Nordic
ages 9-11
Summer: 8-10 am Tues, Thurs, Sat
Fall & Winter: 4-6 pm Tues, Thurs, and Sat mornings
(Choose 1 or more options)
$450
$995
Early bird: $800
(after Nov 15: $950)
The Devo Prep team serves as a bridge between the Intro and Devo teams. Full details below.
Age cutoff: skiers should be ages 9-11 by January 1, 2021
ages 11-14 (U12-U16)
Summer: 8-10 am Tues, Thurs, Sat
Fall & Winter: 4-6 pm Tues, Wed, Thurs, and Sat mornings
(Choose 1 or more options)
$450
$1,300
Early bird: $1,000
(after Nov 15: $1,150)
Full details below.
Age cutoff: skiers should be ages 11-14 by January 1, 2021
ages 12-14 (U14 and first-year U16)
Summer: 8-10 am Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat
Fall & Winter: 4-6 pm Tues, Wed, Thurs, and Sat mornings
(Choose 1 or more options)
$1,900
$600
*Summer and year-round can add 10 strength sessions at The Mountain Project for $100, on Saturday afternoons.
$1,450
Early bird: $1,100
(after Nov 15: $1,250)
The Devo Progressive team serves as a bridge between the Devo and Comp teams. Full details below.
Age cutoff: skiers should be ages 12-14 by January 1, 2021
August 15: Registration opens for fall & winter
June 16: First day of summer training
September 8: First day of fall training
November 15: Early-bird deadline for all registration
December 7: First day of winter training
Ages: 9-11
Grades: 4-5
Training Sessions: 3 days/week (TU/TH/SA)
The Devo Prep Team serves as a bridge program for elementary school skiers between the Intro Program and the Devo Team. This program gives young skiers an opportunity to develop skills, play games, and have fun on skis over a longer period of time than our Intro Program offers. Devo Prep allows athletes to develop more ski-specific skills and techniques and start building speed and endurance.
Athletes on the Devo Prep Team should have at least one season of experience in both skate and classic techniques. We welcome new skiers, but this is not a learn-to-ski program.
For the intermediate skier with 1-5 years of Nordic instruction, the development team is an adventure on skis. We do both skate and classic skiing, working on technique and building up our confidence and coordination. We take holistic approach to skiing. We work on the fundamentals of skiing: agility, balance, and coordination, while also working on positive self talk and teamwork. The Development Team is open to a diverse range of skiers; no racing is required. We continue to use games, exercises, relays and other fun activities to build both skills and age-appropriate endurance. All BSF coaches are U.S. Ski & Snowboard-certified.
We support multi-sport athletes! Please select the registration option or a combination of options that best fits your schedule.
Ages: 11-14 (U12s, U14s, and U16s)
Grades: 6-8
Summer Sessions: 3 days/week in summer (TU/TH/SA)
Fall & Winter sessions: 4 days/week (TU/WE/TH/SA)
The Devo Team is intended for middle school athletes looking to improve their ski technique, build general fitness, and have fun in a positive team environment. Coaches apply a skills-based model of training to develop agility, balance, and coordination on skis. The Devo Team is open to athletes of all abilities, but is not a learn-to-ski program. We recommend at least one season of prior experience on both skate and classic techniques.
Devo athletes will have opportunities to participate in local and regional races if they choose to pursue the competitive side of the sport.
We welcome athletes in other sports to join us to train in the summer, fall, or winter — nordic skiing is a great cross-training activity!
We support multi-sport athletes! Please select the registration option or a combination of options that best fits your schedule.
Ages: 12-14 (U14s and first year U16s)
Grades: 6-8
Training Sessions: 4 days/week (TU/WE/TH/SA)
The Devo Progressive Team serves as a bridge program for middle school athletes between the Development Team and the Competitive Team. Athletes will begin to utilize a systematic approach to training and competition in a positive team environment. This program is intended for athletes who are dedicated to Nordic skiing, excited about racing on the IMD circuit, and looking for a focused and fun training environment.
Devo Progressive athletes are expected to roller ski during summer and fall sessions. We will offer a roller ski camp open to athletes to work on basic skills in a safe environment. If your athlete isn’t ready to roller ski, check out our Devo Team programming below.
We support multi-sport athletes! Please select the registration option or a combination of options that best fits your schedule.
Not sure which registration option is best for your skier? Contact us. We're happy to help.
Nordic Devo Head Coach: Jessie Kay jessmariekay@gmail.com (NOTE: we apologize, we had the incorrect spelling of that email address; it is now correct!)
Programs that cost $650 and below must be paid in full at the time of registration.
Programs that cost more than $650 are eligible for a payment plan (or they can be paid in full).
How the payment plan works:
When checking out in SkiClub Pro (our registration system) choose "payment plan."
Less than $1500: 3 equal monthly payments
More than $1501: 4 equal monthly payments
NEW FOR 2020-21: Payment plans will not be automatically processed by Ski Club Pro. Instead, you will receive a monthly invoice emailed from BSF and you will be able to click through and make your payment online.
To pay in full: choose "credit card" when checking out.
BSF offers a generous scholarship and financial aid program. Applications are due mid-October each year.
Please note: If you need assistance, apply for it! These funds are meant to keep kids skiing. Applications are confidential, and we take into account all your circumstances, not just taxable income. (Too often, we see families assume they make too much money to qualify for help, and yet they are considering limiting their child's participation in a program because of the cost. Apply! )
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.
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. (Note for 2020-21: due to COVID-19, van use may be suspended.) BSF uses team vans or buses to travel to camps and competitions.
When you register for the program, you will be added to an email list. Your coaches will send weekly emails with the full schedule, important notes, and info for parents. Last-minute changes may also be emailed. (It’s important that you do not unsubscribe to any 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!
We also use the Team Reach app, for schedules and last-minute communications.
(Suggested donation calculated based on an average volunteer session of 3 hours and the industry standard value of volunteer time ($25/hour).)
One of the ways BSF keeps program fees lower is through volunteer hours. Without your volunteer hours, we would need to use additional paid staff to fill the void; this would increase program costs significantly, which would also make it more difficult for some families to afford BSF. When only a small percentage of BSF parents take on the brunt of volunteer hours, it leads to volunteer burnout.
We have openings for help at practices, organizing ski and fundraising events, helping at the events themselves, as well as trail work and volunteering for our community trails. We encourage you to volunteer for ANY program--Nordic, Alpine, Freestyle, or trails. If you have a specific skill set you think would be helpful, please let us know. There are always little things we need, from photography, to database entry, to hanging up posters around town.
We highly encourage BSF athletes to volunteer as well, not just parents!
We post signup sheets and volunteer needs throughout the year HERE.
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.
Remember to eat a small snack between school and skiing. Cold temperatures lead to higher energy requirements for skiing and keeping warm.
Devo 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.
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.
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 BSF 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.
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.
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.
Intermountain Division (IMD) License
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.
Below is a partial summary of relevant phases for Devo skiers.
Ages: 6-10
Years in skiing: 1-4
Days per week: 2-6 or as enjoyable
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.
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.
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.
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.
Compete for fun. Local competition at age-appropriate distances.
(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
Emphasize outdoor recreation and introduce fun competition. Continue to participate in many activities and sports. Begin to identify with primary vs. complementary sports.
In phase 3, skiers are gaining comfort in applying various tactics in order to ski terrain using different strategies to achieve differing results.
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.
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.
(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
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.
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.
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.
Nordic Program Director: Andrew Morehouse, andrew.morehouse.bsf@gmail.com (518) 926 9030
Nordic Devo Head Coach: Jessie Kay jessmariekay@gmail.com