Before the fat guy sings the final aria for this season, I should note two stories about cross-country skiing, one in The New York Times and one on ‘CBS Sunday Morning’.

The New York Times story, written by Nat Herz, of Fasterskier, gives a glimpse into what the Holmenkollen ski marathon means to Norwegians, and the largely liquor-fueled ways they celebrate: “Skis, Songs and Shots at a Supremely Norwegian Sports Festival“

CBS Sunday Morning broadcast a segment on the North American Birkebeiner, which took place last weekend. It is of course a recall to Norwegian heritage with a Midwst vibe: ‘The American Birkebeiner cross-country ski race’

skål