Nancy Bauer has built a life around skiing. Through their family ski adventures, a cabin near OO, high school, college, club, World Cup and even Olympic competition, the Bauer family has done it all. After 25 Birkies and 10 Korte's, Nancy continues to mentor, coach, volunteer and grow the sport through her tireless dedication and love for skiing. Nothing gets her more excited than to help someone see the joy of being outdoors doing any kind of exercise. She especially loves to support other women of all ages and to build a sisterhood they can rely on. 

Look for her in her funny costumes, repurposed Birkie bib outfits or just cheering you on. She is one of the real legends of our sport!

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Welcome to the Birch Legacies podcast. We are sharing stories celebrating the motivation, the perserverence, and the lifestyle choices necessary to reach the status of Birchlegger - that is, skiers who have completed 20 or more Birkies, Korteloppets, or a combination of both. We would love to hear from Birchleggers young and old (that's you!) who have a story to tell about what keeps them coming back year after year.

If you would like to appear on the podcast, please send Jon Peterson an email at jtpeterson425@gmail.com or you can fill out this form

Learn more about the Birchleggings Club and become a member

Birkie Website

Buy the new book, "American Birkebeiner: The Nations Greatest Ski Marathon" by Jerome Poling

Available at the ...

Jim Coors had a question. How does Birkie performance change with age? As a Birchlegger (36 birkies) Jim was in a unique position to find the answer. He is an agronomy professor with a lifetime of experience analyzing large data sets. Jim took the last 25 years of publicly available Birkie results, crunched the data, and found answers to his question and even answered a few more.

Jim and I talk about his personal Birkie history and then dig into the results he found from his research. The data is linked here so you can dig in after you listen or even follow along as we look into the magical effect skiing has on our long-time performance.

The poem we talked about in the episode: 'A Solitary Ski Track'

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Welcome to the Birch Legacies podcast. We are sharing stories celebrating the motivation, the perserverence, and the lifestyle choices necessary to reach the status of Birchlegger - that is, skiers who have completed 20 or more Birkies, Korteloppets, or a combination of both. We would love to hear from Birchleggers young and old (that's you!) who have a story to tell about what keeps them coming back year after year.

If you would like to appear on the podcast, please send Jon Peterson an email at jtpeterson425@gmail.com or you can fill out this form

Learn more about the Birchleggings Club and become a member

Birkie Website

Buy the new book, "American Birkebeiner: The Nations Greatest Ski Marathon" by Jerome Poling

Available at the ...

College buddies, Mike Sund and Scott Clements first took on the Birkie challenge as UW Madison students. Now, about to ski their 38th Birkie over 40 years later, they reflect on the meaning the Birkie has brought to their lives. Through several moves, now grown families, and cabins in the Hayward area, both Mike and Scott are committed to keeping the Birkie flame burning brightly for themselves and the many people in their lives who have joined them. Almost everyone I've met has close friends who got them started, or who motivate them to keep going. I'm thrilled to share this enduring friendship as an example of such a relationship.

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Welcome to the Birch Legacies podcast. We are sharing stories celebrating the motivation, the perserverence, and the lifestyle choices necessary to reach the status of Birchlegger - that is, skiers who have completed 20 or more Birkies, Korteloppets, or a combination of both. We would love to hear from Birchleggers young and old (that's you!) who have a story to tell about what keeps them coming back year after year.

If you would like to appear on the podcast, please send Jon Peterson an email at jtpeterson425@gmail.com or you can fill out this form

Learn more about the Birchleggings Club and become a member

Birkie Website

Buy the new book, "American Birkebeiner: The Nations Greatest Ski Marathon" by Jerome Poling

Available at the ...

Winning the Birkie once puts you into the history books. Winning the skate Birkie, the classic birkie, and both the skate and classic Korte's makes you a legend in the long history of this great event. Kelly Skillicorn is the only person to have won all four major Birkie events. Another aspect of her feat is that her two Birkie wins were 20 years apart: 1988 and 2008. Kelly's story begins in high school in Blaine, Minnesota in the early 80's (before skate skiing) and continues today as she lines up for her 25th Birkie in 2026. 

Her description of those winning races and other memorable Birkies is fun to hear for those of us not in the lead pack. She appreciates  those special days when the course is like a snow globe and when all the factors - wax, skis, temperature, and body - are working in your favor.

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Welcome to the Birch Legacies podcast. We are sharing stories celebrating the motivation, the perserverence, and the lifestyle choices necessary to reach the status of Birchlegger - that is, skiers who have completed 20 or more Birkies, Korteloppets, or a combination of both. We would love to hear from Birchleggers young and old (that's you!) who have a story to tell about what keeps them coming back year after year.

If you would like to appear on the podcast, please send Jon Peterson an email at jtpeterson425@gmail.com or you can fill out this form

Learn more about the Birchleggings Club and become a member

Birkie Website

Buy the new book, "American Birkebeiner: The Nations Greatest Ski Marathon" by Jerome Poling

Available at the ...

Kurt Schroeder of LaCrosse, Wisconsin is the perfect example of a Birchlegger who just enjoys the year-round camaraderie of like-minded people who want to stay fit. His 'EMAG' group in LaCrosse is an inter-generational bunch of men and women who will go out with headlamps at 5:30 in the morning to bike, ski and run together. Kurt's philosophy is to just enjoy the experience and not worry about your place in the race. Now, with his 45th race just ahead, he is looking forward to starting in the 'Spirit of 35" wave and looking back on the many experiences that brought him to the front line. 

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Welcome to the Birch Legacies podcast. We are sharing stories celebrating the motivation, the perserverence, and the lifestyle choices necessary to reach the status of Birchlegger - that is, skiers who have completed 20 or more Birkies, Korteloppets, or a combination of both. We would love to hear from Birchleggers young and old (that's you!) who have a story to tell about what keeps them coming back year after year.

If you would like to appear on the podcast, please send Jon Peterson an email at jtpeterson425@gmail.com or you can fill out this form

Learn more about the Birchleggings Club and become a member

Birkie Website

Buy the new book, "American Birkebeiner: The Nations Greatest Ski Marathon" by Jerome Poling

Available at the ...

My guest, Duncan McLean was too young to ski the first Birkebeiner in 1973, but he skied, and won, the first 'Korteloppet' that day, before it was called the Korte. He has some fantastic memories of the early days of the Birkie and the people who were there to create what we see today. Duncan has a real reverence and sense of gratitude for those who helped him see the joy of skiing in those days. He has had many careers and many roles in skiing. He's been on the National development team, a coach, and a mentor to many. In 2026, he lines up on the 'Spirit of 35' starting line for the first time. I think you'll enjoy hearing from one of the all-time great skiers and great people who have skied the Birke trail for five decades.

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Welcome to the Birch Legacies podcast. We are sharing stories celebrating the motivation, the perserverence, and the lifestyle choices necessary to reach the status of Birchlegger - that is, skiers who have completed 20 or more Birkies, Korteloppets, or a combination of both. We would love to hear from Birchleggers young and old (that's you!) who have a story to tell about what keeps them coming back year after year.

If you would like to appear on the podcast, please send Jon Peterson an email at jtpeterson425@gmail.com or you can fill out this form

Learn more about the Birchleggings Club and become a member

Birkie Website

Buy the new book, "American Birkebeiner: The Nations Greatest Ski Marathon" by Jerome Poling

Available at the ...

Jerry Poling is the author of the new book "American Birkebeiner: The Nation's Greatest Ski Marathon" published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press.

A Birchlegger himself with 25 Birkies and 4 Kortes under his belt, Jerry is the perfect person to chronicle the Birkie's first 50 years. He is an experienced journalist and has written four other books. 

We had a great time talking about his own Birkie experiences and how those inspired him to write the book. He conducted countless hours of research, interviews, and deep dives into the Birkie archives to combine personal stories, key moments in the race's history, and some surprising facts about this epic challenge. The book also includes over 150 photos! He has a great respect for those who made the race happen and for the race's influence on all who ski it.

Buy the book:

Available at the Wisconsin Historical Society Press

and online at The Birkie Store or in-person at the store.

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Welcome to the Birch Legacies podcast. We are sharing stories celebrating the motivation, the perserverence, and the lifestyle choices necessary to reach the status of Birchlegger - that is, skiers who have completed 20 or more Birkies, Korteloppets, or a combination of both. We would love to hear from Birchleggers young and old (that's you!) who have a story to tell about what keeps them coming back year after year.

If you would like to appear on the podcast, please send Jon Peterson an email at jtpeterson425@gmail.com or you can fill out this form

Learn more about the Birchleggings Club and become a member

Birkie Website

Buy the new book, "American Birkebeiner: The Nations Greatest Ski Marathon" by Jerome Poling

Available at the ...

Ian Duncan's journey to the Birkie start line is pretty unusual. There probably aren't many Edinburgh, Scotland boarding school students who end up skiing 39 Birkies. Even fewer who can count Bjorn Daehlie as a friend. Dr. Ian Duncan has spent his life working to find solutions to Multiple Sclerosis and other brain disorders in his career at UW Madison. His research is ongoing and still productive so he continues his efforts even after retiring from teaching at the University. About 15 years ago, he was part of the team who organized the Ski for a Cure efforts on behalf of MS research and together they raised $300,000 dollars toward that cause. In doing so, he was able to bring Bjorn Daehlie and Vegard Ulvang to help raise interest and awareness for that work.

The 2013 Wisconsin Public Television documentary, 'MS, the Vikings and Nordic Skiing' tells the story of six skiers (3 in Norway and 3 in the US) with MS who train to ski their respective Birkies. It's a really interesting story and I recommend it to everyone. Ian was instrumental in producing this story, and is featured in it.

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Welcome to the Birch Legacies podcast. We are sharing stories celebrating the motivation, the perserverence, and the lifestyle choices necessary to reach the status of Birchlegger - that is, skiers who have completed 20 or more Birkies, Korteloppets, or a combination of both. We would love to hear from Birchleggers young and old (that's you!) who have a story to tell about what keeps them coming back year after year.

If you would like to appear on the podcast, please send Jon Peterson an email at jtpeterson425@gmail.com or you can fill out this form

Learn more about the Birchleggings Club and become a member

Birkie Website

Buy the new book, "American Birkebeiner: The Nations Greatest Ski Marathon" by Jerome Poling

Available at the ...

From his youth in western Massachusetts to living in northwestern Wisconsin, Jim Kelley probably wouldn't have scripted it this way. But, a chance encounter in Florida led him to move across the country to become a Birkie skier - now a Birchlegger with 27 Birkies under his belt -  who thinks about the Birkie everyday.

Jim is a very accomplished runner with a background in wildlife management and a career working for the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service. His love for the outdoors began as a high school skier and ski jumper and continues today as he looks for any opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Wisconsin north woods.

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Welcome to the Birch Legacies podcast. We are sharing stories celebrating the motivation, the perserverence, and the lifestyle choices necessary to reach the status of Birchlegger - that is, skiers who have completed 20 or more Birkies, Korteloppets, or a combination of both. We would love to hear from Birchleggers young and old (that's you!) who have a story to tell about what keeps them coming back year after year.

If you would like to appear on the podcast, please send Jon Peterson an email at jtpeterson425@gmail.com or you can fill out this form

Learn more about the Birchleggings Club and become a member

Birkie Website

Buy the new book, "American Birkebeiner: The Nations Greatest Ski Marathon" by Jerome Poling

Available at the ...

Scott Cooper's commitment to the Birkie is hard to match. From naming his son Birk to employing a Birkie clause in his will, Scott's 40 Birkies are just one part of the story. He has made the Birkie a central part of his life and his family and friends share in the experience in many ways.

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Welcome to the Birch Legacies podcast. We are sharing stories celebrating the motivation, the perserverence, and the lifestyle choices necessary to reach the status of Birchlegger - that is, skiers who have completed 20 or more Birkies, Korteloppets, or a combination of both. We would love to hear from Birchleggers young and old (that's you!) who have a story to tell about what keeps them coming back year after year.

If you would like to appear on the podcast, please send Jon Peterson an email at jtpeterson425@gmail.com or you can fill out this form

Learn more about the Birchleggings Club and become a member

Birkie Website

Buy the new book, "American Birkebeiner: The Nations Greatest Ski Marathon" by Jerome Poling

Available at the ...

John Kotar is a Birkie Founder, creator of the Birchleggings Club, and former member of the ABSF Board of Directors. He completed the Birkie 39 times, as well as the Canadian and Norwegian Birkebeiners, many World Loppet races, and innumerable local and regional races. His story is a unique one and his perspective is at once personal and universal to every Birkie skier. I think you will enjoy John's telling of the first ever Birkie and his poignant recollections of everything the Birkie has meant to him and others.  

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Welcome to the Birch Legacies podcast. We are sharing stories celebrating the motivation, the perserverence, and the lifestyle choices necessary to reach the status of Birchlegger - that is, skiers who have completed 20 or more Birkies, Korteloppets, or a combination of both. We would love to hear from Birchleggers young and old (that's you!) who have a story to tell about what keeps them coming back year after year.

If you would like to appear on the podcast, please send Jon Peterson an email at jtpeterson425@gmail.com or you can fill out this form

Learn more about the Birchleggings Club and become a member

Birkie Website

Buy the new book, "American Birkebeiner: The Nations Greatest Ski Marathon" by Jerome Poling

Available at the ...

Travis Hinck graduated from Park Center High School in 2001. He has skied every Birkie since then and now has 23 Birkies under his belt. This makes him one of the youngest class of Birchleggers. In those years his life has evolved like so many in his age group. He now has a young family and his approach to skiing the Birkie has evolved as well. I think most skiers can relate to the changing demands on our time over the years and the benefits of making the Birkie (and skiing) a family affair. 

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Welcome to the Birch Legacies podcast. We are sharing stories celebrating the motivation, the perserverence, and the lifestyle choices necessary to reach the status of Birchlegger - that is, skiers who have completed 20 or more Birkies, Korteloppets, or a combination of both. We would love to hear from Birchleggers young and old (that's you!) who have a story to tell about what keeps them coming back year after year.

If you would like to appear on the podcast, please send Jon Peterson an email at jtpeterson425@gmail.com or you can fill out this form

Learn more about the Birchleggings Club and become a member

Birkie Website

Buy the new book, "American Birkebeiner: The Nations Greatest Ski Marathon" by Jerome Poling

Available at the ...

Michael Schaefer is a Sports Medicine physician who grew up in Northern Wisconsin but has spent his entire adult life skiing in the Cleveland, Ohio area. He has managed to train for and ski the Birkie 26 times and even spent some years in the elite wave. His dad skied 33 Birkies and both his parents were expert skiers who encouraged his whole family to get outdoors year-round. Michael shares stories of the early years in Wisconsin, 'skivangelizing' in the Ohio ski scene, and the deep connections that skiing has helped to create for family and friends. He even hands out some tips about staying healthy, fit, and well-balanced as we plan to return to the Birkie start line each February.    

Dad (Phil) did 33 Birkies, Mom (Jean) did 8 or 9, Sister Bethany 20, Cousin Steve Weber 30, Dad's dear friend Ed Clary retired at 82 with 35 Birkies!

- Michael talked about the app he uses called 'Whoop' to monitor his training using a wearable device

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Welcome to the Birch Legacies podcast. We are sharing stories celebrating the motivation, the perserverence, and the lifestyle choices necessary to reach the status of Birchlegger - that is, skiers who have completed 20 or more Birkies, Korteloppets, or a combination of both. We would love to hear from Birchleggers young and old (that's you!) who have a story to tell about what keeps them coming back year after year.

If you would like to appear on the podcast, please send Jon Peterson an email at jtpeterson425@gmail.com or you can fill out this form

Learn more about the Birchleggings Club and become a member

Birkie Website

Buy the new book, "American Birkebeiner: The Nations Greatest Ski Marathon" by Jerome Poling

Available at the ...

Terry Berry skied 41 Birkies and lived his life like so many Birchleggers - skiing, training, and creating a legacy for others to appreciate and to follow. Terry's wife, Diane shares stories from their time together and how she and Terry, along with family and friends, created memories they'll never forget. 

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Welcome to the Birch Legacies podcast. We are sharing stories celebrating the motivation, the perserverence, and the lifestyle choices necessary to reach the status of Birchlegger - that is, skiers who have completed 20 or more Birkies, Korteloppets, or a combination of both. We would love to hear from Birchleggers young and old (that's you!) who have a story to tell about what keeps them coming back year after year.

If you would like to appear on the podcast, please send Jon Peterson an email at jtpeterson425@gmail.com or you can fill out this form

Learn more about the Birchleggings Club and become a member

Birkie Website

Buy the new book, "American Birkebeiner: The Nations Greatest Ski Marathon" by Jerome Poling

Available at the ...

Kim Rudd is a parent, a coach, an adventure travel leader, and an elite wave Birchlegger! In every role she aims to inspire and empower others to enjoy the outdoors and all the challenges and the beauty one can find there. 

Kim has found the balance necessary to ski fast while being grateful for the ability to be in the woods flying along the trails wherever they take you.

Kim's adventure travel company: Endurance Adventures

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Welcome to the Birch Legacies podcast. We are sharing stories celebrating the motivation, the perserverence, and the lifestyle choices necessary to reach the status of Birchlegger - that is, skiers who have completed 20 or more Birkies, Korteloppets, or a combination of both. We would love to hear from Birchleggers young and old (that's you!) who have a story to tell about what keeps them coming back year after year.

If you would like to appear on the podcast, please send Jon Peterson an email at jtpeterson425@gmail.com or you can fill out this form

Learn more about the Birchleggings Club and become a member

Birkie Website

Buy the new book, "American Birkebeiner: The Nations Greatest Ski Marathon" by Jerome Poling

Available at the ...

In 2004 after preparing to ski his best Birkie ever, Thom Gerst had one of the most memorable Birkies he could have imagined. Just not the way he thought...

Listen to Thom tell his story of the one-ski Birkie as first published in the Birch Scroll that year. Thom then tells us what he has been up to since then and how he keeps active in his post-Birkie life.

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Welcome to the Birch Legacies podcast. We are sharing stories celebrating the motivation, the perserverence, and the lifestyle choices necessary to reach the status of Birchlegger - that is, skiers who have completed 20 or more Birkies, Korteloppets, or a combination of both. We would love to hear from Birchleggers young and old (that's you!) who have a story to tell about what keeps them coming back year after year.

If you would like to appear on the podcast, please send Jon Peterson an email at jtpeterson425@gmail.com or you can fill out this form

Learn more about the Birchleggings Club and become a member

Birkie Website

Buy the new book, "American Birkebeiner: The Nations Greatest Ski Marathon" by Jerome Poling

Available at the ...

In this episode we speak with Kitty Earl-Tornianen who has been an elite wave skier for many years even as she has reached Birchlegger status. Kitty shares her year-round commitment to staying fit and continuing to compete at the highest level. Spoiler alert: it takes hard work and dedication to doing the hard things. As she says, "It's fun because it's so hard!"

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Welcome to the Birch Legacies podcast. We are sharing stories celebrating the motivation, the perserverence, and the lifestyle choices necessary to reach the status of Birchlegger - that is, skiers who have completed 20 or more Birkies, Korteloppets, or a combination of both. We would love to hear from Birchleggers young and old (that's you!) who have a story to tell about what keeps them coming back year after year.

If you would like to appear on the podcast, please send Jon Peterson an email at jtpeterson425@gmail.com or you can fill out this form

Learn more about the Birchleggings Club and become a member

Birkie Website

Buy the new book, "American Birkebeiner: The Nations Greatest Ski Marathon" by Jerome Poling

Available at the ...

Jeff Ingram is a year-round silent sports athlete who counts biking as his number one sport. However, once he took up skiing the Birkie as a way to stay in shape over the winter, he was hooked on the experience. Jeff shares some of his favorite memories about those early Birkies and how he has "done everything wrong" over the years. Jeff's story demonstrates that even if the Birkie isn't the main thing you focus on all year, it can still be part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

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Welcome to the Birch Legacies podcast. We are sharing stories celebrating the motivation, the perserverence, and the lifestyle choices necessary to reach the status of Birchlegger - that is, skiers who have completed 20 or more Birkies, Korteloppets, or a combination of both. We would love to hear from Birchleggers young and old (that's you!) who have a story to tell about what keeps them coming back year after year.

If you would like to appear on the podcast, please send Jon Peterson an email at jtpeterson425@gmail.com or you can fill out this form

Learn more about the Birchleggings Club and become a member

Birkie Website

Buy the new book, "American Birkebeiner: The Nations Greatest Ski Marathon" by Jerome Poling

Available at the ...

In this episode I interview my good friend Gary Gerst, who got me started on my Birkie journey. Gary shares stories of his first Birkie, a helpful Norwegian, and wool knicker envy. In 2025 he is skiing his 45th Birkie from wave 35. 

Gary has a great perspective on what it takes to finish the Birkie and how his priorities have changed over the years. He also shares some of his successes and struggles over the years. Please enjoy his reflections about living the Birkie life all year round.

Our inspirational song:

Da Juchitzer by Hubert von Guisern (if the link doesn't work - look it up - its worth at least one listen) 

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Welcome to the Birch Legacies podcast. We are sharing stories celebrating the motivation, the perserverence, and the lifestyle choices necessary to reach the status of Birchlegger - that is, skiers who have completed 20 or more Birkies, Korteloppets, or a combination of both. We would love to hear from Birchleggers young and old (that's you!) who have a story to tell about what keeps them coming back year after year.

If you would like to appear on the podcast, please send Jon Peterson an email at jtpeterson425@gmail.com or you can fill out this form

Learn more about the Birchleggings Club and become a member

Birkie Website

Buy the new book, "American Birkebeiner: The Nations Greatest Ski Marathon" by Jerome Poling

Available at the ...

Our first episode features Paul Thompson, the President of the Birchleggings club. Paul is a great example of a Birkie skier who has turned his passion for the outdoors into a platform to improve the world. Paul uses his voice to draw attention to preserving the health of winter so that generations of skiers can continue to enjoy our beloved race for another 50 years and beyond.

Paul's links: 

Cool Planet skiers

Citizens' Climate Lobby

Board member RPCVs for Environmental Action

Board Member MNRPCV

President Birchleggings Club  20+ completed Birkies

Founder and Co-Director Cool Planet- Neighborhood FUN~Action for Our Planet

Special Operations- Citizens’ Climate Lobby- Political Will for a Livable Future

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Welcome to the Birch Legacies podcast. We are sharing stories celebrating the motivation, the perserverence, and the lifestyle choices necessary to reach the status of Birchlegger - that is, skiers who have completed 20 or more Birkies, Korteloppets, or a combination of both. We would love to hear from Birchleggers young and old (that's you!) who have a story to tell about what keeps them coming back year after year.

If you would like to appear on the podcast, please send Jon Peterson an email at jtpeterson425@gmail.com or you can fill out this form

Learn more about the Birchleggings Club and become a member

Birkie Website

Buy the new book, "American Birkebeiner: The Nations Greatest Ski Marathon" by Jerome Poling

Available at the ...