For the first time in a decade, cross country skiers in the United States have a chance to compete against the world's best Nordic athletes in McCall.

But skiers who want to participate in the Masters World Cup need to register by Monday for the full week of racing events for Nordic skiers aged 30 and up.

Masters World Cup McCall, Idaho 2008

The event runs March 1-7 at Ponderosa State Park and is open to everyone from elite racers to recreational weekend warriors.

Each year, the Masters World Cup is held on a different continent. About 1,000 participants from 26 different countries are expected to attend. The majority of the racers will come from the United States, Russia and Canada, Roper said.

The Masters World Cup offers six days of racing on the wide, groomed cross-country ski trails in Ponderosa park.

Race distances range from 5 kilometers to 45km for classic skiers and 5km to 45km for skate skiers.

One day is devoted to short "sprints" of 5km to 10km, and another day is reserved for 4x5km relays, with the first two legs skied in the classic technique and the last two on skate skis.

Race registration costs $150 for three events. Skiers must be a member of American Cross-Country Skiers, or the United States Ski and Snowboard Association.

Masters World Cup T-shirts are now on sale. Cost is $24.99 plus tax, and the T-shirts come in red, blue and yellow.

The shirts are on sale in McCall at Hotel McCall, Home Town Sports, Rudy's Gym, Mountain Monkey Business, Jug Mountain Ranch, Gravity Sports and Ponderosa State Park. The shirts are on sale in Donnelly at West Mountain Gear and Grind.

All proceeds from shirt sales go to the McCall Nordic Ski Team.

To volunteer for the event, go to www.mwc2008.com/volunteer.htm

Skiers can check out the Masters World Cup Web site for details at www.mwc2008.com/program.htm

For more information, contact Executive Directory Erin Roper at 315-3600 or 2008mwc@gmail.com