The Juneau Nordic Ski Team is currently in preseason dry-land training for what is expected to be an exciting season.
“We are extremely excited,” coach Abby Lowell said. “We have a lot of athletes returning but we are always open to growing our ranks. In the end our biggest goal is to go out and have fun. The more the merrier.”
Lowell also serves as director of audience for the Juneau Empire.
Currently athletes are meeting for dry-land training on Saturday’s from 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the Gastineau School in Douglas and on Wednesdays from 4:30-6 p.m. at the Zach Gordon Youth Center.
Middle and high school students of all abilities are still welcome to join. Skiers must be interested in race development and a challenging training program featuring classic and skate technique and be willing to commit to training three of four times per week.
“Commitment and desire are the key criteria,” Lowell said. “And a willingness to learn.”
On Saturday, Nov. 21, the team will hold a registration and gear checkout at the Juneau Empire building (3100 Channel Dr.).
The cost for participation includes a $295 activity fee, plus $10 for 4-H registration. This covers coaches, grooming donations, wax and a team retreat.
Equipment rental is $100 for the season for both classic and skate equipment. Scholarships are available for those with financial need.
Once the snow flies, training days and times will be Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 4:30-6 p.m. at the Mendenhall Campground or Montana Creek, and Saturday’s from 10 a.m. to noon at Eaglecrest Ski Area.
For more information call Merry at 586-1692 or email Juneau.nordic.team@gmail.com.
Fans can also follow the team on Facebook at facebook.com/XCJNST.
Last season the JNST competed at the Besh Cup in Fairbanks and the Buckwheat Ski Classic on the Log Cabin Ski Trails north of Skagway. The results of the Besh Cup races are used to select the Alaska Teams to the United States Ski and Snowboard Association Junior Olympic National Championships, as well as the biennial, international Arctic Winter Games. Many local races were cancelled due to the lack of snow but the team still competed at the Mendenhall Glacier Campground. The team expects to race most Saturdays if conditions exist.
Arne Ellefson-Carnes kick-double poles ahead of Naomi Welling during the 6K Classic portion of the Juneau Nordic Ski Team’s Last Minute Pursuit race at the Mendenhall Campground last season. The team is currently in dry-land training and seeking more athletes.
