Teacup Youth Skiing Program

Greetings

It’s snowing on Mount Hood and that means it’s time for the 2011-12 Teacup Lake Nordic youth ski season!

The program begins Dec. 3 and runs on Saturdays through the end of February.

After a decade at the helm, Robert Schlichting has retired from directing the youth program and coaching the younger kids. Robert started the program and over the years dedicated hours to help it grow and prosper _ not to mention finding deals on equipment, buying wax and waxing dozens of kids’ skis. His dedication is the foundation of our goal to guide children to a lifelong love of cross country skiing. We’ll miss Robert _ even if he isn’t going very far. We’ll definitely see him swooshing along Teacup’s trails as he trains for the racing season!

So, what now? I’ve taken over as the youth director and hope to continue Robert’s fine work. There are a few changes, but our aim is the same: Have fun, learn to ski and ski better, have more fun!

Teacup’s program is made up of two distinct groups -- for kids who are new to the sport and those who are ready to train for racing.

The youth group is primarily for kids 8-11, or older kids who are new to Nordic skiing. This group will be coached by several Teacup Nordic club adults, who are very experienced in skiing and fun. Skiers will play and learn through drills, games and other fun challenges, and will soon be comfortable on skis in any terrain. They’ll race for medals on the 2.5k course at the Teacup Classic. This group meets 10:30-noon.

I will continue coaching the Intermediate group, which is primarily for kids 11-14, but also is open to older skiers who don’t have access to a high school cross country team. Skiers in this group must be committed to training for races and will be expected to compete in the Mount Hood Meadows points series and the Teacup Classic. I-Team skiers should also consider racing at the PNSA Junior Olympic meets Jan. 7-8 in Bend, Feb. 4-5 in Leavenworth and Feb. 18-19 in Spokane.

The Intermediate group meets 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., with a short break for lunch. We also will probably ski at Teacup or Meadows at least one weekday night, so we may need a parent to help drive the Portland kids right after school. We’ll decide which day soon.

Experienced kids who are not interested in competing can join the Intermediate group at 1 p.m. for games and then a short ski tour. It would be great if a parent or parents would like to volunteer to ski with them in the morning. They are accomplished skiers and it’s wonderful that they simply enjoy cross country skiing. If parents can’t lead this group, the kids could ski together on Teacup’s safe, familiar trails.

Wait, there’s more! Intermediate skiers in Portland can get a jump on the season by participating in dry land training with the high school teams at 4 p.m. Nov. 14 at Mount Tabor. The training will continue on either Mondays or Tuesdays through the early winter.

Cost: $50 per skier. In addition, skiers must be members of Teacup Lake Nordic Club. You are encouraged to join Teacup as a family membership. Registration information is available at www.teacupnordic.org.

Questions/comments? Abby Haight, 503.804.8317/abhaight@gmail.com. Check out Facebook/Teacup Lake Nordic youth team _ post pictures and videos, comment on your favorite ski trail, etc. News and updates will be posted on the Facebook page and emailed to those signed up for the youth program.

Please fill out this registration form and return it to Abby