Event overview
Soo Finnish Nordic and Hiawatha Highlands are pleased to co-host the 2025 Ontario University Athletics Nordic Skiing Championships in Sault Ste. Marie with Algoma University.
We will be welcoming over 150 athletes and support staff from 11 universities to the premiere inter-University Nordic ski event in Ontario. Not only will these athletes be celebrating sport, including friendship, respect, and excellence together, they will be competing to achieve personal bests and podium finishes, and will be earning points for overall team banners. OUA All-Stars will be awarded to the first 10 overall skiers with the lowest combined total time in the classic and free technique events. In addition, Coach of the Year is also awarded to the coach with the most votes at the conclusion of the Championship. The races are sanctioned as a Nordiq Canada Tier 2 Event, abiding by all relevant Nordiq Canada racing rules, and also awards Canadian points (CPL) to those athletes with race licenses.
Results and event information will be updated here on Zone4.ca.
Schedule and course information
Each race is to commence at 9:30AM, with support staff arriving on site to test and prepare skis by approximately 6AM each morning.
- Thursday, Feb 20: Training day starting at 9AM
- Friday, Feb 21: 15 km interval start in free technique and 4 km Para Nordic Sit Ski
- Saturday, Feb 22: 12 km mass start in classic technique and 6 km Para Nordic Sit Ski
- Sunday, Feb 23: 15 km (3 X 5 km) team relay in classic technique
All races will occur on the Crystal Creek trail system, including extensions and the Kinsmen Lighted 2 km. The course is closed (no recreational user access permitted – ski, fat bike, or snowshoe). Athletes will be using all Hiawatha Highlands trail systems for their warm-ups and wax testing.
The Pinder and Red Pine trail systems remain open to trail pass holders to use. Mabel Lake (and Farmer Lake) trails may be accessed by the Connor Road parking lot only.
Recognition
Thank you for supporting this event that benefits our community, Ontario university skiers, the City of Sault Ste. Marie and its local businesses.
This event could not happen without 80 volunteers (each day), the organizing committee, Canadian Ski Patrol, Sault Search and Rescue, and the staff at both Hiawatha Highlands and Algoma University who are giving countless hours to ensure this competition is fair, fun, and safe with quality trails, and fast and accurate timing.
Thank you to all of our local businesses and partners for supporting this race.
Information summary for Club members, trail pass holders, and the public
- 2025 Ontario University Athletics Nordic Skiing Championship with over 150 athletes and support staff from universities across Ontario
- Event begins Thursday, with races on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- The Red Pine and Pinder trail systems, Mabel Lake and Farmer Lake (from Connor Rd) will remain open to recreational users. Trail passes continue to be available for purchase at Hiawatha Highlands at 780 Landslide Rd or hiawathahighlands.com.
- The Crystal Trail System, including extensions, and the Kinsmen 2 km, will be closed Friday, February 20 through to Sunday, February 23. Trails will reopen upon event completion (approximately 1PM on Sunday). This applies to all recreational users; ski, snowshoe, and fat bike.
- Jackrabbits/youth programs will not formally operate on Feb 22; families are encouraged to watch the races and cheer for all the athletes.
- Races will occur in the morning and end early in the afternoon; there will be increased traffic on Landslide Rd and the Hiawatha Highlands maintained parking lots – please drive with caution and consider planning your recreational trail use for mid afternoon to reduce congestion.
- Access to the Blue Clubhouse parking lot (769 Landslide Rd) will be restricted beginning Wednesday, February 19.
- Parking at the Bible Fellowship Church (756 Landslide Rd) is not permitted on Sundays for any trail users.
Questions?
Please contact Hiawatha Highlands at 705-256-7258 or [email protected] for general information, or competition specific messages can be sent to [email protected].
