Alaska is another state that has never hosted an event before. It also takes a lot of effort to move around, Rowan said. A site selection committee will suggest venues for the following years, which is voted on by the Ski for Light board. The 2000 event, which will mark the 25th anniversary of Ski for Light, will be held at the end of January in Colorado. Ski for Light will provide skis and boots for first time skiers if needed.
Guides have to bring their own or rent equipment.
The only qualification to become a guide is that you already are a proficient cross-country skier. First and second year guides are asked to come in a day before the competition starts to attend guide training groups, both on and off the trails. According to Rowan, one can fail the course. It doesn't happen often, but when it does, it is because the guide simply cannot ski. We cannot expect guides who cannot take themselves down a hill to guide someone down the same hill, Rowan said.