Description
The Junior Competition Ski Team is a part of The Utah Nordic Alliance’s racing program and is open to kids age 11 by Dec 31, 2023 to 14. It is for those skiers with an interest in developing their skiing skills through formal ski training and games that emphasize the fundamentals of balance, technique, strength and endurance – geared towards athletes who are anticipating participating in cross country ski racing. There are a few cases where skiers who miss the Dec 31 cutoff by a few weeks will be admitted to Junior Comp on a case-by-case basis. Please contact jen.santoro@utahnordic.org for those inquiries.
Skiers should have experience in both classic and skating techniques. Athletes are encouraged to sign up for the 3 day/week program, however we also offer a 2 day/week program for those with other commitments.
Skiers should arrive at practice on time, prepared with the correct equipment, and a positive attitude. During the season, athletes will have many opportunities to attend local races including the WCS series, the three Junior National Qualifier Events which includes the Intermountain Division U14 Cup, and small events with the other two area clubs. We will also have an opportunity for a trip to the Intermountain Youth Championships.
Outcomes
Junior Comp skiers will improve their skate and classic skiing skills
Junior Comp skiers will learn about ski training and racing as well as the lifetime sporting skill of cross-country skiing
Junior Comp skiers will learn to take care of their ski equipment including waxing skills
Junior Comp skiers will practice good trail etiquette and stewardship of the land
Equipment
Each skier should have the following equipment:
- 1 pair classic boots, 1 pair skate boots OR 1 pair of sturdy “combi” boots. Smaller and newer skiers coming from Devo will be fine with combi boots. Older skiers (U14’s) will benefit from having dedicated skate and classic boots
- 1 pair of skate skis sized for their approximate weight
- 1 pair of waxable classic skis sized for their weight (we will be teaching them to wax!)
- Small personal wax kit for kick wax: we will make a package available
- Glide wax supplies at home (we can advise and teach!)
We will have multiple opportunities to purchase high quality equipment at a discount. We plan to keep a database of the equipment belonging to our skiers to facilitate an internal ski swap in the next few years.
Volunteer Deposit/Refund
TUNA is an all-volunteer organization, is continually in need of volunteers, and requests that the parents or guardians of each participant perform a certain amount of service hours at TUNA sponsored events or functions.
For skiers in the Comp/Jr. Comp program, you will receive a $250 refund if you complete 15 hours of volunteer service plus one 3 1/2 hour shift of greeting and pass sales at Mountain Dell per enrolled athlete. We will help match you with volunteer opportunities!
At the conclusion of the season, parents who complete the 15 hours will be given a refund of $250 from the cost of the program.
We would highly encourage parents to consider taking on another greeting shift as Mountain Dell daily pass sales are vital to the health of TUNA Jr. Programs and the organization as a whole. Extra greeting shifts can be credited against volunteer hours.
Volunteer refund procedure: After completing volunteer hours for the season, submit your hours to jen.santoro@utahnordic.org no later than June 25th following the ski season.
Additional volunteer information, here.
Contact
Contact: jen.santoro@utahnordic.org
