Grades 6-8
​Vasa Nordic Flyers

Description

Nordic Flyers is Vasa Ski Club’s flagship middle school skier development program, and has been in place for nearly 30 years. Each season, 60-100 middle school students participate in a very fun, on-ski on-trail Nordic ski instruction program staffed by over 20 volunteer coaches. Nordic Flyers is for middle school skiers of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, and they are broken up into groups accordingly. Besides learning cross country ski technique, the skiers are exposed to a healthy outdoor activity in a fun environment, in beautiful winter surroundings at the wonderful Hickory Hills ski area. This program lays the foundation for a lifelong recreational activity students can share with friends and family. For any kids who might be interested in later joining the high school xc ski team, Nordic Flyers provides an excellent learning platform. We are back to bring another exciting year of XC ski fun and instruction for area middle school students. Join your friends for our three-day-a-week program, Tuesday & Thursdays after school from 4:30 - 6:00 pm and Saturday mornings from 9:00 am - 10:30 am, beginning January 7th. The Vasa Ski Club Nordic Flyers Program is a learn-to-cross-country-ski program and is open to boys and girls in 6th - 8th grade from any Traverse City area school (both TCAPS and non-TCAPS students). The program runs 8 weeks, and is for beginner through advanced skiers... no experience necessary!

Program Overview

  • Season: January 7, 2025 – March 1, 2025
  • Practice Schedule:
    • Tuesdays & Thursdays: 4:30 - 6:00 pm
    • Saturdays: 9:00 - 10:30 am
  • Location: Hickory Hills & Hickory Meadows Ski Area
  • Holiday Camp: (Optional)
    • Dates: December 27 & 28, 2024
    • Time: 9:00 - 10:30 am
Skiers are grouped by skill level to ensure everyone receives appropriate coaching and support. In addition to mastering ski techniques, participants enjoy the camaraderie of skiing with friends in a fun and active setting. For those considering joining the high school ski team in the future, Nordic Flyers offers an excellent platform to build skills and confidence.

Program Contact

Location

Hickory Hills, 2000 Randolph Street, Traverse City, MI 49684

Ski-Up with the Vasa Raptors

Experienced skiers have the option to ski-up with the Vasa Raptors high school team on Wednesdays, where they’ll train side-by-side with high school athletes. Interested participants must attend the Raptors’ pre-season meeting on November 7, 2024, at 7:00 pm at Hickory Hills. Skiers participating in this option are also encouraged to join the Raptors’ pre-season dryland training. There is no additional cost associated with this opportunity.
Contact the head coach Ethan Goss at [email protected] with any questions.

Registration Details

Registration Details
  • Program Fee: $150 (Includes Vasa Ski Club membership; ski rentals are extra)
  • Registration Deadline: December 14, 2024
  • Participation Cap: 75 athletes (First-come, first-served)
  • Registration Platform: All participants must register through the TCAPS LEAP registration platform, even if they are not TCAPS students.

New for 2025: Hickory Hills Season PassEvery skier must have a Hickory Hills season pass to participate, either an Alpine or Nordic-specific pass. Family season passes are also accepted and allow access to the trails throughout the season.

ScholarshipsThe Vasa Ski Club offers partial and full scholarships to ensure every skier has the chance to participate. To apply:

  • DO NOT complete the online registration process.
  • Contact: nordicflyers@gmail.com to request a scholarship application.

Equipment

All participants must have both classic and skate skis to participate. Skiers may rent or purchase equipment:

  • Ski Rentals through Vasa Ski Club:
    • Classic Skis: $55
    • Skate Skis: $55
      Rental fees are collected during registration. Please note that rental skis are available on a first-come, first-served basis according to registration order.

During registration, please provide accurate height, weight, and boot size to ensure the correct equipment is provided. Failure to provide this information may result in your skier not having equipment available for the season.

Purchase Equipment Locally:
Equipment can also be purchased at Brick Wheels or XC Ski Headquarters