Nordic Kids 2021-2022

Fall Nordic Kids: October 10, 17, 24 and November 7

Fall Nordic Kids is best suited for kids participating in Winter Nordic Kids.  Limited to 50 participants.  Cost is $25/child and fees will be donated to our Snowmaking Capital Campaign.  Email xckids@blackhawkskiclub.org with questions or to volunteer. Hope to see you in the fall!

2021-2022 Registration Information:

Don't you just love summer?  But it is fleeting and before we know it the snow will be flying!  Registration for returning members is coming soon.  September 20 begins a 2 week period for returning members to renew memberships and sign up for programs.  New members may begin signing up October 4. Please register for one day of lessons only.

While we are grateful for life returning to normal in many ways, skiers in our program are largely unable to benefit from the vaccine at this time, so some safety measures will remain in effect to mitigate COVID-19 exposure including masks when physical distancing is not possible or when indoors.  We are hopeful that with appropriate caution we can provide full programs to keep kids engaged in the great outdoors.  

What is the same:

• Weekly lessons for parent-tot and kids ages 5-5th grade for $35/skier
• Ski rentals for $30 for the season (to be used during lessons and other times at Blackhawk trails only)
• Energetic instructors and assistants to help your skier grow in technique, endurance, and having fun in the snow!
• Fall & Spring Nordic Kids session for $25/skier (4 weeks: October 10, 17, 24 and November 7; spring TBD) to learn nordic hill bounding, improve agility, practice orienteering and increase strength and fitness before the winter season.  Limited to 50 skiers
• Junior Ski Team for experienced skiers (all 4 color levels completed or equivalent and approval by director or coach)
• Trailer will be near the Jump Chalet near the machine shed.  In the case of natural snow, we will meet at the East chalet.

What we need to make this year a success:

• YOU!  We need volunteers to help in many ways from early season prep to handing out gear to managing the gear and other jobs.  Every parent needs to volunteer in some capacity to keep our program safe, fun and a great learning experience.  Email xckids@blackhawkskiclub.org to see how you can help.
• Early arrival times: We need all skiers, but especially those renting gear, to arrive 20-30 minutes ahead of lesson time. 

General Program Information:

The Blackhawk Nordic Kids Program is for children of all ages and abilities, parent-tot through 5th grade*.  The focus of this program is learning the fundamentals of cross country skiing (classic and skate technique) and having fun outdoors in the winter. Participants are separated into color groups, based on age & ability, for instruction and ski games.

Nordic Kids Lessons are offered Sunday afternoons from 2:00-3:00 beginning on January 2, 2022 or Wednesday afternoons from 4:30-5:30pm (time subject to change) beginning January 5, 2022. Lessons limited to 60 skiers per day.

Parent-tot class (no charge) will be offered during Sunday afternoon classes. This class is for parents who want to ski with a young child in a backpack or in a polk or ski alongside their young skier.  Children under 5 must begin in parent-tot class until they are ready to ski independently.

A parent or guardian is required to remain on the Blackhawk Ski Club premises during lessons.

Nordic Combined: On Sundays from 12:30-1:30 Intro to Ski Jumping will be offered for skiers interested in learning Nordic Combined, which is an event that scores both ski jumping and nordic skiing. Separate program registration and fees (for both programs) is required.

Nordic Kids Junior Ski Team: Meeting on Sundays and Wednesdays during Nordic Kids lessons, the Junior Ski Team welcomes those skiers who have a desire to take their love for skiing to the next level. The group will focus on improving technique in both classic and skate skiing.  Goals include building efficiency in climbing, descending and cornering, using kick-double pole and double pole effectively, and improving proficiency of v1, v2, and v2 alternate.  Open to skiers who have completed all 4 color levels of Nordic Kids or reached the equivalent at another program.  If interested, please email xckids@blackhawkskiclub.org with a description of your skier’s interest in the team and skiing experience prior to registration.

Requirements: All participants must be members of Blackhawk Ski Club. This program relies 100% on the time and effort of parents and volunteer instructors. 

Program Fee: $35 per child for the season. These fees are used to offset incidental program cost and Blackhawk kids' hats or buffs; instructors are all volunteers.

Equipment: The club owns and maintains a fleet of youth cross country equipment (skis, boots, poles for classic skiing; skis, poles and most boot sizes for skate skiing). This equipment is available to rent for use during Nordic Kids sessions and at other times by permission of the director while on Blackhawk trails. The rental fee is $30 per child for the season.  These fees are used for replacement, upkeep and maintenance of the equipment fleet.

Registration: Register online at www.blackhawkskiclub.org beginning September 20, 2021 (returning members) and October 4, 2021 (new members).  A confirmation email will be sent early October with details on volunteer sign up.  Locations for lessons (dependent on snow conditions) are sent via email and posted on the website prior to each lesson.

*Youth skiers of all abilities may join the Blackhawk Nordic Ski Team beginning in 5th grade.  Skiers in 6th grade are welcome to ski with Nordic Kids with permission of the director.

Blackhawk Nordic Ski Team (BNST) is a great opportunity to ski with others from around Dane county and enjoy the winter outdoors.  Curriculum is centered around racing, and skiers are encouraged to race, but not required to race in order to join the team.  Practices are twice weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays 5:30-7.  Email carol.barford@blackhawkskiclub.org for more info.

Questions: Questions can be directed to Amy Grunewald Mattison at xckids@blackhawkskiclub.org

Amy Grunewald Mattison, Nordic Kids Program Director