Juniors Winter Program (ages 10-18)
NEW!
Madnorski Junior program is launching two training groups for the winter program. This new structure will allow us to better 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). Starting in 2024-25, 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
| Monday | Wednesday |
| 5:45 – 7:15pm Skills Development & Technique + Games | 5:45 – 7:15pm Ski Exploration & Adventure (Endurance) |
COMP Practice Schedule for Winter
| 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 race schedule.
DEVO (Development) Training Group
- Where: Elver Park, 1250 McKenna Blvd, Madison, WI 53719
- Time: Monday & Wednesday evenings 5:30-7pm
- Dates: December 2, 2024–February 26, 2025 (No official practices the last 2 weeks of Dec)
- Training: 2 practices/week (Mon & Wed)
- Cost: $360
- Races: Option to compete in local and Wisconsin Nordic Ski League races as part of the Madnorski team.
- Must be a current 2024-25 Madnorski Club member
COMP (Competition) Training Group
- Where: Elver Park, 1250 McKenna Blvd, Madison, WI 53719
- Time: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday evenings 5:30-7pm
- Dates: December 2, 2024–February 26, 2025 (No official practices the last 2 weeks of Dec)
- Training: 4 practices/week (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu)
- Cost: $595
- Races: Compete as part of the Madnorski team in Wisconsin Nordic Ski League & CXC Junior Cup Races
- Must be a current 2024-25 Madnorski Club member
- FAll TRAINING: ALL COMP TEAM ATHLETES ARE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN FALL ROLLERSKIING (8 WEEKS OR LAST 4 WEEKS)
Participant fees cover program expenses such as training and certification of coaches, grooming and snow making, equipment costs, team wax, travel expenses for coaches.
Winter Season Kick Off Meeting — Mandatory and FUN!!
The Juniors Kick Off Team Meeting and Potluck is November 7. 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 7, 2024 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. Team will have access to the 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 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.
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.