- Age group: Generally 5th - 12th grades, younger athletes admitted if their skills are on par.
- Goal: Provide quality technique instruction in both classic and skate skiing, while encouraging good sports ethics, healthy competition, and celebrating the joy of skiing. Racing is the aim.
- Practices: ADT/Race Team meet twice a week throughout the race season, starting in December. Practice times will be altered for holidays and school breaks.
- Registration Fee: $200
- Contact: [email protected]
All Ski Team members are required to have a LWSC Season Pass.
Practices
Race Team meet on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:45 - 5pm. End times are somewhat variable depending on available light. 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. Travel outside of these locations will be provided by LWSC.
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 this group as they have higher abilities. We are partnered with Plain Valley Ski Team to help provide a higher level of coaching to this group and we have 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
The Race Team is based on ability and any skier who is eager to actively participate in racing is welcome to "try-out".
Communication
The team will use email and app for communication. Your coach will have further details.
Competition
There are three races held in Leavenworth annually (Skirennen, Kick your Sticks and Bakke Cup). We will participate in races at different levels including the Washington Nordic Cup and higher level races such as JNQs if skiers are ready and excited. There are weekends during the season when coaches and some team members may attend other regional races.
At race events, the 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.
SKI INFO...
There are two pairs of skis needed for each skier, classic and skate.
As for classic skis, skiers should have either classic skis with skins or fish scales. There will not be a waxing table available before practices for skiers.
Skate skis have a smooth bottom and are designed to glide. Skate skis are usually a little shorter than classic skis.
The length of the skis really matters, and any sporting goods store that sells Nordic gear can help you find appropriately sized 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 (profil or pilot) - and unfortunately they don't work together. Some skiers will use a ‘combi’ boot, which is made to function well for both classic and skate, but for better performance (racing), you’d want to have a separate pair of boots for skate and classic.
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 to nose high.
PVNT will offer skiers both poles and skis but they must rent boots from PVST for the season at $30.
Still have questions? email [email protected].
Arlberg Sports Haus, Der Sportsmann and Eastside Cycleworks carry new 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.
Contact Ski Education Director for link.
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.
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.
