Masters World Cup 2014- Pillerseetal, Austria

A group of 20 skiers and 2 waxers headed to Austria January 19, 2014 for the Masters World Cup of cross country skiing in the Pillerseetal area which is roughly northeast of Kitzbuhl between Hochfelzen and Waidring. 

The opening ceremonies were on Friday, the 24th, with competition starting on the 25th and finishing on the Friday the 31st.

When we first arrived January 20th, there was only a small area of man made snow or ice and lots of brown grass around. Luckily, snow fell the day before the races and continued for a few more days allowing the event to go ahead with out changing the original course.

30 countries with 1100 athletes representing the top masters cross country skiers in the world ranging in age from 30 to 85 years old. The races were made up of athletes in 5 year age groupings and there were male and female categories and the distances were from 5km to 45km depending on age with classic and skating techniques both being used.

Canada entered 46 athletes from mostly western and eastern provinces. Our group was mainly from the Vernon/Okanagan area, although a few were from Vancouver/Whistler area.

Canadian athletes received 11 medals throughout the event: 4 gold, 2 silver and 5 bronze.

Pat, who won 3 gold medals, was the only one of our group to get to the podium.

This is a shot from in front of the waxing shack with the local mountains looking pretty impressive with a new mantle of snow.

On the ski back to our chalets from St. Ulrike which is near the start line, we stop by an info sign of the area with Hochfelzen in the background.

Follow the link below for more writeups and photos of the cross country ski event held in the Pillerseetal.

MWC 2014