Bridger Ski Foundation : FAQ's

No, racing is an option but certainly not a requirement. Some athletes prefer to just train with the team and improve their skiing technique and fitness level. They can always pick up racing as they feel comfortable with it, but no one is ever required or pressured to race.

Why does the ski program start in the Fall before it snows?

BSF nordic is a year round program that not only focuses on skiing, but also on fitness. Better fitness results in a better skiing experience. J2/J1/OJ athletes sign up for the entire year of training and begin in May (J1/OJ) or June (J2). J4/J3 athletes can choose to train through the summer or begin training in September, and J5 athletes begin training in September.

I have a middle school child who has never skied before, but would like to join the team. Will he/she feel left out?

It is NEVER too late to start cross country skiing!! Nordic skiers, like most endurance athletes, reach their peak during their late 20's, early 30's, so starting in middle school is not considered late (as a matter of fact our own Olympic skier Leif Zimmermann did not start until he was 13). BSF/Nordic groups kids according to their age, not ability. All skiers ski at their own rate and progress individually. A beginning skier probably will not be able to keep up with the kids that have been skiing for a long time, so their workouts will cover shorter distances (for example skiing 2 loops instead of the 5 or 6 which other skiers are doing), with more individual technique work from the coach. Coaches are aware of how hard it might be to feel part of the team, and will make every effort to help. One nice thing about Nordic skiing is that there is no "bench," anyone who wants to participate or race can do so--travel to races is open to anyone regardless of ability. Progress is measured on an individual basis as the skier improves.

Where do the kids ski?

Practices are held in various locations according to the weather and snow conditions*. Younger children (J4 and younger) usually ski or do dryland (that is what practice is called before we have enough snow to ski) at Lindley Park (we meet behind the hospital at the west parking lot) or Triple Tree (dryland) mid week and at Bohart Ranch on Saturdays. Older kids (J3 and older) may train at either venue. The best way to find out what we are doing is to look on the web site (bsfnordic.com) under Training Schedules. We also use e-mail to let kids know if there is a change in location for training on a specific day.

*New parents please note, sometimes training locations and activities have to be changed at the last minute due to various, unpredictable circumstances (weather, trail conditions, road construction, etc.) and changes will be posted on the Training Schedules page as soon as they are made. Please make a habit of checking this page before each day’s training to ensure you have the latest information. Thanks for your flexibility!!

What do you mean by J4 and J3, and how do I know what group my child is in?

In Nordic racing, age categories are referred to as J6- OJ, which means they are junior skiers. Each category involves 2 years, so you can be a first or second year J6, J5, J4, J3, J2, J1 or an OJ. Your child's group is dependent on their age after January 1st. For example, J6 skiers are under 8 by January 1st. J5 first years are 8 by January 1st and J5 second years are 9 by January 1st. J4 skiers are 10 and 11, J3 are 12 and 13, J2 are 14 and 15, J1 are 16 and 17 and OJ's are over 17. Our head coach decides upon training groups.

I have always thought that cross country skiing was a lot of work. How do the kids manage to stay interested in the sport and what if I don't ski?

We are very lucky to have professional coaches in the ski program. For younger children practices consist of games, relays and technique practice--often they don't even realize they are working and getting fit. As the skiers get older, practice does become more serious, but coaches vary the workouts and still have interesting, fun activities. Of course, there are always the all BSF snowball fights to look forward to, that happen on a pretty regular basis (adults- make sure to duck!!). Many parents enter the program as non-skiers. It is always an option to walk into a race or ride a snowmobile and there are plenty of ways for non-skiers to get involved. Some parents take up the sport with their children. BSF offers master (adult) classes 3 times a day including one session at the same time the kids ski.

What type of ski equipment do we need?

J5 and J4 skiers can get by with one pair of skis and combination boots and one set of poles. Skis should be wax-able, but be forewarned that if you only have one pair of skis it takes a lot of time to clean the wax off skis each day, and groups alternate between classic and skate techniques through the week. It is preferable for J4's and up to have both classic and skate skis and poles. Older kids should see Dragan and the handbook for what they need for equipment.

I don't know a lot about waxing- how important is it and how can I learn about it?

Good waxing is important for a positive experience both at practice and races. There are two types of waxes: kick waxes (used in the kick zone for classic skis), and glide waxes (used over the rest of the ski and on skate skis). There are a variety of waxing clinics at local ski shops in town (give Bangtail a call for details). BSF skiers must bring their own kick wax to practice, and coaches will help them put it on correctly. Be sure to get there in time to wax BEFORE training starts at 4:00 though! BSF will provide waxing for the regional IMD qualifier races.

Where is a good place to get equipment?

We have several excellent cross country skiing stores in town. Bangtail and Northern Lights give discounts to BSF Nordic team members. Nordic Ski Source is a new website selling nordic gear and clothing in Bozeman. Each store has their own policy and carries different brands of equipment. Look for ski shop nights or discount information at registration or on the web site. The BSF-sponsored Ski Swap is also a great place to find good used equipment--volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and help you find the best available gear.

What if I don't know what good equipment is?

At the BSF Ski Swap, coaches and team members are available to answer questions about the gear for sale. It is important to find skis and boots that will work for your athlete, so just keep asking questions!! Nordic equipment sells out very quickly at the swap so if you plan on purchasing good used equipment it is important to get in early. Swap workers get into the building an hour before others. In order to work there is a sign up night and chili feed at Lindley Center (this is advertised in the newsletter and at bsfnordic.com). Get in line early for the shift you want, and make sure to indicate that you are with Nordic--total profits from the swap are divided among the Nordic, Alpine and Freestyle disciplines according to their number of volunteers.

Does my skier need a uniform and if so where can I get one?

It is not required to have a uniform, but it does help skiers feel as if they are part of a team. We change uniforms every three years. We are presently in the last year of the three-year cycle. We do have a few new racesuits in adult and youth sizes. Please email Kristen if you'd like to purchase a red racesuit. We are out of jackets, vests, and warm-up pants. However, some uniforms may be available from past team members--post requests to purchase items on the BSF Nordic Ning Social Network site.

What if I want my child to ski, but we can't make all the practices?

This is fine, just let the coach know. There is however, no reduction in fees for missed practices. J2 and older athletes who wish to race will be required to attend a certain percentage of practices (see BSF Nordic Handbook).

What about the fees, are there hidden costs or any financial help available?

If your child chooses to go to regional races, there are extra costs for racing which include the cost of transportation, lodging, food, race fees and coaching fees. The cost of a race depends on the distance and amount of days the skiers are gone for. They usually run between $200 - $300 depending on the distance skiers are traveling. There is also a Fall camp at West Yellowstone for J3's and older. The cost of camp varies, but is usually between $300-$400. The Nordic group sponsors an auction in the Fall in order to help parents off set some of these costs. There is also some sort of fund raiser during the year to help families with travel and camp costs. Camp and races are optional, but they are fun and a great opportunity for our skiers. For local races there is usually an entry fee. Many families enjoy going to the races to ski themselves and to cheer on the team. Going to these races helps develop connections to the Nordic ski community. There are need and merit scholarships available to help with fees (but not travel, that's where the auction and fundraising comes in). Applications will be at sign ups or on the web at bsfnordic.com.

How do I know if my skier should go to Fall camp or regional races?

Fall camp for many skiers is the highlight of the year. It is time for Nordic skiers to get together as a community, ski, socialize and meet other people with similar interest. We are incredibly lucky to have the West Yellowstone camp practically on our backyard, when many skiers travel across the country to attend. Any skier J3 or older is encouraged to attend Fall camp. For new skiers it is a time to learn and train with the team. For experienced skiers it is an integral part of their training plan, as well as a time to meet and re-connect with other skiers. Many families with younger children also attend and ski as families. Fall camp occurs during Thanksgiving week. Athletes that travel with the team go from Saturday to Saturday (they miss three days of school- but at this point the schools are fairly use to this and work with us). Many families celebrate Thanksgiving at West, and some pick up their children and bring them home for the day and back to West on Friday. All skiers are welcome at regional races as long as they meet the criteria in the handbook (J3 or older, moderate fitness level, comfortable with both ski techniques, psycho-social abilities, motivated to compete at this level). Athletes interested in being selected for the Intermountain Junior Olympic team must attend regional races.

How does our fee money and funds that are raised get distributed?

The nordic committee which is an off-shoot of the larger BSF organization develops a budget each year. The budget includes coaches salaries, insurance, van expenses, travel, coaches education, athlete support, trail grooming, snow making and general trail maintenance. See the handbook for a more detailed breakdown of income and expenditures. BSF Nordic Fundraising supplements its program expenses to keep fees as low as possible—an additional $300 per athlete must be raised just to cover program costs.

How do we get information about races and other skiing events?

On our web site, bsfnordic.com, there are race schedules and other information on the Upcoming Events page. We also send out e-mails about different events and opportunities within the Nordic community. It is important make sure we have your e-mail address and that you check it regularly since most of the information is sent out via e-mail. We also send out a BSF newsletter once a month, and make announcements at monthly potlucks (there will be a schedule on our web site of potlucks dates, these are nice times to meet other skiers, coaches and families). Most importantly keep in touch with your child's coach for news. If you would like to get the word out about your own event, consider joining our BSF Nordic Ning Social Network and post something!

What about potlucks. Are they important to go to, and how do they work?

Potlucks are once a month usually the second Wednesday of the month. Families bring a dish according to their last name. Be warned--the kids are starving after practice so bring much more than you would anticipate you would need. The potlucks are a chance to get to know other skiing families, coaches, masters, and members of the nordic community. There is often some sort of program and announcements during the evening. They last about an hour and a half. Check the "Upcoming Events" link for potluck schedule.

Someone mentioned Lindley World Cups Races. What are they?

Lindley World Cups started several years ago as low-key, citizen nordic races. We try to have three per season on the same day as potlucks (in December, January and February). These are no entrance fee, fun races at Lindley Park in which the whole family can participate (different length races for different ages). Each race will have a costume type theme with cowbell prizes awarded for top three best costumes, so make sure to keep all your old funky clothes!!

I understand that volunteering is a part of the program. What does that entail?

BSF Nordic Fundraising supplements its program expenses to keep fees as low as possible—an additional $300 per athlete must be raised just to cover program costs. Fundraising events which bring necessary revenue to the club require the assistance of many, much-appreciated volunteers. To volunteer, “Volunteer Questionnaire” must be completed and submitted with registration. Families should consider making a tax-deductible if they will not be able to volunteer. See the registration form for additional information.

Does the club provide transportation to practices and races?

For Junior National Qualifiers and the Western States Youth Ski Festival, the club provides a bus at an extra fee. For practices we have two vans: one which goes to Sacajawea Middle School and one to Bozeman High School. The van is available for middle school and high school students with older students getting first preference. See the registration form for details on van-ridership.

Beyond volunteer hours, what type of commitment is our family looking at by joining this program?

The amount of time and energy put into the program varies. Some families choose to only participate as required, but many of us have found that the more we do the more fulfilling the ski program is. Those that are very active have had the opportunity to be involved in one of the top nordic programs in the country as well as an active, enriching life style. Most of our young skiers are not only athletes, but high achieving students and active participants in our community.

Resources > Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does my child have to race if they join the team?