Welcome to the Nordic Ski Team! We make up a great community of kids and their families sharing a love of Nordic Skiing. Our aim is to get all the skiers enjoying their time on snow, furthering their abilities and challenging themselves at appropriate levels.

Registration

Please visit our registration page for full details.

Financial aid

Please visit our financial aid page for full details.

Training/Practice Schedule

Stay tuned for more…

The last all-team practice is Tuesday, February 27th but if there is interest and snow, we will keep skiing with those that want into mid-March. Pete will let you know when it is time to return skis to Winthrop Mountain Sports.

The expectation is that your child will be at practice unless you let us know otherwise. You can let the lead coach of your child’s group know your family plan.

Ski Rentals

Ski rentals are coordinated with us through Winthrop Mountain Sports. They provide us excellent-quality equipment at different levels depending on your athlete’s age and program group. Each Fall we will let you know when you can submit orders for rentals, with two days for pick-up typically in early November. Once you receive your skier’s equipment, please make sure it is labeled with electrical tape (duct tape sticks forever and sharpies directly on the equipment are permanent and both are no-nos). There are lots of pairs of skis and poles at the trailheads each practice and it is best to be able to differentiate. You are responsible for your equipment – please take good care of it!

*Our Financial Aid packages can include ski rentals; please inquire on them when you apply.

Extracurricular Ski Events

In most years there are many extra-curricular ski events throughout the winter and it is totally optional whether your family participates or not, but we encourage everyone to try a variety of events! For beginner skiers, the Ski Rodeo, the Race of the Methow and definitely Hanz’s Big adventure and the Ski to Sun relay are all good options. If you think your child would like to travel to a race, try one locally and then talk to Pete or your child’s coach about how you can participate in an out of town event. The regional Washington Nordic Cup races are great introductory races for kids, and mostly very inexpensive or free. The schedule for the winter can be found on this google sheet.

Racing

If your child does decide to participate in a race, let the coach know so we will know to expect them at the race or time trial and can help them prepare based on what event they might be doing. Spectators are always welcome, though we discourage walking on the trails so come on your skis! Keep an eye out for racers and move out of their way but please feel free to encourage all the racers (say things like “way to go!” “keep it up!”). Noise is great! The goal is always to have each athlete do their individual best and have fun in the process.

Coaches & Group Placements

Many of the coaches are volunteers. All of the coaches are taking time to help share the love of Nordic skiing with the kids. Please make sure both you and your child are respectful of the coaches and other skiers! If there is an issue with the group your skier is in, please discuss it with the lead coach for your child’s age group.

We have safety policies in place and all of the coaches are certified in basic First Aid. Lead coaches have safety backpacks and first aid kits. We will be out in the dark early in the season so it is important that the skiers listen to their coaches and know the expectations for re-grouping and where and when to meet up. Please be prompt in picking up your skiers as it can be cold and dark at the end of practice!

Gear

Skiers should be dressed for the weather with wool or synthetic being preferable to cotton. Several layers but not too heavy clothing is recommended unless we are in the teens and lower temperatures. Good ski gloves and a hat are recommended for each practice, especially early season. Team members will be given a team hat to keep.

The ski jackets are loaned to the athletes from the Team each season so please treat them kindly so they are in good shape next year. Check the number on the tag and remember it in case your skier misplaces the jacket. We will collect them at the end of the season. Hats or headbands are given to the skiers each season which are theirs to keep. There are racing suits, possibly team parkas and some t-shirts available for sale through the Team, and we’ll be placing orders for those at various times each season.

Parental Involvement

Parents will need trail passes if they want to ski during practice if we are practicing on Methow Trails’ trails-basically all trails except the McCabe trail (but skiers under 17 are free! Thanks Methow Trails!). There are some options for parents to take lessons through MVNSEF if you are interested; ask Pete for information on this. The parent lessons are super popular! The ski club also has a “ski library” now where parents can sign out equipment for periods of time. Check in with Ginny Price on what is available.

All families are expected to volunteer and participate in the activities they volunteered for!

Let Pete know if you have any questions or concerns: pete@mvnsef.org

Thanks for joining the Team and we look forward to a great season!

TEAM INFORMATION SHEETS with lots of information:

Affiliations

Basics of Nordic Skiing

Emergency Action Plan

Equipment and Clothing

Expectation of skiers and parents

Practice Times and Locations

Racing

Ski Team Organization (groups and where your skiers fit in)

Volunteering and doing your part