Thank you for your interest in signing up for the Juneau Nordic Middle School 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...
The Juneau Nordic Ski Team was formed in 2011 as program dedicated to nurturing a love for cross country skiing in middle and high school youth through skill building, games, competition, and most importantly, community. In the fall of 2020, the team was split into respective middle and high school programs. As we begin in our fifth season of a middle school-specific program, our team remains open to skiers in grades 6th-8th regardless of where they attend school (TMMS, home school, Charter, Montessori, private,...).
Our middle school program introduces skiers to the concept of being part of a team. Throughout the season we focus on developing basic ski skills, strengthening connections among peers and adult mentors, and most importantly: having lots of fun on skis. No previous ski experience is required. All we ask that each student bring a commitment the entire season, a desire to try new things, improve your skiing skills, and a willingness to support others doing the same! The season includes weekly practices, local retreats, a few races, and two travel opportunities outside of Juneau.
KEY DATES TO KNOW
Gear Checkout: Sunday, December 15th, 2024
Season: January 4th to March 9th, 2025 (in all conditions, including lack-of snow!)
Practices: Tues/Thurs 3:45-5:15pm, Saturdays 9-11am (rain or (no)snow, locations vary depending on snow)
Retreats/Travel: Jan 13&14 (retreat @ Methodist Camp), 3rd or 4th Weekend in February (Haines/Mosquito Lake Ski Trip!), Buckwheat Ski Festival (March 14-16)
COSTS
Sliding Scale Fee: Our Team Fee is offered on a sliding scale, $0-$450, whatever is affordable for each family, no questions asked. Your fee includes a JNSC youth memberships and covers costs such as coaching stipends, local team retreats, races and events, ski wax, race suits, and all the many associated costs that go into running our program. While the true cost is ~$900/skier, we close this gap by writing grants and ask all skiers to participate in 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 help cover the gap between what we can fundraise and the full travel costs. 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 Juneau Nordic Ski Club's Junior Nordic program is a recipient of the city's Youth Activities Grant and, as such, is partially funded by the citizens of the City and Borough of Juneau through sales tax revenue.
