Junior Nationals 2023

Fairbanks, Alaska – March 13-16

The Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks (NSCF) will host the 2023 US Ski & Snowboard (USS&S) Junior National Cross Country Ski Championships on the Jim Whisenhant Ski Trails at the Birch Hill Recreation Area in Fairbanks, Alaska Monday, March 13 through Thursday, March 16.  2023 will mark the fifth time that the NSCF has organized the Junior National Championships at Birch Hill, having hosted the event previously in 1977, 1995, 2003 and 2013.  In addition to being a five-time JN competition venue, Birch Hill has hosted a FIS Men’s World Cup race in 1984 (won by Gunde Svan of Sweden), the 2008, 2009 and 2017 USS&S SuperTour Finals, and the Arctic Winter Games cross country events in 1982, 1988 and 2014.  Birch Hill is one of the premier competition venues in North America.

This year, by vote of the Junior National Oversight Committee, comprised of the Team Leaders of the various divisions and districts, JN’s will consist of three races over four days, rather than the traditional four races over six days.  The three individual races (interval start, sprint, mass start) have been retained, and the relay has been dropped for at least this year.  This decision was spurred by the rising cost to young skiers for participation in Junior Nationals.

General Schedule

• Saturday, March 11 – Training and course/stadium inspection, Training ends 14:00
• Saturday March 11 – Opening Ceremonies 16:00 @ Student Recreation Center (UAF Campus)
• Sunday, March 12 – Official Training on Interval Start course
• Monday, March 13 – Interval Start Classic Technique
• Tuesday, March 14 – Sprint Free Technique
• Tuesday evening – Coaches Social @ The Pub (UAF Campus)
• Wednesday, March 15 – Official Training on Mass Start course
• Wednesday eve – Parents & Sponsor Mixer 18:00 @ UAF Museum of the North
• Thursday, March 16 – Mass Start Free Technique
• Thursday eve – Final Awards & Closing Speaker 18:30 @ Davis Concert Hall (UAF Campus)
• Thursday eve – Skier & Coach Dinner and Social 19:45 @ Wood Center (UAF Campus)

Detailed Master Schedule

The NSCF’s JN2023 Organizing Committee is led by Steve Taylor.
John Estle is the Chief of Competition

Special thanks to Lance Parrish for permission to use his photos
from the 2013 Junior National Championships in Fairbanks.