WHERE DO WE MEET?

Your coaches will send out weekly training schedules via email on Mondays, with a schedule of times and locations.

Weekday winter sessions are typically at Sunset Hills (Lindley Center).

Last-minute schedule changes do sometimes occur: we'll announce those as needed, via email.

TRANSPORTATION

BSF has sprinter vans, and we are able to provide complimentary transportation for some of our Development and Comp athletes from the middle schools to practice most weekdays. Because space is limited, please talk to your coach about space and transportation needs.

CLOTHING

Nordic skiers should dress in layered clothing that allows for a good range of movement and can be removed if the need arises. This prevents overheating but still protects them from the elements. Multiple layers are better than one thick, insulated layer. It is very often colder and windier at Sunset Hills (Lindley) than it is anywhere else in town. Even on a warm winter day, a hat, gloves, and a windproof jacket (fleece alone is not warm enough in the wind) are important, especially when it starts to get dark earlier in the evening.

SNACKS

Remember to eat a small snack between school and skiing. Cold temperatures lead to higher energy requirements for skiing and keeping warm. 

BSF provides hot cocoa and a snack at the end of every Intro session.

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SKI setup

U10 and U12 Intro skiers need both classic and skate ski setups. BSF has a limited number of skate ski package rentals for $50 for the season. BSF does not rent classic skis but Round House Sports now offers a leasing program for classic cross country skis.

One Pair: U10 and U12 skiers can get by with one pair of "combi" skis and boots and one set of poles. These skis should be wax-able. Keep in mind, however, that with combi skis you will have to clean the classic kick wax off the skis before your skier will be able to skate on them. (Sometimes, it's just easier to have two pairs!)

Combi gear sizing: ski length should be 1-3 inches longer than the child's height. Poles should reach from the ground to the top of the child's shoulder. 

Two Pairs: Some skiers choose to have both classic and skate skis and poles, and one pair of combi boots. For skate and classic specific gear, it is best to use the manufacturer's size charts which correlate the skier's weight and height to ski length and stiffness. At the Ski Swap, BSF volunteers/coaches will be on hand with a flex-test board to help match your skier with the best skis available. Please take advantage of this opportunity--skis that are too stiff or too soft can make for a very frustrating skiing experience. When purchasing new equipment through a local retailer, they will provide similar testing. 

For classic skis, development skiers want to start looking towards a pair of waxable classic skis, which is what most U10/U12 Development Team skiers begin to use.

Ski poles for skate should reach between the skiers chin and "mustache area." 

Classic poles should reach between the armpit and the shoulder. 

Ski Wax

If you have waxable classic skis: On classic days,  please send your skier with a range of inexpensive kick waxes and a cork (local ski shops can recommend a few general kick waxes--blue, extra blue, purple, red--which can be kept in a baggie in your skier's bag), and their coach will help them put it on. 

Where can you find equipment? 

New Equipment may be purchased at Bangtail Ski Shop, Round House, or Homestake Lodge. Order early at Bangtail and receive discounted BSF prices. Both Bangtail and Round House also offer Nordic team nights each fall.

Intra-Team Swap: each October, before the big Ski Swap, all BSF Nordic skiers get together and buy/sell used gear. It's an easy way to source good equipment with a coach on hand to answer questions.

The Ski Swap held each November at the Fairgrounds. Thousands of items. (It's also one of BSF's biggest fundraisers.) BSF members get in an hour early. If you volunteer at the event, you get in even earlier! Coaches will be on hand to help with equipment selection.

Cold weather training policy?

Bozeman kids are a hardy bunch, but we will cancel a session if temperatures are extreme--especially if paired with wind. Whenever possible, an email will be sent out notifying everyone as soon as it is determined to be too cold to train.

Your best bet is to always bring lots of warm layers; weather changes quickly.

PARENT & ATHLETE RESOURCES

Please make yourself familiar with our policies, the BSF Athlete & Parent Handbook, and other important information on the Resources Page.

BSF Newsletters contain regular "Parent Corner" articles to help you navigate the parent/athlete dynamic.

COMMUNICATION

Email: When you register for the program, you will be added to an email list. Your coaches will communicate weekly details to you through email, and sometimes last-minute changes. (It’s important that you do not unsubscribe to BSF emails, as this is our main mode of communication in the winter.) If for some reason, you are not receiving emails from us, let us know!

Team Reach App: We've also been trying out the Team Reach app, for schedules and last-minute communications.

VOLUNTEERING

Races: Parent/volunteer assistance with races is needed and is a fun place for parents to learn about ski racing. No experience necessary. Look for info in emails. 

Other chances: BSF is a traditional nonprofit, relying on donations and fundraisers to cover approximately 50% of the cost of providing programs. Volunteers donate thousands of hours each year. We couldn’t do it without you! We’re always looking for volunteers to help with our fundraisers, serve on committees, or help at Nordic, Alpine, and Freestyle/Freeskiing competitions.

TRAIL PASSES

The trails we use in and around Bozeman, including those at Lindley, are groomed in the winter by Bridger Ski Foundation. BSF must fundraise to cover grooming and maintenance costs; donations and trail pass sales are vital to continuing this service. Trail passes are voluntary; please consider purchasing a family pass if you can. And be sure to explore all the trails.

WHAT'S AFTER U10 & U12 Devo?

U14 is next! You'll continue to be part of the Devo Team, just as a U14 (with 2 or 4-days a week options). When you hit U16, we have two options--to remain with Devo or to bump up to the Comp team. There's a lot of fluidity there; just talk with your coaches to see what makes sense for you. There are no racing requirements. Please don't hesitate to talk to a coach if you have questions about which program is best for your child. Everyone is different.

There’s a bigger picture to what BSF teaches skiers, when and why. BSF’s programs are consistent with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Systems.

What does that mean? We’re not focused on short-term success—and the hazards (and burnout) that often come with it. Instead, we follow LTAD plans that are individualized and based on science to make sure your child can maximize their long-term potential as a skier (should they wish to do so) and their enjoyment in the sport. We take into account a child’s development physiologically, cognitively and socially, as well as their experience skiing.

This makes it easy for your child to progress through our programs—from Intro to the Development Teams, to the competitive teams, and even on to skiing as an adult Masters athlete.

The LTAD is a living document that changes frequently. View the most up-to-date LTAD for Nordic HERE.) 

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PHASE 2 

Ages: 6-10 

Years in skiing: 1-4 

Days per week: 2-6 or as enjoyable

TRAINING EMPHASIS 

An emphasis on outdoor recreation. Parents should emphasize activity versus training. Child should play many sports, with active participation in coordination- or balance-based sports.  

PHYSICAL FITNESS FOCUS 

 Increase play to enhance specific elements of physical fitness in open environments. Continue to establish foundations of endurance through sustained activity and play. Add duration to activities and games. Introduce and practice mobility exercises through unorganized play and some structured activities. Use fun playful activities to enhance body awareness, spatial awareness and object manipulation.

TECHNICAL AND TACTICAL EMPHASIS  

Athletes in Phase 2 should have fun on snow, with games and play enhancing both enjoyment and skills. Gaining confidence and coordination while running on skis in multiple directions.  Ability to balance on both skis while moving downhill. Tactics are learned through self-discovery by skiing and adapting to different terrain.

PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGY EMPHASIS  

Continued cultivation of a fun environment to allow child to continue to experience success. Use simple self-talk cue words to reinforce task-oriented behaviors.  Focus on the love of sport.

COMPETITION EMPHASIS   

Compete for fun. Local competition at age-appropriate distances.

PHASE 3

(prepuberty before growth spurt)

Girls ages: 10-13

Boys ages: 11-14

Years in skiing: 4-8

Days per week: 2-4 training sessions per week, year round

TRAINING EMPHASIS 

Emphasize outdoor recreation and introduce fun competition. Continue to participate in many activities and sports. Begin to identify with primary vs. complementary sports.

Technical and tactical emphasis

In phase 3, skiers are gaining comfort in applying various tactics in order to ski terrain using different strategies to achieve differing results.

PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGY EMPHASIS  

Coach-athlete relationships, based on trust and respect, are built through effective communication before, during and after practice. Consistency in talk and behavior is key to developing a trusting relationship. Develop positive self talk, work ethic, and perseverance. Focus on the process, not the results.

COMPETITION EMPHASIS

Local racing leads to state and divisional championships, which may lead to regional events.  Race at age-appropriate distances. Suggested number of competitions: 5-15 starts.

PHASE 4

(puberty and growth spurt)

Girls: ages: 11-14

Boys: ages 12-15

Years in skiing: 5-9

Days per week: 3-5 in season, 2-4 out of season

TRAINING EMPHASIS

Emphasize fun training, with physical fitness becoming an integral part of the season. Increase hours of training with varied volumes and intensity. Continue to participate in complementary sports while identifying clear goals in primary sport.

Technical and tactical emphasis

Athlete is introduced to structured training including aerobic, anaerobic and strength training.  In addition to ski training, athlete is engaged regularly in cross-training activities including balance, coordination, endurance, speed and strength building. High intensity and more complex movement patterns are mastered. Dynamic and complex movement patterns are emphasized to achieve a desired outcome on specific terrain and features.

PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGY EMPHASIS  

Promote consistent use of self-talk and imagery in training and competition. Begin to challenge athletes with more competition-specific scenarios, but maintain opportunities for athletes to experience success. Identify relevant factors from prior successful performance. Athletes create a detailed list of what they do prior to the competition from a physical, mental, and environmental aspect. Athlete focuses on what they can and can't control.

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