Published: Feb. 6, 2026 at 12:36 PM CST WMTV15
MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – The excitement for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan reaches all the way to the cross country ski trails in Wisconsin.
Skiers with the Madison Nordic Ski Club will be tuning in to watch the cross country skiing events that begin this weekend.
Since 1981, the Madnorski Club has grown the sport of cross country skiing in the Madison area.
Executive Director Tamara Bryant said the club has grown from just over 50 to 60 skiers to now over 500. The club offers lessons for skiers of all ages. Bryant says the club sees an uptick in those that want to try the sport out during the Winter Olympics.
“It makes winter go by really quickly, some people dread winter, but I’m excited,” Bryant said. “Like ‘okay, it’s snowing, I’m going to get out there!’”
Brian Turany, a Madison Nordic Ski Club board member, said its a great community sport.Brian Turany, a Madison Nordic Ski Club board member, said its a great community sport.
“It’s the kind of sport where you are competing against people who are cheering you on, everyone is kind of in it together, it’s a lot like running marathons or distance racing,” Turany said.
The cross-country skiing events start this weekend with the Women’s Skiathlon on Saturday and the Men’s Skiathlon on Sunday.
Be sure to watch the film clips and interviews, go to:
https://www.wmtv15news.com/2026/02/06/madison-nordic-ski-club-excited-2026-winter-olympics