Last weekend I was one of the volunteer photographers at the City of Lakes Loppet, an amazing weekend-long celebration of cross country skiing – and of the great skiing terrain available here in Minneapolis.

I love cross country skiing. I got my first pair of skis when I was four or five, and every time I go out I remember shuffling around our yard, in love with the feeling of gliding over the snow.

Then, every time out, I get to the first hill and re-remember that cross country skiing is not easy. Especially if you’re going 38 km like the racers in the Loppet. It’s this combination of appreciation for the aesthetics of gliding, and the respect for the engine you’ve got to have as a racer, that made me realize last month that I’ve got to start photographing skiers. This is my first batch of images in a collection that will hopefully grow quite a bit over the next couple winter seasons. Enjoy!

In the Birkebeiner tradition

Didn't get a look at this beard after the race, but I know it was epic.

Skiers reserve their spot on the start line with their skis

Johanna Winters - women's freestyle 3rd place finisher - on the line

Poling away from the line

Two members of Team Fischer 15k in

Johanna Winters finishing strong

Here’s the full gallery for more race goodness.

2010 City of Lakes Loppet – Images by Chris Bohnhoff