For some, the season opening races in Sweden and Norway, especially, are tuneups. For others, they're effectively athletes' 'one shot' to qualify for the World Cup races that also operate as qualifiers for Olympic teams.

Devon and Nat are back with recaps from Beitostolen and Gallivare, plus notes on early season conditions and Devon's lonely but filling med student dinner in Oslo. Reach us at devon[at]fasterskier.com and nat[at]fasterskier.com. We're also looking for presenting sponsors for the season and for our on-site coverage of the Olympics — if you're interested in exploring that, please contact matthew[at]fasterskier.com.