Suits, Jackets, and Snow

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It is starting to look and feel like winter.  This year we have some new jackets- featuring snowflakes and the Stuart Skyline.  They are custom made by Podiumwear, a company in Minnesota. Check them out and order online here.  The password is "elkheights."  They are awesome!

The way the order works is:  you submit what you want and pay by credit card.  Podiumwear makes the jackets and suits and ships them to me Jan 10th.  You can get them from me when we go skiing. It will make a good "late" holiday gift.  Check the size charts.  My experience with the suits- they run a little small.  I wear a medium in almost everything, but like a large suit top.  

For advanced skiers looking for training, I will drive up to Cabin Creek on Tuesday and/or Wednesday, depending on conditions (both road and grooming- no word on Cabin Creek tomorrow yet... I will bring ski clothes to school and will go if conditions are good and people are interested.)  Please email back if you are interested and which day would work.  You will need to bring (or borrow) a headlamp.  We will return to Ellensburg about 6:30 or 7.

I will be taking Magnus, Isak, and Gavin up to Canada for the weekend, so I will not be around then.  There might be some pretty good skiing at Cabin Creek this weekend!

Lastly, if you have not signed up online, please do so.  I am still sending this to last year's email list, but will stop soon.

-Jeff

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

End of Season Dinner Wednesday April 6th, 6PM

Come celebrate the awesome 2016 Ski Season of the Ellensburg Ski Team!

Cornerstone Pie

April 6th, 6PM

Uhuru at Junior Nationals

Isak at the Spring Fling Relays

Audrey at the Spring Fling Relays

Bonus Week: March 2nd, 5th, 6th

Hello Skiers-

It was a fabulous week, and we sure lucked out with the weather Sunday!!

With the spring fling relays this weekend, we are going to do a bonus week this week.  (I know I initially told some people different, but we're going to do it!)

Wednesday: Cabin Creek Skating 4:00-5:30.  I will have room and will leave EHS at 3:20 for those that need a ride.

Thursday: Cooper Lake for older ones (or possibly Mineral Springs or Taneum depends on grooming) Skating Leave EHS 3:20

Saturday: Spring Fling Relays at Cabin Creek: Skating.  Arrive 9AM, races start at 10AM.  This is a new event hosted by US and Momentum Northwest.  There will be some unusual elements- inspired by the youth olympic ski cross- see video link if you haven't watched yet.   Sign up here (it's free!).  The signup lists U14- I will update if we are having an option for the younger kids.

Sunday: Ozbaldy Race: 10k for junior skiers (recommended only for U14 and up).  Sign up here.

Feb 24 and 28

Congratulations to Jente Loppet Racers.  There was great skiing by all, as you can see from the pictures below.  Also, scroll down for the schedule.

Wednesday: CLASSIC Cabin Creek 4:15-5:30. Carpool from EHS at 3:20 if you want.  We are changing venues because the groomer isn't going to get out anywhere closer.
Tentatively Taneum SKATING, although I am waiting for confirmation from the groomer.  3:45-5:15. 

Thursday: Mineral Springs for older skiers.  RSVP if interested.

Sunday: Cabin Creek 10AM-noon.  SKATING or CLASSIC (Skier's choice).

WATCH THIS VIDEO!

Youth Olympic Games Skating Race.

Feb 17 and 21

Isak V2s the big hill Sunday at Mt. Spokane

Julia tearing up the hill at Mt. Spokane Saturday

Congratulations to the Mt. Spokane Racers.  Julia, Gavin, Isak, and Uhuru raced in challenging conditions on a hilly course with the best racers in the northwest.  All racers found skiers at their level and raced courageously.   Uhuru was named to the PNSA (Pacific Northwest Ski Association) team to compete at the Junior Nationals in Wisconsin March 4-13th.  And Isak was only 21 seconds behind one of the qualifying boys on Sunday!  Congratulations to all!

This week we will ski:

Wednesday: TANEUM SNOPARK  SKATING.  Depart EHS 3:20, ski 4-5:15, return to EHS 5:45   Driving directions: Drive to Exit 101, turn South on Thorp Highway, then in 1/2 mile turn R on Thorp Cemetary Road.  Drive road until it ends at a snowpark, about 8 miles.

Sunday: Jente Loppet at Hyak SnoPark 9:15.  This is a great race that is for women only.  Except that they have a co-ed race for 17 and under (2.5k).  This event is quite a bit more low key than the JNQ weekends, so is a great way to "get your feet wet" with racing.  Older skiers who want to go farther can opt for the 5k or 10k versions.  Information and registration is here- it is cheaper to preregister.

Please arrive at 9:15 to get race numbers- we'll warmup together on the course leaving the snopark at 9:30.  After the race there is scenic skiing along the Iron Horse trail.  We'll do some games and sightseeing.  For those who don't want to race but want to do the ski after, meet at 11:30 at the snowpark.  We'll ski until about 1 or 1:30.  (Racers will probably go in for awards at some point.)

Thursday- Mineral Springs for older skiers. Please RSVP.  We'll return by 6.

Looking ahead...March 5 and 6th is the Spring Fling Relays and Ozbaldy 10k/50k.  This is a weekend of fun put on by us and Seattle's Momentum Northwest.  The idea is to host a fun event for youth from all over the region.  We expect skiers from Leavenworth, Plain, Momentum, and Ellensburg.  We want to provide a fun weekend that will welcome all skiers and get them psyched for skiing.  And to give out some prizes!  Information is here.

Enjoying great skiing at Elk Heights Wednesday

Cate skating at Elk Heights Wednesday.