How could it possibly get better than new uniforms you ask?

With the addition of these fantastic new toques, of course. Thanks, Coach Ben!

Don’t forget to grab yours. We’ll have them for you at practice this week. And may we say they look fantastic on you…

• Typical practice times will be: Mon/Fri 3:15-4:15, Tue/Thu 2:30-4, Wed 1-3
• We will be wearing masks all the time
• Most practice time will be outside (appropriate clothing needed!)
• Dryland training will consist of running, situps, etc.
• Don’t worry. Dryland training does not involve skiing on dry land.

• We will have a gear day soon to look stuff over and label gear. If you are new or have any gear questions we will meet one on one to sort things out. We can chat at the first practice to find meeting times.
• If it is your remote day, you are not required to attend, though you are welcome to
• If it is raining and we are pushed inside, remote students will be better off staying home so we have a smaller group. We might try to zoom you in.
• If you live far away, it might not be worth driving all the way in just to do dryland stuff. It may be smarter to follow along with the practice schedule from home
• If you are remote and live far away, don’t leave class early to make it to practice! Class time is very important 🙂
• If you are at the Hub, a bus can bring you from there to campus for practice

Having fun outside in the winter means being prepared with the right clothes, a snack, and water.  Dressing in multiple thin layers that you can take off as you warm up during the practice will help, as will having a warm, dry layer that you can put on after practice.  We will move around a lot and get warm during practice, and having multiple layers of non-restrictive clothing will keep skiers comfortable throughout the session.  And it is easy to get chilled when you stop, so warm dry clothes for when we are done is equally important. 

I recommend a wind and water-resistant loose top layer (shell or jacket), with layers of polypropylene or other synthetic long underwear, turtleneck, and fleece sweater or vest.  Synthetic or wool socks are also the best. Hat and mittens are a must.  Avoid cotton.

Whether or not we have snow, please always be prepared with the following:

• Running shoes
• Hat 
• Mittens
• Warm socks
• Extra clothing layers
• Dry clothes for after practice
• Snack
• Water bottle
• Yoga Mat/Towel (if you have one)

As soon as the snow flies, please also be prepared to bring the following:

• Skis
• Boots
• Poles
• Waxing kit if you have one

As you know, many organizations ARE NOT renting gear this year due to COVID-19, so getting a hold of skis will be your responsibility. If you are in the market to buy some, check out the following local options:

1. Gorham Bike and Ski: Dave Palese, General Manager
2. L.L. Bean, Freeport: Ask for special Middle School Ski Package Discount. They normally host a night but due to COVID that will NOT happen. They might still honor some special pricing.
3. Keep your eyes peeled for Ski Swaps (they might be happening virtually this year)
4. And last, but certainly not least, Boulder Nordic Sport (BNS): Roger Knight, Manager. FMI: Please see the blog post about BNS called Getting the Right Equipment. BNS has put together some great deals for us!

Child no wax package: Fischer Sprint Crown Skis mounted with automatic NNN binding, Fischer jr. pole and Fischer XJ Sprint. This package is available for kids from 40 to 108 lbs in limited quantities as most companies are completely sold out of equipment for the year! Normally $260, this package is just $229 for any call in or email order! You let us know height/weight/foot size and we will get it together for you!

Higher End Skate Full Package: Rossignol X-ium Skate Ski mounted with NNN binding, One Way 50% Carbon Pole with Detachable Strap and Fischer RCS Skate Boot- This package is normally $1029, but until Thanksgiving it is on sale for $970!

Skin Ski Full Golf course/Backyard/In-Track Package: Fischer Twin Skin Power Package! This is a slightly wider ski for more stability and versatility that will allow for use both in track and in the woods behind the house or on a golf course. We love these skis for their versatility. This package includes Fischer Twin Skin Power Ski mounted with NNN binding, Fischer XC Comfort Boot, Fischer Pole. Normally $475, this package is just $440.

Finally, if you have old gear (clothing, skis, poles, boots), collecting dust, some of our kiddos could use it! Please let me know, and I can make arrangements for a drop off. 

Please let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to working with you all soon!