north american vasa

Many of the best cross-country skiers in Michigan will line up in Traverse City this weekend for the 43rd annual North American Vasa ski races.

One of those skiers is local resident Anders Gillis, who won the 34-kilometer classic race last year. 

Anders was not always in shape for a ski marathon. After a personal tragedy, the lifelong athlete fell into depression and put on significant weight. 

Almost 200 people filled a room at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center Monday night to debate a new use for the Vasa Pathway.

A new type of bicycle has exploded in popularity, and for the first time cross-country skiers are sharing their trails with fat-tire bikers. 

Emotional Topic

Fat-tire bikes have become a popular winter sport, but they’re not too popular on the Vasa Pathway. The bicycles are a new trend. They’re designed for use on packed snow. 

Some skiers would like to ban them from the trail near Traverse City. Pete LaPlaca is board president of the North American Vasa Ski Race. He says there are safety concerns.

"Our trails are only 11 to 12 feet wide, which makes it difficult for passing or sharing the trails," he says. "Most of the trail systems are 20 feet or more in width and there’s much more room for passing."

The trail is on state land. And the Department of Natural Resources is asking for public comments.

Winter has been long and hard for the entire Midwest but it's been great for Nordic skiers. Both skiers and Vasa organizers hope it will reinvigorate a sport that has been declining in recent years. Jacob Wheeler reports.