20th Annual Gear West XC Ski Training & Technique Program
French Park or Elm Creek (where snow dictates)
September 7th thru Mid-Feb
Wednesdays 6:00-7:30 pm

A “Get Ready for the Birkie” or,“Improve Your Skate Skiing” technique group for all skiing abilities.

Fall training involves dryland technique work at French park. Roller skis are encouraged but not mandatory. Roller skiers will receive specific ski technique instruction (during daylight hours). Non-roller ski participants will nordic pole hike and strength train. After the October time change, all groups will work on leg strength, specific ski exercises, stretching and hiking until the park, or Elm Creek, opens for skiing.

On-snow sessions focus on relaxed ski technique for skate skiing, including training and racing strategies. Although we stress learning both disciplines (skate and classic) to improve your skiing, we focus on skating. However, one instructor will be dedicated to coahing the classic technique if conditions allow. Additionally, Gear West offers indoor sessions on equipment, training and waxing.

All Abilities Encouraged!
Advanced, intermediate, beginners…everyone will break into groups according to their skill level. Groups are flexible and skiers can move among coaches if they desire. We try to make this weekly gathering informational and fun!

Instructors
The coach to participant ratio is approximately 10 skiers to one coach, and there are usually 7-8 full and part time coaches depending on program participation. Guest instructors from the CXC Olympic training program add their expertise. XC ski program is organized by Jan Guenther, Owner of Gear West Ski, Run, Soccer. Jan is a top masters triathlete and XC skier. She has had many years experience coaching adult skiers. All instructors have had illustrious XC racing and/or coaching backgrounds.