A Masters Nordic Ski Program is a vital part of a Nordic community. The value of the program lies in connecting skiers to each other.
There are no age restrictions for participants. The program needs an organizer; in Crested Butte, I am the one. All organizational aspects are run via e-mail. Names and e-mail addresses are collected at the Nordic Center or at a ski shop. Times are selected when most people can participate, and we get going. In the Fall we have played speed ball on Sundays in a park. This brings together all ages for some early season fun. The program in Crested Butte is geared toward the citizen race series here in town.
We keep the program flexible until the arrival of snow. When skiing happens on the Nordic trails, two times per week are set and a race or tour on some Saturdays. These times do not change throughout the winter. That way skiers can show up at 3pm on Tuesdays and 3:45 on Thursdays and know there will be people to ski with. When it is 5 degrees out and dark in early winter, the fact that there are skiers at the Center ready to ski gets us all there.
How do skiers of different abilities ski together? We always double back and pick up the slower ones. Single-poling or double-poling or no poling for awhile can equalize the abilities. The important thing is that no skier be left behind. We have clinics throughout the year to improve technique.
Via e-mail we share wax and ski information, tall tales about races and tours, avalanche conditions and trail reports.
We collect $3 per session attended. This gives us some clout in the Nordic community. When the junior team needs help buying a video camera, we have a contribution. When Western State College Ski Team needs financial help, we are there. We have also partnered with WSC for clinics during the season. These clinics are popular and rewarding for all. We are partnering with another group and buying public wax tools for the Center.
Starting a masters’ program will get you out more often. It will strengthen your Nordic community. I will be willing to help anyone interested in starting a program.
Contact Brian Dale at cbdale AT rmi.net