Team Hardwood skier Len Valjas had a great weekend of skiing at the World Championship trials in Canmore this weekend.

In his first year as a senior skier, Len Valjas stunned the skiing community in Canada by winning the Open Mens classic sprint on January 6th. Skiing against the top World Cup sprinters from Canada Len came from behind in the final heat to win. This win puts Len in a great position to qualify for the World Championships to be held in the Czech Republic in February. As well, Len will also likely qualify for the World Under 23 Championships, the World Cup races at Callaghan Valley on January 16 to 18 and he has a great chance to be a member of the Canadian National Team going into the Olympics in Vancouver in 2010.

Len also won the qualifying for the skating sprint and finished 3rd overall and 1st Under 23 man in the individual start free technique 15 km race.

Len has been a member of Team Hardwood for many years and for the past two seasons he has been training at National Training Centers. Last year he was in Thunder Bay and this year he is training in Mt Ste Anne, Quebec at the Pierre Harvey training center. 

Selections for all teams will be announced this week by Cross Country Canada.

It's Norway week in the Hardwood Cafe.

In keeping with our Olympic theme on the trails we will be featuring specials from the countries of each of our trails. This week Chef Becky from the Black River Food Company has prepared three great dishes that bring the spirit of Norway to Hardwood Ski and Bike.

The featured specials are 5 grain bread stuffed with Jarlsberg cheese for $5 and Cod,Potato Chowder for $3.75 and Wild Rice and Cranberry Salad for $4.50.

Chef Becky and the Black River Food Company are renowned locally for great food at a reasonable price. Much of the food is organically grown and locally purchased. These specials will be served in addition to our regular great menu that features healthy, nutritious food for the whole family. All of the items on the menu have been reduced in price to provide you will great value.

Saturday is Demo Day at Hardwood Ski and Bike!

This is your chance to try the latest equipment from all of the major manufacturers of skis, boots, poles, bindings and wax.

Hardwood Ski and Bike will be offering FREE introductory lessons. Classic lessons will be at 11 am and 3 pm and Skate lessons will be at 12 noon and 2 pm. anyone who has purchased a facility fee may sign up for these lessons.

As well, anyone who demos equipment will receive a $25 gift certificate for the purchase of a ski package of 3 or more items. This certificate is valid until the end of January.

The demo day will begin at 9 am and go until 4 pm. As always, you will need to purchase a facility pass or membership in order to borrow the Demo equipment and ski. For more details please contact Guest Services at 1 800 387 3775. 

Wednesday Night Cross Country Ski racing returns under the lights to Hardwood Ski and Bike.

11 skiers took part in the first night race under the lights on January 7. Nic Monette had the fastest time for males while Anna Geiger Whitlock had the fastest female time.

This 9 week series will feature fun race formats including sprints, sprint relays, mass starts, interval starts and pursuit races. All of the races will be less than 30 minutes in length.

Cost for the races is $3 per race or $25 for the series (you will also need a trail pass or season's pass). All of the money collected from entry fees will go towards season end prizes. Prizes will be awarded based on placing in each age category - the more races that you do the more points you will accumulate. The season finale will be on March 4. For more details see the attached entry form or call us at 1 800 387 3775.