Photos ©Pathfinder
SEELEY NORDIC YOUTH SKI PROGRAM
The Seeley Nordic Youth Ski Program provides kids in the Seeley-Swan and Blackfoot Valleys with the opportunity to learn the life-long sport of Nordic skiing. The program is available in part through the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant, as well as Seeley Lake Elementary and various fundraising efforts. The program is made possible through its partnership with the Seeley Lake Nordic Ski Club.
Beginners will meet Tuesdays after school to learn how to explore the winter landscape on Nordic skis. Skiers learn to improve classic and freestyle (skate) Nordic ski skills through fun cooperative games and competitive race activities with volunteer coaches. The emphasis is on having fun while developing skills and an appreciation of our uniquely rich natural environment.
RACE TEAM
Focusing on training and competitive racing, the Race Team is for skiers who have experience skate and classic skiing. Race Team practices three days per week at the Seeley Creek Nordic Ski Trails. (Skiers with less experience are encouraged to register for the Junior Prep Team to focus on fundamental skills and technique.) The Race Team competes in local and regional races, and also hosts the Skiesta Nordic Ski Race the third Saturday in January. The Skiesta offers a 1k, 3k, 5k, 10k, and 20k for racers of all ages, including adults.
JUNIOR PREP TEAM (grades 3-8)
Junior Prep Team teaches youth, (ages 8 to 13) how to skate ski and improve their classic skills through games and ski exploration. Prep team skiers are encouraged, but not required, to participate in our three local ski races. Kids registering for Prep Team should have some cross-country or other ski experience. Prep Team meets twice a week at the Seeley Creek Nordic Ski Trails. First time skiers are encouraged to register for Snow School.
Nordic Race Team and Junior Prep Team Coaches:
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Bridget Laird (PSIA Level 1, Children's Specialist, Coaching Staff)
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Mike McGrew (PSIA Level 2, Children's Specialist, Coaching Staff)
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Karen Kovatch (PSIA Level 1, Coaching Staff)
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Brie Guilmette (PSIA Level 1, Coaching Staff)
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Heath Hansen (Coaching Staff)
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Ryen Neudecker (Coaching Staff)
SNOW SCHOOL (grades 2-6)
Kids strengthen their skiing skills and develop an appreciation of the winter landscape through skiing games, winter ecology, and exploration. Snow School meets every Tuesday after school (the third Tuesday of January through the end of February) from 4:00-5:30 pm at Seeley Lake Elementary.
For any questions or information related to the SL Nordic Ski Program, please contact Bridget Laird at: bridgetlaird@gmail.com, or (406) 210-0012 for more information.
A note from an appreciative parent...
Hello Seeley Nordic Team,
I hope this finds you on a lovely winter's day with some snow and fast skis.
I need to thank you all. For nearly a decade now, I have been driving my boys down from the Flathead to your races... Skiesta, OSCR, and Biathlon. My goal, since I could strap skis to their snow boots, was to inspire a love for the outdoors in all seasons and a passion for Nordic skiing. As they now race in JNQs (one just qualified for Junior Nationals!) I want to support those goals but also reinforce that skiing can be enjoyed at community races and getting out there just for fun on beautifully groomed trails (or even when kicking in your own).
This year we joined in for the Skiesta and Biathlon, as we were in Soldier Hollow during the OSCR. Driving home from the Biathlon, Liam, my 15-year-old, thanked me for taking them to Seeley (noteworthy enough). He went on to talk about the people he meets at your races... finding connections to old friends, making new connections, simply feeling welcome and enjoying the community aspect of racing. He is thrilled for the opportunity to travel to JNs and race but he noted how much harder it is to connect with a pack of super-competitive-teenagers. It warms my little heart to know he sees what you have created, values it, will always come 'home' to it... and just might bring a little of Seeley with him where ever he goes.
With Thanks,
Kara
Kalispell, MT