Nordic Kids Ski Lessons

Spokane Nordic Kids is a volunteer-led program that offers kids from 5 to 15 years old (age 15 or under on Dec. 31, 2011) and their parents the opportunity to learn, develop, and enjoy cross–country skiing skills together. Parents and other adult volunteers lead groups of kids in fun activities designed to teach the fundamentals of Nordic skiing.

We sort kids into classes by age and ability. Nordic Kids emphasizes all aspects of Nordic skiing, from fun on the snow for the youngest skiers, to technique, backcountry skiing, and racing for the older skiers. For all kids the emphasis is on having fun!

Check out Nordic Kids photos here!

You must be a Spokane Nordic member in order to register your child for Nordic Kids. If you are not yet a member, join now. When your application is complete, please return to this page to register for Nordic Kids.

If you are already a Spokane Nordic member, you can register for Nordic Kids now!

If you have any questions please contact Trond Liaboed at tliaboe@hotstart.com

or (509) -385-1722.

Where?

The Mt. Spokane Cross-Country Ski Park.

When?

Every Saturday from January 7 to March 3. (We will not have lessons on Feb 11 due to the Langlauf Race and we will not have traditional lessons on Feb 18 due to the Junior National Qualifier Race, however the kids are welcome to participate in the race.)

Classes start at 1:00. After skiing the kids are done at 3:00 and return to the lodge for a snack and hot chocolate. Parents or custodians are responsible for furnishing transportation for their children to and from the ski area.

 

Nordic Kids Games and Potluck

The Nordic Kids Games and Potluck on March 3 is the wrap–up to our season. It includes fun cross-country relay races and jumping events. All the kids are encouraged to participate and there is a great family potluck afterwards.

Details

1. Kids need to have their own ski equipment. Waxless skis are encouraged. Some sports stores such as Fitness Fanatics offer trade-up programs for young skiers. Please remember to mark all skis and poles with the child's name. Poles are normally not used by the youngest skiers.

2. We have a limit of 150 kids. Kids enrolled last year (and upcoming younger siblings) will have a spot held for them until December 15. If your application is received after we reach 150, your child’s name will be put on our waiting list.

3. Students are split into groups that are compatible in terms of age and skill.

4. Kids must sign in before class and sign out after class. At 3 o’clock, their supervision is the responsibility of parents or custodians. For their safety, young children who return to the lodge early or young children whose parents are still out teaching are encouraged to stay inside the lodge. They can have a snack, play games or read. Older kids are expected to behave responsibly outside and we have strict guidelines on what is acceptable behavior.

Cost

The program costs: $50 for one child, and $45 each for two children or more, plus a $30 SNSEF membership fee per family. There is a late fee of $20/student for applications payments postmarked after January 1, 2012.

A limited number of Nordic Kids "scholarship" are available if your family is having difficulty with the class fees. Email info@spokanenordic.org for details.

Your class registration fee is not tax deducitlbe, but the SNSEF membership fee is deductible to the full extent allowed.

You must have a SnoPark permit to park at the Nordic area. Permits cost $80 and are available at local ski shops and from the Park rangers. The money from the sale of SnoPark permits supports cross country grooming and snow removal at Mt. Spokane.

Volunteer!

Nordic Kids is entirely run by our volunteers. Parents or custodians are strongly encouraged to volunteer as instructors, assistant instructors or helpers inside the lodge.

- On the Snow: each group of 5 to 8 kids will need 2 or 3 adult leaders, every week.

- Coordinators: will serve as communication facilitators for each group.

- Lodge Helpers: will do check in, check out, snacks, patrolling the lodge area, and clean up.

If you have any questions please contact Trond Liaboe at tliaboe@hotstart.com

or (509) 385-1722.

Beyond Nordic Kids

If your child has outgrown Nordic Kids, consider the Transition Team or Junior Racing Team.