Nordic Ski Club
West River Nordic aims to support and encourage our young skiers and their families to learn and enjoy cross country skiing. All skiers will practice balance, agility and speed techniques through trail skiing and games.
Four Programs for All Levels of Skier:
1 Day: Friday Program for Beginner Skiers
2 Day: Monday and Friday Program for Developing skiers. Introduces the Skate Technique.
3 Day: Monday Wednesday and Friday to introduce skiers into ski racing.
Middle School Race Team: For 3 day skiers in 7 and 8 grade skiers who will race in the SVL middle school/high school race series.
Ski Equipment Lease:
Skis boots and poles are available in large thanks to Salomon through our lease program for $50 for the entire season. A sign up sheet will be sent to registered family's in early November each year.
Early + Late Season on Snow Practices
West River skiers have a long history of skiing on all snow conditions and temperatures. This tradition is both a reflection of our passion for the sport and helps develop a lifelong connection with the snow that is invaluable in the ski world. Many of the early and late season conditions can be rocky, icy and challenging for new skiers or skiers who prefer a more even “green trail” experience. When a practice will be on these conditions the practice email notification will note “challenging conditions expected” and please use your judgment if it is appropriate to send your child. All practices are optional but we love to ski so want to take every opportunity for the kids to get on snow.
West River Nordic Club is part of the larger New England Bill Koch League (NEBKL). Both entities are members of NENSA (New England Nordic Ski Association).
THANK YOU to our local ski venues - Wild Wings XC Ski Center, Viking Nordic Center, Stratton Nordic Center for their ongoing support of our program!
1-day Skiers (Friday)
K- 8th Grades
All skiers K-8 grade are welcome. Practice is on Friday and is our largest group of skiers and allow kids of all ability levels to have fun on snow. The practices typically have 45 min of group skiing followed by group games on skis.
Practices:
Friday (classic) typically at Wild Wings XC Center from 3:15 – 4:30pm.Practice Locations might vary based on snow conditions. All dryland practices are included for all skiers.
Registration Fee:
$75
2-day Skiers (Mon & Fri)
2nd-8th Grades
This program is open for skiers in 2-8 grades, who have had a least one year of Friday practices. The 2-day skiers will be introduced to the Skate technique on Monday practices and will ski a little more distance on the trails and still include games at the end of practice.
Practice:
Mondays (skating) typically at Viking XC Center from 3:15 – 4:30pm.
Friday (classic) typically at Wild Wings XC Center from 3:15 – 4:30pm. Practice Locations might vary based on snow conditions. All dryland practices are included for all skiers.
Registration Fee:
$105
3-day Skiers (M,W,F)
5th-8th Grades
This program is open for skiers in 5-8 grades, who have at least one year in the 2-day program. 3-Day skiers typically participate in several of the local area races throughout the season and have a desire to get a lot of time on snow. Wednesday practices can be skate or classic and normally take place at Stratton with coaching from the SMS coaches and current SMS skiers. The additional day allows skiers to work with a higher level of coaching.
Practice:
Mondays (skating) typically at Viking XC Center from 3:15 – 4:30pm.
Wednesdays (skate or classic) typically at Stratton w/SMS Nordic coaches 3:30-4:30pm
Friday (classic) typically at Wild Wings XC Center from 3:15 – 4:30pm. Practice Locations might vary based on snow conditions. All dryland practices are included for all skiers
Registration Fee:
$150
SMS Nordic Race Club
7th-8th Grades (also available for U14 6th Graders)
This SMS program is open for skiers in 7-8 grades and U-14 6th Graders. The SMS program exists to provide a number of on-snow practices, race support, and a team environment for athletes at local middle school races, BKL races, and the Vermont High School Qualifier race. This program will have practice with the West River 3 day skiers on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and have additional practice opportunities with SMS throughout the year. Eastern Cup race support is also available. Additional details are available at SMS registration website. See link below.
Registration Fee:
$375