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 - 4th 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.
- Registration Fee: $155
- Contact: kooscoach@skileavenworth.com
All Ski Team members need 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 compliment 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 you 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
Weekly program updates will be available on this webpage under the 'Weekly Updates' tab. The calendar will be updated as well, and links to all of the information will be sent weekly via a Ski Team Newsletter.
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 Lead Coach
Arlberg Sports Haus and Der Sportsmann carry new kid-sized gear, Arlberg Sports Haus does seasonal rentals and used gear is available via Craigslist, the LWSC facebook Buy & Sell page, your neighbor and the LWSC Gear Swap.
Koos Cruiser Registration
Please contact [email protected] with any questions.
Registration Fees go towards purchasing training materials, subsidizing Team Apparel costs, paying our Junior Nordic Team Head Coaches, Devo and Senior Coaches and a portion of the Ski Education Director's wages.
Koos Cruiser Assistant Coaches are volunteers - be sure to let them know how much you appreciate them!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We have loads of events coming up and we can't pull it off without you. We would like to request that each family volunteer for 2 hours at some point over the season.
Please sign up via SignUp Genius (link coming soon), but here's the lowdown on what your options are:
Skiathon
Ski Hill, Thursday February 6th, 3:30-5:45pm
It's the annual Nordic Fundraiser and is just like the Jog-a-thon, but on skis! Volunteers needed in 75 minutes shifts to count laps as the kids ski by.
Skirennen
Ski Hill, Sunday February 9th, 8:15am-12:30 pm
Our annual Nordic Ski Race, hosted by the Nordic Team and part of the Washington Nordic Cup Race Series. Volunteers needed for cookie baking, say-of registration, course marshaling, timing and more. Volunteer slots are 1-2 hours each.
SkiSporten
Back Loop of the IRT, Thursday February 13th, 3:15-5:15pm
It's our Valentine's Day Fun Day. Kids ski the back loop and complete activities in order to earn their Valentine Donuts. Volunteers help run event stations.
coming soon!
