Our Beginner Nordic Ski Clinics are part of the Loppet Foundation’s Trail Kids year-round programming.
The purpose of these three-week ski clinics is to get more youth into the sport of nordic skiing. The clinics are designed for beginners and will focus on teaching the fundamental skills of classic ski or skate ski technique. The clinics will include technique drills, relays, and games on skis – with the main focus on developing skills, having fun, and falling in love with a lifetime sport! Please read all equipment and registration information before registering.
*Participants must attend one of the clinics before they register for a 5 or 10-week Winter Ski Programs, or have equivalent skill and experience. Please refer to the Nordic Ski Ability Level Registration Guide when registering your child. Following the clinics, participants can choose to continue with Trail Kids programming by signing up for our Winter Nordic Ski Programs. For more information on the Winter Nordic Ski Programs, email trailkids@loppet.org.
Registration Information
Registration FAQs: For answers to many common registration questions please visit our Registration FAQ page
Registration for Trail Kids winter programming will open at 9am on October 1st, 2024
Theodore Wirth Park Clinics
Classic Clinic 1: Introduction to Classic Ski Technique
- Dates: December 4th, 11th, 18th, 2024
- Days/Time: Wednesdays 5:30 PM – 7 PM
- Where: The Trailhead (meet at team flags east of the Trailhead)
- Type of instruction: Classic technique
- Equipment needed: Classic skis (skin skis or kickwax skis) and poles (shoulder height). Combi boots can be used.
Skate Clinic 1: Introduction to Skate Ski Technique
- Dates: December December 5th, 12th, 19th, 2024
- Days/Time: Thursdays 4 PM – 5:30 PM
- Where: The Trailhead (meet at team flags east of the Trailhead)
- Type of instruction: Skate technique
- Equipment needed: Skate skis and poles (nose height). Combi boots can be used.
Skate Clinic 2: Introduction to Skate Ski Technique
- Dates: January 7th, 14th, 21st, 2025
- Days/Time: Tuesdays 4 PM – 5:30 PM
- Where: The Trailhead (meet at team flags east of the Trailhead)
- Type of instruction: Skate technique
- Equipment needed: Skate skis and poles (nose height). Combi boots can be used.
Classic Clinic 2: Introduction to Classic Ski Technique
- Dates: January 8th, 15th, 22nd, 2025
- Days/Time: Wednesdays 5:30 PM – 7 PM
- Where: The Trailhead (meet at team flags east of the Trailhead)
- Type of instruction: Classic technique
- Equipment needed: Classic skis (skin skis or kickwax skis) and poles (shoulder height). Combi boots can be used.
Skate Clinic 3: Introduction to Skate Ski Technique
- Dates: February 4th, 11th, 18th, 2025
- Days/Time: Tuesdays 5:30 PM – 7 PM
- Where: The Trailhead (meet at team flags east of the Trailhead)
- Type of instruction: Skate technique
- Equipment needed: Skate skis and poles (nose height). Combi boots can be used.
Classic Clinic 3: Introduction to Classic Ski Technique
- Dates: February 5th, 12th, 19th, 2025
- Days/Time: Wednesdays 4 PM – 5:30 PM
- Where: The Trailhead (meet at team flags east of the Trailhead)
- Type of instruction: Classic technique
- Equipment needed: Classic skis (skin skis or kickwax skis) and poles (shoulder height). Combi boots can be used.
Registration and Financial Assistance Information
Financial Assistance and Sibling Discounts
Financial Assistance: Trail Kids provides financial assistance for those in need, up to 100% of the registration cost. To apply, please fill out our Trail Kids Financial Assistance Application. We will follow up with you with instructions on how to register at a price that is manageable for your family. Applications for programs that start two weeks or less from the date of submission will not be approved.
Sibling Discount: For those families who have three or more kids in the program we will given a 15% discount code. Please email trailkids@loppet.org for more information.
Refund Policy
The Loppet will issue a full refund of the program fee (or rental fee) minus the original processing fee up until 6 weeks before the program starts. Between 6 weeks and 4 weeks from the program start date, a 50% refund will be issued. Between 4 and 3 weeks from the program start date, a 25% refund will be issued. There are no refunds for any cancellations within less than 3 weeks of the start of a program. During the program, if your child has a medical issue that makes it impossible to participate, we will issue a prorated refund minus the processing fee. If the Loppet cancels a program, a full refund will be issued. For instructions on how to request a refund, click here.
Winter Program Equipment Guide
For more information on ski equipment and dressing for our program activities, view the Winter Equipment & Clothing Guide.
Training & Technique Resources
Skate Ski 101 Video Links
- Nordic Ski Equipment Tips for beginners with coach Mindy
- Equipment Relay
- Dry land Balance Challenge
- Legs only ski balance and cornering tips
- Loading your ski with the pizza drill!
- Skate V1 Technique with coach Kim
- Lock and Load Double Pole Drills with coach Claire!
- Double Pole Arm Swing with coach Kim
- Snow Plow Basics
- Skate Transitions and Free ski tuck with Jesse Diggins
- Bill Koch Youth Nordic Ski Training Links
- Beginner Nordic Ski Lessons from Nordic Ski Lab