Sugar Snow

The USSSA National Championships were held on March 13 in Cable, Wisconsin. Jeff Beck, from Rochester NY, finished fourth overall (42:54) and secured a spot on the National Team. Michelle Weiler, a local phenom, was the sixth place woman, missing a spot on the National Team by one place. Michelle was the first master finisher (55:34). Charlie Andrews finished in 49 minutes and took second in the 50-54 age group.

Reports on the race compared snow conditions from last year's race, held near Syracuse, NY to this year. As one who struggled mightily in last years race it was nice to read that conditions may, indeed, affect some snowshoe racers. The 2011 race was in "Sugar Snow" which makes snowshoeing difficult and frustrating, it doesn't hold your weight well and has been known to make it feel like you are "running on ball bearings." "Sugar snow and hills sucked the life out of many a ‘shoer in the 2010 National Championship" (quote from Brad Canham, Snow Wars: Return of the Marathoners, 2011 National Championship report, Alford publishing).

The race in Wisconsin was hard packed, making it more suitable to road runners.

Apparently there are different cleats or snowshoes that will assist with the variable conditions and choosing the right ones for the course is important.
Dion Snowshoes, the title sponsor of the championships, offers customizable configurations – ex. deep cleat, versus standard cleat – depending on snow conditions. Made of Teflon Coated Aluminum Alloy, these durable cleats are interchangeable and can be easily removed to sharpen or replace.

Begin planning now for the 2012 championship, already scheduled for Frisco, CO, on February 24, 2012 with a starting elevation of 9,100 feet. Yes, 9,100 feet.