From NCAA Triumph to SuperTour Finals: Northern Michigan University’s Nordic Skiers Take on Lake Placid!

The Northern Michigan University (NMU) men’s and women’s Nordic ski teams are gearing up for their final season events at the SuperTour Finals in Lake Placid, New York. This exciting competition runs from today through Sunday, drawing top racers from across the U.S., including some who have represented the country internationally.

At the SuperTour Finals, these athletes will compete in four key races, which will determine overall rankings. The best finishers can earn spots in the first period of the 2025-26 World Cup. This event is especially significant as it allows competitors to familiarize themselves with Lake Placid’s trails ahead of the 2026 World Cup Finals.

Here’s a quick overview of the event schedule:

• Today: Men’s 10-kilometer freestyle race.
• Friday: Women’s and men’s 1.3K individual sprint qualifications, followed by sprint finals.
• Saturday: Mixed relay races (4-by-5K) in both classic and freestyle.
• Sunday: Men’s 40K mass start classic and junior men’s 15K races.

NMU’s Kristoffer Karsrud enters as the top-ranked man from NMU, sitting 11th among collegians and 22nd overall with 48 points. His teammate, Luke Fricker, follows closely, ranking 21st among college skiers. For the women, Henriette Nilssen is leading the NMU squad with 34 points.

Recent accolades for NMU athletes include Victoria Dybwad winning the CCSA Female Skier of the Year and Adrik Kraftson claiming the Male Skier of the Year. Dybwad’s points came from impressive finishes in both freestyle and classic races. Similarly, Kraftson earned his accolades through strong performances at the CCSA Championships.

In the NCAA Championships held in Hanover, New Hampshire, both teams had notable performances. Kraftson was NMU’s standout competitor, finishing well in both the 7.5K classic and the 20K mass start.

As competitive skiing evolves, athletes today face unique challenges and opportunities compared to previous generations. Recent surveys show that interest in winter sports has surged, partly fueled by social media trends showcasing skiers’ journeys and accomplishments. This rise in visibility may attract new fans and competitors, ultimately shaping the future of the sport.

Northern Michigan University’s commitment to excellence in Nordic skiing has kept it a strong contender on the national stage, and this week’s races in Lake Placid will provide another chance for its athletes to shine.

For more information, check out the National Nordic Foundation for updated results and stories from the event.

Check out this related article: Why Students Are the Heartbeat of a University: A Perspective from The Harvard Crimson

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Local Sports,Wrapping it up: Northern Michigan University nordic skiers now at SuperTour Finals in Lake Placid after success at NCAA ChampionshipsNMU Sports,Wrapping it up: Northern Michigan University nordic skiers now at SuperTour Finals in Lake Placid after success at NCAA ChampionshipsSports,Wrapping it up: Northern Michigan University nordic skiers now at SuperTour Finals in Lake Placid after success at NCAA Championships