Sandpoint Nordic Club offers 3 youth team options

Do you have a youth interested in Nordic skiing? The Sandpoint Nordic Club offers three different youth team options.

The recreation team is aimed at beginners to more advanced skiers who want a casual, two-day per week commitment, according to Katie Bradish, one of the Sandpoint Nordic Race Team coaches. The rec team will focus on getting skiers comfortable with the Nordic equipment and increasing fitness through drills, games and snowy fun.

The development team is a new addition this season and will be coached by former Team USA athlete and Nordic Olympian Rebecca Dussualt. The development team will train three times per week. The focus will be on increasing technical skill, endurance and speed with an eye toward transitioning skiers to the race team.

The race team trains together year-round and is for skiers who are ready to compete in regional Nordic events. The Sandpoint Nordic Race Team has several athletes that have their sights set on making it to junior nationals.

Bradish and fellow Sandpoint Nordic Race Team coaches Rick Price will be giving presentations at Washington Elementary, Farmin Elementary and the Waldorf School, in the hope of increasing enrollment in the above youth programs.

“We are targeting second through fourth grade, but will be happy with any additional enrollments we receive,” Bradish said in a press release.

In addition to the ski teams, SNC will be introducing its new school program. Any elementary or middle school class can reserve a time slot to come up to the Pine Street Woods to Nordic ski or snowshoe for free. Guides are available upon request.

According to the Sandpoint Youth Needs Assessment Research Report conducted by the city of Sandpoint, Bradish said the perceived expense of activities and lack of convenient programing near home and school are key factors preventing parents and students from engaging in physical activities, particularly in the winter months. The same research report showed that few students in Bonner County participate in regular outdoor activity in the winter months. To address the financial concerns and barriers to access highlighted by this report, she said the Sandpoint Nordic Club offers scholarships (applied for at the SNC’s website) for its eight-week after-school ski teams, as well as the new school program.

The Pine Street Woods complex is owned by Kaniksu Land Trust and will offer six kilometers of groomed ski trails and unlimited snowshoeing opportunities especially for those looking to wander off trail.

“This year the Sandpoint Nordic Club is grooming trails up at Pine Street Woods where we have more and a greater variety of trails. We are in a good position for growth in our after-school ski program,” said Vicki Longhini, Sandpoint Nordic Club youth program director. “The trails offer something for everyone, from the little skiers trying XC skiing for the first time to more experienced skiers who are thinking about learning how to ski race or just skiing to improve their fitness through the winter.”

“We are so fortunate to have such depth of knowledge and talent in our coaches. The kids that take part in our program will be mentored by adults who coach because they love the sport. Not many programs get to say that they have an Olympian and a biathlete champion on the coaching staff.”

The community is developing its athletes in this valley in a really healthy and well-rounded manner, said Rebecca Dussault.

“That means training hard, but also enjoying all that this area boasts. Bonner County has a vast variety of enticing terrain - smooth roads, great trails and cross training options,” she said. “These are the skiers of the future, Life-long endurance athletes, using movement as good medicine in all four seasons. We, as a community, get to watch these athletes come up the pathway of development, doing incredible things, on and off skis.”

Being on the Sandpoint Nordic Club Race Team is all about improvement, said race team member, Jett Longanecker.

“Originally, it was a way to cross-train in the winter for other sports, but after a season, it quickly grew on me and became my main sport,” he said. “Getting faster, stronger, and more fluid on my skis is a huge focus point for me. And I get to hang out and work hard with a group of amazing and supportive coaches and fellow athletes.”

Sandpoint Nordic Club has played an indescribable role in her family over the last several years, said Nichole Grimm, a parent of a Nordic race team member.

“The phenomenal instruction and leadership by passionate coaches who are not only accomplished athletes themselves, but successful community members who pour focus into our youth. Their impact far exceeds the technical skills of nordic skiing and inspires the next generation to work hard, strive for continuous improvement, teaching the value of teamwork, volunteering and community engagement while developing the love of the sport and appreciation for nature,” Grimm said.