Frequently asked questions for Nordic skiing
What is Nordic Ski? How does it work? What is a competition like?
“Nordic Skiing” refers to cross-country skiing, a sport where athletes travel across the snow on skis. High school athletes compete in two different types of Nordic ski races; classic and skate. Most races are 5k, although beginner skiers will have some races at the start of the season that are 1.5k. Classic ski is a ski form where the skier looks like they are moving as if sliding across the snow, but “kicking” as they go. Skate ski resembles ice skating, with wider strides (and no kick). Skiers are usually staggered at the start so they do not trip over each other.
Is skiing an expensive sport?
This is something we hear a lot from kids who are considering the sport. Is the sport affordable? The answer is complex. You can put very little into purchasing gear and you can still be a part of the team. Like many other sports, you can also choose to spend money on better gear which of course can add up. We recommend buying boots at minimum, and we recommend checking out the team sale page or a ski swap.
What will I need to buy?
The bare minimum you will need to compete: skis (available to borrow from the team if you are a first year skier or if cost is an issue), boots (most people do buy these, but you can get something called a “combi” boot that will work with both type of skiing—see above on the two types), poles (team has some available for first year skiers). Again, we recommend checking out the team sale sheet or a ski swap. Combi boots run about $200 and poles about $50. You can try to get used equipment for less.
If you live in Minnesota, you likely already own a lot of warm clothing so you will not need to buy too many new clothing items. You will need to buy warm base layers, which are available inexpensively at many retailers (even Target carries some). Gear that is specific to the Nordic skiing that we have found helpful: a buff (which is a tube that wraps around your lower face and neck), and “lobster” gloves (kind of a hybrid of gloves/mittens). Buffs are about $15, and lobster gloves are $20 - $40 depending on the brand, but are worth it. They keep your hands very warm. If possible, buy two pair so you always have a dry pair!
We also recommend purchasing a bag for your skis. The bag will protect your skis and will make it easier for you to carry them to/from practice and meets. Pioneer Midwest sells team bags at a discount. These are the most inexpensive bags we have been able to find. Once you purchase a bag, we recommend putting tape or some kind of tag on the bag so you can find it more easily (as many of the kids have the same bag from Pioneer).
You will also need to make a payment to our Booster Club for the cost of the ski pass. The ski pass is through Three Rivers, and can be used at Elm Creek, French Lake and Eagle Lake. Most of our practices and meets are at Elm Creek, but sometimes we need to go to another park because we share Elm with other teams and there is just not enough room (or they have a meet going on we are not participating in). If we ski at Theodore Wirth you will need to purchase a day pass, but we don't do that too often.
How do I get to Elm Creek for practice? How do I get to the other parks?
There is an activity bus that will pick kids up at the junior high and transport the kids to Elm Creek. It makes a stop at Maple Grove Senior High as well. You are welcome to carpool with another skier to get to the park. When we ski at French Lake or Eagle Lake all skiers will need to catch a ride with another student. A good time to talk about carpools is at the informational meeting. Let the coaches know if you are looking for help and they will try to connect you with an older skier. In the past we have not had a problem with kids getting to the parks. Everyone works together to help make it happen.
Where do I put my skis during the day?
If you are a middle school student, check in the main office. Traditionally the office has allowed our skiers to store their skis in a room in the gymnasium. If you are a high school student, ask a teacher if you can store the skis in their room during the day (perhaps your Advisory teacher). We do have a wax room in the basement of the high school, but it is locked during the day (due to non-skiers being able to access the area).
How will I know if practice is canceled?
Check our Twitter and Facebook pages. The captains will also communicate updates through the Group Me app. If you are not on the Group Me group and would like to be added, please let one of the captains know.
Do I wax my own skis? What kind of wax do I use?
If you are a first year skier the team will supply your wax and the coaches and more experienced skiers will teach you how to wax your skis. If you are a returning skier, we ask that you please purchase some wax to help keep costs down. Wax can be purchased at Pioneer, and many other retailers (including online). We will have times where we meet in the wax room and apply/remove wax as a team. There is plenty of instruction and support for new skiers. Waxing is fun!
Pioneer Midwest (local ski store off Hwy 81 in Osseo) has wax stations that are open to the public. They have three wax stations and they are available during normal business hours. They have a bench, iron and an iron stand. They provide scrapers and brushes. You will need to bring your own wax if you choose to wax your skis at Pioneer.
More information: http://www.pioneermidwest.com/services-125806/public-wax-room/