Koos Cruisers are named in honor of local hero, Torin Koos, a four time Olympian who represents the spirit of Nordic skiing excellence and joy.
Age group: 2nd - 5th graders
Goal: Koos Cruisers is all about building confident skiers who love being outside, skiing with friends, and having fun on snow. Through instruction, games, and time spent skiing together, participants develop strong skills in both classic and skate skiing while discovering the joy of Nordic skiing.
Our goal goes beyond improving technique. We hope to foster a lifelong love of skiing and the outdoors, build friendships and confidence, and create positive experiences that keep kids excited to get outside and ski with others for years to come.
Along the way, we emphasize good sportsmanship, teamwork, healthy competition, and celebrating one another. Racing is encouraged as a fun way to challenge yourself and be part of the Nordic ski community, but it is not required.
Practices: Koos Cruisers meet twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45–5:00 p.m.
Our schedule generally follows the Cascade School District calendar. Practices begin the week school resumes after Winter Break. There are no practices during Mid-Winter Break. Snow conditions permitting, practices resume after the break and conclude the following week.
Registration Fee: $185
Contact: [email protected]
LWSC Membership: All Koos Cruisers Nordic Team participants are required to have an LWSC Annual Membership. Membership is included with registration, and additional instructions will be provided after registration.
Practices
Koos Cruisers meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45–5:00 p.m.
Practices generally follow the school calendar. Holiday practices may be canceled or scheduled at a different time. Occasionally, weather or snow conditions may require us to change locations or cancel a practice. We’ll communicate any schedule changes as early as possible.
Practices rotate among Leavenworth’s three Nordic ski venues: Icicle River Trails, Ski Hill, and the Golf Course.Skiing a variety of trails and terrain helps kids build skills and confidence while keeping practices fun, adventurous, and connected to the outdoors. You will be notified at the beginning of the week which skis to bring (classic or skate).
Our schedule is designed to complement the Junior Alpine Ski Program, making it possible for many young athletes to enjoy both Nordic and Alpine skiing throughout the winter.
Coaching
The Koos Cruisers Team is a community-supported program, and parent and community volunteers are essential to making it possible. We rely on volunteers to help with coaching, practices, and team operations, which allows us to keep the program welcoming, accessible, and affordable for local families.
You don’t need to be an expert Nordic skier to get involved. If you enjoy being outdoors, supporting young skiers, or sharing your love of skiing, we would love to have you join us.
Interested in coaching or volunteering? Please reach out—we’d love to hear from you!
ABILITY
Many Koos Cruisers return season after season, building on the skills and confidence they’ve developed along the way. New skiers are always welcome, and no previous Nordic experience is required.
Our coaches work with skiers at all experience levels to develop and strengthen technique in both classic and skate skiing, build confidence on snow, and continue progressing at their own pace. Whether learning the basics or refining established skills, every skier is encouraged to learn, have fun, and enjoy being part of the team.
COMMUNICATION
Team communication will take place through email and the team app. Your coach will provide additional details at the beginning of the season.
COMPETITION
Racing is **entirely optional**. Three races are held annually in Leavenworth: Skirennen, Kick Your Sticks, and the Bakke Cup. Skiers are encouraged to participate if they are interested, but all races take place outside of regular practice times.
At race events, Koos Cruisers compete in age and gender divisions alongside skiers from throughout the Northwest. Skiers who choose to race will represent the LWSC Junior Nordic Team.
Coaches and parents will be on hand to support racers with registration, bib collection, warm-ups, and other race-day needs.
PARENT/GUARDIAN COMMITMENT
Parent and guardian involvement is an important part of our program and is greatly appreciated. Volunteer opportunities will be shared throughout the season, with the greatest need for support during our three local races.
Whether helping at an event, supporting the team, or volunteering in another capacity, your involvement helps make the Koos Cruisers program possible.
LWSC Membership: All Koos Cruisers Nordic Team participants are required to have an LWSC Annual Membership. Membership is included with registration, and additional instructions will be provided after registration.
Skiers need two gear setups: waxless classic and skate.
Waxless classic skis have a fish scale pattern on the base which grips the snow to propel the skier forward and keep them from sliding backwards. Skis that are labeled "backcountry" have the same pattern on the base, but they might have metal edges, are wider, heavier and pretty slow - not ideal for track skiing.
Skate skis have a smooth base, made to glide. Your child's skate skis should be a little shorter than their classic skis.
Your skier will need a pair of cross-country ski boots that are compatible with the bindings on their skis. If you don't get your skis and boots at the same time or from the same place, be sure to check that the systems are the same. The two options are NNN and SNS - and unfortunately they don't work together.Most skiers will use a ‘combi’ boot, which is made to function well for both classic and skate.
They will need Nordic ski poles, which have a more ergonomic grip than alpine poles, are longer and have a triangular shaped basket. Classic ski poles should be long enough to fit snugly in the armpits when standing up nice and tall. Skate ski poles should be a bit longer, approximately chin-high.
For young (short) kids, there may only be a small difference in classic and skate pole length, so many families opt to get just one set of poles and have them learn to skate on classic length poles.
Still have questions? email the [email protected]
Arlberg Sports Haus and Der Sportsmann carry new kid-sized gear, Arlberg Sports Haus does seasonal rentals and used gear is available via Craigslist, Colchuck Consignment, the LWSC facebook Buy & Sell page, your neighbor and the LWSC Gear Swap.
Koos Cruiser Registration
Registration Fees go towards purchasing training materials, subsidizing Team Apparel costs, purchasing U.S. Ski & Snowboard memberships and SafeSport training for all of our coaches, and paying our Nordic Team Lead Coaches.
Koos Cruiser Assistant Coaches are volunteers - be sure to let them know how much you appreciate them!
There is scholarship money available to those who need help covering the cost of Ski Team registration fees. Request HERE.
Please contact [email protected] with any questions.
LWSC TEAM CODE OF CONDUCT
- I WILL be respectful, kind, supportive, and encouraging of my fellow teammates.
- I will NOT participate in bullying, teasing, or taunting (both physical and verbal).
- I WILL stay with my group and coaches.
- I WILL do my best to pay attention and follow coaches' instructions.
- I WILL talk to a coach or a parent if I am having a concern or problem.
PARENT/GUARDIAN CODE OF CONDUCT
- Parents /Guardians will support the LWSC mission.
- Parents/Guardians will support their skier in adhering to the Skier Code of Conduct.
- Coaches are almost all Volunteers: they are here for the kids because they love teaching skiers, they are not babysitters.
- IF your skier cannot adhere to the Skier Code of Conduct, they will forfeit their ability to participate on the ski team for the season.
- Parents/Guardians will be on time with pick up/drop off and communicate with coaches about missed practices and outlying circumstances.
