In Brief: Nordic events at local venues
WINTERSPORTS – High-profile and low-key events will beckon heavier than usual activity at Spokane-Coeur d’Alene Nordic skiing areas this weekend.
The Mount Spokane Nordic Cup and Junior National Qualifier will attract roughly 400 athletes, families and coaches from Pacific Northwest clubs to the state park’s cross-country trails with races running 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
The USSA-sanctioned race based out of Selkirk Lodge has categories for men and women, kids to masters and seniors. Mass start and interval start racing will feature classic and freestyle techniques.
“This race will be the third and last opportunity for these regionals skiers to qualify for nationals,” said Mike Burns, race director and member of the hosting Spokane Nordic Ski Association.
“Qualifying cross country skiers will join the Pacific Northwest junior national team to compete at the national championships in Lake Placid, New York, March 3-11.”
Brett Ford, a St. George’s High School senior and winner of the Spokane Langlauf on Sunday will be a local favorite, Burns said. He will be competing with approximately 140 teens from Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana vying for 32 spots on the regional team to nationals.
Rock Soup tour, an annual free event for snowshoers and cross-country skiers at Fourth of July Pass trail system, is set for Saturday sponsored by the Panhandle Nordic Club.
Participants meet at 2 p.m. to drop off veggies for soups at the A-frame cabin off the parking lot before snowshoeing back to Jeannette’s Jaunt, or skiing an 8-kilometer loop before returning to hot soup, which will be served at 4 p.m.
Volunteers will make meat-based and vegetarian soups. Participants also can bring side dishes, appetizers or desserts. Bring your own beverage, as well as a headlamp for return to the parking lot.
Info: panhandlenordicclub.com.
Backcountry Film Fest to screen at Gonzaga
WINTERSPORTS – The Backcountry Film Festival will bring edited versions of 11 films to Spokane on Feb. 23 for an evening show at Gonzaga University’s Hemmingson Center Auditorium.
The festival films are assembled by the Winter Wildlands Alliance to celebrate the human-powered outdoor experience. The show is sponsored locally by The Spokane Mountaineers and Gonzaga Outdoors.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; films start at 7:30.
Register for this free event through Eventbrite (bit.ly/2ktJGpA) to assure seating. Donations are requested to raise funds for appealing losses of nonmotorized recreation areas on public lands.