meet jonathan

Jonathan Wiesel has loved winter since he was big enough to heave a snowball. He knows the cross-country ski world inside and out, having worked as a ski instructor and ski school director, backcountry guide, professional trips planner, international trips leader, ski area owner, and writer.

He’s also the founder of Nordic Group International, one of North America’s leading recreational trails planning firms.

Jonathan is passionate about cross-country skiing – its beauty, fun, opportunity for camaraderie (or solitude), the exhilaration that time outside on a crisp winter day can bring, and the excuse that a day spent skiing gives him to have a rich dessert (or two).

He knows what quality means for cross-country skiers, whether it’s trails, grooming, instruction, staff, or setting. He also understands that hot tubs, lodging, great meals, snowshoeing, sledding, and making snow angels can be just as important as skiing.

Jonathan is the author of Cross-Country Ski Getaways (two print editions were previously titled Cross-Country Ski Vacations; read reviews), the first selective, detailed guide to Nordic ski destinations across North America. The book is based on his familiarity with more than 300 cross-country areas in the U.S. and Canada.

He’s also a widely-published writer on Nordic skiing (more than 1,000 articles in magazines, newspapers, and online) and has been an editor for five print and online ski publications.

And he’s always glad to talk your ear off (or listen to you!) about cross-country skiing!

Note to media:

Jonathan Wiesel has been interviewed extensively for radio, TV, magazines, newspapers, and online media outlets. You can listen to interviews and podcasts with him on the podcasts page; you can also read what media people have to say about interviewing him and about his book.

Possible cross-country skiing story angles include:

• Choosing a destination
• Getting started in cross-country skiing
• Fitness benefits
• Honeymoon getaways
• Winter guest ranches
• Cross-country skiing at Alpine ski resorts
• Skiing with your kids
• Skijoring with dogs and horses

For more story angles or information – or to schedule an interview – contact Jonathan.