LEARN FROM THE BEST IN XC
Alder Creek Adventure Center, Alder Creek Cafe, Association News, Cross Country Ski Area, FeaturedBY CYNTHIA CENDREDA
TDXC’s Sunday Skills Clinics Offer Expert-Level Coaching From XC’s Top “Celebrities!”
As a world-class cross country skiing facility, Tahoe Donner’s Cross Country Ski Center is proud to host skills development clinics with some of the industry’s best athletes, coaches and pioneers of the sport. The Sunday Skills Clinics are unique opportunities to receive top-tier coaching in classic and skate skiing to help you dial in your technique and motivate you to your next PR. Learn more about this season’s lineup.
Marcus Nash
What is your background in XC skiing?
I’ve been cross country skiing for 48 years. I started when I was 5 years old. I raced competitively from the age of 9-29. I spent eight years on the U.S. Ski Team and three years competing for the University of Utah. I’m a two-time Olympian and nine-time national champion.
What keeps you motivated or inspired as an XC skier?
I love the peace and tranquility of Nordic skiing. I can do it alone or with a group of friends. Of course, 48 years later, I still focus on my technique!
What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you about XC skiing?
Just have fun and enjoy what nature has to offer. Ski at your own pace, and the more you do it, the easier it becomes.
Where is your favorite place to ski at TDXC?
You’ll find me skiing off Hawk’s Peak to the Euer Valley on I’m OK Euer OK when the conditions are favorable.
When not skiing, we’d most likely find you…
Grooming the TDXC trails, flying airplanes or playing guitar.
Glenn Jobe
What is your background in XC skiing?
I grew up downhill skiing at the Cedar Pass ski hill, which my parents helped run, in Alturas, California. At the University of Nevada in Reno in 1972, I moved from the alpine team to the cross country ski team when we were short an XC ski racer to compete for team points at a college meet at Mount Shasta. I experienced some initial success, so I decided to stick with it. I won a race at Kirkwood Mountain, which led me back there after graduation to run Kirkwood Cross Country for 13 years. Still training and racing to compete on the national level, I found my path on the Biathlon Team, where I raced internationally for four years. I was also a member of the U.S. Olympic Biathlon team in 1980.
In 1984, my friend Peter Werbel asked me to take a look at the potential at Tahoe Donner for a new cross country ski area. It was started in 1985 in an old horse barn on the same site as the Alder Creek Adventure Center. I sold the XC business in 1993, which was eventually bought by Tahoe Donner. It’s been the best thing to happen for the continued success and improvements of this cross country ski area.
Over these years, I helped coach and lead trips for the Far West junior Nordic program. I still enjoy competing in long-distance classic technique races. This March, I’m headed to my third Norwegian Birkebeiner.
What keeps you motivated or inspired as an XC skier?
I classic ski pretty much exclusively. It’s what comes most naturally to me and feels most fluid. Working with folks on technique, watching them improve and seeing their enjoyment really grow inspires me to keep teaching. I love seeing the young people I’ve coached over the years become awesome adults doing amazing things, returning to the area and enjoying skiing with their family and friends.
When skiing for myself, I’ll think about my technique. Even now, I’m still figuring out weight shift, body position and how to get maximum grip and glide. I still enjoy using grip ski waxes, and when that doesn’t work just perfectly, I love using the new ‘skin’ skis. Skiing is great for my mental and physical health, either quietly by myself or socially with others.
I still get those “oh wow” moments when out early on the trails, whether it’s the perfect tracks or I’m struck by the winter beauty and solitude. Skiing for 50+ years, I like that this sport has been pretty easy on my body. I want to stay healthy and active, and XC skiing is a big part of that. This winter, I’m working with a trainer on a workout plan for competing this Spring to get some new advice and to keep my training on track and motivated. We’ll see!
What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you about XC skiing?
From a rural upbringing, my parents instilled in me the belief that I could do anything and be anyone. They gave me the work ethic not to give up, keep trying, find a way, and see it through.
Where is your favorite place to ski at TDXC?
I love going up to Firewalker, Hastings, Crazyhorse and Andromeda. In the valley, High Noon is my favorite.
When not skiing, we’d most likely find you…
Spring through early winter, you can find me helping my neighbors in Sierra Valley with all kinds of ranch work and cattle chores. It’s work that keeps me on horseback and trying to keep pace with my young ranch family neighbors. It’s the kind of work and lifestyle I grew up with, and it’s great to still be doing it. Some folks might be surprised, but in summer, between my running shoes, mountain bikes or horses, I’d choose horses; that’s my happy place, my roots.
Paul Petersen
What is your background in XC skiing?
I was first coached by my Norwegian dad (Reidar), a racer, jumper and ski instructor. This led to a passion for cross country skiing, racing and teaching/coaching. Over four decades, I developed the XC trail system at Bear Valley, California. During that time, I was selected to the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) National Team for XC and Telemark skiing. This twelve-year term deepened my understanding of cross country ski technique and how to teach the various disciplines.
At that time, classic was being refined, skating was being popularized and telemark skiing was gaining a serious following. Lately, I have had the opportunity to stay current with the evolving PSIA teaching and accreditation processes and have enjoyed learning from all my colleagues in PSIA as well as other spheres of XC influence.
What keeps you motivated or inspired as an XC skier?
I have a lot of “fast friends” in my home area of Bear Valley and the Truckee/Tahoe and Mammoth areas that I love to keep up with. I have to ski a lot to stay in shape for that. The TD staff, from Sally to Andrea and all the rest of the awesome folks who make TDXC happen, provide motivation as well. U.S. Ski Team frontwoman Jessie Diggins also inspires me, too!
What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you about XC skiing?
Keep cross country skiing, and you will never grow old!
Where is your favorite place to ski at TDXC?
When available, I’m OK Euer OK, or Crabtree/Showdown and Drifter/Far Side when it is not.
When not skiing, we’d most likely find you…
The most correct answer is having great outdoor adventures with my wife. However, you might also find me on a mountain bike, sometimes on the Tahoe Donner trails!
Martin Benes
What is your background in XC skiing?
I grew up skiing in the Truckee area before getting into racing during high school. I competed at the NCAA Division 1 level and then transitioned into coaching. I’ve been fortunate to work with some top programs and athletes. Having grown up as a weekend-only skier, I love the opportunity to get out and ski every day.
What keeps you motivated or inspired as an XC skier?
There are a few things. One is the amazing trails we have at Tahoe Donner and around Truckee. I’m inspired to get out and ski to enjoy nature and the outdoors in winter. As a coach and instructor, I’m inspired to help everyone fall in love with XC skiing.
Last but not least, I view cross country skiing as a lifelong sport and am motivated to stay fit so that I can keep XC skiing for the years and decades to come!
What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you about XC skiing?
I had a teammate who used to say, “Every downhill is a dance party.” It’s a reminder that it’s a fun sport and to never lose the sense of play on skis.
Where is your favorite place to ski at TDXC?
I love the trails at Tahoe Donner. It’s hard to pick just one spot, but I am partial to Andromeda and Showdown! Both are super fun trails going up and down and offer great views.
When not skiing, we’d most likely find you…
In summer, you’ll find me either running or mountain biking on the trails. Year-round, I’m also in the kitchen trying new recipes – I’ve got to fuel all that XC skiing!
Gyongyver Ridenour
What is your background in XC skiing?
I competed at the national level for Romania in cross country skiing for 13 years, gaining invaluable experience and a profound connection to the sport. Cross country skiing instilled discipline, resilience and the importance of a strong mindset in overcoming challenges.
Now, in the Tahoe region, I share my passion by teaching others to refine their technique and develop the mindset needed to tackle obstacles and fully embrace the sport’s rewards. My goal is to help others experience the joy and empowerment this sport has brought into my life.
What keeps you motivated or inspired as an XC skier?
Cross country skiing inspires me through its connection to nature and the challenges it offers. Gliding through snowy landscapes fuels my spirit, while the sport’s physical and mental demands drive me to grow.
What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you about XC skiing?
The best advice I ever received about cross country skiing was to focus on the rhythm of your movements, not just the technique. Finding a natural flow and pacing yourself helps conserve energy and makes skiing more enjoyable, especially during long sessions or races.
Where is your favorite place to ski at TDXC?
My favorite trail at TDXC is Euer Valley. I love the natural beauty and the long stretch of trail that winds through the valley. It fills me with happiness and brings peace to every cell in my body.
When not skiing, we’d most likely find you…
When I’m not skiing, you’ll most likely find me balancing my passion for entrepreneurship with family life. I run two businesses: GyoHarmony, where I offer yoga, sound healing and holistic services to help others find balance and peace (www.gyoharmony.com), and Tahoe Zen Cleaning, where I take pride in creating clean and harmonious spaces for my clients. When I’m not working, I love spending quality time with my 10-year-old, cherishing every moment together.