Death in the Family

Page 14
Wax Box

Page 16
Gallery

Page 24
Essays
Leslie Anthony ponders his Loppet legacy in British Columbia, and Ellen Hollinshead learns that sometimes, slowing down and letting go is exactly what Nordic skiing is for.

THE SKINNY

Page 28
Two in One: California Twins
Standout Tahoe City twins Niki and Britta Johnson are often indistinguishable both on and off the snow. Their shared upbringing and competitive spirit fuel their increasing success on the national race scene.

Page 33
Nordic Rocks
In an effort to get more kids outside, Nordic Rocks brings cross-country skiing to schoolyards, using strap-on bindings and grants to spark winter joy for kids in the Midwest and New England.

Page 36
NENSA at 30
What started as a spat with the U.S. Ski Team 30 years ago has turned into the most reliable pipeline of world class racers.

DESTINATION

Page 38
Oak Hill, New Hampshire
Recent investment has turned a venerable classic into a dependable NCAA training ground and National Championship proving ground. And, the locals are stoked!

THE FINAL STRETCH

Page 92
Perspective
As she prepares for the Olympics, Julia Kern reflects on the past, present, and future of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team.

Page 96
Photo Finish
Every dog has her day.

On the cover: Aila Berrigan skates away from a setting sun at the new University of Alaska Fairbanks competition trails during the Fairbanks vs. Anchorage Nordic Cup in the 2024-2025 season. Tobias Albrigtsen