The 2017 Manitoba Cross Country Skiing Championship will take place February 11th and 12th at the International Peace Garden. 150 competitors, of all levels, from across the province will be at the Peace Garden to compete.

“This will be the inaugural event at the International Peace Garden and we hope to hold more races in the future,” said organizer Pauline Nadlersmith of Boissevain.

Nadlersmith says a lot of work has gone into getting the venue ready for the skiers. “We will have racers of all levels going all the way from beginners to more seasoned

Photo courtesy of Levi Nadlersmithcompetitors like my son Levi who trains with the national development centre.”

A lot of work has gone into preparing the 2.5 kilometre and 5 kilometre courses. “My husband has been packing continuously for the last month or two. We actually have a guy coming in with a very expensive groomer and he is going to get it ready.”

Nadlersmith hopes for a successful weekend and being able to bring back the championships another year. “The International Peace Garden really is an untapped and awesome place. The athletes will stay in the dorms and don't have to leave the competition site” said Nadlersmith.

Daytime highs will be hovering around 0 or just above but Nadlersmith says that shouldn't have a major impact on the races. She would rather have it too warm than too cold because then they would have to call off the races.

The 2017 Manitoba Cross Country Ski Championships will go Saturday and Sunday