Loppet Nordic Racing Juniors strives to teach skiers how to improve both their ski technique and physical conditioning. LNR Juniors is just beginning, with kids finishing the program better prepared for ski season and with fresh enthusiasm for the sport.
The LNR Junior Program is comprised of our Development (Devo) Team and our Competition (Comp) Team. Both LNR training groups share the same goals:
- To keep training varied, challenging, and having the opportunity to explore new places
- To make sure training in spring and summer is focused on making you a better all around athlete: coordination, speed, and running/movement mechanics
- To make sure that the environment at LNR is one that stresses being a good person, not just a good athlete. We will focus on working well as part of a group, and we’ll have a number of volunteer projects throughout the year.
Register for Loppet Nordic Racing Juniors
DEVO
LNR Development (Devo) Team
The LNR Devo Team is geared toward younger and new skiers to LNR. Devo team is the LNR starting point and is meant to keep training closer to home, shorter out of town camps and more instructional than that Comp Team. This group is composed mostly of years of birth 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013
LNR Competition (Comp) Team
The LNR competition team is our highest level of training for high school aged student athletes. Primarily for high school juniors and seniors or birth years 2008, 2009 and 2010. 2010 Birth years must have prior LNR training experience with the LNR Devo team. Comp team members are committed to year round training and have goals of competing regionally and nationally.
COMP
Fall/Winter Programs & Camps
Devo Team Full Fall Training — 6 sessions/week
Fall training for LNR Devo athletes looking to build endurance, strength, technique, and overall athletic development through consistent training. The program provides a progression from summer training into the ski season, with a mix of running, rollerskiing, strength, and other dryland activities.
Dates/Location/Time:
August 31–November 6, 2026
Theodore Wirth Park and other local training locations as appropriate.
6 sessions/week; detailed weekly schedule will be provided by coaches.
Cost:
$944.95 including registration fees
Details/Equipment:
Athletes should have appropriate running shoes, skate and classic rollerskis, ski poles, helmet, water bottle, and weather-appropriate training clothing. Coaches will provide additional equipment guidance as needed.
Weather Calls:
Coaches will communicate any changes or cancellations through the team communication system. Training may be adjusted based on weather, air quality, and trail conditions.
Next steps in Loppet journey:
Fall Devo training prepares athletes for winter Devo training, CXC Youth/Junior Cup racing, and continued progression toward the LNR Competition Team.
Devo Team 3 Day Fall Training
A three-day-per-week fall training option for Devo athletes who want consistent ski-specific training while balancing school, other sports, or other commitments. Training focuses on developing endurance, strength, technique, and confidence heading into winter.
Dates/Location/Time:
August 31–November 6, 2026
Theodore Wirth Park and other local training locations as appropriate.
3 sessions/week; detailed weekly schedule will be provided by coaches.
Cost:
$691.90 including registration fees
Details/Equipment:
Running shoes, skate and classic rollerskis, ski poles, helmet, water bottle, and appropriate weather-dependent training clothing.
Weather Calls:
Coaches will communicate any changes through the team communication system. Training may be modified based on weather, air quality, and trail conditions.
Next steps in Loppet journey:
A great option for athletes continuing toward winter Devo training and future CXC Youth/Junior Cup racing.
Comp Team Fall Training - 6 Sessions / Week
Fall training for experienced LNR Comp athletes preparing for a high-level winter racing season. Training emphasizes endurance, intensity, strength, ski technique, and the consistency needed for regional and national-level competition.
Dates/Location/Time:
August 31–November 6, 2026
Theodore Wirth Park and other local training locations.
6 sessions/week; detailed weekly schedule will be provided by coaches.
Cost:
$1,019.50 including registration fees
Details/Equipment:
Running shoes, skate and classic rollerskis, poles, helmet, strength-training clothing/shoes, water bottle, and weather-appropriate training gear.
Weather Calls:
Coaches will communicate any changes through the team communication system and may modify training based on weather, air quality, and conditions.
Next steps in Loppet journey:
Fall Comp training leads directly into LNR winter training, CXC Junior Cup racing, Junior National Qualifiers, and other high-level racing opportunities.
Devo / Comp Team MEA Camp
A five-day fall training camp combining LNR Devo and Comp athletes. Camp provides an opportunity for athletes to train together, build fitness, develop ski-specific skills, and experience a multi-day training environment.
Dates/Location/Time:
October 14–18, 2026
Cable, Wisconsin
Departure Wednesday at approximately 5 PM; return Sunday at approximately 5 PM.
Cost:
$557.50 including registration fees
Details/Equipment:
Full training gear, running shoes, skate and classic rollerskis, poles, helmet, strength equipment as directed, and appropriate clothing for changing fall weather. Additional packing information will be provided before camp.
Weather Calls:
Camp plans may be adjusted based on weather and trail conditions.
Next steps in Loppet journey:
MEA Camp is an important bridge from fall dryland training into winter ski preparation.
Devo / Comp Team Thanksgiving On-Snow Camp - SilverStar, BC
An eight-day on-snow training camp designed to give LNR athletes an early start to the ski season. Athletes will focus on ski technique, aerobic development, training habits, and building confidence on snow alongside their teammates.
Dates/Location/Time:
November 22–29, 2026
SilverStar Mountain Resort, British Columbia
8 days. Airfare is not included.
Cost:
$1,272.92 including registration fees; airfare not included.
Details/Equipment:
Classic and skate ski equipment, poles, appropriate ski clothing, training clothing, and all required travel/camp equipment. Detailed packing and travel information will be provided prior to camp.
Weather Calls:
Camp activities may be adjusted based on snow and weather conditions.
Next steps in Loppet journey:
The Thanksgiving camp provides an early-season transition into winter training and prepares athletes for CXC Junior Cup racing and the winter competition season.
Devo / Comp Team Thanksgiving On-Snow Camp - Coaching Only
For athletes and families arranging their own travel and lodging, this option provides access to LNR coaching and on-snow training during the Thanksgiving camp.
Dates/Location/Time:
November 22–29, 2026
SilverStar Mountain Resort, British Columbia
Families arrange their own transportation and lodging.
Cost:
$316 including registration fees
Details/Equipment:
Athletes provide their own ski equipment, clothing, transportation, and lodging. LNR provides training and group skiing during the camp.
Devo Team 1 Day + Late Fall Training
A lower-volume fall option for Devo athletes who want to stay connected with LNR while balancing school, other sports, or other commitments. Athletes train one day per week during the fall and continue into late-fall ski preparation.
Dates/Location/Time:
August 31–November 6, 2026
Theodore Wirth Park and other local training locations.
1 session/week; schedule provided by coaches.
Cost:
$353.80 including registration fees
Details/Equipment:
Running shoes, rollerskis and poles, helmet, water bottle, and appropriate weather-dependent training clothing.
Weather Calls:
Coaches will communicate changes through team communication channels.
Next steps in Loppet journey:
A flexible way to stay involved with LNR before transitioning into winter Devo training.
Comp Team 1 Day + Late Fall Training
A one-day-per-week fall training option for Comp athletes who need a lower-volume schedule while continuing to prepare for the winter racing season.
Dates/Location/Time:
August 31–November 6, 2026
Theodore Wirth Park and other local training locations.
1 session/week; schedule provided by coaches.
Cost:
$353.80 including registration fees
Details/Equipment:
Running shoes, skate and classic rollerskis, poles, helmet, water bottle, and weather-appropriate training gear.
Weather Calls:
Coaches will communicate changes through team communication channels.
Next steps in Loppet journey:
Continues preparation for LNR winter training and the CXC Junior Cup racing season.
Winter / CXC Junior Cup Wax Support
Race-season support for athletes competing in CXC Junior Cup races. This program provides professional race wax support to help athletes arrive at races with well-prepared skis.
Dates/Location/Time:
December 1, 2026–March 15, 2027
CXC Junior Cup race locations throughout the region.
Cost:
$425.20 including registration fees
Details/Equipment:
Athletes are responsible for their own ski equipment and race gear. LNR provides race wax support.
Weather Calls:
Race schedules and support may change based on event conditions.
Next steps in Loppet journey:
Provides race support throughout the CXC Junior Cup season and can complement an athlete’s independent training or high school program.
Devo / Comp Team Winter Training - 1 Day / Week + Wax Support
A flexible winter training option for athletes balancing LNR with high school Nordic, swimming, other sports, or other commitments. Athletes receive one LNR training session per week plus CXC Junior Cup race wax support.
Dates/Location/Time:
December 1, 2026–March 15, 2027
Theodore Wirth Park is the primary training location, with practices at other venues as conditions and training goals require. Winter practices generally take place Tuesday–Thursday afternoons, with occasional Saturday training and race support.
Cost:
$585.85 including registration fees
Details/Equipment:
Classic and skate skis, poles, appropriate ski clothing, water bottle, and other winter training equipment. Athletes should also have access to rollerskis for dryland training when needed.
Weather Calls:
Coaches will communicate changes based on snow, weather, air quality, and trail conditions.
Next steps in Loppet journey:
A flexible option for athletes who want to stay connected with LNR while training with another program or sport.
Devo / Comp Team Winter Training - 3-4 Days / Week + Wax Support
Full winter training for athletes committed to developing their skiing and competing throughout the winter season. Training includes ski technique, endurance, intensity, strength, race preparation, and CXC Junior Cup race support.
Dates/Location/Time:
December 1, 2026–March 15, 2027
Theodore Wirth Park is the primary training location, with practices at other venues depending on snow conditions and training goals. Typical training is Tuesday–Thursday afternoons, with additional Saturday training and race support throughout the winter.
Cost:
$746.50 including registration fees
Details/Equipment:
Classic and skate skis, poles, appropriate ski clothing, water bottle, and rollerskis for dryland training when needed. Athletes should have equipment suitable for both training and racing.
Weather Calls:
Coaches will communicate changes based on snow, weather, air quality, and trail conditions.
Next steps in Loppet journey:
Prepares Devo athletes for continued development and CXC Youth/Junior Cup racing, while providing Comp athletes with the training needed for regional and national competition.
Financial Assistance
The Loppet provides financial assistance for those in need. To apply, please fill out this Financial Assistance form. Our staff will be in touch with you with next steps once your application has been submitted. *Limitations apply, please see the application form for rules and restrictions. In most instances there will be a $500 financial assistance cap per person/per year.
Refund Policy
The Loppet will issue a full refund of the program fee minus the original processing fee up until 4 weeks before the program starts. Between 4 and 3 weeks from the program start date, a 50% refund will be issued. There are no refunds for any cancellations within less than 3 weeks of the start of a program.
A Note About the Data We Collect
EQUIPMENT
Equipment Recommendations
Skate Rollerskis
- Pursuit Fork flex rollerski from Rollerskishop.com, 620mm length, #2 wheel. (shorter 560 for athletes with small feet). This is the best skate rollerski for the money – easy to balance, good ski speed. They also carry rollerski pole tips.
- Ski*Go Skate Carbon Ski
- Ski*Go Skate Aluminum Ski
Classic Rollerskis
All of these skis can be purchased with two different wheel speeds, the No. 2 wheel is the standard/medium speed option and the No. 3 wheel is a slower option. The No. 2 wheel is a great training speed similar to the Marwe 6 wheel. The No. 3 wheel is closer in speed to the Marwe 7 wheel.
Loppet Nordic Racing Full-Time Coaches
Loppet Nordic Racing prides itself on a coaching staff that have:
- Technical proficiency and are up to date in technique instruction and training methods.
- Personality traits that help motivate and engage athletes of all ages.
- A common method and language to coach skiing.
- Interest and motivation to train, race, and improve their own skiing.
Currently LNR has more USSA certified Level 100 coaches than any other ski club in the United States.
Chris Harvey
Loppet Nordic Racing Head Coach (harvey@loppet.org)
Engineer turned full-time ski coach, Chris Harvey has been coaching junior skiers for over a decade. He skied and ran cross-country on the NCAA teams at Michigan Tech before becoming the Burnsville High School Head Nordic Ski Coach in 2010. In 2012, he began working with Loppet Nordic Racing Juniors, coaching them to Junior National championship wins and helping them earn spots on World Junior/U23 Championship and the U18 Nations Cup Trip teams. Chris Harvey has coached at a national and international level, having served as the U18 Nations Cup Trip leader in 2017 and having coached the Midwest’s Junior National Team since 2011 as both the Trip Leader and Midwest Team Head Coach in 2015 and 2016.
COACHES
COACHES
Sarah Olson
Loppet Nordic Racing Coordinator and Development Coach (sarah.olson@loppet.org)
Sarah is an LNR program alumni and graduated from Blaine High School in 2019. She has continued her cross country running and skiing career at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where she competed in skiing while studying business and art. She graduated in 2023, and has since embraced life “from pole to pole,” working as a firefighter in Fairbanks and Idaho, and in field operations in Antarctica. She currently resides in Durango, CO and has been coaching with the Durango Nordic team, while working in the forestry industry. She also brings experience as a commercial salmon fisher, adding to her background in demanding, team-oriented environments.
AQI & High Heat
Click here to see how The Loppet uses current AQI and heat conditions to determine how it may affect upcoming programming, event schedules, outdoor activities, and safety recommendations.
Contact
LNR Program Manager Chris Harvey harvey@loppet.org
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