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 40 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 two-day-a-week program, Tuesday after school from 4-5:30pm and Saturday mornings from  9:30am - 11:00 am,  beginning January 6th. 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 Details

Program Director - Jo Peregrine
Season - January 6, 2024 - February 24, 2024
Practice - Tuesday from 4-5:30pm and Saturday Mornings 9:30 am - 11:00 am
  • Parents must drop off and pick up their children before and after practice at the designated drop off location
Holiday Camp - Holiday break at Hickory Hills
  • 2 day camp, 9:30am - 11am
  • December 27 & 28
  • Participation in this camp is not required

Location

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

Equipment

Skiers must own or rent both classic and skate skis
Rentals - The Vasa Ski Club offers rentals to Flyers participants
  • Classic Skis - $55
  • Skate Skis - $55
Rental payment is accepted during registration
Junior ski equipment is available to purchase locally from Brick wheels or XC Headquarters.

Registration Details

Participation Fee - $175
  • This includes a Vasa Ski Club membership and a Hickory Hills pass
  • Flyers - $175
    • 2 practices a week and the opportunity to race in the Tuesday night sprints.
  • Flyers Plus - $250
    • 2 practices a week with the Flyers, plus an additional two practices with the Vasa Raptor High school team on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:15-5:45pm.
  • Ski rentals are an additional cost
Registration
  • Deadline - December 15, 2023
  • Participation Cap - 75 athletes
  • All athletes must register using TCAPS LEAP registration platform regardless of whether the athlete is a TCAPS student
Scholarships
  • Vasa Ski Club offers a limited number of partial and full scholarships. 
  • DO NOT complete the online registration process. 
  • Email nordicflyers@gmail.com to request a scholarship application.

Alternative Option for Motivated 8th Graders

The Vasa Ski Club High School Team (Vasa-Raptors) would like to welcome motivated 8th Grade skiers to join the team. This option is a completely separate program from the Nordic Flyers, and is for kids that have an interest in racing and training to become better skiers. These 8th grade must have previous nordic ski experience, have a competitive spirit, and have their own equipment (or ask about rental options). The high school team practices 5 days per week and expects their athletes to be present at all practices.
Motivated 7th grade athletes may petition the Head Coach to be allowed to register for the Vasa-Raptors