Thank you for your interest in signing up for the Juneau-Douglas Yadaa.at Kalé Nordic Ski Team! This form is the starting spot for joining our program. You will want a parent/guardian present to help fill out some of the questions. But first, some history and a little about our program...
High school cross country skiing in Juneau got its start in the mid 20th century. However, after a roughly two-decade hiatus, the Juneau Nordic Ski Team was formed in 2011 and with it high school xc skiing returned to Alaska's Capital City. Incubated initially with the local 4-H office, the team moved under the umbrella of the Juneau Nordic Ski Club (JNSC) in 2020. With another move to the Juneau School District* in 2024, Juneau has been represented at the High School Cross Country Ski State Championship for the first time in nearly 50 years!
While the umbrella organization has changed, the ethos of our program hasn't: setting goals, building connection, and having loads of fun! You don't have to be a good skier. In fact, you can join us if you haven't skied before. All you need is a desire to improve your skiing skills, a commitment to racing and to your team, and a willingness to support others doing the same.
KEY DATES TO KNOW
Gear Checkout: Tuesday, October 29th
Season: November 2, 2024 to February 28, 2025 (in all conditions, including lack-of snow!)
Practices: Mon-Thurs after school, Saturdays 9-11am
COSTS
Sliding Scale Fee: In order to make our program accessible for everyone, we offer a sliding registration fee, $50-$800, whatever is affordable for each family, no questions asked. Your fees includes a JNSC youth membership and covers costs such as coaching stipends, local team retreats, races and events, ski wax, race suits, guest coaches, and all the many associated costs that go into running our program. While the true cost is ~$3,000+/skier, we offset the remainder of these costs by writing grants and asking all skiers to participate in our effort-based fundraising.
There are a couple other costs your athlete may incur:
Ski Gear: We encourage all skiers to have racing-quality skate and (waxable) classic skis. For those who do not have skis, we have a partnership with the JNSC to rent skis, boots, and poles for the season. One set is $65, both is $130. No one is denied a rental based on ability to pay, so just let us know if this is a burden.
Travel: For those eligible for travel to away meets, there may be additional fees to cover cost of transportation. However, we make every effort to keep our sport affordable and will work with families to ensure athletes can travel regardless of ability to pay. There are roughly three to four opportunities to travel each season.
Team Gear: We provide racing uniforms and bibs, however additional team apparel (jackets, hats, headbands, etc) is available for purchase.
Eaglecrest Trail Pass: Our team used to have an agreement with Eaglecrest that allowed us to subsidize the cost of Nordic trail passes. Unfortunately, that went by the wayside last year. Our team utilizes these trails often and thus ask each family be responsible for purchasing their own season Nordic pass, which can be added on to any season Alpine pass. Hurry, tier 2 pricing ends in early! (The team has funds to support families who cannot cover this cost, so please don't hesitate to ask for assistance.)
MAKING A COMMITMENT:
Our ski teams are made up of a remarkable blend of dedicated skiers, encouraging coaches, involved parents, and many local individual and business financial supporters. In acknowledgement of this village, we ask that each athlete make a commitment that matches the commitment made by those around them. Yes, our personal lives do conflict at times (family events, illnesses, and doctor appointments, etc), but we still ask that skiers come to practice regularly, attend all races and time trials, bring their best attitude, and give their best efforts. Your commitment will be matched by a group of avid skiers, all aspiring to get better at the same thing (skiing), while having a blast doing it! Please review our commitment questions below as part of the registration.
*The JNSC provides support for the JD Yadaa.at Kalé xc ski team in the form of rentals, home meets, trail grooming, fundraising, and many, many other ways!
