Ellensburg Ski Team 2019-2020

Welcome to the Ellensburg Ski Team 2019-2020

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.

We are in our 11th year of bringing skiing to youth in Kittitas County.  We want to encourage all youth to participate, regardless of finances.  Our programs are run by volunteers and funded through donations.  We are a 501c3 organization.

Our practice locations and therefore times vary due to snow conditions.  Our locations for skiing include Rotary Park, Manastash Snopark, Elk Heights Snowpark, Mineral Springs Snopark, Blewett Pass Snopark, and Cabin Creek Snopark.  We will practice at the closest location that has skiing.

Programs: 

Elementary School: Tuesday, Wednesday, and/or Thursday Emphasis is on fun and learning proper technique.  Participants who are under 7 are welcome but must have a parent present to participate.  Ski location will depend on snow conditions: Rotary Park, Elk Heights, Manastash or Blewett.

Middle School/High School: Tuesday, Wednesday and/or Thursday Carpool from and back to EHS.  Ski location will depend on snow conditions: Rotary Park, Elk Heights, Manastash or Blewett.  Experienced skiers may help instruct the elementary group as well, and older skiers who are beginners are welcome to come Mondays and Wednesdays.  There are two options for this age group:

• Recreational: This is for the less experienced skiers.  Emphasis is on learning proper technique and fun.  Participates in weekday sessions, Sunday sessions, and possibly  in Washington Cup races.  Note that recreational skiers are welcome to participate in race trips.
• Race: This option is for experienced skiers looking to optimize their performance.  Participates in weekday sessions, Sunday sessions, participates in JNQ races and additional sessions as snow allows.  Emphasis is on fun, proper technique, and training.

All Ages Weekend Session: Sunday 10AM-Noon Cabin Creek.    Carpooling is encouraged, and we usually have several vehicles leaving from Ellensburg at 9AM returning at 1PM.  Some skiers might wish to stay and ski in the afternoon.

Registration Link

Cost (none!)

There is no charge for participants in the Ellensburg Ski Team Programs.  Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to the Ellensburg Ski Team to offset expenses for grooming, insurance and transportation.  Mail your donation to Ellensburg Ski Team, 402 N. Chestnut, Ellensburg, WA 98926.  Note that similar programs in the area charge about $200 for an Elementary Program, and up to $2500 for the race program.  All of our coaches are volunteers.

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. Elementary participants will mostly classic ski.  If cost is an issue, please contact us for assistance- we have scholarship

Team gear: We have jackets and race suits manufactured in the USA by podiumwear.  Click here to go to the team storefront.  The password is "eburg"

Races 

We participate in 2 race series.  Participation is entirely up to the individual.  Some skiers participate in dozens of races, while others do none (and many do an intermediate amount.)

Washington Cup is a series of 5 races that are low/no cost and perfect for all ages and skill levels.  There are 5 Washington Cup races around the northwest:  See website wncup.org
Dec 28th Methow
Jan 11th Leavenworth
Jan 26th Cabin Creek
Feb 9th Plain
Feb 29th Cabin Creek

Junior National Qualifiers (JNQs) are a series of 8 races that are for the more dedicated and experienced skiers.  Note that many recreational skiers come on these trips to enjoy new ski areas.  These races occur on 4 weekends:
Jan 9-12 Bend (Oregon)
Jan 17-19 Spokane
Jan 31-Feb 2 Methow
Feb 12-16 Soldier Hollow (Utah)

Junior Nationals are March 6-15.

Communication

Please sign up for the remind account.  Weekly updates will be posted on the eburgski.blogspot.com.  We will send messages via remind when the weekly update is posted- you will see these as text messages or can receive them as emails. To receive text messages text "@e4fbb8" to "81010" or www.remind.com/join/e4fbb8

Questions: email jeffhashimoto@gmail.com