Programs:

2007 - 2008 Junior Ski Program

Children ages 8 to 16 years have the opportunity in this class to enjoy Nordic skiing and improve their skills by skiing with other kids under the direction of qualified coaches. The point of the class is for every child to increase his or her enjoyment of skiing by learning to ski better. Practices focus on mechanics, balance, and strength, for both classic and skate technique, and learning to adjust each technique to fit the terrain. In addition to practicing technique, kids will play games like soccer and capture the flag to develop balance and confidence on skis. A low skier-to-coach ratio will ensure plenty of individual coaching. This is not a racing program, but children interested in racing can learn some technique and receive information about local and regional races.

Who is Eligible? Any child 8 to 16 years old who can ski several kilometers comfortably and who wants to have fun learning to ski better. Skiers who do not want to ski several kilometers in a session will enjoy the Kid Ski class offered in February.

Season: December 3, 2007 through March 6, 2008. If snow conditions are poor in early December, then a few early-season dry-land practices will be held in a Laramie park.

Fee: $180.00 per child for the entire season.

Practice Schedule: 3:45 - 5:15 Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday. Practice will end at 5:30 later in the season when daylight lasts longer. There will be no practice on December 25 or January 1.

Coaching: The head coach will be Katie Turner, an assistant coach in last year’s junior program and a skier on the UW team. Katie has lined up one assistant coach and is looking for a second so that, again this year, two coaches can be present at every practice and the skiers can be divided for part of each practice into intermediate and advanced groups to work on different skills.

Location: Happy Jack ski trails. Skiers will meet for every practice at the warming hut at the Tie City Trailhead, off of the Happy Jack Road (Wyoming Highway 210) 12 miles east of Laramie.

Equipment: Skis, boots, and poles suitable for both classic and skate technique are recommended. “Combi” skis and boots work well for both. Skis with smooth bottoms are better than waxless skis. Every participant must provide his or her own equipment, which can be rented from Cross Country Connection (2nd & Ivinson, 721-2851) or Fine Edge Ski & Cycle (1660 N. 4th St., 745-4499. Warm clothing is essential.

Class Size: No maximum

Registration: This year, MBNA is handling the registration and other administrative matters. To register, or to discuss the program, please contact Ken Wilhelm, 745-1642, willi82072@hotmail.com. Interested skiers or their parents also are welcome to contact Katie (skier_twins@hotmail.com ) for information.