While our Nordic Season of 23-24 is over, we will be together again SOON!


Questions: email Coach Britt @ guildbritt@minnehahaacademy.net


WHAT ABOUT SUMMER TRAINING?  Check out the Summer Training Presentation HERE.



Want to remember the photo highlights of our season?

Season Photos HERE

Banquet Slideshow HERE


Introducing our Season 2024-2025 Captains!  Please congratulate these up and coming leaders for NEXT YEAR! 

Greta Lemmons

Clara Peterson

Isaac Anderson

Henry Olson

Makai Bates


There are a few things to cover as we move into summer!  Scan through the info and let me know if you have any questions! I will have our Summer Training Opportunities Google Meet tomorrow at 7pm.


A.  If you still have any ski equipment: If you still have equipment or find that uniform jacket you forgot to turn in, please return anything Nordic to the wax room at North Campus.  You can do that at any time by buzzing in. Please label your equipment and email me when you drop off your equipment/uniform. 


B. Proper Summer Ski Storage:  Remember to store your own skis correctly with a coat of wax covering the bases (not the wax pocket of your classic skis). How you treat your skis when the season ends makes a difference in how your skis will perform next season.  Let me know if you need anything for prepping your skis for storage as you can prep in our wax room.


C. Nordic Team Training: In July, Nordic skiers will have the opportunity to train together twice a week.  Rollerskiing, bounding, and Nordic specific strength will all be a part of the program. More information to come.  If you are interested in Brandon Peterson's strength classes this summer at school (arena), info below:

9:30-11:00 am

Monday-Thursday

June 10 - August 2 (no training June 19 or July 1-5)

Cost $110

Register and pay HERE.


D. Other Summer training opportunities: If your skier would like to do more training this summer beyond captains' practices, I have listed some outside training opportunities your skier could join to work on technique and endurance.  Anyone who takes on some summer training, WILL be faster next year.  Skiers can decide to train anywhere from 2 to 6 times a week.  It depends on what steps you would like to take and your summer schedule. You may have questions about this, so I am having a Google Meet info session for skiers and families TOMORROW, Monday April 15th @ 7pm.

Google Link:

Meeting ID

meet.google.com/bee-rbqw-kjh


Missed it the GoogleMeet?  Presentation HERE


If you are interested to learn what's out there, check out below links.  Each program has different options for different levels:

Endurance United

Mpls Ski Club: 

LNR:  

Girls Specific Strength @ Noko Strength

Get stronger rowing/climbing: 

Rice Creek Boat Club 

Minneapolis Rowing Club

Minnesota Boat Club

Minneapolis Bouldering Project


E. SUMMER NORDIC CHALLENGE IS ALMOST HERE! What is the Nordic Summer Challenge? The Nordic team has a summer tradition called the Summer Nordic Challenge!  To encourage summer endurance training, camaraderie, and healthy competition, six teams are created between current skiers, alumni, and families. 2024/25 captains draft members to their teams in mid-May. For eight weeks, (Sunday, June 9 - Saturday, August 3) each team member will record their mileage and report their mileage on a google doc spreadsheet by Sunday of each week. 


Each week, two teams compete against each other. The team with the most points from higher mileage wins that week. The team that accrues the most points at the end of the ten weeks will be proclaimed champions and their name will be added to the Golden Summer Challenge Ski.


We had a great start to the season!  Check out our presentation from the Kick Off evening HERE!  The Nordic Cheat sheet that has all a parent would want to know about MA Nordic is HERE!

The Payment site for rentals/passes/etc. is right here! https://payit.nelnet.net/form/ozgPfGZj

Groupme: It is going to be so important for skiers and family members to receive text messages on groupme.  If you haven't already joined, I recommend you do.  Join HERE

Check out photos from our season so far HERE!

Photos from last season (22-23) HERE.


What does the MA Nordic Ski Team do during the summer?


What you need to know if you are interested in MA Nordic!  

Activity Fee + ski passes to St. Paul & Mpls = $130 (7th-12th grade)

Activity Fee + ski passes to St. Paul & Mpls = $110 (6th grade)

How to PAY for activity fee/passes/rental fee?  Just Click HERE! There are NO BARRIERS for students wanting to be a part of the Nordic team.  Financial assistance is always available!  Just talk to Britt!

SKI SWAPS:

 Last Ski Swap

An affordable way to buy Nordic equipment is at ski swaps.  Please email me before going to a swap to discuss what your skier needs.

c. MYSL (Minnesota Youth Ski League)

MYSL ski swap and EXPO is Saturday, Nov. 18th from 9am to 1pm.  The swap is located at the Northern Star Council Base Camp by Fort Snelling. You must apply for a swap entry ticket in this window (Oct. 23th-Nov. 9th).  See how to apply for a lottery application ticket and swap details HERE

ABOUT MA SKIING

Minnehaha Nordic is about good fun, good sportsmanship, and good health, about appreciating the cold parts of God’s creation, about making friends, and about learning life’s lessons, and of course, learning not just to Nordic ski, but to Nordic ski fast.  It might not be in that order, but it’s all important to us.

When you join Minnehaha Nordic, you join a team that is supportive and caring and fun. Your coaches and teammates will cheer for you on the trail, their parents will cheer for you  – even if its below zero! Your coaches and teammates will help you learn how to ski. If you join the team with little ski experience, you’ll leave someday with a lot! If you join the team with a lot of ski experience, we’ll help you train to ski faster.

On the MA Nordic Ski team, everyone participates. There are no benches, no sidelines. If you want to race, you’ll be in a uniform and on the starting line! If you don’t feel ready, we’ll help you get to the point where you are.

In Nordic skiing you’ll learn how to go up hills and down. If you have never gone downhill on a pair of skinny skis in a lightning fast track – you’ve never really had fun!! Of course you’ll learn how to slow down and stop too.

We have a lot of fun but our team works very hard. Our boys’ and girls’ teams are often the Conference Champions. Our boys team has enjoyed being Section Champions as well as being on the podium at State. For the past 20 years we’ve always sent someone (or two or three) to the State Meet each year. Our best skiers work hard all year long – and it shows.

PRACTICE:  Practice is Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday for middle school skiers and Monday-Friday and Saturday for Varsity/JV skiers! Saturday mornings are great for a nice long ski in the woods, but will also be used for more intense work outs.  Middle school and new skiers can practice as little as two days a week if you’d like – just to try it out and see how you like it.   

Busing is going to be difficult this 23-24 season, but we will do our best.  We will practice at SOUTH CAMPUS the first few weeks of the season.  Upper school skiers can take the bus from north campus to south campus.  If skiers are driving from North Campus, they must wait until 3:30pm to enter the parking lot. 

Here is a video from our Alumni Nordic Redhawk, Jake Brown in how to warm up before a race!

Video is HERE.

22-23 CAPTAINS

Captains are here to help you with some commonly asked questions! They will be on the trail always willing to help! 

And they are: Allie, Elaina, Lucy, Sienna, Clara, Finn, Ellis, Abe, & Henry

Captain Allie-Joined last year in 11th Grade

As Nordic captain I will first and foremost bring glory to Jesus in both my words and actions.  I will work to create an environment and culture of teamwork, unity, hard word, and determination.  I will accomplish this in prayer, my training, and how I interact with teammates. I will encourage my teammates, helping to create a team where all skills are welcome.  I will be an example of what hard work and team focus looks like this entire Nordic season.




Captain Elaina-on team since 9th grade

As a captain of Nordic Skiing, I will respect my coaches' time by doing my best, work hard alongside my teammates to push us to collectively improve, and encourage and connect with younger skiers to increase their joy in the sport.





Captain Lucy-on team since 9th grade

My purpose as a captain is to lead as an example of hard work, dedication and positive attitude. This is important to me because when I joined the team in 9th grade, I admired how the captains were not only examples of how to be an excellent athlete, but also how to be inclusive and make everyone feel like a significant part of the team. I will achieve this by giving 100% every day, and looking for ways to serve and cheer on my teammates so that they can feel proud of their growth throughout the season. I’m looking forward to getting to know more about our new skiers!



Captain Sienna-on team since 7th grade

My goal as a captain is to be the support system and role model that I experienced in my senior captains when I first started Nordic. I wanna help facilitate a team environment where everyone feels connected and supported regardless of age, friend group, or level of skiing. 

Captain Clara-on team since 6th grade

I believe my purpose as a captain of the nordic team is to be a supportive and encouraging role model, along with helping others strive to be the best skier and team mate they can be.  To achieve these qualities I will work to demonstrate perseverance,  positive attitudes, and determination to be an example for other team mates/skiers. 

 

Captain Abe-on team since 8th grade

My purpose as a Nordic Team captain and leader is to uplift, support, and encourage my teammates during, before, and after races and practices.  I need to be a leader where teammates feel comfortable.  I need to be a leader who leads who leads by example and represents the whole team.  Basically, I just need to be someone who my teammates can look up to, be someone who supports my teammates and coaches so the can achieve their goals.  One big effort I am going to make this year is to help support the middle school skiers and the goals they would like to achieve.

Captain Ellis-on team since 7th grade

My purpose as a captain of the Nordic Ski Team is to cultivate a loving team and powerful culture.  This role is important to me because I love seeing my peers prosper and grow in camaraderie.  I will do this by being optimistically engaged with those around me.  I am excited to enrich our culture and strengthen bond with those on the team. 


Captain Finn-on team since 6th grade

My purpose as a leader/captain on the Nordic Team is to make the people around me the best they can be whether it's their performance on the snow or who they are as a person.  The role is important to me because it's an honor to be a captain/leader at Minnehaha. I will fulfill this by keeping myself at a higher standard and lead by example.  I will also try to develop better relationships with the athletes on this team so that they can look to me for help.  I will also  work on learning from others from the past and I am excited to help others be the best they can be.  

Captain Henry-on team since 6th grade

My purpose as a captain is to foster meaningful relationships with my teammates in and outside of practice, to create a positive team culture, as well to encourage and guide my teammates to race and improve at Skiing.



Conference Teams

OUR BIG FANTASTIC TEAM!


21-22 Nordic Social

Rollerskiing on Snow?

Frisbee Golf

Dry land training!

First Race for Lyla and Greta Together!

Race Day!

Sunny day for a ski race!

Guild Girls first Race Together

CLOTHING

CLOTHING

There is definitely a bit of science behind how to dress for Nordic skiing.  If you want to remember what to bring, HERE is a checklist!

During Practice

It can be 5 degrees outside and if skiing, you can heat up very fast and perspire. If the sweat you produce during this workout is trapped next to your skin, you will eventually feel chilled. Not only is this cold clammy feeling uncomfortable, it can be dangerous, especially as you start to cool down. Protect yourself by wearing lightweight layers that you can remove quickly and stow away as you warm up. Look for high-quality synthetic fabrics that are breathable.

Moisture management is the first consideration here. To keep the body warm during high-energy activities, clothing should transport moisture away from the skin to the outer surface of the fabric where it can evaporate. Tall order? Fortunately, companies are using ultra-light fabrics in their long underwear. These materials wick moisture from the skin and move it away, so start with this as an inner layer. Also, look for garments made from the new stretch fabrics for better fit and performance.

Your next layer should be a lightweight stretchy insulator, such as a breathable fleece sweater or vest. While you might not need it once you’ve warmed up, you’ll appreciate a cozy top when you slow down or on the ride home. Always bring something warm and dry to change into after practice or a race.

The final part of your cold-weather wear should be a lightweight and versatile shell jacket that will function for highly aerobic, as well as less strenuous activities, depending on what you layer under it. For aerobic activities, a shell’s ventilating features are particularly important.

In Nordic ski practice, a lightweight wicking layer and stretch fleece pant are often all you’ll need on the bottom.

Always bring a hat and gloves, regardless of the weather or your activity level. As with the rest of your clothing, synthetic materials work best for protecting you against the extremes.

Uniform

Uniforms (jacket & pants) are used at practice and races. You do not have to wear the uniform, but it is provided as an option.  It's a great way to show your MA team spirit at races!  UNIFORM PROVIDED AT NO COST.  Skiers will receive their uniform at a ski fitting or the first week of practice.    Wear a light layer under your MA jacket and pants.  Wool socks, gloves, hat, buff, face mask.  

Races

During a race, the skier will usually wear their wicking baselayer, their team skinsuit (Varsity & JV) and hats and mittens/gloves. Boys should wear a pair of windbriefs. Their team warm-up can be worn up until they line up at the starting line or during a race.  Racing suits are given out to skiers who would like to wear one (totally optional).  The uniform jacket and pants can be worn at races as well.

Cold Weather Tips

• In very cold, windy or sunny conditions, skiers should wear sunglasses or goggles to protect their eyes.

• In very cold conditions, a balaclava or buff can be worn to help keep the skiers neck and face warm. (If your neck is covered, you’ll be considerably warmer!)

• In very cold conditions, commercial “boot covers” or simply an old pair of wool socks with the toe cut off, will help keep skiers feet much warmer.

• Mittens are much warmer than gloves. In a race however, they might be too warm.

• Warmskin or Vaseline or Dermatone are cream type products that can help keep the skiers face protected in cold weather.

• Hand-warmers and feet-warmers are charcoal-based products you can buy to put in your mittens or boots to help stay warm. Nicer for spectators than skiers.

Please label all your skiers ski clothing.

EQUIPMENT

EQUIPMENT

What equipment do I need?  

Minnesota high school skiers race two different techniques: freestyle and classic. Each technique requires different equipment.   Skate skis are shorter with a stiffer camber, classic skis are longer and the camber should compress when fully weighted. Skate poles are longer than classic poles. Skate boots are usually higher, offering more ankle support and a stiffer sole to prevent twisting, classic boots are meant to bend. Ahhh! So what do you do?

If you are new to the sport, we try to alleviate the expense by having skis, boots and poles available for rent. We will do our best to fit as many skiers as possible.  We may need to ask a skier to invest in some equipment if we don't have enough.  We will work with families to help figure out equipment for each skier.   Skiers can choose to just ski one technique-classic is recommended.  

Coach Britt sent out a Google doc to sign up for trying on rental equipment (30 min blocks) HERE 

Skiers and families meet in the wax room at North Campus to get fitted for equipment for the season.

Rental fees:

A La Cart (Skis – $40, Boots – $60, Poles – $20)  

Classic Skiing Package: $80

Skate Skiing Package: $80

Both classic and skate rental package: $150

Ski bag: $30 to purchase and $12.50 to rent for the season.

If you recognize your skier is going to stick with this sport, then is a good time to start investing in quality equipment. You could plunge in and buy it all, or buy a set each year, renting until your purchases are complete (for the time being anyway).

What size skis should I get?

Skis are sized for a person’s weight and not their height.  When buying skis the sales person should check if the ski’s flex is appropriate by having the skier stand on the ski. This is a big reason why skis should be purchased at a ski store specializing in Nordic skiing.  The ski swaps will also have trained people to assist with sizing skis.  

PLEASE LABEL EVERY PIECE OF EQUIPMENT.

Coach’s favorite places to shop for ski equipment:

Always be sure to ask for the high school team discount, as most ski shops do offer a discount for members of high school Nordic teams.

FinnSisu, 2436 Larpenteur Avenue West  Lauderdale, MN 55113                 www.finnsisu.com

Pioneer Midwest, 415 County Road 81, Osseo, MN 55369                       www.pioneermidwest.com

GearWest, 1786 Wayzata Boulevard  Long Lake, MN 55356                 www.gearwest.com

COMMUNICATION

Groupme: It is going to be so important for skiers and family members to receive text messages on groupme.  If you haven't already joined, I recommend you do.  Join HERE

Emails: Coach Guild will email every Sunday with the week's schedule.

Nordic is So Much Fun!

SEASON SCHEDULE

Click on the calendar and go to 'Open to a New Tab' to see our scheduled races and events for our 2023-2024 Season!

Types of Races:

Mixed Relay: Male and Female skiers do a relay together where each skier skis a 1 to 2km loop and will tag off to a teammate after the completion of their lap.  Teams can be two, three, or four skiers.  Relay can also be same gender.

5km Classic or Skate Race: Each skier skis a 5km individual classic or skate race.  Teams win according to points from each skiers placement at the finish line.  6th graders and middle school skiers will only do a 2.5km race.  JV and Varsity skiers will be the only skiers to ski a 5km.

5km Pursuit: Only Varsity and JV skiers ski a pursuit race.  Skiers ski a 5km classic race the first day.  However the skiers finish on the first day will determine how they are placed for the second day of a 5km skate race.

Duathalon: Skiers ski a classic loop then change skis and poles and ski a skate loop. 


SKI LOCATIONS

Elm Creek Park Reserve-Three Rivers

Elm Creek Park in Maple Grove where we have most of our conference races along with Conference Championships.  There is a chalet where skiers can store their things and get warm after races.  The race start area is along the ski trail.  Walk along the ski trail to the flat practice area.  Start and Finish is at the same spot. 

Theodore Wirth Park-Trailhead

The new Trailhead building provided by The Loppet Foundation provides a place for gear and staying warm after a race.  We will have practices at Theodore Wirth Park and it will host our Sections Meet.  

Battlecreek Regional Park & Recreation Center

This park in St. Paul will be where we have Saturday practices if there is snow.  This park does not make snow.  There will a be three races at Battlecreek during the season if there is snow.


Hyland Lake Park Reserve & Recreation Area

This is not Hyland Hills Ski Area!  Please don't let your gps take you to the downhill chalet.  Races and practice at Hyland Lake take place closer to Jan's place, so drive past the large Chalet on your right and continue to the back parking lots.  The start and finish of Hyland races are in the flat practice are to the left of the parking lots.

Como Park Ski Center

This ski area is located on the Como Park Golf Course and close to the Como Zoo.  We will have a few races and practices at this location in St. Paul.

Wearing a buff

Classic Skiing

Classic Skiing

Skate Skiing

TRIPS

We can't wait for our annual AC Trip this season!!  Dec. 27th-30th

The AC trip is designed for anyone who just wants to enjoy the sport of skiing in the north woods.  Space will be limited and will only be offered for upper school skiers (9th-12th grade).   Coaches will supervise, coach,  ski and enjoy the quiet/technology-free space along with the team.  At AC you will find delightfully cozy accommodations featuring heat, electricity, incredible food, hole-in-ice sauna, clean and adventurous restrooms, and miles of ski trails from beginner to expert right out our front door.  We ski each day, take time to train and work technique while experiencing each other and the outdoors.  Approx. cost is $200 to cover lodging, food, passes, and transportation.

Chilly night and gorgeous sky

Chalet at night

Relaxing in the Chalet

Music in the Chalet

Hanging out after an evening walk

Ski buddies

It doesn't get any better than this..

Giants Ridge (Mesabi) Invitational, Biwabik, MN-January 5-7th weekend

The Giant’s Ridge Invitational is the largest high school ski meet in the country. It’s exciting and exhilarating! The courses are tough and we’ll carefully chose our team of 10 skiers who are fit and ready. The entire team is encouraged to attend to support and practice.   

The weekend includes 2 nights lodging, meals, transportation and trail passes.  Skiers help pay for lodging which can be around $75 for the two nights.  Cost depends on how many skiers attend and lodging is still being determined.  

Costume Race

Lined up for a great race!

Happy after a race!

Getting ready to go!

Off to cool down after a race

Nordic Fun!

Costume race with coach Michelle

WAXING

WAXING SKIS

Wax and equipment are complicated but we try to keep it as simple as possible. First year skiers and younger skiers will be given a lot of help at first so, they will get the hang of it quickly! We will have a wax demonstrations and time for skiers to wax their own skis in the North wax room either at or after practices.

Our team owns a significant amount of wax and coaches and “the wax team” are very knowledgeable. We will definitely make sure skiers are waxed properly for the “big” races. 

WAXING FOR CLASSIC SKIING (new skiers will have skis that do not require waxing in the the glide zone-makes life easy!)

Here is a demonstration in applying wax for CLASSIC SKIING:

WAXING FOR SKATE SKIING

Here is a great video to show how you apply glide wax to your SKATE SKIS and the glide zone for your classic skis.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY

We had a great time serving the young skiers in our community as they raced in the Hiawatha Hustle for the Minnesota Youth Ski League!

Helping the Minnesota Youth Ski League at the Hiawatha Hustle Race for kids!

Cheering on the young skiers

VIDEOS TO WATCH

Look @ technique & don't worry about not understanding Swedish!

Sprint

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KMMFQ3jrCA


15km classic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXpINHv7Y7U


Women's race sweden:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFlqj46SdNY


Women's distance race Beitostolen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRp2_lL_QGQ