Registration is Now Open!
Dear XC Ski Racers and Recreational Athletes:

We are excited to present the 2021 Virtual SISU Ski Fest!

We challenged ourselves to come up with a virtual event that would be fun, safe and competitive. We wanted to give you something to plan for, train for and look forward to without worry that the event will be cancelled or you will put yourself at undue risk to participate. Yes, we know that it's not the same as our traditional race. We know and understand some of you will take a pass this year. But we also anticipate there are plenty of you who will appreciate having the opportunity to participate in SISU '21 despite travel restrictions and our inability to gather in large numbers this year.

This year requires sisu! Size up the situation and make the most of it! Have fun with our A-G-E "SISU Factor" time adjustments. Try to win! Challenge your friends! Plan to meet up and race in small groups. Take it easy and ski with family. Post your results and photos to share with our ski community.

Check out our new website at sisuskifest.com! We will provide frequent updates to keep you informed between now and race time.

On behalf of the SISU Board and Planning Team,

Jackie Powers
Race Director
Virtual SISU: the BASICS

  1. Select your event: 30K SISU, 15K Heikki Lunta, or 5K Hauska Hiihto.
  2. Ski your own race, anywhere, anytime between Jan 4th and Jan 17th, 2021.
  3. Upload your results.
  4. We apply your A-G-E SISU Factor for your SISU-adjusted finishing time.
  5. You win prizes!
SISU Spirit Required!

Different courses. Different days. Different grooming. Different weather. Different times of day. Day skiers. Dogs. Kids. Parents. Technological challenges. All variables that will affect your SISU event!

Can you rise to the occasion and still race without controlling as many variables as in “real” races? Without 750 racers all in the same place on the same day under the same conditions? We hope so!

A-G-E = Age Group Equalizer

Here’s the fun part! To “even the playing field” we will adjust your times based on your age, gender, and event. All other things being equal, all age groups should come close to a tie for the win. But all variables are not equal!

Use the A-G-E to challenge friends and family from different age groups, see where you stand relative to others, and compete with SISU spirit!

Three Ways to Win

Sign up! You get a cool (warm) SISU '21 neck buff and other racer gifts just for registering.

Overall winners, using SISU-adjusted times, win fabulous ski prizes.

Finishers who post their time will be part of a random drawing for awesome swag.

We will mail your packets and all swag!
What is SISU?

Strength and determination in the face of adversity. A combination of stamina, perseverance, courage, and determination held in reserve for hard times.


Our Mission:

To promote the sport of cross country skiing, encourage safe local tourism, and advance local pride through a premier cross country ski event.

Our Hope:

That our event brings some levity, relief, and focus to you in these hard times. Let's work together for a fun ski season!
Prizes valued at over $1,000 from Silver Partner Fast Wax!!
Prizes valued at over $1,000 from Silver Partner Salomon!
Timing
In order to win a prize award, you must submit “proof” of your race via a GPS device such as Garmin, Strava, Endomondo or RaceJoy phone app.

If you don’t care to win a prize award, you don’t need to submit proof through GPS device or app.

In order to win a random prize drawing, you must submit a finishing time, and may use any self-administered timing device, even your wristwatch.

If you don’t care to win any prizes you don’t need to upload a finishers time at all!
ABR Race Courses - Optional
We will have race courses set up at ABR Trails, utilizing 2/3 of the traditional SISU race course.

As of today, ABR will provide (subject to change):
  • free entry
  • parking
  • unheated changing areas
  • porta-potties/outhouses along race course
  • drinking water spigot
You may ski your race at ABR Trails in Ironwood, MI, but you are not required to. You may ski your race at your home ski trails or wherever you decide is the best place for you during the two-week race period.
What if I already registered?
Thank you for your early registration! We realize you signed up prior to COVID-19 changed our plans! We recognize the virtual event may not be for you. We appreciate your support! You have three options:

  1. You may register for the virtual event.
  2. You may defer your registration to the 2022 event.
  3. You may donate your entry fee to the SISU Grants Fund.

You will receive ONE email from runsignup informing you of your options. You may log onto runsignup and make your choice. If you do not choose otherwise by November 15th, we will transfer you to the virtual event.
Thank you to our Title Sponsor
Thank you to our Gold Sponsors and Partners
Thank you to our Silver Sponsors and Partner