Local skiers compete in Bend

Four Sandpoint Nordic Club skiers competed at the Pacific Northwest Ski Association Junior Qualifier Nordic race at Mt. Bachelor in Bend, Ore., last weekend.

Emerson Kanning, Connor Matlosz, Catherine Brenner and Erin Meek took part in the races, which included a classic 5K on Saturday, followed by a 5K skate race on Sunday.

“All skiers had solid performances and faced some tough competitors in both races,” said coach Vicki Longhini. “The PNSA Nordic division is one of the strongest in the country and has a history of producing many Olympic racers.”

The qualifier was the first classic ski race of the season for the Sandpoint skiers, who will hit the next qualifier in Methow Vallen on Jan. 17-18.

The Sandpoint Nordic Club has groomed a skate and classic track at the University of Idaho Extension Property on Boyer.

“We don’t always get enough snow in town to be able to do this and it’s always a real treat for the community to be able to cross country ski in town,” said Longhini.