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Mansfield Nordic Club offers youth ski programming for all ages and abilities. The Bill Koch Youth Ski League (see below) was created as a system for skiers to partake in before they enter high school. All of our groups exist under a “BKL” umbrella and are for ages up to Grade 8. These groups strive to provide the right level of coaching, training and experiences for skiers at a wide range of ages, abilities and goals. The Mansfield Nordic Club’s BKL programs are all about having fun on skis, whether that means racing, training, practicing our jumping and agility, or playing games on skis!
Schedule and Location
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The Range (Camp Ethan Allen Training Site/”CEATS”) is our main hub for BKL skiing on Tuesdays and Thursdays. However we are also fortunate to have great skiing available at other regional locations like Sleepy Hollow (Huntington) and Tomasi Meadow (Underhill). Our weekly schedule is subject to change due to weather, conditions, government trail access (CEATS) and more. We keep our skiers updated through our weekly eBlast, email, and our BKL Blog on this site!
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Online registration opens Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 9am.
Registration Directions and Tips
Please email bkl@mansfieldnordic.org with questions.
General program info:
Dates: December 2024 to March 2025 (exact dates coming soon)
Meeting Times: 3:45 – 5:15PM – Tuesday and Thursdays. Race Team and Devos add Saturday training 10:00-11:30 AM or a Saturday or Sunday race (times vary).
Location: Tuesday and Thursday we meet at the Camp Ethan Allen Training Site (“The Range”) in Jericho. Saturday or Sunday Training and Races are at local areas like Craftsbury, Rikert or Sleepy Hollow.
MNC BKL Program Descriptions
MNC offers a discount for families with more than one child enrolled in our BKL programming.
This discount only applies after the first full price 2- or 3-day enrollment. Additional children enrolled in the Winter 3-day & 2-day programs from the same family receive a $50 discount. This discount does not apply to additional children enrolled in our 1-Day programs. You will see details for inputting this discount on the BKL registration pages.
Also, our club is able to provide limited grants in the form of partial or full fee waivers and/or financial aid toward participation in MNC program events to qualified Junior and BKL skiers. See our Scholarship page for more information. If you plan to apply for a scholarship please do so before registering for a BKL program.
Penguins Group 1-Day: Pre-K to 1st Grade
This is our youngest group of skiers who are in pre-school up to first grade. Penguins meet on Tuesdays only and a parent must accompany each child. Parents and children are led by one of our coaches in games, downhill skills and fun adventures. Penguins ski classic technique only.
Equipment needed: No-wax classic skis, boots, and poles. Equipment for Penguins is available for season lease through MNC. We recommend that parent’s skiing with Penguins are also on classic no-wax or waxable skis.
Cost: $105
Jack Rabbits Group 2-Day: Grades 1-4
Jack Rabbits are comprised of younger newer skiers who have a focus on improving technique and fitness, while having fun getting to know what ski racing is all about. Jack Rabbit kids should have experience classic skiing, but are learning how to skate ski or improve their skate skiing. Participation in local BKL races is encouraged, but not required, and the annual Bill Koch Festival is a big highlight!
Equipment needed: Classic no-wax or waxable skis, classic length poles, skate skis, skate length poles and combi boots.
Cost: $319
Cost increases by $15 on November 15
Arctic Foxes Group 2-Day: Grades 5-8
Arctic Foxes are for older skiers who love having fun on snow and are looking to continue expanding their technique and skill-set with 2 days/week (Tues + Thurs) of programming. Prior ski experience is helpful but not required.
Equipment needed: Classic no-wax or waxable skis, classic length poles, skate skis, skate length poles and combi boots.
Cost: $339
Cost increases by $15 on November 15
Race Team 3-Day: Grades 5-8
The Race Team are older skiers who love to ski and want to learn how to go faster! These skiers train in club programming 3 days/week (Tues + Thurs + Sat or Sun) including a weekend BKL race if the calendar features a competition! The weekend trainings are a great opportunity for skiers to get more individualized coaching, have fun bonding with their teammates and practice on more difficult terrain. Weekend races are hosted by local Vermont BKL clubs (including ours!) at their own venues and are a great opportunity for the whole family to visit new touring centers and explore their trails. Most race team skiers will want to attend the New England BKL Festival in March which is always a highlight of the year. For more info on the Racing Team or the BKL Festival please contact Head BKL Coach Liz at bkl@mansfieldnordic.org.
Equipment needed: Classic waxable skis, classic length poles, skate skis, skate length poles and combi boots.
Cost: $409
Cost increases by $20 on November 15
Devo Team 3-Day: Grades 7-8
Devos is for 7th & 8th graders who are at least 12 years old, have previous race experience and are interested in skiing at the Junior level when they become U16’s. This program is designed to help them bridge to the competitive Junior level from BKL Racers. Devos will ski with the Juniors and a dedicated Devo Coach one day per week (Tuesdays this year) and train with BKL Racers on the other two days (Thurs. & weekend day). They will race 7/8 BKL races and participate in the BKL Festival. In addition, Devos who will be U16’s next year will be invited to race one local Eastern Cup race and the EHS Qualifier in preparation for Junior racing.
Coach approval required – email bkl@mansfieldnordic.org
Cost: $459
Cost increases by $20 on November 15
Coaching Opportunities
Parents interested in helping out or becoming a volunteer coach’s assistant should contact Coach Liz at bkl@mansfieldnordic.org.
About the Bill Koch Ski League (BKL)
BILL KOCH is one of America’s most famous cross country skiers. He emerged from the hills of Putney, Vermont to become a World Cup Champion and Olympic Silver Medalist. He grew up skiing in the woods and pastures around his house and was well known for his ability to duck under tap lines and launch off jumps…on his XC racing skis! When he retired from world cup skiing, NENSA honored “Kochie” by forming the Bill Koch Ski League (BKL) to introduce New England children to Nordic skiing and the joy of going fast on skis. MNC is proud to promote this league and share the sport of Nordic skiing with young athletes in VT and beyond.
