MadNorSki History
Since its beginning back in the late 1970’s, MadNorSki has centered around the idea that cross country skiing can be for anyone. Novice or expert, MadNorSki has strived to provide a community where skiers and roller skiers can come together to share ideas, workouts, and advice about Nordic skiing and roller skiing. Early in its formation, strong emphasis on learning and racing paved the way for MadNorSki’s future involvement with youth skiing.
In 1981, MadNorSki became an official club and boasted 30 members, club by-laws, and articles of incorporation. Initially a UW student club, MadNorSki was formed to promote Nordic skiing in the community. Newsletters, potlucks, group skis, and racing events brought the club together to share in a love for all things cross country skiing.
MadNorSki has hosted many skate, classic, and roller ski races in the last 30+ years. In addition to community club involvement, MadNorSki has improved the public’s access to cross country skiing through projects like Elver park lighted trails, trail maintenance, trail report hotlines and webpages, grooming and snow making at Elver Park, and lighted paths at University Ridge. These projects happened as a result of a close working relationship with Madison City Parks, Central Cross Country Skiing, Madison Winter Festival and the DNR.
Free lessons for adults and children are offered weekly for club members, again promoting the idea that cross country skiing should be accessible to anyone. The youth programs started to gain traction in 1994. MadNorSki offers year round training for youth in two programs, Trail Kids and Juniors. Trail Kids offers a recreational learning atmosphere for skiers age 5-11 and Juniors offers a program with a greater emphasis on technique and strength training for skiers 11-18. While some skiers prefer to ski for fun, many of our youth skiers compete in regional and national competitions like WI State Championships, CXC Cup and National Championships.
Today, our big yearly events include Ski Swap in October, Elver Trail Run in November, the Tuesday Night Race Series in January, and our Chili Potluck in February.