15 February 2026 Intermediate Ice Safety Workshop
Summary: The intermediate ice safety workshop had over 40 skaters with a couple people standing at the Hayes Room @ Kellogg Hubbard Library in Montpelier. We had representation from the Northeast including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, New Hampshire, and of course Vermont. The group started off with a kaleidoscope of foods and drinks from the community-building potluck ranging from soups, appetizers, salads, veggies, pasta, wings, breads, sandwiches, fruits, and desserts. Evan presented a slideshow: spent 2/3 of the time discussing Big Lake Skating and 1/3 of the time discussing leadership during an emergency allowing time for questions throughout. The short breaks provided time for the attendees to eat more foods and discuss the topics of interest. This event was recorded by ORCA Media, a local non-profit group. The video recording is here and also in the additional resources page. Evan sent an e-mail summarizing the event and soliciting feedback from the community for this style of off-ice workshop.
Evan Perkins will be leading this classroom-style course focused on ice rescue and big lake skating
There will also be some social time and a potluck-style dinner to connect and build community.
What: An intermediate course for people who already have some experience with and knowledge of Nordic skating. All are welcome.
When: Sunday, February 15 4-8PM
Where: Hayes Room @ Kellogg Hubbard Library, 135 Main St, Montpelier, VT ( NOTE: the main library entrance will be closed at this time; enter from the side entrance off School St [directions])
RSVP: RSVP required as space is limited [Click here to RSVP]
Questions: Feel free to contact Kitty
Organized by the Northeastern Nordic Skating Working Group and Sk802
9 January 2026 Mid-Season Social
Summary: Mid-season social had roughly 30 skaters meeting at Citizen Cider on a windy evening with representation from Richmond, Huntington, Ferrisburgh, Lincoln and Saint Albans! Rob with a commercial jig and Lola with a freshly made jig performed skate sharpening demos. Gear show and tell ("dry suit fashion show" and "what's inside the skating bag?" were both hits). As many skaters will have or have recently acquired nordic skates, the sk802 team sent out a recap of events to the Google listserv which included links to the sk802 website, new to nordic skating guide, and other pertinent materials.
Time: 5:00-8:00 pm
Location: Citizen Cider: 180 Flynn Ave, Burlington, VT [map]
RSVP with poll (ideal) but OK to swing by without
Join us at Citizen Cider in Burlington, VT to socialize with people in the Burlington area who are interested in skating on wild ice this year. Kids welcome! Food and drinks for purchase at the venue.
Suggested schedule (may change depending on the RSVP poll)
5-6 Social time
6-7 Gear show and tell and skate sharpening demo
7-8 Social time
7 December 2025 Early Season Social
Summary: inaugural meet-up was a success with 40-50 skaters meeting at Citizen Cider on a snowy evening - from Tupper Lake, NY to Thetford, VT. The space was perfect, Citizen Cider staff were flawless in their execution, and a TV screen allowed presentation. The organizers discussed the need for Sk802, a new website, and initiatives like "Adopt a pond, lake, or access area" and piloting a Signal group for local skating coordination.
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: Citizen Cider: 180 Flynn Ave, Burlington, VT [map]
RSVP with poll (ideal) but OK to swing by without
Join us at Citizen Cider in Burlington, VT to socialize with people in the Burlington area who are interested in skating on wild ice this year. Kids welcome! Food and drinks for purchase at the venue.
We plan the following at the inaugural meet-up depending on the RSVP poll:
social time
gear show and tell
used gear buy/sell/trade/free pile*
nordic skate sharpening demo
overview on preparation for adventures
launch new work-in-progress website and club
*We are not facilitating any used gear sale but providing a venue for you to procure or off-load specialized gear. We eventually want to start a gear lending library, so any technical gear (skates, poles, ice claws, PFD) you want to donate, we would welcome (no boots as we don't have storage)!
Thank you Citizen Cider for the space!