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. 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 Director:

Erich Pessl
email: epessl@aol.com
cell phone: 209-5854

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YSL registration and information, printable pdf

(please see below for forms required with complete registration)

 

YSL Updates

New this year!  The BSF Nordic program will take another important step forward as one of the premier cross-country ski programs in the country.   We will have professional coaches with years of skiing and instruction experience.

MEETING DATES, TIMES AND PLACES:

Wednesday Group:

Lessons will be at the Bridger Creek Golf Course from 4:00pm to 5:15pm. Meet at the clubhouse parking lot (off McIlhatten Road).

First session is January 13; last session is February 24.

Saturday Group:

This year, you will choose your location for Saturday lessons
Saturday lessons will be held at both Bohart Ranch Cross-Country Ski Center and Bridger Creek Golf Course (you select Bridger Creek or Bohart). Please see registration form for important details. Lessons will run from 10:00am to 11:30am.

First session is January 16; last session is February 27.

PROGRAM FEE SCHEDULE:

Includes 2010 trail pass for YSL skier for use of Bridger Creek ski trails (Wednesdays). Trail fees for Bohart are on the registration form.

° Saturday Only: $90
° Wednesday Only: $80
° Both Days: $160
° BSF Membership* $20 for individual, $40 for family (*BSF Membership is required for participation).
° Bohart trail fee - please see registration form for details

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 the Bozeman-based website company, Nordic Ski Source (nordicskisource.com), as well as at 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.

OTHER INFORMATION:

If the temperature is 10 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, lessons will be cancelled.

Notices about program updates will be posted on the BSF website under “News” and “YSL Programs.”

YSL skiers are  encouraged to take part in Lindley World Cup Races
on Wednesday, Jan 20 and Feb 17 at 4:00pm.

Some of our YSL  coaches will be at the Lindley Center on those dates to help our young skiers
who would like to join this race event.

End of Season Potluck

Will be held at Lindley Park--tentatively set for February 24, 2010. 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.

Money from Bridger Bowl plates goes to BSF!: