Ellensburg Ski Team 2016-2017 Overview

Ellensburg Ski Team 2015-2016

The purpose of the Ellensburg ski team is to introduce youth ages 7-18 to cross country skiing and competitive cross country ski racing.  We instruct both classic style and skating techniques.  Participants are able to compete in youth races in the area.  Skiers can work towards racing at the regional and national level.  We welcome skiers of all levels from beginners to expert.

The “Standard” program is two times per week (Wednesday afternoons and Sunday mornings).  The “Race” program adds other days.  These distinctions are not rigid- anyone is welcome to come to any practice and any trip. 

“Standard” Schedule

Wednesday afternoons (Jan 4-Feb 22)- wherever there is snow

·      3:30-4:30 at West Ellensburg Park if there is snow in town

·      3:30-5:30 at Elk Heights if there is good snow there

·      3:15-6 or 7PM if we have to drive to Cabin Creek or Salmon la Sac for snow

Weekends: Sundays 10AM-noon at Cabin Creek Jan 8- Feb 22nd, except for special events.

·      Jan 16^th Monday Youth Classic Race @ Cabin Creek Meet at 9:00AM.  If you don't want to race come out and ski and help.  No practice Sunday Jan 15th.

·      Feb 11^th Saturday Youth skate Race @ Cabin Creek Meet at 9:00AM-   If you don't want to race come out and ski and help.  No practice Sunday Feb 12th.
March 4th-5th: Youth Weekend at Cabin Creek- featuring relay races, obstacle courses, food and fun with athletes from around Washington and Oregon!

“Race” Schedule

Additional practices will also be held Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays most weeks.  Dryland training will begin in December.  On snow training (Tuesdays, Wednesdays and weekends) will begin as soon as there is snow.  The race team will occasionally travel to Leavenworth to benefit from a larger training group.  Follow the blog for specifics.  The race group will have the option to travel to Bend, OR, Methow, WA, Spokane, WA, and Truckee, CA for races (participants will need to pay their share of expenses for these trips.)

Cost- there is no charge for participation in the program.  We have discussed changing this policy, but we have decided to keep it free of charge because our primary goal is to introduce people to nordic skiing.  Please recognize that comparable programs around the region charge between $300-$5000.  People (you) often place more value in a program if you are invested financially. There may be a charge for specific races or trips.

Transportation- You will need to arrange transportation for your child.  You will need a Snopark permit with the groomed trails sticker to park at Cabin Creek ($80 for the year).  Participants are encouraged to carpool and there have always been enough seats in the past if parents do not want to drive.

            Please arrive a few minutes early as it takes time to get equipment organized.

Equipment- Participants will need skating and classic skis, boots, and poles.  Packages are available for season rental at a discounted price from Mountain High Sports. Please mark your child’s skis/poles – they tend to look similar.  Race participants should consider waxable classic skis and 2 pairs of poles.  Equipment scholarships are available through the Ellensburg Cross Country Ski Club. E-mail with scholarship requests.

Communication- Weekly updates will be sent out by email and posted on the eburgski.blogspot.com.  Email is our primary form of communication. 

First Time on Snow? Beginners can start on January 4^th or on January 8^th

Sign Up- access the web form here.

Questions: email jeffhashimoto@gmail.com