MORA, Minn. - Chalk up another casualty of the wimpy winter of 2011-2012.
Organizers of the Vasaloppet USA ski race announced over the weekend that the 40th anniversary cross country ski race and associated ski events scheduled for February 12 have been cancelled due to lack of snow.
The official Vasaloppet website relays the following message.
Bright sunshine and rapidly warming temperatures Saturday brought the Vasaloppet USA board of directors to a conclusion they all knew would happen if forecasted warm and sunny weather arrived; cancellation of the 2012 40th anniversary race scheduled for February 12.
Sunny skies and near 40 degree temperatures are forecast for Saturday, Sunday and Monday, which will melt what snow remains on the Knife Lake back-up ski course.
The extended forecast also suggests no large snowfall that could somehow salvage the event.
Skiers that registered for the 2012 race will be mailed a certificate that will give them a $25 discount off of the 2013 race registration.
If there is a bit of good news, it's that a number of non-ski related events associated with the Vasaloppet will be held, although times and dates may change a bit. For more information check out the Vasaloppet website.
Vasaloppet organizers will also host a community appreciation event at the Vasaloppet Nordic Center Complex and ski trails next Sunday for all volunteers, sponsors, and skiers. An orienteering event, hiking, skating, bonfires and food are planned.
The event will begin at 1 p.m. and will run until dusk.
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