Giants Ridge is hosting the largest high school race in North America, the Mesabi East Cross Country Invitational. Over 73 schools & 1,200 high school cross country skiers will compete in both classical & free technique races.

Check out the reconfiguration of the Mesabi East Cross Country race course. This year, the race course will be at the base of the alpine mountain on and around the "stadium area" as opposed to being set on the XC trails (due to lack of natural snow).

The Tubing Park will be closed on Fri., Jan. 6 & Sat., Jan. 7 due to the Mesabi East Race. Tubing park will re-open on Sun., Jan. 8 at 10 a.m.

SPECIAL COURSE, RULES & COACHES MESSAGE ABOUT THE RACE: The Mesabi East XC Invite will be held on a 2.6Km loop for both the Classical & the Free Technique Race, & will be held on a man-made snow loop that is in excellent condition.  There will be a regroom between the Classical & Skate Races, and coaches will notice this time break in the start list which is available at www.itiming.com

Because of the size of the field on this 2-lap course, organizers will be using `Sprint Race` rules, which states that the `tracking rule` is NOT in effect.  Faster Racers that need to pass have to go around the slower skier.  The organizer will attempt to have 3 sets of classical tracks on the bulk of the race course and on the uphills there will be two tracks with a `herringbone lane` for the slower skiers.  The organizer is also planning on having enough course width to allow two skaters ski side by side.  Course inspection will start at 1PM on Friday, 1/06 and all skiers must purchase a trail pass, ($8/day).  The racer packets are available in the sports dorm meeting room from 1-6PM on Friday, and from 7-8:30AM on Saturday, with the fee at $13/skier, coaches that need to make name changes can do so at that time, but absolutely no new skiers can be added to the start list. Coach`s meeting as always at 9AM in the sports dorm.  Waxing at the Golf Maintenance Shop Friday 12noon-10PM and Sat. 7AM.  Awards will be held in the stadium at approximately 4:30PM on Saturday1/07.