Ski Legends Pass, But Races Live On

Despite the passing of two pioneers, the region’s premier winter events -- the North American VASA and the White Pine Stampede -- are readying for the arrival of racers from across the state and beyond. White Pine founder Jack McKaig died in June last year at 75, and Vojin Baic, co-founder of the VASA, died in December at age 89.
 
But the show, and the race, must go on. “There is a familial feel to the event,” says Beth McKaig of the White Pine Stampede. She is succeeding her late husband as director of the race. “I’m doing a lot of it in honor of him,” she says.
 
The White Pine Stampede, which takes place this Saturday (Feb. 2), offers three distances: a 45-kilometer race, a 20K, and a 10K. It starts in Mancelona and ends in Bellaire at Shanty Creek Resorts. The 45K and 20K end at Summit Village, while the 10K course runs to Schuss Village.
 
Originally proposed as a race through four counties, two dropped out, so the first race became a 50K through the white pine forests of Crawford and Antrim Counties (hence the name). It’s been held every year since 1977, except 2012, when there was not enough snow. McKaig was one of the early organizers and enthusiasts, and served as race director until his death.
 
The North American VASA takes place Feb. 9 and 10. The two-day event features a host of different events: There are six ski races on Freestyle Saturday and four on Sunday, along with two fat tire bike races.
 
The VASA also got its start in 1977, when cross-country enthusiasts Baic (who skied for Yugoslavia in the 1948 Winter Olympics) and Ted Okerstrom, then general manager of the Park Place, put together an event that started at Cherry Capital Airport and ended at Ranch Rudolf, then owned by the Park Place. The two consulted with Tony Wise, who started the Birkebeiner in Wisconsin, now known as North America’s largest cross-country ski marathon.
 
Like the White Pine Stampede, its course has changed over the years. It now is held on a permanent non-motorized trail, the VASA Pathway, east of Traverse City, which is maintained by TART Trails.
 
VASA Board President Mike Haley says he first raced the VASA in 1979 and got involved as a volunteer more than 20 years ago. He says the focus of the race has morphed over the years, hewing more toward a community event than a worldwide race, though it still attracts skiers from all over. “We made the decision to try and be a citizen race, and not be the Birkebeiner,” he says.
 
Both races have seen the number of participants decline from their peak, though Haley and McKaig differ on the reasons. “It’s been a challenge to get youth skiers excited about going out and working hard in 15 degrees,” says Haley with a laugh. “At one time there were over 1,200 in the race. Last year there were under 1,000 people, which includes fat tire bikers.”
 
McKaig sees the fat tire bikes as part of the problem, not the solution. “It’s not a positive,” she says. She sees the increased competition from bikes, snowshoeing and snowboarding, as well as indoor activities like gaming, as negatively impacting the interest in the event and the number of racers.
 
The influence of the cornerstones will continue, as will the races they fostered. Baic’s son Milan won the 51K last year at 58, becoming the oldest man to do so. McKaig says she expects a full house at her home, as family and friends converge to once again ski the White Pine Stampede.
 
While the weather has on occasion played havoc with the races, leading to moves, postponements and even outright cancellation, the outlook for this year is positive. Haley and McKaig both welcome the fresh snow. “I was on the trail and skied out from Timber Ridge. Oh, my, you get out there and stop and listen to nothing,” says Haley.