In a short statement released Sunday night, the Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue Team has announced the cancellation of the 2012 Great Ski Race.

The following statement was release via email on Sunday evening, February 26...

“Unfortunately due to unfriendly winter weather conditions, the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team has been forced to cancel The Great Ski Race for 2012. We appreciate your continued support for The Great Ski Race and the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team. We would especially like to thank all of sponsors, donors, racers, and volunteers. We look forward to seeing all of you next year for The Great Ski Race.”

The news was also posted on the event's website...

"For only the second time in 36 years, the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue (TNSAR) Team is cancelling the race for 2012. We are an industrious bunch of winter enthusiasts, but even the most optimistic person can't combat a petulant winter. It's not just that there there isn't enough snow...it's that there isn't any snow on long portions of the race course. After considering alternate plans - and when there is this little snow there are very few alternate plans - TNSAR decided to avoid putting on a race this year that would not match the expectations and level of quality that everyone has come to expect."

The Great Ski Race attracts thousands of participants each year and is the main fundraiser for the Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue Team.

Tahoe TV, operators of Tahoetopia.com, is a media sponsor of the event.

"Tahoe TV is a proud supporter of the event and regrets the cancellation," commented Tahoe TV President, Eric Brandt. "But we support the organization in their decision and look forward to next year."

For more information about the Great Ski Race, visit www.thegreatskirace.com