KidSki Program at Snowflake

KidSki is full for the 2012-13 season and we are no longer taking names for a waiting list. Another good option is the Nordic Spirit Youth Ski League (NSYSL), a program similar to KidSki held at Spirit Mt Nordic Center. NSYSL begins after Christmas, and we’ll post registration information as soon as it’s available. Thank you for your interest!

2012-13 will mark KidSki’s 18th year of cross country ski lessons for kids ages 4-12. The program is staffed by local volunteers who want to share their talents and inspire a lifelong love of the sport in our children. KidSki emphasizes a fun, game-based approach to learning to ski. Skiers of all abilities are welcome.

Skill Levels and Equipment – scroll down for Levels 1 – 5

Level 1

Age Range Level 1 is for kids who HAVE NOT skied before. Koalas: 4-5 year olds; parents must walk/ski with kids. Kodiaks: 6-11 year olds; parents welcome to walk/ski with kids.

Equipment Koala: Waxless (fishscale) XC skis. Koalas do not use poles. Skis that strap on over snow boots are are okay for Koalas. Kodiak: Waxless XC skis. Poles are used. Ski-specific boots attach to skis with 3-pin binding, SNS binding or NNN binding (any ski shop or KidSki coach can help explain the differences).

Goals

• Review safety & courtesy rules
• Learn to put on and take off equipment
• Learn to walk and move on skis
• Learn to fall down and get up
• Have fun playing games
• Learn to go up hill with side stepping
• Begin to learn to snow plow
• Ski a ½ km loop without falling

Level 2

Age Range For kids 5 and older who have mastered Level 1.

Equipment Classic skis, boots and poles. Waxless skis are still the best option at this level

Goals Through both games and trail-work, kids will:

• Extend glide from ski to ski
• Learn to transfer weight for diagonal stride
• Learn to go up hills with diagonal stride
• Learn to go up hills with herring bone
• Become more comfortable going down larger hills in the track
• Learn how to grip and use poles correctly
• Master the snow plow
• Turn using wedge turns
• Increase strength & endurance and
• ski at least 3 km of moderately hilly terrain

Level 3

Age Range For kids 7 and older who have mastered Level 2.

Equipment Classic skis, boots and poles; waxable or waxless. Many kids will be ready for waxable skis by now. They offer superior glide, but require good technique when going up hills.

Goals Through trail work and games:

• Refine uphill technique (diagonal stride)
• Continue to work on using poles correctly
• Double Poling Single kick, double pole
• Downhill techniques: more wedge turns, step turns, downhill turns in the track
• Learning to use the terrain: choosing best technique
• Bumps and jumps
• Learn correct body position-lean and incline
• Learn to use kick wax
• Increase strength & endurance and
• ski at least 5 km of moderately hilly terrain

Level 4 – SKATE Skiing

Age Range For kids 9 and older who have mastered Level 3. This technique requires strength and endurance, and kids must be ready to be physically challenged. KidSki coaches reserve the right to reassign kids who are not yet ready for this level.

Equipment Must have skate skis (non-fishscale classic skis are acceptable, but glide suffers), longer poles (chin- to nose-length). Skate skiing is easiest with skate-specific boots. Classic boots will work, but require greater ankle strength.

Goals Through trail work and games:

• Learn the basic V1 technique on flats
• Correct use of poles
• Learn how to climb hills with the V1 technique
• Open field skate or V2 alternate
• Introduction to V2 technique
• Downhill techniques
• Using the best technique for the terrain
• Long glide on one ski
• Increase strength & endurance and
• ski at least 7 km of moderately hilly terrain

Level 5 – CLASSIC and SKATE Skiing (advanced)

Age Range For kids 10 and older, who have mastered Level 4.

Equipment Classic and skate skis, poles and boots. Classic skis must be waxable (no fishscales). ‘Combi’ equipment may be used, but technique-specific equipment is preferable. Classic skis must be appropriate to the skier’s weight. Classic poles generally reach to armpit. Skate poles generally reach to nose.

Goals Level 5 is for kids who are serious about developing skills in both techniques, and who have an eye toward joining their high school ski team (kids can join their high school team in 7th grade). These kids must be comfortable with both techniques and able to ski 10 km. Come prepared for classic skiing at the first class. Students will work with some of our advanced coaches.

Classic Goals:

• Diagonal stride refined Double poling Single kick double pole mastered
• Waxing for the conditions

Skate Skiing Goals:

• V1 will be refined Open field and V2 reviewed Poling, downhill, etc.

Level 5+ (New!)

This level is for advanced skiers who have completed Level 5, but are still too young to join a high school team (i.e. 5th & 6th graders). Fletch Koos and Judy Derauf will work with this group.