Nordic Skiing Development Pathways For 6-18 Year-Olds

Methow Valley Nordic strives to engage, challenge, develop and inspire all individual in the community through exceptional Nordic ski programs and events. With those objectives in mind, we provide an array of programs for youth skiers age 6 to 18. We view these programs as not only fun and an opportunity to develop ski skills and gain the range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits from involvement in a life-long sport, but also as a vehicle for developing as a person learning skills like honesty, teamwork, perseverance, goal-setting, effort and more. Come join us on this fun journey!

With over 120 young athletes spanning ages 6 – 18, our Junior Team strives to meet the needs of skiers at every age and development level. Beginning with the fundamentals and simple enjoyment of sliding on snow and leading all the way up to emphases on individual goal-setting for performance and personal challenge, we provide something for every level.

Scroll down for further details on all programs…

Program Overview

Our programs for elementary age skiers introduce basic ski techniques techniques, giving skiers the essential tools to help them explore and play on their skis, develop general athleticism, and learn the fun and camaraderie that goes along with the sport experience. These programs include Ski Cubs, and the Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears Learn-to-Ski programs. Ski Cubs is a once-a-week classic-only program held in conjunction with MV Elementary Cub Clubs where equipment is included with the program and skiing takes place right at the elementary school. The Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears learn-to-ski programs meet twice a week in January and February and practice both classic and skate skiing.

As skiers grow older they have the opportunity to extend their season into December through the Polar Bears – Eager to Train group in the later elementary years, which also meets twice a week, but includes early snow and/or dryland training beginning in December. This continues with the Prep-Rec (2 days/wk, Dec-Feb) and Prep-Comp (3x/wk, Nov-Feb) options in and around the middle school years (Age 11-15 and/or Grades 6-8).

Skiers new to the sport at the middle school and high school age have the Ski School Program which aims to help skiers develop their skills rapidly through small group instruction.

High school age skiers with ski experience have two potential directions to go with the MV Nordic Team. The Adventure Team, new this year, focuses on developing technique and fitness as the skiers work towards season-highlight XC adventures in the Methow and/or beyond. For High school age skiers interested in competing or training for competition, the Comp Team provides 3-5 practices a week plus race support from November to March.

A note on age groups…

You will notice that there is overlap in the age and grade ranges for many of our programs. This is because kids develop at different rates, and we believe that flexibility in each skier’s setup will give them the best opportunity to thrive at every step of the journey. Youth development has been compared to the process of gardening – periods of nurture (water, fertilizer) intermixed with periods of standing back and letting nature do its thing as the child learns from their surroundings. It is a patient process and we have seen over the years that the best group decisions are made by taking into consideration friends, along with ski ability to ensure a fun, safe, and productive learning environment.

Registration, Payment Plans and Financial Aid

Visit our registration page to register for any Ski Team programs or the Ski Cubs page for registration for ski cubs. Financial aid is available for all our junior programs, visit our financial aid page for more details and to apply. Payment Plans are possible, please contact our Program Director, Pete Leonard, for more info.

Ski Cubs is a fun, easy way for K-2nd graders to get introduced to classic cross-country skiing.  This free afterschool program run in partnership with MV Elementary Cub Clubs skis right out the back door of the school on trails groomed by Methow Valley Nordic.  Snacks and equipment are provided.  Visit our Ski Cubs page for more information!

Arctic Foxes is the introductory learn-to-ski program through the ski team for our youngest team members. The group meets twice a week after school and introduces skiers to both classic and skate skiing over the course of the winter. Basic skills are developed to allow skiers to play and explore and develop their overall athleticism on skis. The emphasis is on fun, play and exploration as the primary modes of instruction.

Who: Grade K-2 and birth years 2016-2017. All ability levels are encouraged!

When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:20-4:30 PM, from January 2 – Feb 27.

Where: Most practices happen at either the school trails, at the Winthrop Town Trailhead, or at the Chickadee Trailhead later in the season.

Transportation: For practices on the school trails, coaches meet the skiers outside of the elementary school and walk over to the trailhead next to the high school where practice begins. For off-campus practices, some parents choose to drive or arrange carpooling, and skiers are eligible to ride the ski bus after school.

Equipment: Most skiers on the team coordinate rentals through a cooperative program with Winthrop Mountain Sports. Skiers are provided a pair of classic (skin or fish scale) and skate skis, two pairs of poles and a pair of combi boots for the season for an affordable price. Rentals typically are distributed by appointment only once per season in early November, and a date is announced after the season for returns.

Cost: $140 per season when registered by October 30. A $20 late fee applies for registrations received October 31 or after.

Financial Aid is available. See our financial aid page for more details and how to apply.

REGISTER HERE.

Polar Bears Learn-to-Ski is intended for mid-to-late elementary skiers of all abilities. The group meets twice a week after school, developing and reinforcing the basics and introducing additional skills, while supporting the development of an array of athletic abilities with play and exploration as primary modes of instruction. The emphasis is on fun, play and exploration.

Who: Grade 2-6 and birth years 2012-2015. All ability levels are encouraged!

When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:20-4:30 PM, from January 2 – Feb 27.

Where: Most practices happen at either the school trails, at the Winthrop Town Trailhead, or at the Chickadee Trailhead later in the season.

Transportation: For practices on the school trails, coaches meet the skiers outside of the elementary school and walk over to the trailhead next to the high school where practice begins. For off-campus practices, some parents choose to drive or arrange carpooling, and skiers are eligible to ride the ski bus after school.

Equipment: Most skiers on the team coordinate rentals through a cooperative program with Winthrop Mountain Sports. Skiers are provided a pair of classic (skin or fish scale) and skate skis, two pairs of poles and a pair of combi boots for the season for an affordable price. Rentals typically are distributed by appointment only once per season in early November, and a date is announced after the season for returns.

Cost: $140 per season when registered by October 30. A $20 late fee applies for registrations received October 31 or after.

Financial Aid is available. See our financial aid page for more details and how to apply.

REGISTER HERE.

For those skiers in mid-to-late elementary years, who are eager for a longer season with the ski team which may include some dryland training, the Polar Bears Eager-to-Train program is nearly identical to the Learn-to-Ski program except starting in December instead of January. The group meets twice a week after school, reinforcing the basics and developing additional skills, as well as an array of athletic abilities with play and exploration as primary modes of instruction. The emphasis is on fun, play and exploration. Many skiers will jump into local and state-wide races and may try their hand at events in BC such as the Track Attack Championships and/or the BC Championships at the end of the season and support at these events is factored into program tuition.

Who: Grade 2-6 and birth years 2012-2015. Skiers should have at least one year of experience on MVNT or in an equivalent program.

When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:20-4:30 PM, from November 28 – Feb 27.

Where: Most practices happen at either the school trails, at the Winthrop Town Trailhead, or at the Chickadee Trailhead later in the season.

Transportation: For practices on the school trails, coaches meet the skiers outside of the elementary school and walk over to the trailhead next to the high school where practice begins. For off-campus practices, some parents choose to drive or arrange carpooling, and skiers are eligible to ride the ski bus after school.

Equipment: Most skiers on the team coordinate rentals through a cooperative program with Winthrop Mountain Sports. Skiers are provided a pair of classic (skin or fish scale) and skate skis, two pairs of poles and a pair of combi boots for the season for an affordable price. Rentals typically are distributed by appointment only once per season in early November, and a date is announced after the season for returns.

Cost: $300 per season when registered by October 30. A $20 late fee applies for registrations received October 31 or after.

Financial Aid is available. See our financial aid page for more details and how to apply.

REGISTER HERE.

For skiers in and around middle school age, who are not interested in the full Prep-Comp commitment, but are interested in continuing to develop their ski skills and trying out ski training alongside their peers on the Prep-Comp team. Workouts will often be structured adjacent to the other prep group, and may include dryland training if sufficient snow is not yet available. Play and exploration are still important parts of what we do at this level as we strive to create an enjoyable and motivating environment for skiers.

Who: Grade 6-9 and birth years 2009-2012. Skiers should have at least one year of experience on MVNT or in an equivalent program and should be proficient at classic and skate skiing.

When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:20-4:45 PM at the school, pick-up from van transport may be later for trailheads further afield. November 28 – Feb 27.

Where: Most practices happen at either the school trails, at the Winthrop Town Trailhead, or at the Chickadee Trailhead later in the season.

Transportation: Skiers and families use a mix of carpooling and team vans to get to off-campus practice locations.

Equipment: Most skiers on the team coordinate rentals through a cooperative program with Winthrop Mountain Sports. Skiers are provided a pair each of classic (waxable or skin) and skate skis, two pairs of poles and a pair of combi boots for the season for an affordable price. Rentals typically are distributed by appointment only once per season in early November, and a date is announced after the season for returns.

If skiers opt to purchase their own equipment, they should have skis that are appropriate for thin conditions or playing games (aka rock skis) – typically an older pair of skis that fits okay is sufficient.

Cost: $300 per season when registered by October 30. A $20 late fee applies for registrations received October 31 or after.

Financial Aid is available. See our financial aid page for more details and how to apply.

REGISTER HERE.

Targeted at skiers in grades 6-9, who are learning to train for competition while continuing to develop all techniques in classic and skate skiing. Workouts will be structured adjacent to the other prep group on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and may include dryland training if sufficient snow is not yet available. Play and exploration are still important parts of what we do at this level as we strive to create an enjoyable and motivating environment for skiers to learn and develop.

Who: Grade 6-9 or birth years 2009-2012. Skiers should have at least one or two years year of experience on MVNT or in an equivalent program and should be proficient at classic and skate skiing.

When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30-4:45 PM (pick-up may be later for transport from further afield trailheads). Wednesdays 1:40-4. November 7 – Feb 27.

Where: Practices are either at the school or various Methow Trails Trailheads around the Valley.

Transportation: Skiers and families use a mix of carpooling and team vans to get to off-campus practice locations.

Equipment: Most skiers on the team coordinate rentals through a cooperative program with Winthrop Mountain Sports. Skiers are provided a pair each of classic (waxable) and skate skis, two pairs of poles and two pairs of boots for the season for an affordable price. Rentals typically are distributed by appointment only once per season in early November, and a date is announced after the season for returns.

If skiers opt to purchase their own equipment, they should have skis that are appropriate for thin conditions or playing games (aka rock skis) – typically an older pair of skis that fits okay is sufficient. A great option for finding rock skis is the Ski Swap in early November.

Cost: $650 per season when registered by October 30. A $20 late fee applies for registrations received October 31 or after.

Financial Aid is available. See our financial aid page for more details and how to apply.

REGISTER HERE.

Our Ski School program for Middle and High School skiers is a partnership with Kevin van Bueren and Methow Valley Ski School and Rentals. It is designed as an easy, one-stop shop for eager new skiers as a place to learning the basics of technique with professional instruction from some of the Valley’s best! Skiers hop on bus #7 to Mazama (a bus note is required) after school each Wednesday and arrive at the Ski Shop to be outfitted with equipment (included in the program fee) and hit the snow in a small group (generally 7:1 or smaller student:instructor ratio). After an hour of learning, they head back to the shop, happy, tired, and one day better as a skier!

Who: Eager new skiers born in 2011 and before; if you’ve never tried cross-country skiing before this is the program for you!

When: Wednesdays from 2:30 to 3:45 from Jan 3rd to Feb 14th (plus the all ski-team BBQ after school at Liberty Bell on Feb 27)

Where: Methow Valley Ski School, Mazama

How: Skiers can ride bus #7 (parent note required) to Mazama after school release on Wednesday. Instructors meet the kids at the stop, get them outfitted with gear and head out for a lesson. Parents can pick-up or organize a carpool from Mazama at 3:45.

Equipment: Included with the program and is picked up at the start of lessons each week.

Cost: $225 includes all instruction and equipment for the season, an MVNT jacket on loan for the season, and a team hat to keep!

*Financial Aid is available for all eligible participants. Visit our Financial Aid page for more!

REGISTER HERE

For skiers in high school who are looking for a less-committing ski option, but are still motivated to develop and refine their ski skills and work towards season highlight adventures on the trails here in the Methow and beyond!

Who: Grades 9-12.  Skiers should have two or more years of experience on MVNT or in an equivalent program and should be competent at both skate and classic skiing.

When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30-4:45 PM (pick-up may be later for transport from further afield trailheads).  Jan 2 – Feb 27.

Where: Practices are either at the school or various Methow Trails Trailheads around the Valley.

Transportation:  Skiers and families use a mix of carpooling and team vans to get to off-campus practice locations.

Equipment: Most skiers on the team coordinate rentals through a cooperative program with Winthrop Mountain Sports.  Skiers are provided a pair each of classic (skin) and skate skis, two pairs of poles and two pairs of boots for the season for an affordable price.  Rentals typically are distributed by appointment only once per season in early November, and a date is announced after the season for returns.

Cost: $200 per season when registered by October 30.  A $20 late fee applies for registrations received October 31 or after.

Financial Aid is available.  See our financial aid page for more details and how to apply.

REGISTER HERE.

Like the name suggests, the Comp Team is built around training and preparing for competition, and – for those that are so inclined – competing.  Competitions vary between local, regional, national and even international races.  Training typically involves both physical and technical objectives on a daily basis, and we strive to keep an atmosphere that is fun, challenging and rewarding.

Who: Grade 8-12 or birth years 2010 and older.  Skiers should be proficient in both classic and skate skiing.

When: 3-5 days/wk, including Tue, Wed, Thu after school, and weekends.  Strength training is also available one to two mornings per week.  Oct 31 – Mar 6 or later.

Where: Practices are either at the school trails or various Methow Trails Trailheads around the Valley.

Transportation:  Skiers and families use a mix of carpooling and team vans to get to off-campus practice locations.

Equipment: Most skiers on the team coordinate rentals through a cooperative program with Winthrop Mountain Sports.  Skiers are provided a pair each of classic (waxable) and skate skis, two pairs of poles and two pairs of boots for the season for an affordable price.  Rentals typically are distributed by appointment only once per season in early November, and a date is announced after the season for returns.

At this level, some skiers may opt to purchase their own equipment, and should also have skis that are appropriate for thin conditions or playing games (aka rock skis) – typically an older pair of skis that fits okay is sufficient.  The ski swap in early November is a great time to find a pair of rock skis.

Cost: $1000 per season when registered by October 30.  A $20 late fee applies for registrations received October 31 or after.

Financial Aid is available.  See our financial aid page for more details and how to apply.

REGISTER HERE.

Please determine which program your skier(s) will be joining and REGISTER HERE.

Note:

• Skireg categorizes this as an “Event” but it is for the entire season.
• Registration for MV Biathlon will be separate from MV Nordic Team this season.  All MV Biathlon members must be members of Methow Valley Nordic Team to participate.
• If you are applying for financial aid please contact Pete before doing your registration on SkiReg (you will need a code to register or you will have to pay).
• Please DO join the Team. We have need-based financial aid available. Please visit the financial aid page for more details.

Check back here for a 2023/24 Season Calendar (in vertical calendar/spreadsheet form) to get an at-a-glance view of upcoming events, deadlines and other details with Methow Valley Nordic Team.

We partner with Winthrop Mountain Sports (WMS) for equipment rentals for all athletes. All registered participants will be provided a sign-up form for rentals by late October, and a two-night rental distribution at WMS will occur BY APPOINTMENT November 1 and 2.

IF YOU DO NOT REGISTER IN ADVANCE YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RENT FROM WMS.

Information for 2023-4 Rentals is available here