The Yukon has sent the largest cross-country ski team in the territory's history to the Western Canadian Cross Country Ski Championships.

Competition begins today and runs until Sunday in Grande Prairie, Alta.

There was high excitement in the wax room at the Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre on Tuesday afternoon as racers prepared their skis to head off the following day.

Two days of training preceded the main events.

Competing skiers include Yukon Elite Squad members John Parry, David Greer, Colin Abbott, Knute Johnsgaard and Fabian Brook.

Joining them will be younger members of the Yukon Ski Team, including women Nahanni Sagar, Cambria Fuerstner, Eliza Paul, Solstice Sarin-Toews and men Caelan Mclean, Marcus Deuling, Hudson Lucier, Simon Cash and Mac Prawdzik.

Only skiers who have the potential to finish in the top 60 per cent of their age group are eligible to attend the Westerns.

Normally, a maximum of 12 team members attend the competition, but this year, because of the high number of skiers who met the eligibility requirements, two teams were formed.

Today, skiers will participate in sprints, while Saturday's schedule is comprised of longer distance classic technique races. On Sunday, the event will finish with free technique races.

The Yukon teams are being accompanied by coaches Nick Stratis, Jan Downing, Gerard Frostad and Amanda Deuling.

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The following trail report was released by the Whitehorse Nordic Centre yesterday: Sunshine, great grooming, mild temperatures … you'd almost think it was spring skiing.

Copper to Best Chance, Selwyn's Loop, Dog, Sundog, Sarah Steele loops, Upper and Lower Valley, World Cup 10-km, Olympic, the stadium and lit trails were groomed this morning and are excellent for classic and skate skiing.

Powerline, Cox Leg, World Cup 5-km, 7.5-km and 007 were groomed Wednesday and are also in excellent shape classic and skating.

Caution is still advised on Lower Valley at the Beaver Swamp North. Stay on the left side of the trail when approaching the swamp.

There's a no dog rule on the trails for this Saturday only. Dog owners are asked to refrain from skiing with their dogs on any trails Saturday until after 4 p.m. when the Northwestel Loppet is finished.

Wax suggestion: Rode Super Blue.