October 06, 2012 – The 2012 BKL Coaching Clinic Series has been announced! Gather with other leaders from the region to get practical tips from some of the most experienced BKL coaches in New England. There will be presentations on all aspects of running a club, from logistics to game play! Click HERE to see full clinic information. Hope that you’ll join us!

Please join us for the 2012 BKL Coaching Clinic Series! These clinics are a great way to pick up some new tools for the winter ahead and connect with other coaches and leaders from across New England. These clinics will run from 9am-4pm and will include presentations from some of New England’s most experienced BKL Coaches!

Presentations [A more detailed agenda with presenter names will be coming in the next week. Stay tuned!] Both clinics will include ALL of the listed topics. There will be different presenters at each clinic so it’s worthwhile to attend both.

– Logistics of Running a BKL Program (What Goes on Behind the Scenes)
– Incorporating Biathlon into your BKL Practice
– Key Components of Fun Club Events
– Transitioning 7th & 8th Graders into More Formal Race & Training Education
– Ski Jumping
– How to Use Game Play Effectively
– Goal Setting and Program Planning
– Equipment and Waxing for the BKL Club

January 27, 2012 (Sun Peaks, BC) – Students at the Discovery Centre for Balanced Education at Sun Peaks Resort will be giving a new sport a try as part of their school curriculum this February.

The Nordic Ski School at Sun Peaks Resort will be teaching 45 students (K-7) the basics of cross country skiing at three upcoming classes: February 8, February 15 and February 29.

The Discovery Centre first opened in September 2010, with a new twist on standard education. In between math and spelling lessons, taught both in person and via Skype, the students have an opportunity to learn about winter sports. Whether it be alpine skiing at lunch, or going on a class snowshoe tour, and now…an introduction to Nordic skiing.

The Nordic Program is one that has taken huge steps to expand this year, with a two-day Nordic instructional camp this weekend with former Olympic Coach Gunner Rasmussen, to a 24 kilometre race coming up on February 26. Plans for additional programs and classes are already in the works for the 2012-13 winter season.

For details on Nordic programs at Sun Peaks Resort, click HERE.

For more information on the Discovery Centre for Balanced Education, please contact info@balancededucation.ca.

December 27, 2011 (Chama, NM) – Come out and play in the snow at the Chama Chile Ski Classic, January 14-16, 2012 over the Martin Luther King Jr. weekend in Chama, NM! There will be 3 days of fun for everyone and 7 cross-country ski and snowshoe races! This winter event is held in the charming, quaint Village of Chama and the races are held on the Rio Grande National Forest between Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico. There’s everything from Freestyle and Classic style cross-country ski races and a snowshoe race to family events and a chile/chili contest, where you can taste some of Northern New Mexico’s best family recipes.

Families can take advantage of the Classic Cross-country Ski Techniques Clinic (there will be 4 instructors for beginner to advanced), broom hockey and Frisbee golf for the kids, and some of the ski/snowshoe/yurt tours being offered over the weekend. For even more fun, there will be a costume contest and snow sculptures at the ski race site.

In the evenings, there will be live music and beer tasting at the High Country Restaurant in Chama. Gary Gorrence from Pecos, NM will be playing on Friday, January 13th with his own style of country and southwestern rock. The Muddy Mountain Orchestra from Taos, NM will be playing Irish, rock-n-roll blues and bluegrass on Saturday, January 14th and the Porchlights from Dolores, CO will be returning with their original, “rocking acoustical mayhem”. Both the Saturday and Sunday bands will be playing before and after the Awards Ceremonies each evening.

For more information, on the weekend schedule and registration go to www.chamaski.com or call 575-756-2294 or email chiliskiclassic@yahoo.com.

For athletes, there are 2 days of cross-country ski and snowshoe races. On Saturday, January 14th there will be both a 7.5K and 15K Freestyle Cross-Country Ski race. On Sunday, January 15th, there will be 5K and 10K Classic Style Cross-Country Ski races and a 5 K Snowshoe race. Those who need more of a challenge can enter the combined 5K Ski/5K Snowshoe Race or the 10K Ski/5K Snowshoe Race. Skiers can also “go retro” in the wooden ski category or enter a team in the 5K Classic XC ski race.

More advanced skiers and racers, can take advantage of the Telemark Skiing Clinic, Classic Style XC Skiing Techniques Clinic and Ski Waxing Clinic.

A Restorative Yoga class is being offered by Steve Ilg with High Performance Yoga on Saturday afternoon to help all skiers unwind from the day’s activities and prepare for the next day of races.

For the skier or snowshoer who doesn’t want to compete, there will be a guided XC ski/snowshoe tour to the Sargent’s Wildlife Area (now groomed for XC skiing & snowshoeing) and tours to a couple of the yurts located in the South San Juan Mountains near Chama. After the races on Sunday, everyone is welcome to ski the race course.

An Avalanche Rescue Techniques Clinic offered on Saturday, January 14th in the afternoon, is a must for skiers and snowmobilers who venture onto snowy, mountainous terrain.

The races and many of the events are held on the Rio Grande National Forest through a special use permit.
For more information go to www.chamaski.com or call 575-756

Thank you for supporting the CCSC.

November 08, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – Ascent Performance Lab and the Alberta World Cup Academy are pleased to announce their first Cross Country Ski Camp – December 27-30, 2011.  Building on the excitement of Frozen Thunder and recent first ever on-snow sprint races at the Nordic Centre, this ski camp is aimed at senior and masters skiers who want to benefit from the world-class Canmore Nordic Centre, the professional services of the new Performance Lab at Ascent, and the superior coaching skills of the Alberta World Cup Academy.  This camp will enhance Canmore’s reputation as the leading community for cross country skiing in Canada.

According to Mike Cavaliere, Program Director of the Academy: “This is an exciting opportunity to share with other senior and masters skiers the same coaching expertise we have been applying that’s resulted in Olympians and national team skiers like Gordon Jewett, Madeleine Williams, Drew Goldsack and Allyson Marshall,  We’re thrilled to partner with Shane Munro and the team at  Ascent to deliver a program that is unique in this country.  And, it will bring new visitors to Canmore over the holiday season!”

“We’re able to offer this program because of our world-class facility – the Canmore Nordic Centre and the high quality of the wellness industry in Canmore”, says Cavaliere.

For more information, contact:
Alicia Evans,
Endurance Coach and Camp Coordinator
Ascent Performance Lab
Ph 403 678 8855
email alicia@ascentperformance.com

September 21, 2011 – Are you coaching a local BKL Club this winter? Interested in learning more about how to manage your group more effectively? Looking to pick up some new games to jazz up your practice? Please join us for one of two BKL Coaching Clinics being offered this Fall. There will be presentations from some of the leading coaches and youth skiing gurus in New England.

Join Mary Anne Levins, Sverre Caldwell, John Ogden, Lauren Jacobs, Rob Bradlee, Jim Stock, Kate Koch, Cam MacKugler, and Eileen Carey in learning more about Youth Skiing in New England. Topics will include: game play, organizing practices with multi-level and age skiers, transitioning from BKL to Junior Racing, involving parents in a community program, how to welcome Adaptive skiers into your club, and how to put on BKL specific events.

These clinics are a great place to connect with other coaches and leaders in New England. Chat with some of your neighbors and help to strengthen our BKL community!

Both clinics have similar agendas, but since the presenters are different, the material is likely to vary. Come to both if you’ve got the time. Full schedule of events (including presenters) can be found HERE.

Saturday October 15th in Hanover, NH. Hosted by Ford Sayre.

Saturday November 19th at Rikert Touring Center in Ripton, VT. Hosted by Frost Mountain Nordic.

These clinics cost $10 and registration is online through the calendar listings. Hope to see you there!

September 10, 2011 (Telemark, WI) – The Ski and Tea ladies, a year round training group based out of the Birkie Trail area and founded by Linda Cook and Juli Lynch, came to Telemark today! With a motto of “No Woman Left Behind” and focus on feeling successful and proud to be a Nordic Skier, and over 102 women on the mailing list, this training group is a force to be reckoned with!

The event was coached by myself, Caitlin Gregg, Carolyn Ocariz, Sara Hewitt and Jennie Bender. We started out with some introductions and organization, led by Caitlin.

Then Sara took us through a light jog and mobility warm up that was fun yet challenging.

I worked over some technique highlights before Carolyn explained the workout: 6×4-8 min ski walking up Telemark hill.

But I’m afraid we may have underestimated some of these ladies, because I’m quite positive that many of them went back for more and by the end of the workout had done up to 8 intervals! Impressive.

Then Jennie took everyone through some stretching and yoga, before we had tea in the Telemark Lodge.

It was inspiring and motivating for me to be able to work with ladies who are committed to improving technique and training during the summer. It was fun to meet new people and get to know the Hayward/Cable area better. I’m looking forward to being involved with more Ski and Tea clinics in the future!

September 07, 2011 (Lake Placid, NY) – Join us for a NENSA L1 and USSA L100 Techique clinic to gain some new ideas for improving ski skills! This week starts the annual fall USST training camp in Lake Placid, NY. As is tradition now, NENSA will have a group of Elite team athletes participating alongside the U.S. ski team members and coaches. There will also be a technique clinic held in conjunction with the camp for coaches and athletes interested in improving their skiing and coaching skills.

Clinic will take place Sunday September 11th from 2- 4 PM. Meet at the Olympic Training Center on Old Military Road at 1:45 PM to sign in. Bring equipment for both classic and skate rollerskiing (helmet is mandatory) and running shoes. Bryan Fish (USST) and Janice Sibilia (NENSA) will instruct. This clinic will satisfy the technique requirement for USSA’s L100 coaches certification and NENSA’s L1 module for NENSA certification. (Anyone interested in working towards NENSA’s full L1 certification can plan on an additional 30 minutes following the technique clinic, for a basic physiology/training discussion.) To sign up please contact Janice Sibilia at janice@nensa.net. There is no charge for this clinic however, sign up is recommended so that we can have an idea how many people will participate!

June 21, 2011 – USSA L100 Coaches Certification Technique Clinics will be held at all of the REG camps this summer. These clinics are part of a four-step process to become USSA certified, and participants in the New England clinic will also be able to apply it towards NENSA L1 coaches certification. Join us in Craftsbury, VT for some new exercises and drills that will help improve ski efficiency!

More info HERE.

June 20, 2011 (Orono, ME) – The weather was perfect for the Learn to Rollerski Clinic held today in Orono, ME. Bluebird skies and a slight breeze kept both skiers and coaches cool as they skied around the obstacle course and through the drills that Lauren Jacobs (MWSC) created. 8 participants showed up from the greater Bangor area, looking to try their hand at rollerskiing and pick up some fun summer training tips. The day started with safety, moved onto drills & stations, and finished with a stellar laser biathlon relay challenge. Thanks to Penobscot Valley Ski Club, Emily Cartwright, Maine Winter Sports Center, and Lauren Jacobs for putting on such a fun and informative clinic!

Check out photos on the NENSA Flickr page HERE!

June 17, 2011 – Join us July 2nd at Craftsbury Outdoor Center for a XC ski technique clinic. This clinic will satisfy the technique portion requirement of both USSA L100 and NENSA Level 1 certifications. Clinic will run from 2 – 4 PM and will cover both classic and skate. There is no cost to attend. Athletes, coaches and recreational skiers are welcome! Contact Janice Sibilia at janice@nensa.net to sign up.

June 15, 2011 (Middlebury, VT) – Check out details about an upcoming rollerski clinic in Middlebury, VT led by Garrott Kuzzy, Cam Mackugler, Andrew Gardner, and Abby Weissman on July 6.

Join Garrott Kuzzy (CXC), Andrew Gardner (Middlebury), Cam Mackugler (Frost Mountain), and Abby Weissman (NENSA) for this intro level clinic. There will be a Juniors clinic from 4-5 and a Masters clinic from 5:30-7:30. Learn some new techniques or brush up on your form with some of the area’s best coaches.

The clinic will be split into groups based on experience. Lessons will be focused on technique, safety, and fun. NENSA has a limited number of rollerskis so email Abby Weissman (abby@nensa.net) if you need a pair. Please don’t forget to bring a helmet, poles (with road ferrules), boots, and a reflective vest or shirt.

Clinic size will be limited to 20 skiers, so sign up early!

Full event info (including registration link) HERE!

March 30, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – Last Friday, Fast and Female hosted its maiden biathlon day and its first ever event in Charlo, New Brunswick at the Club Les Aventuriers. Held in conjunction with the 2011 Kia Biathlon Canadian Championships, the Fast and Female Biathlon Day presented by Best Buy hosted more than 40 female athletes between the ages of 9 to 19 from across Canada for a sunny morning of inspiration on and off snow.

The young participants – some of whom were already on site to compete in the National Championship – had the opportunity to get first hand tips from National Biathlon stars Zina Kocher, Megan Imrie, Melanie Schultz, and Claude Godbout. They were joined by a handful of eager local girls involved in cross-country skiing programs and beginner biathlon racing from across the Maritimes.

The morning event featured an introductory presentation on the sport of biathlon, followed by on-snow ski drills, target shooting, Zumba dancing and an inspirational presentation by Zina Kocher who took part in the 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympics. In keeping with Fast and Female’s vision, the intent of the event was to inspire girls to stick the unique sport of Biathlon which combines cross-country skiing and target shooting.

“We had a GREAT day,” said Megan Imrie, a Fast and Female ambassador from Falcon Lake, Manitoba and a 2010 Olympian. “It was fabulous! We had plenty of wonderful feedback from both girls and parents. We even had some cross-country girls who now want to join biathlon. Needless to say that all ambassadors were very happy to hear that!”

According to Biathlon Canada officials, girls represent 45% of all biathletes in Canada.

“Girls competing at the local and provincial levels don’t often get the chance to ski besides Zina, Megan, Melanie and Claude because those girls are racing in Europe all winter,” explained Marie-Hélène Thibeault, Executive Director for Fast and Female. “Through the Fast and Female programming, we are able to bring everyone together in a non-competitive, fun and inspiring environment to allow for the optimal personal and athletic growth of the participants. We are very fortunate to be able to count on the volunteer time of such high quality ambassadors who have so much to give back.”

This activity was made possible thanks to valuable local partners such as Marion Heppel, the organizing committee for the Kia Biathlon Canadian Championships, Le Club Les Aventuriers, and Biathlon New Brunswick. The event also enjoyed the support of many caring volunteers. Fast and Female’s national sponsors – including Best Buy, Buff Multifunctional Headwear, Cold-FX, Clarins and Biathlon Canada – also providing key resources for the event. For a complete list of Fast and Female national program supporters and sponsors, please click HERE.

Watch a photo montage from the event:

To learn more about Fast and Female’s upcoming events, please visit www.fastandfemale.com.

Follow Fast and Female on Facebook HERE.

December 27, 2010 (Clark, CO) – Ever wondered what it would be like to ski and train with an Olympian considered one of the finest Nordic skiers in the world? This spring, from February 8th -12th, 2011, Nordic combined Olympic medalist and world champion Todd Lodwick will host his first Nordic Ski Camp at The Home Ranch. The luxury ski camp will provide a highly inspiring World Cup-style training experience for enthusiastic skate skiers from ages 12-100. The camp will culminate in a 3KM sprint race on the Home Ranch meadow. Is your child or grandchild a competitive skier? Are you preparing for a competitive Nordic race like the Birkebeiner or just wanting to become a better skate skier? Whether your goal is to become a better skier, a faster racer, or a future Olympian, the camp promises to provide an unforgettable skiing experience.

Find out more HERE.

December 24, 2010 (Canmore, AB) – Fresh off two World Cup sprint medals so far this season, Alaska-born Cross-Country skier and Fast and Female Ambassador Kikkan Randall now has her sights on spreading the love – the Fast and Female way! On Saturday, January 29, 2011, Randall and her teammate, Holly Brooks, will be hosting 250 young female skiers between the ages of nine to 19 years old at the Chugiak High School in Chugiak (Alaska) for a unique afternoon of inspiration, skiing, healthy eating and yoga.

Title sponsored by the Anchorage Women’s Clinic, this year’s event marks the third consecutive year that Randall is hosting a Fast and Female event in her home state of Alaska. The highly anticipated event will offer aspiring female ski champions the opportunity to be in direct contact with two of the World’s and Nation’s top cross-country ski racers.

“We’ve had so much fun with our previous events in Alaska and I’m really looking forward to testing out a new venue this year,” said Randall. “I hope to see participants from all over the state and celebrate together the Fast and Female motto of: Spread the Love and Dominate the World!”

Founded in 2005, Fast and Female is a non-profit organization based in Canmore, Alberta, Canada. The organization is intensely focused on delivering innovative non-competitive programming to increase the retention of girls in sports and offset the factors that make girls six times more likely to drop out of sports than boys.

Each year, the organization travels all over Canada and the US with Olympic and elite-level female athletes to offer sport-specific programming for female youth participants involved in Cross-Country Skiing, Biathlon, Alpine Skiing, Triathlon, and Cycling. Program scope and reach grows annually with the addition of new female ambassadors.

Fast and Female’s expansion into the US was made possible in 2009 thanks to the friendship and collaboration between Randall and Canada’s Chandra Crawford. Crawford is the organization’s original founder and won a gold medalist in cross-country skiing at the 2006 Olympics.

Since 2009, Randall has hosted two Annual US X-Country Ski Festivals in her hometown of Anchorage in Alaska, reaching a total of more than 300 girls. In 2011, the Annual US X-Country Ski Festival is moving to the State of Maine in early January – in sync with the National Cross-Country Championships which are held in the same region.

The 2011 Fast and Female Regional X-Country Ski Festival held in Chugiak promises to offer participants an experience of a lifetime thanks to the generous financial and in-kind contributions of the Anchorage Women’s Clinic, Best Buy, Subway, Cross-Country Alaska, Kaladi Brothers Coffee, Buff Multifunctional Headwear, and Cold-FX.

Registration for this event is now officially open and participants can secure a spot by visiting: www.FastandFemale.com or clicking HERE. The deadline to register is January 25, 2011.

The registration fee for the event is only $25 and includes a Fast and Female t-shirt, a Fast and Female ski tie, snacks, and access to the activities held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.. Financial assistance is available for participants in need. Please contact info@fastandfemale.com to inquire.