Programs > Youth Ski League

Youth Ski League (YSL) is part of the Bridger Ski Foundation-Nordic program and is designed to provide opportunities for youth ages 5-13 to have fun while learning to cross country ski. YSL is a non-competitive league, however, there will be race opportunities for those interested (see below). We will encourage all children to learn classic cross-country technique, but we will also teach beginning skate technique for older children who are interested.

 

YSL Co-Directors:

Erich Pessl (email: epessl@aol.com, cell phone: 220-3095)

Dan Purpurra (email: danpurpura@earthlink.net)

 

YSL information as a printable .PDF document

YSL Letter to Parents

YSL Updates

MEETING DATES, TIMES AND PLACES:

Wednesday Group:

Lessons will be at Lindley Park. Meet at the west hospital parking lot from 4:00pm to 5:15pm. Two Wednesday sessions in February will be held at the Bridger Creek Golf Course trail system (dates to be determined). Wednesday Program includes seven lessons from January 14th through February 25th, 2009.

Saturday Group:

Lessons will be held at the Bohart Ranch Cross-Country Ski Center. Lessons will run from 10:00am to 11:30am. Saturday Program includes seven lessons from January 10th through February 21st, 2009.

PROGRAM FEE SCHEDULE:

Includes 2009 trail pass for YSL skier for use of Lindley Park ski trails (Wednesdays) and trail fees to ski at Bohart Ranch (Saturdays).

Saturday Only: $90
Wednesday Only: $80
Both Days: $160

BSF Membership* $20 for individual, $40 for family (*BSF Membership is required for participation).

EQUIPMENT:

Each participant must bring his/her own skis, boots, and poles. We recommend that skiers dress in layered clothing. Remember that most clothing designed for alpine skiing may not be appropriate for cross-country skiing as it restricts movement and causes the child to
overheat.

For skis/bindings, we do not recommend three-pin bindings, as they tend to rub against the tracks and make it harder for the skis to glide. For younger, less-experienced children who will be focusing on classic technique, we recommend waxless/fishscaled skis. For older children who might be interested in learning skate technique as well, we recommend“combi” skis that may be waxed for sessions when we will teach classic technique.

A representative from the Nordic Ski Program will be available to consult with you at the BSF Ski Swap should you have questions while shopping there. New equipment may be purchased from Bangtail Ski Shop, Northern Lights and Bob Wards. For skiers in the Saturday program at Bohart, you may rent skis, boots, and poles at the warming hut.

As a rough guide for pole and ski length, the following may be helpful: Ski length should be 1-3 inches longer than the child’s height. Poles should reach from the ground to the top of the child’s shoulder. Combi boots and bindings are available for older children interested in skate technique.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT:

Parent/guardian assistance is critical to the success of YSL. Parents who have some experience with nordic skiing are encouraged to volunteer as instructors as the higher the instructor-child ratio, the better experience the children will have. Nordic racing experience is not necessary to be a good instructor for this age group of children— enthusiasm is what counts. We will provide an instructor orientation session, as well as a lesson book with simple games used to teach children age-appropriate skills—and most instructors will be paired with another instructor during lessons.

Parents who commit to serving as YSL instructors will have one child’s program fees waived. If you have a volunteer obligation for older children in BSF, 10 hours of your volunteer time can be applied to that commitment.

OTHER INFORMATION:

If the temperature is 10 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, lessons will be cancelled. Notices about such cancellations and other program updates will be posted on the BSF website under “News” and “YSL Programs” (www.bsfnordic.com/news/). YSL Skiers interested in competition should look for dates of the three Lindley World Cup Series races to be held at Lindley Park on select Thursday afternoons (www.bsfnordic.com/upcoming.htm).

Race calendar for 2008/09 season.

YSL skiers encouraged to take part in Lindley World Cup Races!

End of Season Potluck

Will be held at Lindley Park--date tbd. There will be races, games, food and fun for all. Children and families from both programs as well as siblings and friends are invited to attend.

TO REGISTER YOUR CHILD FOR YSL:

Complete the forms listed below, (also available under “Forms/Publications” link in the left-hand menu above) and send them in to the BSF Office: P.O. Box 1243, Bozeman, MT 59771 along with your payment.

Here is a list of what to include in your registration-packet:
1. YSL Registration Form
2. Liability Release Form
3. BSF Membership Form
4. Payment, make checks payable to "BSF Nordic."

Money from Bridger Bowl plates goes to BSF!: