MadNorSki Juniors – About

The goal of the MadNorSki Junior program is to improve technique, build aerobic capacity, and establish or build a strong endurance base, all while having fun. Programs are offered year round to prepare skiers for when the snow flies, whether they choose to ski for fun and recreation, to compete in that first race, or to race in high school, regional or national competitions. The Madnorski Junior team seeks to instill the love of skiing, to promote a healthy, active outdoor lifestyle, and ultimately, to instill the highest standards of sportsmanship, competition and collaboration among our team members.

The Junior Program is for athletes aged 10 – 19 (U12, U14, U16, U18, U20) and is unique in the region for its low skier to coach ratio, the high degree of technical experience of our USSA certified coaches (see bios), and our club’s strong partnership with CXC Skiing’s Center of Excellence, the Midwest region’s governing body of the US Ski and Snowboard Association. 

Junior Programs

Rollerskiing on the Military Ridge Trail. Madison has some great trails for rollerskiing!!

Rollerski Video!

Off-season Training

Madnorski Rollerski Programs are geared for both beginner and experienced skiers and focus on developing skills, fitness training, strength, and exploring Madison area trails. Skiers will be in small pod groups with one to two coaches. If you don’t own a pair of rollerskis, it is not a problem.  The club has rollerskis available to rent. If you have your own skate or combi boots this is very helpful and we encourage all skiers to purchase boots with NNN bindings. (The team rollerskis primarily use NNN bindings.) Participants must be a Madnorski member either through a student membership or a family membership.  Our membership year is from July 1 through June 30.  We will waive this requirement for the Spring program, but encourage families to get a membership come July!

Spring 2023 Rollerskiing plus Outings

A 6-week progressive program focusing balance, agility, fitness and technique. Skiers will use skate rollerskis.  There will be several Saturday morning outings planned as well that will be fun for the whole family–Hiking/trail running, orienteering, biking on bike trails, and/or mountain biking. Skiers will need to pick up any rental equipment on Monday evening April 17 for the spring session. Note that the Madnorski equipment uses NNN bindings primarily. Details will be emailed to participants.

June 2023 Middle School Rollerski Camp–24 hours of Nordic fun!

We have called this the “Friluftsliv” Camp–love of life outdoors

This will be a fun 24 hours of rollerskiing, trail running, swimming, playing games, technique work, campfires, having fun with ski friends and best of all — making new ski friends! A special welcome to our skiers from the Southern Conference teams. Athletes should have some prior experience of rollerskiing.

Campers with the help of chaperones will be responsible for managing their own camping equipment. Meals will be coordinated by Madnorski and athletes are encouraged to bring their favorite snacks or recovery food. 

We welcome skiers and coaches from the Southern Wisconsin Conference to make this a collaborative and fun way to connect area athletes and coaches who share the love of skiing. Guests from other teams need to have one coach/chaperone for every 5 skiers registered from that team. 

Summer 2023 Rollerskiing 

An 8-week progressive program. All participants will use both skate and classic rollerskis. A limited number of rollerskis may be rented from Madnorski. Skiers will need to pick up any rental equipment on Monday evening, June 5 for the summer session. Details will be emailed to participants.  Occasional practices will be hill bounding and ski specific drills at Elver Park.

 

 

2022-23 Winter Program  

The Winter 12-week program offers superior training in both skate and classic techniques and incorporates agility, endurance, and strength training. Practices are held during the week and most weekends offer Wisconsin Nordic Ski League race opportunities or family-friendly ski outings to explore new areas and ski trails together.  Practice location is Elver Park as well as other city or county parks with groomed trails like Odana Park, Door Creek Park and McCarthy Park. This year we are excited to be hosting a 4 week Juniors race series in January.  (See our Juniors Handbook for more information and our race schedule) Team will have access to the man-made snow loop at the CXC Trails if natural snow conditions are poor.

  • Where: Elver Park, 1250 McKenna Blvd, Madison, WI 53719
  • Time: Monday & Wednesday evenings 5:30-7pm for Middle School. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday evenings 5:30-7 pm for High School
  • Dates: November 30-March 2 (Holiday Break last two weeks of Dec)
  • Cost: HS (4 practices/week) $595, HS (2 practices/week) $360, MS (2 practices/week) $360 (Must be a current ’22-’23 club member)
  • REGISTER HERE–NOW FULL  

*If you are a high school student and prefer to practice 2 times/week, please sign up for the 2 practices/week option when you register and please note which 2 HS practice days you would attend in comments.

Participant fees cover program expenses such as training and certification of coaches, grooming and snow making, equipment costs, team wax, travel expenses for coaches.  Partial scholarships are available, please contact director@madnorski.org to apply.

 

Winter Equipment

Skiers will practice both classic and skate techniques. Skiers will need equipment for both techniques, which include poles, boots and skis. Skiers are strongly encouraged to purchase their own equipment especially boots (with NNN bindings). New skiers have the option of renting MadNorSki gear for the season for $25. After your first season, there will be a rental fee of $125. Equipment is limited and first priority will be given to first-year skiers.  Both classic and skate rollerskis for dry land training will be available to rent from the team. 

Winter Racing

MadNorSki athletes have enjoyed participating in up to ten events in the Midwest each season, most of them coordinated by the Wisconsin Nordic Ski League. Races generally take place from mid-December through early March. Athletes with a desire to compete at a higher level of competition are encouraged to compete in the Junior National Qualifier Series (JNQ’s) and the chance to qualify for the Great Lakes Junior National Team and participate in the Junior National Championships.  Please refer to the Juniors Handbook to see the race schedule.

For more information, please contact Tamara at director@madnorski.org

Further Information 

For new skiers and returning skiers, we provide our Juniors Handbook 2022-23 that can provide lots of useful information!  Learn about our Mission, Vision, and Values, Code of Conduct, practice locations, how to get equipment including team rentals & ski swap, new equipment suggestions, race schedule, and team leaders & contact information.  

Middle school pod at practice under a full moon – Elver Park

 

2021 State Sprints held at Elver Park

 

Covid Mitigation

  • All skiers and coaches are encouraged to get vaccinated & boosted to protect our community
  • Skiers and coaches may choose to wear a mask when inside the shelter.  Masks are not required outdoors.
  • Any skier or coach experiencing any unusual symptoms cannot attend.
  • We will constantly evaluate our policies and will adjust as needed.