Nordic skiing events geared to citizens as well as racers

A flurry of competitive and participatory cross-country skiing events are coming up this month in the Inland Northwest.

On Saturday and Sunday at Mount Spokane, Junior National Qualifier races hosted by Spokane Nordic Ski Association will attract about 400 athletes, coaches and families in a competition for slots in the Junior Olympics.

The timed events will limit access to some of the trails at the Mount Spokane State Park Nordic trails.

Fourth of July Loppet, a noncompetitive cross-country fun ski with food and refreshment stops along the course, is set for Sunday at Fourth of July Pass, sponsored by the Panhandle Nordic Club.

Participants can chose from a long course of 14 miles starting anytime from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 or the 7.3-mile course starting between 10:15 a.m. and 11. Suggested donation is $10. Vehicles must display an Idaho Park N Ski Pass. Info: (208) 755-2575.

Spokane Langlauf, the region’s longest-running and most popular mass-start citizens race, is set for Feb. 21. The annual 10-kilometer classic-style race has been a staple for the local Nordic crowd for more than 35 years, with every participant and volunteer eligible for the thousands of dollars in prizes. Info: (509) 922-6080.

Challenge Loppet, another “challenge yourself” event, is set for March 6 at Mount Spokane, sponsored by Spokane Nordic. Participants choose from 20-, 30- or 50-kilometer courses. Info: spokanenordic.org.