Hazardous Weather Outlook

I'm afraid that we lost a bunch of snow today and will lose more tomorrow.  I can't guarantee that we will be able to ski Monday afternoon.  Best to bring some jogging shoes/snow boots as a back-up plan.  See you tomorrow!
-Dan

Last Practice

Monday will be our last practice this year.  There should (hopefully) be enough snow left to groom some trails on the driving range. 

Nobody contacted me to help with a potluck.  So, if you want to bring something to eat outside after practice, that would be fine.  We can hang out and do some heavy snacking and talk story.  Should be a warm afternoon.

It might be an option to move the program back to Snowflake next year.  If you have any thoughts about the two venues (Viroqua Golf Course vs Snowflake) please share them with me.  I would probably prefer to stay in Viroqua, especially if we could find a little better meeting place.  Maybe there is another location you know of?  Also, a heads-up that I will be looking for more parent involvement in the administration of the Club next year.

Thanks,
Dan

Costume Day - 2 March

We will have Costume Day on Monday, March 2nd.  Skiers (and Coaches) are encouraged to wear a costume.  Pick something that you can ski in, and make sure it will keep you warm enough.  It looks like Monday will be warmer than last week and we might even get some fresh snow this weekend.

The last practice will be March 9th.  We usually have a pot luck dinner after the last practice.  I'm pretty busy, but if a few parents can help organize it, we can make that happen.

2/23 Practice Optional

As always, use your discretion regarding the conditions.  Polar Bears will probably wrap it up by 4:30 today. 

Bundle Up!

It's going to be 10 degrees, but feel like minus 5.  Mittens and masks would be a good idea.  Especially on these cold days, it would be really helpful if the Polar Bear Parents could stick around to help keep an eye on the little faces and shuttle groups inside to warm up/use the bathroom.  Last week several skiers made their way inside Krauss unattended.  Nothing bad happened, but it would better if there was an adult present.

Warm weekend

It was too warm to groom this weekend, but I'll get out tonight.  We should have enough snow left, but we don't have any to spare.  The City crew groomed the golf course on Thursday for skating; hopefully some of you got out to enjoy it.  Beware of the thin spots, please do not ski through the tunnel or anywhere that rocks or dirt show through.  Take your skis off and walk around those spots.

Monday will be the third classical practice, so the older groups (Thom's Snow Leopards and Dan's Arctic Explorers) will switch to skating the next time.  These skiers should make sure to put their skis in Dan's car after practice.

Emily has been bringing snacks and also a big jug of water.  If you want some water, bring your own cup or bottle.  Thanks.

Bust out the skis!

 

 

Coach-Groomer Bjorn showing his moves! #sidesaddle

 

 

We got just enough snow to set some tracks.  It's a little thin in places, but it will work. 

Bring your skis and warm clothes; it will be a little chilly.

Snow on the way!

Looks like we will get some snow tonight and Sunday, just not sure how much.  If we get more than about 3"... I'll do everything I can to set some tracks.  Check the blog on Monday for an update on conditions.

Drive Slowly at Krause

The manager was concerned that some vehicles were driving too quickly around the building last week.  Especially in the presence of kids walking around in the parking area, please drive slowly when dropping off/picking up your skiers.

Thanks,
Dan

26 January - Dryland

Snow Leopards (Thom) and Arctic Explorers (Dan) should bring their poles for some hill bounding and plan on some Frisbee games.  Arctic Foxes (Bjorn/Jerry) and Polar Bears (Michelle/Colin) come prepared for agility courses and more games (like a SNOW DANCE?)

19 January - "Dryland"

I think we should plan on having a dryland, or ski-less, practice on Monday.  I will get over to the golf course on Sunday and see if I can find enough snow to groom anywhere out there.  If I do find snow, I will update the blog Sunday evening (but you won't get an e-mail notification until Monday).  So; plan on dryland, but check the blog on Sunday night to be sure (or call Dan @ 485-0876).

For a dryland practice, we will set up some agility courses, play games, etc.  Arctic Foxes and up should bring their poles.  Dress like you would for skiing, but wear running shoes or hiking type boots.

See you Monday!

12 January - On Snow!

There is (barely) enough snow to groom a few small loops on the driving range.  Good job on doing your Snow Dances!  Park in back or on the side of Krause Monuments.  Use the back door if you need to go inside for the bathroom.  We will get started with a big group warm-up at 3:45.  We will wrap it up by 5:00.  See you Monday.

Nothing has been groomed yet.  I plan to set tracks on Sunday.  Please don't ski in the tracks until Monday so they have a chance to harden up overnight.

Thanks,
Dan

5 January Indoors

The first "practice" will be indoors at Vernon Memorial - in Community Room A which is located in the basement of the Medical Office Building (the newer building with the revolving door).  We will meet from 3:45 - 5:00.

We will split up into our groups and meet the coaches.  I will review the plan for the season and answer questions.  The main activity will be viewing some good nordic skiing videos with an emphasis on technique and drills.  The youngest kids (4-7?) might not have patience for 45 minutes of video... use your discretion.  (Kids can come for all, part or none of this practice.)

I will have registration forms for anyone who didn't make the sign-up night.  Cost is $40 for membership and an additional $60 if you need rental gear.  You can pay for both with one check on Monday.