Grades K-5
​Vasa Nordic SkiSparks (after school program)

SkiSparks is an eight-week program that teaches cross-country skiing FUNdamentals in a recreational environment. Kids will play games, enjoy the outdoors, and learn physical literacy through our research-based curriculum. This program,  available for Kindergarten through 5th Grade students, is a collaboration between Vasa Ski Club(VSC) and Minnesota
Youth Ski League(MYSL).

Skis are age appropriate and rented online through MYXC.org or you can use your own classic ski equipment. The instructors and coaches are trained by certified coaches. Your child will learn how to ski and then progress their skills in a fun outdoor environment, providing them with a positive experience and incentive to continue the sport through middle school, and beyond. Hats, buffs, water resistant mittens, and snow pants are encouraged to keep warm and dry.

Note: This is not a TCAPS LEAP program. We will follow the Program meet dates outlined below. If there is no TCAPS school due to a holiday or a weather closing, we will likely still meet for VSC Nordic SkiSparks.

Program Information

Program Lead - John Kostrzewa
Season - Every Monday, 1/5/26 - 2/23/26
Practice Time: 4:30pm - 6pm
Location - Hickory Hills, 2000 Randolph St. Traverse City MI, 49684

Volunteering

This group is entirely run by dedicated volunteers. Please consider volunteering to help. There are opportunities for on and off ski roles. This program would not exist without these volunteers.   Click below to register for VSC SkiSparks
John Kostrzewa (Coach K!)
Ski Sparks Program Lead
Kostrzewa's coaching experience includes 15 years as a Nordic Head Coach for High School students and 6 years leading the VSC SkiSparks. 

Registration Details

Registration is through myxc.org  (Minnesota Youth Ski League). Please click on the button on the right to register for Vasa Ski Club SkiSparks.
Registration
  • Opens - Oct. 23rd 2025
  • SkiSparks is run in collaboration with Minnesota Youth Ski League program and registration is completed through myxc.org
  • Registration Fee: $45 (register through myxc.org)

New for This Year: Trail Fee Requirements
All participants must now pay the approved Hickory Hills trail fees. Each individual is responsible for purchasing either a season pass and completing the transaction directly.

  • Student City Resident: Season Pass – $60
  • Student Non-City Resident: Season Pass – $80

Hickory Hills season passes will be available for purchase online. 

To purchase a pass, visit: Hickory Hills Season Passes

$45 (register through myxc.org)

Equipment

Ski Equipment
  • Skiers should have their own properly fitted Classic Skis(Levels 1-4) and/or Skate Skis (Levels 5&6) or rent equipment through the program.
Rentals
  • There are a limited number of rental skis available on a first come first served basis.
  • Classic Skis (Level 1-4) - $45 additional charge
    • If you would like to rent classic skis for the duration of the 8 week session, that is an option you can select when you register online.
  • Skate Skis (Level 5-6) - $55 additional charge
    • Contact Coach K with the skiers shoe/boot size, height, and weight to reserve a set of skate ski equipment.
    • Skate skis are rented in person and paid by check (not online)

Clothing

Skiers need to be dressed and ready for the weather. That often means that they will need additional layers and clothing to accommodate N. Michigan weather.
  • In addition to a winter coat, your student is recommended to bring a hat, dry wool socks, water resistant mittens, and ski pants to keep your student warm and dry. 
  • Older and more active skiers (after level 1 or 2) usually need to dress in layers that allow some breathability and venting.
  • If your skier is too hot and sweating they will not be comfortable; but they need to have layers they can use to make adjustments, and stay warm at the same time.