SOUTH ANCHORAGE SKI TEAM BASICS

website: http://www.alaska.net/~ski4ever

 

Equipment and Clothing

  • Skiers need to come prepared for practice EVERYDAY!! That means proper clothing, ski equipment and a positive attitude.
  • Clothing for ski practice should be synthetic and breathable.  Please NO cotton! Cotton gets wet and does not insulate.  Usually 1-2 layers of poly pro top/bottoms as well as an outer shell (ie ski team jacket and swix pants) will be adequate.  This guideline includes dryland training. 
  • Skiers must wear a hat and gloves everyday (earmuffs recommended on cold/windy days).
  • Skiers MUST carry their own water bottles.  Hydration is key!!! Please NO sharing water bottles.  Winter time is germ central and catching mono, strep throat, the flu etc. is no fun and can ruin a good season quick
  • Some practices will be inside so skiers need to bring indoor clothes (shorts, t-shirts, running shoes)

 

Skis

§         There are two types of skis, skating and classic.  It is recommended that skiers have both skate and classic.  Combination skis are available. 

§         In a nutshell, skating skis are shorter and stiffer and classic skis are longer and more flexible with a pocket for kick wax. 

§         A skiers weight is the most important thing in determining the fit of a ski

§         There are many different brands of skis, just like there are running shoes or cars.  Ask coaches or staff at AMH, REI, or Barney’s for information. 

Poles

  • Skate poles should be between the skier’s chin and nose.
  • Classic poles should come up somewhere around the armpit.

** There is a pole size chart at the back of this packet **

  • For optimum technique and performance, skiers should have two sets of poles
  • Like skis, there are different brands of poles and levels (recreational to elite).  Ask coaches or AMH, REI, or Barney’s for more information.

 

Boots

  • Again, a separate boot for skating and classic is recommended for skiers but there are good combination boots available. 
  • Fit is important and you need to make sure that you get the right binding that corresponds to your boot. 

 

Other

  • Glasses, neck gator, boot covers, anything else to be prepared

 

Skiing can be an expensive sport but remember you are investing in equipment that will last several years (maybe more) or that you can resell at ski swaps or to other team members

 

Races

  • This is a competitive team and therefore, races are mandatory.
  • Race results determine letter points, placement on certain teams, state qualification, etc.
  • Races are great opportunities to challenge oneself and see how much growth has been made. 
  • There are other opportunities to race outside of the high school events.  Besh Cup races qualify skiers for Junior Nationals in Soldier Hollow, Utah this march.  Those interested in learning more, please ask the coaches.  You must have a USSA license before the first Besh Cup races in order to score points. 

 

Waxing

  • Waxing is a very important part of Nordic skiing.  Skiers are encouraged to ask questions and familiarize themselves with the techniques involved in glide and kick waxing. 
  • Skiers are also encouraged to have their own cork with their name clearly on it and an assortment of kick waxes. 

 

Team Spirit

  • Team spirit and good sportsmanship VERY important for our ski program!!
  • Skier of the week awards will be given to skiers who exhibit sportsmanship, team spirit, and/or hard work throughout the week.   
  • Skiers need to stay at the meet until the completion of the race/awards so that they can support their team members.  I know this makes for a long day, so be prepared. 

 

Health

  • Proper nutrition and hydration as well as wearing proper insulating clothes will help keep skiers healthy.
  • Athletes are REQUIRED to carry water with them at practice and bring a dry shirt and a little snack for after the workout. 
  • Make sure to get enough vitamin C
  • At least 8 hours of sleep and a healthy, colorful diet.

 

Parent Participation

  • Parents- feel free to help out any time you would like!!! Parental involvement is crucial to a successful program.
  • There are many opportunities to volunteer time, http://www.alaska.net/~ski4ever
  •  

THANK YOU!!! 

 

For more information contact your coaches:  Chris Backstrum at Backstrum_chris@asdk12.org or

Margaret Hillhouse at hillhousem@alaska.net