Spectator Guide

First off, give yourself a high-five.  You are a hardy, dedicated, and much appreciated fan!  

There are some rules/guidance for watching a Nordic ski race, best practices, and clothing advice.  But most important, before the race starts, is to take a moment to be thoroughly impressed with the skiers.  They are competing in what many call 'the most difficult sport'.  Per Outside Magazine June 16, 2022 article: "It requires the endurance of ultrarunning, the sprint speed of mountain biking, the mental toughness of open water swimming, and, at times, can put skiers in situations of real exposure. And at 952 calories per hour, competitive nordic skiers burn the equivalent of a Chipotle burrito every hour. To be successful, athletes must maintain unparalleled cardiovascular fitness in addition to muscular strength and coordination."  And they're doing it in below freezing temps!  They have dedicated hours on their skis training (in weather that most of us would rather be curled up at home) before they even see their first race.  These athletes all deserve our support and encouragement from start to finish!       

SPECTATOR GUIDANCE

• DO NOT STEP ON THE CLASSIC TRACK.  Please do not step in the groomed track for the Classic racers.  This will look like two parallel grooves running along the edge of the course. 

• Do not cross the trail when skiers are close.  

• Do not impede racers.

• Use appropriate language at all times.  Profanity, negative chants, booing, trash talking, name calling personal attacks or other acts of disrespect are unacceptable 

• Any hand-held signs must not impede the racers or obstruct the view of other spectators.  Signs must be in good taste.  

• Laser lights are strickly prohibited. 

• Respect the competitors, the coaches, officials, and other spectators.  

• There may be non-competing skiers on the trails (the trails may still be open to the public during races), please be respectful of these skiers. 

CLOTHING ADVICE

We have a lot of information for clothing for the skier to wear on the Nordic Ski Layers and Personal Gear page.  Proper clothing for the spectator is just as important, but is different.  As a spectator, you will most likely not be exerting yourself as much as the skiers, so your body heat generation will be much lower. You need to dress appropriately to keep yourself warm so that you can enjoy your time cheering for the race.  Remember: you can always pull layers off, but you can't put more on if you don't bring them.  

• Base Layer: The first layer is the same as the skiers.  Base layers sit next to skin and help regulate heat/moisture.  This layer needs to be synthetic or wool.  For a spectator, it can be any weight (per your preference for the temperature): light, mid, or heavy.  

• Mid Layer: This layer is your insulation layer.  Things such as fleece or wool sweaters on top and lined or wind/water resistant pants on bottom.  

• Outer Layer: This layer can be your big, puffy, winter jacket along with your snow pants for cold/windy days; or a softshell with wind resistant pants, on warmer days.  Pay close attention to temps and windchill as you will not be generating a lot of heat (unless you are running from cheer spot to cheer spot the whole race).  A windproof/waterproof/breathable rain jacket/pants can even work as an outer shell.  

• Head and Hands: Keep your head/ears warm with a good winter hat.  Liner gloves inside mittens are the warmest route for your hands.  Hand warmers will help keep your fingers toasty as well.  Wear a scarf (SLP Nordic scarf!), balaclava, or neck gaitor to keep your neck and mouth warm. 

• Feet: Pay special attention to your feet.  Thick wool socks are ideal to help keep your toes warm.  Your boots should be waterproof and isulated.  Often a boot with a thicker, winter sole will help keep your feel insulated (think ice-fishing boots or winter expedition boots). Felt inserts or toe warmers are always a welcome source of heat as well.  

• Water (or hot chocolate).  Cheering can be hard work!  Make sure to stay hydrated by bringing a water bottle or thermos of hot tea/coffee/hot chocolate.  

• Sun: Put on some sunglasses and sunscreen to keep yourself protected from the sun.  

WHAT'S UP WITH THE GLITTER? 

The amazing Jessie Diggins started it. "The glitter on my cheeks during a race started as a reminder to myself that I race because it’s fun, and I love to ski. I used to get so nervous before races that I could barely function, and I’d definitely waste a huge amount of energy. So putting on glitter was a special reminder to myself that I didn’t need to worry about the outcome of the race, only worry about giving it my absolute best effort, and to remember to enjoy the process. Because that’s what it’s all about. If you only race to win, you’ll be sorely disappointed, because the awards ceremony lasts a full 10 minutes and that’s it. But training, traveling, racing, and being part of a team lasts for a lot longer than that!" -Jessie Diggins https://jessiediggins.com/for-the-love-of-glitter/

You will see glitter on most competitors in honor of the mindset of Jessie Diggins, a MN native and Olympic Gold Medal winner.  

References: 

https://www.outsideonline.com/2127176/ranking-worlds-toughest-outdoor-sports?utm_source=twitter&utm_content=bufferc7a9d&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tweet