The 2023 U.S. Cross Country Ski National Championships kicked off yesterday in Houghton, hosted by Michigan Tech University on its ski trails for the sixth time in the race’s history. Throughout the next week, almost 500 athletes from all over the country will be racing. This is the highest number of ski races hosted at MTU. There are multiple disciplines in cross country and the Championships will have competitions in all of them. Women’s and men’s 10 km freestyle started off the racing yesterday. MTU’s Senior and Women’s Nordic Ski Team swept the podium in the Central Collegiate Ski Association division of racing. Volunteers for the weeklong event are still needed and can get more information and sign up michigantechhuskies. com.