NYSEF, in partnership with the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) and New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA), will host a trifecta of Nordic events open to the public from September 24-25 at venues around the Olympic region.

On Saturday, the weekend kicks off with Mount Van Hoevenberg’s Keys To The Castle. Athletes will battle for a spot on the podium to earn the “Keys To The Castle” by roller skiing the World Cup trails at Mount Van Hoevenberg in an epic race of endurance and speed.

Come out to participate or cheer on NYSEF athletes and elite skiers from around the country as they sprint on the rollerski loop at Mount VanHoevenburg!

CALLING ALL YOUTH SKIERS!  On Saturday, a fun ‘youth’ agility course with added ramps and features will be set around the lower rollerski loop at MVH

NYSEF and NENSA coaches will be on hand to help new skiers gain confidence on rollerskis with some fun optional features from 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm.

Bring your own boots and helmet if you have them, with the option to get outfitted with equipment when you arrive!  Find the NYSEF registration tent at the event for more info.

As if that’s not enough, afterward, take to the range with the intense precision of rifle marksmanship in a Biathlon Super Sprint.

On Sunday, race to Whiteface Mountain’s summit during the NYSEF Climb to the Castle race.  Join one of the most anticipated Nordic events of the fall and see if you have what it takes to conquer the castle at Whiteface Mountain’s summit. Ascend 13km of the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway in Wilmington on rollerskis. The 8% grade provides a challenging climb, but the views are incredible!

Come out and conquer the Castle Long Course, or try the new SHORT COURSE option! Waves start at 8 am.

SCHEDULE: Sep 23 — 25, 2022

Friday, Sept 23 

  • 4:00 – 7:00 pm – Early Bib Pickup, Refreshments, and Sales at High Peaks Cyclery

Saturday, Sept 24 | Keys To The Castle | Mt. Van Hoevenberg

  • 8:00 am Day of Race Bib Pickup – Fieldhouse, MVH.
  • 9:00 am – 9:50 am Loop open for warm-up
  • 10:00 am – Sprint Qualifier
  • 10:30am – 11:00am Court Format Round #1
  • 11:00am – 11:30am Court Format Round #2
  • 11:30am – 12:00pm Court Format Round #3
  • 12:15pm – 1:15pm BKL Skills Zone
  • 1:00pm – XC Awards
  • 4:00 – 7:00 pm – Early Bib Pickup, Refreshments, and Sales at High Peaks Cyclery

Saturday, Sept 24 | Biathlon | Mt Van Hoevenberg

  • 1:30 pm Biathlon Zero
  • 2:00 pm Biathlon Super Sprint
  • 4:00 Biathlon Awards

Sunday, Sept 25 | Climb To The Castle | Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway

  • 7:00 am Day of Race Bib Pick Up – Toll Booth
  • 7:45 am Bus departs with all racers to the Short Course Start.
  • 7:50 am Personal vehicles and vans depart to the summit.
  • 8:00 am Races Begin.
  • 10:00 am Post Race Food Available at NYSEF Building at the Whiteface Mountain Base.
  • 11:00 am Awards at Whiteface Mountain Base Lodge (patio, weather pending).

Register online at: Castle Conquest Online Registration (skireg.com)

On-site pre-registration is available on Friday, Sept 23 & Saturday, Sept 24, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at High Peaks Cyclery.