Ski team preps for Boroughs

The Mariner skiers, who have spent this snow-poor season improvising, are scheduled to do it again this weekend at Boroughs in yet another ad hoc race. 

The race is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, at the K-Beach Road entrance to the Tsalteshi ski trails in Soldotna.

Race organizers are planning a duathlon-style race, with skiers switching from skate to classic gear half way through the race. 

“Duathlons … add a bit of intrigue because you have to switch ski gear and technique part way through the race,” said Assistant Coach Alison O’Hara.

“The challenge is to figure out what gear, if any, you will switch.”

Due to minimal snow cover, it’s unclear whether organizers will be able to lay tracks for the classic portion of the race. If not, the race will likely be changed to a skate competition.

The team urges interested spectators to check their Facebook page, “Mariner Nordic Ski Team,” for current information on their race this weekend.