The last day that you will be able to sign up for Cross Country Ski’s will be October 15th at the 10th Mountain Ski Lodge from 5:30 - 7 pm. The cost for rentals this year is $50. For more information or questions please email Gail Johnson at stegacosa@yahoo.com.
| Description | Contact |
|---|---|
| Youth Ski Programs Saturday Morning 10:00-11:00 AM 10th Mountain Ski Center | |
| Jalbert Youth Biathlon Program Thursday Evening 5:30-6:30 PM 10th Mountain Ski Center July to March | Jeff Dubis 316-8866 |
| Adult Advanced Tuesday Evenings 5:30 - 6:30 PM 10th Mountain Ski Center Adult ski training program with a MWSC Coach | |
| Adult Beginning Saturday Morning 10:00 - 11:00 AM 10th Mountain Ski Center Adult lessons for beginners |
Community Programs in Depth
There are a number of community oriented programs that are put on either by the ski club or by Maine Winter Sports Center. These programs are available to club members at little or no cost.
Youth Ski Program
Awarded the COMMUNITY YOUTH AWARD by the Maine Governors Council on Physical Fitness and Exercise in 2005.
This program was established in 2000 with 20 participants the first year. The program has grown every year with over 80 participants in 2005. This program is instructed almost solely by community volunteers. Youth skiers aged 4-14 can participate in ski programs geared for various levels and ages. The program is based on instructing ski techniques based on the skill testing with the use of games and other fun activities. Programs start Saturday morning from 10:00 - 11:00 in Dec/Jan and end in March. Both classic and skate ski techniques are taught. Skis, poles and boots can be rented for the season for $40. A ski park with jumps, gates and bumps is also available next to the Wax Building when snow conditions permit. Parents are encourage to ski at the same time with an adult program coinciding.
Jalbert Youth Biathlon Program
During the summer, fall and winter, the Jalbert Youth Biathlon Program meets on most Thursday evenings for those between 8 and 14 year old. MWSC coaches, athletes, and two community based coaches instruct most of these sessions. Weekend camps are also hosted from time to time during the summer and fall.
Before the start of the 2003-2004 biathlon World Cup series, Ole Einar Bjoerndalen had a custom pair of Rossignol X-iums skis made for each venue that was hosting a world cup. He requested that each venue auction off each pair of skis and the proceeds be used to support local youth biathlon programs in the region. Phyllis Jalbert was the highest bidder for the Fort Kent skis. The money was then given to the club to be used to fund the youth biathlon program that is now named in her father¹s honor. The skis that Bjoerndalen donated are on display at the lodge.
Other Youth Programs
A number of youth ski activities are scheduled throughout the county all winter long. These include races and other fun events. Many of these are scheduled at the same time as Aroostook cup series races so the whole family can participate. The Aroostook Youth Ski Fest is held each March in Caribou and is hosted by MWSC and Northern Skiers Ski Club.
Adult Programs
Free skiing instructions for those new to the sport are offered by club volunteers on Saturday morning in conjunction with our youth ski program. Local groups may also wish to sign up for special sessions which may be arranged. For more advanced level skiers, programs are also available on Tuesday evenings. These are instructed by Maine Winter Sports Center coaches.
Citizen Racing
The Aroostook Cup series provides the opportunity for skiers to compete at races throughout the county. These are fun events which allow skiers to meet many other people from throughout the county with similar interests and to explore different ski trail systems in other communities. The ski club will be hosting a 5km race on December 30th and a 20km half-loppet and a 40km Loppet on January 20th as a part of the series. Youth races are also held at the same time as the 5km race. In March the club will host the 1st annual Maine State Biathlon Club Championships. This series will be open to skiers and biathletes of all ages and abilities.
Ski Equipment Rental Program
A variety of ski equipment is available for rental at the Center. Complete ski packages can be rented for $5.00/half-day and $10.00/ full day. A pull-behind chariot is available to parents with small children at no charge. Hours of availability will be posted at the lodge.