NORDIC KIDS
Discover the joy of winter together.
Nordic Kids is a fun, family-friendly cross-country ski program where children ages 5–12 and their caregivers can learn new skills, explore the trails on Mt. Spokane, and create lasting winter memories. Whether you're stepping into skis for the first time or returning for another season, you'll find a welcoming community ready to cheer you on.
2027 Season: TBD
What a Typical Day Looks Like
Each Saturday, families meet their coaches at Selkirk Lodge, you'll look for the large Nordic Kids flags to find your group.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to ski along, cheer on their kids, or simply enjoy the trails together.
After a quick welcome, groups head out for a fun lesson filled with skill-building, games, and adventure, with activities tailored to each group's age and ability.
Before heading home, everyone returns to the lodge to warm up with hot cocoa and Oreos.
WHERE
The Mt. Spokane State Park Nordic ski area. Parents or custodians are responsible for providing transportation for their children to and from the ski area.
WHEN
Saturdays in January and February
[depending on snow and weather conditions]
OPTIONS
7-WEEK PROGRAM
Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced
Morning session
9:30-11:30 a.m.
Afternoon session
1:30-3:30 p.m.
COST
EACH CHILD: $150
Family Membership is included in the cost.
To park at the Selkirk lodge you'll need a State Parks Sno-Park permit: Available at area snow sports stores or the State Parks web page.
How Classes Are Determined
In order to create the best possible experience for each child, classes are created by sorting the kids by skill and physical ability. This means that children may be moved to a different class after the first or second week of lessons. Placing them with skiers of similar abilities enables them to learn more and have the most fun!
SUPER BEGINNER
Never touched skis of any kind.
BEGINNER
New to skiing or limited experience.
INTERMEDIATE
Can ski up and down hills and snowplow. Can ski for 30 minutes to 1 hour at a relaxed pace.
ADVANCED
Can stop on steep descents and perform proper skating technique. Can ski for 1 or more hours at a relaxed pace.
Parents & Caregivers Make Nordic Kids Possible
Nordic Kids is powered by parents, caregivers, and volunteers. Whether you can only help out for one lesson or want to coach every week, there's a place for you. Here's how to get involved:
1. Ski Along
The easiest way to help is simply to join your child's lesson. Cheer them on, help with boots and snacks, and enjoy time on the trails together.
2. Lend a Hand
Each week we need extra hands to help with setup, hot cocoa, and keeping lessons running smoothly. Even small contributions make a big difference.
3. Assist the Coach
No coaching experience? No problem! Many of our best coaches started as parents helping with a lesson group. We'll pair you with experienced coaches and provide guidance along the way.
4. Attend Coach Training
Interested in taking on a bigger role? Our preseason training sessions cover teaching techniques, safety, games, and everything you need to confidently lead a group.
5. Help the Program Grow
Love Nordic Kids? Consider volunteering behind the scenes with registration, communications, equipment, or planning. Your talents can help hundreds of families enjoy skiing each winter.
Together, our volunteers create an unforgettable experience for nearly 120 children and their families every season. We'd love to have you on the team.
If you register for Nordic Kids, you will have the opportunity to sign up for a volunteer position during registration. If you'd like to volunteer to help with Nordic Kids and you are not registering a child for the program, you can do so here.
Equipment
Rent for the Season
The Nordic Hut rental trailer, located next to Selkirk Lodge, offers season-long equipment rentals for the entire 7-week Nordic Kids Program.
Rental Package Includes:
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Skis
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Boots
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Poles
Season Rental Rates:
Renting is a great option for new skiers. You'll have properly fitted equipment for the entire season, and if your child needs a different size or type of ski, you can easily exchange it during the program.
Buy Used Equipment
Looking to purchase equipment? Check out our Ski Swap page or browse Facebook Marketplace for affordable used ski packages. Many families find quality gear that's perfect for growing skiers.
Equipment Tips
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Choose waxless skis for the best all-around performance with minimal maintenance.
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Make sure your ski bindings and boots are compatible (SNS or NNN).
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Boots should fit comfortably with enough room for toes to wiggle, helping keep feet warm.
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Label all skis and poles with your child's name.
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On especially cold days, toe warmers can help keep little feet comfortable.
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Children in Level 1 (ages 4–6) do not need ski poles.
State Parks Sno-Park Permit
Parking at the Nordic Area requires a Washington Sno-Park Permit. Permits are $120 and can be purchased online, at local ski shops, or from Mt. Spokane Park Rangers. Your permit does more than provide parking—it directly supports trail grooming, snow removal, and winter staffing, helping keep Mt. Spokane's Nordic trails in great condition all season long.
Purchase the Seasonal Non-Motorized Permit/Special Groomed Sticker Combo here.
THANK YOU TO OUR NORDIC KIDS SPONSOR!
SNSA and Spokane's Nordic Skiing Community appreciate your support!
