Grades K-5
Nordic Rocks (in school program)
Nordic Rocks began in 2015 as Vasa Ski Club's effort to introduce cross country skiing to elementary age children.
This is an in-school instruction program that takes place during the PE class session, during recess or sometimes after school.
Vasa Ski Club raised the funds to purchase age-appropriate skis that can be used with any kind of boot or shoe, and provide them to local elementary schools. We offer a suggested curriculum and list of on-ski activities to the physical education teachers. A number of dedicated Vasa Ski Club volunteer coaches work with the physical education teachers at the participating schools.
The goal is to familiarize young students and their parents with xc skiing – and make it fun too! Many of our Nordic Rocks students go on to ski in middle school with Nordic Flyers program, and ultimately to our high school Nordic ski team.
The Program has been grown steadily, and so far we have placed more than 350 pairs of skis in 15 Traverse City area elementary schools (and 1 middle school) where they are used regularly by more than 2,000 students, many skiing once or more per week weather permitting.
We also have two weekly after-school elementary programs, at Eastern Elementary and Blair Elementary.
Additionally, we now have Nordic SkiSparks, an after school cross country ski instruction program for elementary aged students.
This is an in-school instruction program that takes place during the PE class session, during recess or sometimes after school.
Vasa Ski Club raised the funds to purchase age-appropriate skis that can be used with any kind of boot or shoe, and provide them to local elementary schools. We offer a suggested curriculum and list of on-ski activities to the physical education teachers. A number of dedicated Vasa Ski Club volunteer coaches work with the physical education teachers at the participating schools.
The goal is to familiarize young students and their parents with xc skiing – and make it fun too! Many of our Nordic Rocks students go on to ski in middle school with Nordic Flyers program, and ultimately to our high school Nordic ski team.
The Program has been grown steadily, and so far we have placed more than 350 pairs of skis in 15 Traverse City area elementary schools (and 1 middle school) where they are used regularly by more than 2,000 students, many skiing once or more per week weather permitting.
We also have two weekly after-school elementary programs, at Eastern Elementary and Blair Elementary.
Additionally, we now have Nordic SkiSparks, an after school cross country ski instruction program for elementary aged students.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR NORDIC ROCKS SKIERS:
JUNIOR VASA!
Takes place in February during the North Amercian Vasa
Join the fun! The Junior Vasa is a short loop children’s race within Timber Ridge Resort, and part of the premier annual North American Vasa cross country ski event. Each registered skier will wear a Junior Vasa race bib, and receive a beautiful medal and delicious Boomchunka cookie from Cherry Republic at the finish line. Lots of fun! Family members, make sure to bring your camera and cowbell for this festive event!
Trophy Awarded to School With the Most Participants!
Please indicate the name of your school when you check in on race day because... a trophy will be awarded to the elementaryschool with the most Nordic Rock sstudent participants! So encourage all your classmates to join you and bring home a trophy to display at your school!
The 2020 trophy went to Blair Elementary... Let’s see who takes it back to their school this year!
Junior Vasa Start Times:
12:00 pm Ages 5-7; 12:10 pm Ages 8-9; 12:20 pm Ages 10-12
FREE! *Vasa Ski Club will pay your Jr Vasa entry fee if you use the code: check back soon for a new code
Register online by Wednesday February 8 at 6:00pm Registration opens October 15, 2022
Skis Provided!
The Vasa Ski Club will provide skis for the race to Junior Vasa participants, free of charge for those without equipment (any kind of boot can be used with these skis, no special ski boots needed). We will also have poles available, on a first come basis.
See you on race day!
Click HERE for a printable Junior Vasa flyer New Flyer to come soon!
JUNIOR VASA!
Takes place in February during the North Amercian Vasa
Join the fun! The Junior Vasa is a short loop children’s race within Timber Ridge Resort, and part of the premier annual North American Vasa cross country ski event. Each registered skier will wear a Junior Vasa race bib, and receive a beautiful medal and delicious Boomchunka cookie from Cherry Republic at the finish line. Lots of fun! Family members, make sure to bring your camera and cowbell for this festive event!
Trophy Awarded to School With the Most Participants!
Please indicate the name of your school when you check in on race day because... a trophy will be awarded to the elementaryschool with the most Nordic Rock sstudent participants! So encourage all your classmates to join you and bring home a trophy to display at your school!
The 2020 trophy went to Blair Elementary... Let’s see who takes it back to their school this year!
Junior Vasa Start Times:
12:00 pm Ages 5-7; 12:10 pm Ages 8-9; 12:20 pm Ages 10-12
FREE! *Vasa Ski Club will pay your Jr Vasa entry fee if you use the code: check back soon for a new code
Register online by Wednesday February 8 at 6:00pm Registration opens October 15, 2022
Skis Provided!
The Vasa Ski Club will provide skis for the race to Junior Vasa participants, free of charge for those without equipment (any kind of boot can be used with these skis, no special ski boots needed). We will also have poles available, on a first come basis.
See you on race day!
Click HERE for a printable Junior Vasa flyer New Flyer to come soon!
