Juniors Winter Program (ages 10-18)

Madnorski Junior program has two training groups for the winter juniors program.  This structure helps meet the differing needs and interests of our middle school and high school skiers while still being one team at practices and races. These groups differ primarily in the skier’s level of commitment to training (not speed or prior experience). The two winter training groups are as follows:

DEVO – Development Training Group for Ages 10-18: Focused on fun and enjoying the outdoors in winter, the DEVO program teaches both skate and classic technique, building aerobic capacity, improving fitness, and incorporating elements of agility, balance, and strength training. Athletes will participate in a supportive and  engaging environment, with the option to compete in a number of local meets or Wisconsin Nordic Ski League races. Practice is two times a week on Mondays and Wednesdays. We are thrilled that Jake Eaton will be head coach for the DEVO training group.

COMP – Competition Training Group for Ages 14-18: With the aim to introduce athletes to a higher level of Nordic ski training and racing, our coaches create a supportive and positive environment focusing on developing proper technique, fitness, specific strength, balance and agility. Athletes gain confidence, leadership and a sense of belonging in training and competing as a team while developing a lifelong respect for a healthy and active outdoor lifestyle.

COMP skiers will have the opportunity to race at both state and regional competitions, including Great Lakes Region CXC Junior Cup Races. Training will be 4 days per week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.  Skiers will be expected to race in Wisconsin and local team races.  Regional races are optional. Head Coach Zach LaFond Hudson is excited for winter and for coaching the COMP training group.

DEVO Practice Schedule for Winter – Begins Nov 17

DEVO will begin with dryland training (bounding, ski specific drills, strength and running) in November. Will switch to skiing when snow conditions allow with natural or machine made snow.

Monday	Wednesday
5:45 – 7:15pm Skills Development & Technique + Games	5:45 – 7:15pm Ski Exploration & Adventure (Endurance)

COMP Practice Schedule for Winter – Begins Nov 3

COMP will begin with dryland training (rollerskiing, bounding, ski specific drills, strength and running) in November. Will switch to skiing when snow conditions allow with natural or machine made snow. Rollerskis (classic & skate) will be handed out on the equipment day, October 19.

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday
5:45 – 7:15pm Skills Development & Technique	5:45 – 7:15pm Intensity	5:45 – 7:15pm Over Distance	5:45 – 7:15pm Intensity/race prep

Please see our Juniors Handbook for more information about mission & vision, code of conduct, practice locations, equipment, waxing and the tentative race and touring schedule.

Participant fees cover program expenses such as training and certification of coaches, grooming and snow making, equipment costs, team wax, travel expenses for coaches. 

NEW SKIER DISCOUNT

If you are new to the team, you will receive a discount on your registration fees. If you are a current skier and you invite a friend who joins the team, the TWO of you get the discount!

FAMILY DISCOUNT

Families that have more than one skier in the Madnorski youth programs will receive a discount when registered at the same time.

Winter Season Kick Off Meeting — Mandatory and FUN!!

The Juniors Kick Off Team Meeting and Potluck is November 3. Get ready to meet our team and get psyched for skiing and having fun training together! 
What: Team Kick Off Meeting & Potluck
Where: Badger Rock Neighborhood Center, 501 E Badger Road, Madison (Take Rimrock off the Beltline)
When: November 3, 2025 from 6 – 8:00 pm
Bring: This is a potluck dinner so bring a quantity that can feed 8 to 10 people

Practice Locations

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. Elver Park has lit ski trails. Team will have access to the lit machine-made snow loop at the CXC Trails in Middleton if natural snow conditions are poor.

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 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. 

Winter Racing

MadNorSki athletes have enjoyed participating in Wisconsin Nordic Ski League race events each season. Races generally take place from mid-December through early March. Athletes with a desire to compete at a higher regional (Central Region) level of competition are encouraged to compete in the Junior National Qualifier Series (JNQ’s) and the chance to qualify for CXC Great Lakes spring trips or summer training camps.  Please refer to the Juniors Handbook to see the race schedule.

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

Further Information including scholarships 

Madnorski’s motto is “Cross Country Skiing for Everyone.”  Our club would like to increase access to the sport of Nordic skiing. Scholarships are available or if your situation needs special attention, please contact Director Tamara Bryant.

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 team practices or events.
• We will constantly evaluate our policies and will adjust as needed.