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: Improve skier technique through instruction and games.
- Provide quality technique instruction in both classic and skate skiing, while encouraging good sports ethics, healthy competition, and the celebrating the joy of skiing. Racing is encouraged but not required.
- Practices: Koos Cruisers meet twice weekly (Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:45 - 5pm) for 8 weeks, starting in early January. There will be no practices the week of Mid-Winter Break.
- Registration Fee: $175
- Contact: [email protected]
All Ski Team members are required to have a LWSC Season Pass.
Practices
Koos Cruisers meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45 - 5pm. The end times can be slightly variable depending on the light availability, snow conditions and the ages of the skiers. Please ask your child’s coach what time they expect to be back at the trailhead if you are concerned. Practices during school holidays may be canceled or held at different times. In rare instances practice sessions are moved to a different location or canceled last minute due to poor conditions or inclement weather. We do what we can to minimize these situations and will communicate any changes to the schedule or cancellations as soon as possible.
The location of practices will vary between the three ski venues in Leavenworth: Icicle River Trails, Ski Hill, and the Golf Course.
We strongly encourage Koos Cruisers to commit to both weekly practices. Skiers who are only able to attend one practice per week do not progress as quickly as their peers. This is disheartening for the skiers who see their teammates skiing off into the distance and difficult for the coaches who have to respond to an ever-increasing gap in skier ability within groups.
Our schedule is set to complement the Junior Alpine Ski Program and a large portion of our skiers participate in both programs.
Coaching
Skiers are placed in peer groups based on age and skill level. We have a group of talented, dedicated and fun-loving coaches who will help your skier to gain new skills, feel confident in their abilities, and have a great time while doing it.
Ability
A majority of Koos Cruisers will have had some experience on skis (Nordic or Alpine), but it is absolutely not required. We welcome all who want to join.
Communication
The team will use email and app for communication. Your coach will have further details.
Competition
Entirely Optional. There are three races held in Leavenworth annually (Skirennen, Kick your Sticks and Bakke Cup). Skiers are encouraged to compete, but these events will take place outside of normal practice times.
At race events, the Koos Cruiser racers will compete by age and gender brackets against skiers from all over the Northwest. If skiers choose to race, they will represent the LWSC Junior Nordic Team. Coaches and parents will be present as a support network to aid skiers in registration/ bib collection/ warm ups/ etc.
Parent Commitment
Parent help is important and very much appreciated. There will be volunteer opportunities announced periodically; most notably we will need parent help with the three local races mentioned above.
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, Der Sportsmann and Eastside Cycleworks 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 a Youth Season Pass or Ski Team registration fees. Apply HERE.
Please contact [email protected] with any questions.
SKIER 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.
