Tour of Meissner 2025 Interview
On the third weekend of January each year, Nordic skiers across the region flock to Meissner Sno-Park for the Tour of Meissner, a 17km and 30km classic technique event offering skiers of all experience levels an opportunity to test their skills while soaking in Meissner’s welcoming and spirited atmosphere. Ahead of this year’s Tour, we sat down with organizer Ben Husaby to discuss what makes the Tour of Meissner so special and what skiers can look forward to at this year’s event. The 2025 Tour of Meissner will take place on January 19th, and registration closes on Wednesday January 15 at 11:59 pm. Register here, or contact Ben Husaby to volunteer.
When asked about his motivation for taking on the role of organizer, Ben Husaby’s response was heartfelt. “It’s about community,” he explained. “We’re here for the people who make Meissner great. The event’s not just about who’s the fastest skier—it’s about creating an experience that’s welcoming to everyone.”
Husaby, who’s lived and skied all over the world, both as an elite racer and a coach, also feels like the Tour’s a valuable opportunity to highlight a special Nordic ski area. “[Meissner’s] like nowhere else. That can’t be underestimated. People that don’t know… they need to know that they’re really lucky.”
The Tour’s course is designed to showcase nearly the entire Meissner trail network, with exit points available for those who want to modify their distance. “There are so many people that ski up at Meissner that normally would not race,” Husaby said. “I would never want someone to think, oh, I’m not going to do that because I feel really intimidated or threatened.” Safety is a key focus, with radio-equipped volunteers stationed throughout the course. “The medical aspect is always on our minds, but the community’s familiarity with the trails and our volunteer network along the course helps ensure a safe experience.”
Husaby’s long-term goal for the tour is ambitious but clear: to grow the event to 300 participants, making it one of the largest classic skiing gatherings in the western United States. Grinning, the organizer noted, “Reaching that number would mean logistical challenges, like managing parking, but it’s a challenge I’d love to have. It’s all part of creating something truly special.”
The event relies heavily on volunteers and sponsors, and Husaby couldn’t emphasize their importance enough. “It’s amazing how people step up,” Husaby said. “From managing parking to staffing aid stations, the Tour wouldn’t happen without them.” This year, Husaby’s seeking additional volunteers for aid stations, timing, and sweeping. “Volunteering is a fun way to connect with the community and be part of something meaningful,” he noted.
When asked about memorable stories, the organizer’s face lit up. “There’s this group of women who always ski in costumes to celebrate a birthday,” he recalled fondly. “It’s those kinds of moments that make the Tour so unique.”
Another story involved a determined older skier who pushed through to finish the course, motivated by the encouragement of friends on the trails and the event’s supportive atmosphere. “Those moments remind me why we do this,” the organizer said.
The Tour of Meissner is poised for growth, but the organizer is committed to preserving its welcoming energy. As in previous years, this year’s event promises tasty food and a raffle for participants. Plans for the future include incremental improvements to course logistics and timing equipment, and Ben hopes to one day bring in live music to enhance the festive atmosphere at the finish. “Ultimately, it’s about making sure everyone feels like they belong,” the organizer concluded. “Whether you’re skiing for the first time or have been part of the Tour for years, there’s a place for you here.”
For those eager for more, Meissner’s teamed up with Teacup Nordic at Mount Hood to create the inaugural Oregon Classic Cup. “It’s a grassroots effort,” Husaby shared, “but it’s already creating excitement with awards and shared traditions, like the teacups for folks who complete both the Tour of Meissner and the Teacup Classic.” In addition to commemorative swag, Classic Cup finishers will be entered into a raffle for a weekend stay at Sylvies Ranch in Eastern Oregon.
“I don’t think you can underestimate how important it is for Nordic skiers to actually connect. We’re such individuals. We have our own little pods,” Husaby said. “We either do it by ourselves or we do it with our small group. But it’s not very often that everybody in this particular community comes together.”
Whether as a participant or volunteer, the Tour of Meissner offers a chance to experience the best of classic skiing and community connection. Visit the Tour page on the Meissner website for details and join the celebration of this beloved tradition.
The 2025 Tour of Meissner
Date: Sunday, January 19th, 2025.
Location: Start and Finish at Meissner Lodge
Time: Waves start at 8am, and the finish festival concludes at 1pm.
Race Format: 17 km and 30 km, Classic
Registration: Register here. Suggested Donation is $30. Registration closes Wednesday January 15 at 11:59 pm.
Thank you to our Tour of Meissner sponsors: 2nd Street Bungalow, Bendistillery, Bjorn Daehlie Sportswear, Common Ground, Crux Fermentation Project, Free Range Equipment, Magnetic Meadow Wellness, Mazama Pack Systems, New York Sub Shop, Silvies Ranch, Skratch Nutrition, Pine Mountain Sports, Salomon, Strictly Organic, Sunnyside Sports, USWE Hydration, Webskis, and Worthy Brewing
Tour of Meissner organizer, Ben Husaby