2006-2007 marked the inaugural season for Northland College Nordic Skiing. The Women’s team placed 9^th out of 11 teams while the men placed 9^th out of 10 teams in the Central Collegiate Ski Association (CCSA) this past winter. Abundant snow fall and world class trails close by make Northland a prime location for Nordic skiing. The world famous Birkebeiner trail is 45 minutes to the south and the “Big Snow Country” of the UP of Michigan with its massive winter snows is 45-60 minutes to the East. Closer to home are the trails at the Valhalla Recreational Center in the middle of the Chequamegon National Forest and right outside our “back door” is the 5K training loop at the Chequamegon Golf Course here in Ashland.

Within this ideal setting for Nordic ski lovers lies Northland College. Dave Beeksma, Head Coach for both Women's and Men's Cross Country and Nordic, enters his second year as head coach. "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to build a successful Nordic Ski Program here at Northland," Coach Beeksma states. "It will provide a great opportunity for skiers of all levels to continue to ski in great conditions while attaining a quality education."

The 2007-2008 squad will be led by Senior Sara Domek. “Sara was out of racing for two years coming into last season and was also recovering from a stress fracture injury suffered early in the Cross Country season. I expect she will really make some noise next year,” states Coach Beeksma. The Northland program welcomes all levels of ability and promises to provide the knowledge and guidance needed for each athlete to improve as a skier. With hard work and dedicated coaching, each student/athlete will experience improvement. Most importantly, the team will focus on a healthy balance of school, training, and community building that will produce a positive experience for all team members.

If you love Nordic Skiing, Northland is the place to ski while also striving for excellence in the classroom.