Photos and video: Skating the slopes at Mont du Lac

Ice cross racer Sam Hehman descends after a jump — Sam Hehman descends after hitting a jump during a run on the track at Mont du Lac Resort in Superior Friday, Jan. 27 as part of the ATSX 250 Ice Cross event.

By Dan Williamson

January 28, 2023 at 3:26 PM

SUPERIOR — It's a familiar sight to see skiers and snowboarders on the slopes at Mont du Lac Resort, but this week, there are also skaters showing off their skills and speed.

Ice cross racers are competing on a track constructed at the resort that features turns, drops and jumps. Racers had a chance to practice Thursday with qualifiers and finals Friday through Sunday in mens, womens and juniors divisions. Sunday also features kids cross races for ages 5-14.

It's the United States Ice Cross Association's (USIX) annual ATSX 250 event, which is part of the ATSX (All Terrain Skate Cross) Ice Cross World Championship Series. The 250-point event is entry level, allowing athletes to try the sport for the first time while competing against some of the best in the world. It's also one of just two ATSX events happening in the U.S. this season.

The event is free for spectators. For more on the U.S. Ice Racing Association, visit www.icecross.org/en/atsx/member-associations/?nid=118349.

Ice cross racer Mike Budnik — Mike Budnik ascends into the air after hitting a jump during a run on the track at Mont du Lac Resort in Superior Friday, Jan. 27 as part of the ATSX 250 Ice Cross event.

Ice cross racer Sam Hehman spraying ice — Sam Hehman sprays ice with his right skate while coming to a stop on the track at Mont du Lac Resort in Superior Friday, Jan. 27 during a qualifier as part of the ATSX 250 Ice Cross event.

Ice cross racer Joe Schaffer and Willard the dog. — Ice cross racer Joe Schaffer skates up the track at Mont du Lac Resort in Superior while his dog Willard follows Friday, Jan. 27 during a break in the action of the ATSX 250 Ice Cross event.

Ice cross racer Matthew Penttila having a conversation with others — Ice cross racer Matthew Penttila, left, listens during a conversation after he had a qualifying run at Mont du Lac Resort in Superior Friday, Jan. 27 as part of the ATSX 250 Ice Cross event.

Ice cross racer Alex Witte descending after a jump. — Alex Witte descends after hitting a jump on the track at Mont du Lac Resort in Superior Friday, Jan. 27 during a qualifier as part of the ATSX 250 Ice Cross event.

Ice cross racer Sam Hehman — Sam Hehman skates over a slope on the track at Mont du Lac Resort in Superior Friday, Jan. 27 during a qualifier as part of the ATSX 250 Ice Cross event.

Ben Blazevic-Seibert of Duluth — Ben Blazevic-Seibert, 16, of Duluth, smiles while posing during a break at Mont du Lac Resort in Superior Friday, Jan. 27 as part of the ATSX 250 Ice Cross event. Blazevic-Seibert participated in qualifying runs during the event.

Ice cross racer Alex Witte going over a slope — Alex Witte skates over a slope on the track at Mont du Lac Resort in Superior Friday, Jan. 27 during a qualifier as part of the ATSX 250 Ice Cross event.

Ice cross racer Matthew Penttila poses after he made a qualifying run at Mont du Lac Resort in Superior Friday, Jan. 27 as part of the ATSX 250 Ice Cross event.

Ice cross racer Alex Witte — Alex Witte comes to a stop on the track at Mont du Lac Resort in Superior Friday, Jan. 27 during a qualifier as part of the ATSX 250 Ice Cross event.

Ben Blazevic-Seibert, of Duluth, left and TJ Aubrecht, Vice President of the US Ice Cross Association, smiling. — Ben Blazevic-Seibert, 16, of Duluth, left and TJ Aubrecht, Vice President of the US Ice Cross Association, smile while posing during a break at Mont du Lac Resort in Superior Friday, Jan. 27 as part of the ATSX 250 Ice Cross event.

Ice cross racers help clean and prepare the track at Mont du Lac Resort in Superior. — Ice cross racers help clean and shovel the track at Mont du Lac Resort in Superior Friday, Jan. 27 during a break in the action of the ATSX 250 Ice Cross event.

Ben Williams skates with a backpack blower while helping to clean the track at Mont du Lac Resort in Superior Friday, Jan. 27 during a break in the action of the ATSX 250 Ice Cross event.

Ice cross racers help with preparing the track — Ice cross racers help clean and shovel the track at Mont du Lac Resort in Superior Friday, Jan. 27 during a break in the action of the ATSX 250 Ice Cross event.

By Dan Williamson

Dan Williamson joined the Duluth News Tribune in June 2021 where he's involved in digital content such as video, photos and podcasts as well as covering breaking news. Previously, he worked in television broadcasting as a Sports Director/Anchor at WDIO-TV in Duluth, Sports Director/Anchor in Bismarck, N.D., News and Sports Anchor at KSAX-TV in Alexandria, and Reporter/Photographer/Editor with the syndicated show "Life to the Max" in Eden Prairie. He was also the Development Director for the Duluth Salvation Army. Williamson grew up in Alexandria, graduated from St. Cloud State University and has lived in Duluth since 2012.

Photos and video: Skating the slopes at Mont du Lac

Ice cross racers are competing in three divisions during multiple days of competition at Mont du Lac Resort in Superior as part of the U.S. Ice Cross Association's annual ATSX 250 event.