Nordic - Junior Team

The Junior Team trains three days a week throughout the season and is designed for motivated athletes at the age of 11-14. Prior nordic ski experience is required, except in cases of exceptionally motivated athletes. Training focuses on technique, development of an endurance base with some speed work, learning about ski waxing, and continuing to have fun. These athletes will be encouraged to compete locally and regionally at Intermountain U.S. Ski & Snowboard Races around the region and start traveling with the team to these events. Our objective is to solidify these athletes’ skiing, training, and competition skills while building the discipline, drive, balance, and determination for them to succeed inside or outside the realm of ski competition. Older Juniors who display a high level of commitment and determination may inquire with the Program Director about joining the Prep team on Tuesdays as a part of the Junior Hybrid Program.

Skill Development Focus

Assess and train balance skills
Basic Athletic Stance
Physical Control, momentum through weight shift
Focus on the basic motions for both skate & classic skiing
Goal setting to plan and execute performance
Introduction of ski-specific strength and endurance training while encouraging participation in multiple sports
Basic techniques for waxing both Skate & Classic skis for training & racing.

Recommended for grades 6 - 8

Training Schedule

Summer Training

June 17th - August 28th - more info here

Pre-Season Fall Dry-land

September 30 – November 22, 2024 Middle School
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 4-5:30 p.m.

November 2024 or until the snow flies and we're skiing at Trail Creek. (Middle School or Snow King)
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 3-4:30.

Each team will meet as a group (Coaches, Parents, and Athletes) in the Fall prior to the ski season to discuss the training schedule, equipment, race calendar, and more.

On Snow

December 2, 2024 - March 21, 2025
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 3:30 - 5:15 pm.

Note - This schedule allows for participation in our Freeride programs. Lean about our multi-sport options.

Competitions and Events

Athletes on the Junior team are invited to all of the Junior National Qualifier weekends (3), and are encouraged to participate in local races. Younger Junior team athletes may pick one race weekend as a preview to the competitive realm. One major event is the Betty Woolsey IMD Opener weekend on our home turf at Trail Creek this January! Everybody should participate in this race event! Intermountain Youth Champs is a low-key, high-fun weekend that is a great introduction to racing for newer athletes and great age-appropriate competition for seasoned skiers. Cost estimates for competitions and training camps are listed in the Fees & Obligations section.

2024-25 Race & Camp Schedule:

DATE	RACE	LOCATION
December 13-15	Betty Woolsey Classic/IMD Opener	Wilson, WY
January 4	Teton Ridge Classic	Victor, ID
January 17-18	JNQ #1	Soldier Hollow, UT
January 24-25	Lander MS Races	Lander, WY
February 8-9	JNQ #2	West Yelllowstone, MT
February 15	Skinny Skis Moose Chase	Wilson, WY
February 22-23	JNQ #3	Sun Valley, ID
March 1-2	Intermountain Youth Fest	Victor, ID

Fees and Obligations

2024-2025 Program Fee*

Through August 31	September 1 - October 31	After October 31
$2,500	$2,600	$2,700

Junior Nordic Hybrid (4 days/week - Junior days plus Tuesdays w/ Prep Comp)- $3050 (Fall/Winter Only) - $3750 (Fall/Winter + 2 days in summer). Contact Nordic Program Director Will Wicherski wwicherski@jhskiclub.org for more information

Junior Nordic Summer Training - $775 (Full summer program) or $50/session. Contact Nordic Program Director Will Wicherski wwicherski@jhskiclub.org for more information

*Your child's program fee includes their Trail Creek Nordic Training Facility season pass

Payment plan

An installment plan of equal payments from the date of registration through December is available when you register.

Scholarships

Need-based scholarships available, learn more

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Membership

None required for local competition
Cross Country Competitor membership required for regional competition

Race Travel Costs

Optional training camps & Junior National Qualifier (JNQ) race trips - estimated total cost: approximately $1800
The average cost for an away JNQ is around $400. Home JNQs cost on average $80 for entry fees.

Nordic Shuttle

Optional transportation between the Jackson Hole Middle School, Journeys School & Trail Creek for the winter season - $375

Work Deposit

There is a 24 point work deposit commitment with this program. You may pay your work deposit of $960 or opt-out of payment by donating your time. Learn more here

Team Meeting

TBD @ 6:00 p.m. - Virtual or Lodge Room of the Snow King Sports & Events Center

Each team will meet as a group (Coaches, Parents, and Athletes) prior to the ski season to discuss the training schedule, equipment, race calendar, and more.

JHSC Policies

Parent/Athlete Handbook

Equipment Recommendations

Junior team athletes work closely with their coaches for equipment and ski selection. Athletes will consult with their coach about appropriate Nordic workout clothing. Juniors are not eligible for the JHSC equipment lease program.

Skis

Athletes should have skate and classic skis.

Poles

Athletes will need universal adjustable poles OR skate and classic poles. Skate AND classic poles are recommended for older junior athletes.

Boots

Athlete will need at least combi boots that can be used for skate and classic. Older junior athletes are encouraged to have skate AND classic boots.

Team Night at Skinny Skis - September 24th, 2024

5-7 p.m. - Skinny Skis will have reps on hand for any equipment related questions. One night only pricing on race gear, 30% off.

JHSC Annual Ski & Gear Swap

New & used gear available

Academic Support and Early Release Program

Athletes are enrolled in their school's early release program to attend training on time.

Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club staff works closely with local schools to further develop the Early-Release Program for each academic year and summer programs. The Club and local schools are highly motivated to create educational program options for students that enable them to maintain a rigorous academic schedule while supporting athletic growth and development. Learn more.

See Calendar