What is Nordic skiing?
Cross country (Nordic Skiing) is organized into two techniques: classic and skate. Classic skiing is where the skis move parallel to each other through machine-groomed tracks in the snow. Skate skiing is where skiers propel themselves in a manner similar to speed skating, pushing off with the edge of their skis. Classic technique is the original method of skiing and skate skiing is sometimes referred to as freestyle.
Skiing Experience
You do not need to know how to Nordic ski before joining the team. It will take your first ski season to learn the technique, but by your second year of skiing will go much smoother. Many successful skiers on the team learned how to ski for the first time in 7th grade as well.
Team Members
Anyone can join the Nordic team and no one is ever cut from the team. Athletes on the team may come from a wide variety of other sport backgrounds like soccer, cross country running, hockey, swimming, etc. EP Nordic is a combined 7th-12th grade team.
Equipment
7th-9th grade skiers will be entered in a lottery drawing for school skis and poles. There are many school skis available, but if your student does not receive school skis you will need to purchase them. Every skier, even if they get a pair of school skis and poles, will need a pair of boots. You can look at the equipment page for more detail.
Registration
You can register for Nordic skiing on the parent portal (Activities FeePay) website. The registration fee is $150.
Practice Location and Time
We practice Monday through Friday from 3-5 pm. There are often practices on Saturday mornings as well. At the beginning of the ski season, we will meet in the amphitheater before heading out to practice. Once there is snow we will have most of our practices at Staring Lake park.