• Equipment (see Equipment below)
• Team jacket  - optional
• Summer travel camps - optional
• Travel and race fees (optional)
• Crosscut Mountain Sports Center pass
  Skiers are required to purchase a trail pass for Crosscut Mountain Sports Center; we will use that terrain about once a week. (They offer a reasonable youth season's pass. Buy early for lower prices.)
• Community Nordic Trails Pass
  
• Community Nordic Trails Pass (optional)
  You are not required to have a trail pass to participate in ski programs on the in-town Community Nordic Trails. However, if you can afford it, we highly encourage all who use the winter trails to purchase a voluntary trail pass. The voluntary trail pass is a unique system, but it only works if skiers contribute. Bridger Ski Foundation grooms over 80km of trails for the community, which is an expensive proposition--from labor and maintenance to equipment. We also do a lot of grooming especially for BSF's Nordic programs; your program fee does not cover any of these grooming expenses. Donations and trail pass sales are vital to continuing this service. Be sure to explore all the trails.
• Ski gear: skate and classic skis/boots/poles
• Roller skis/equipment are optional for Devo.
• Devo Pro athletes will need roller skis gear (we have some rollerskis to lend first-year Devo Pro athletes). This includes: rollerskis, helmet, poles, and high-viz clothing/lights.
• US Ski & Snowboard license (required if racing IMD races)

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Payment options:

At checkout, you can choose:

• credit card (pay in full)*
• payment plan* (credit card or bank transfer)
• payment in full via bank transfer
  

*See processing fees below.

Payment Plans

For invoices over $1500, payments can be made in 3 payments. IMPORTANT: If your family is registering multiple children, please be sure to register and checkout all in one transaction if you'd like a payment plan option. The newly updated system does not allow us to combine orders/create payment plans after the fact. If participants are registered in separate transactions, it will result in separate payment plans.

(*If you have extenuating circumstances with the $1500 starting point on payment plans, please contact us.)

How the payment plan works: When checking out in SkiClub Pro (our registration system) choose "payment plan." New this year: the SkiClubPro system will automatically charge you for each of the three payments.

Processing fees:

The following processing fees will be added to your total. These are the fees charged by the payment processor; BSF does not keep any of these fees.

Credit cards paying in full: 3% fee

Bank transfer paying in full: no fee

Credit cards payment plan: 3% fee and $1.50 per payment ($4.50 total)

Bank transfer payment plan: $2.50 fee per payment ($7.50 total)

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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! )

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 and TeamReach.

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. (Due to COVID-19, van use may be suspended.) BSF uses team vans or buses to travel to camps and competitions.

EMAIL

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!

Team Reach App:

We also use the Team Reach app, for schedules and last-minute communications.

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VOLUNTEER EXPECTATIONS FOR EACH FAMILY

• Intro Programs: 1 to 3 volunteer sessions (or a donation of $75 - $225) 
• Devo Programs: 3 to 5 volunteer sessions (or a donation of $225 - $375)
• Comp Programs: 5 to 7 volunteer sessions (or a donation of $375 to $525) 
  

(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.

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.

SKI SETUP

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.

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 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.

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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.

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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

U.S. Ski & Snowboard License

FIS License

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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.

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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