OFSAA From a Skier’s Perspective

The following was written by Jonathan M. who qualified for the Ontario Nordic High School Championship.

The 2012 OFSAA Nordic Championship  held in Huntsville Ontario last week was a great success.  Having raced in the individual distance event on Thursday and participated in the exhibition sprint relay in the middle of downtown Huntsville on Friday, I can say with complete certainty that this has to be one of the most enjoyable events I have ever participated in.  The event was run amazingly smoothly, from the races at Arrowhead Provincial Park, to the banquet at Deerhurst Lodge, to the sprint relays downtown.

From the perspective of a racer, the course was excellent, they took us on a spectacular 6km loop around Arrowhead Lake, which included some amazing lakeside views. The course was well maintained and groomed, and although it appeared to be mostly flat with small rolling hills, they found a way to include a few big climbs which really made the course complete. It was a perfect mix of all aspects of skiing. The race was very organized and and everything ran according to schedule. In terms of my race; I was very pleased, placing 36th out of just under 200. It was definitely a very tough course and a warm day, but I think that made the result all the more enjoyable.

The atmosphere of the event as a whole was spectacular, we could not have asked for a better day on Thursday and the on slaught of snow Friday really made for a great wintery feel to all the events.  The place was packed both days and everything seemed very joyful and exciting. It was a fun time for all. The sprint relays held downtown on Main Street on Friday were awesome.  The relay course was well designed, and the groomers did a great job with the resources and time they had.  Although the snow was very soft it was still a great time and the more difficult skiing conditions added to the fun and drama of the races from a spectator point of view.  It was an amazing sight to see and a wonderful day.