Nicknamed the “The Great Pie Race”
Bayfield, Wis. (Jan. 12, 2022) – An abundance of snow in early January and cold temperatures have got local Nordic skiers out on the local trails in droves and excited about the 2022 season.
The 16th annual Ashwabay Summit Ski Race and Tour will be held Saturday, February 5th and will showcase 43 kilometers of skate and classic cross country ski trails at Mt. Ashwabay and the adjacent Jerry Jolly trails.
The trail system draws cross country skiers from throughout the region and from out-of-state due to reliable grooming, duration of snow cover, and world class views from the top of the course.
Outdoor awards will return to the long tradition of awarding local hand-baked pies and plate sized cookie bars that has earned the event the nickname “The Great Pie Race”. It is the only event in the state that features all edible awards.
This year’s 15 kilometer skate event will utilize a course that gives skiers a chance to ski the Northern Lights trail, which climbs through mature stands of birch, and finishes on the south side of the ridge down the new Buzz trail. The 10K classic race and tour will take place on the Seagull trail past towering hemlocks. A 25K continuous pursuit will utilize both of those trails (classic first, then skate) with a switch of gear (on the clock) between laps. This is a format that has gained in popularity and will be featured as a Nordic event at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing in February.
Northern Conference middle (3.5K) and high school (7.5K) races will take place prior to the citizen events and feature our local 4-H CANSKI middle school team, and high school varsity co-op Chequamegon Area Nordic (Ashland and Washburn High School) team. The Midwest Collegiate Ski Association will draw a host of teams and feature a separate start for the 25K pursuit race as part of their regular MCSA conference schedule.
For the safety of the skiers and fans, COVID-19 protocols will be in place including masking at the start/finish area, indoors, and for spectators where social distancing is not possible.
Registration fees until February 2nd are $10 youth (18 & under), $25 for college racers and $30 for citizen racers. Youth and college racers must pre-register with their team. Citizen racers can pre-register prior to February 2nd for $30, and February 3 through one hour prior to the start of their race for $45.
All funds raised benefit local non-profit organizations including the Ashwabay Outdoor Education Foundation, Bayfield Nordic volunteer trail groomers, and local youth cross country skiing programs.
“This is a really festive and fun event and great way to support volunteer efforts that make our community a better place” says Doug Liphart, Extension’s 4-H and Youth Development Educator in Ashland County and volunteer coordinator for the event.
Register today to enjoy edible prizes, scenic skiing trails and being active in the Chequamegon Bay Community! For additional information about the event, contact Scott Nesvold at 715-209-3584 or check out the website at https://
A special thanks to our sponsors for making this event happen: Ashland Baking Company, Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau, Black Cat Coffee House, Edmunds and Company, Howl Adventure Center, Madeline Island Ferry Line, Super One Foods, Washburn Hardware and Sport, and Ann and Donn Christensen.
