By James Cook and Brendan Quealy
ACME — Changes have been made to the 47th annual North American Vasa (click here) this coming weekend because of current weather conditions and forecasts for the remainder of the week.
Vasa, one of the largest cross-country skiing events in the United States, will only be one day this year, with all of Sunday’s classic races canceled amid fear there won’t be enough snow.
“The weather forecast is pretty unpredictable,” Vasa Race Director Janice Davidson said. “Our (snow) base is pretty limited as it is.”
The Traverse City forecast from the National Weather Service calls for temperatures in the 40s and rain Thursday, which would dramatically shrink the already-limited amount of snow on the ground at Timber Ridge Resort in Acme, host of the annual series of races that draws thousands of participants. Wednesday also is predicted to be in the 40s.
Davidson said Saturday’s modified slate is being rebranded as a “Looptacular,” featuring courses all going on the same 6-kilometer loop at Timber Ridge....
