The Bill Koch Ski League (BKSL) is an organization named after the only U.S.skier to win an Olympic medal.  Bill Koch grew up in Putney, Vermont and went on to become a World Cup champion.

 

The BKSL is a division of the New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA) which is the Olympic Development Organization as well as the umbrella for most organized Nordic skiing events in the region.  The Mansfield Nordic Club (MNC) is the sponsor for the Underhill/Jericho BKSL.

 

Cross country skiing, as practiced by our families and youth skiers, is a lifetime activity firmly rooted in New England Tradition.  NENSA as well as the MNC and BKSL work together to sustain a vital and active skiing community in our area.

 

The Mansfield Nordic Club sponsors three separate programs for your skiers.

 

Recreational Program

·        This program meets on Fridays at the Ethan Allen Firing Range and is geared toward children of all abilities in grades K-4.  Children in kindergarten need to be in accompanied by a skiing parent.

·        The entire group meets for the first half of each session.  During this time, we play organized games and go through obstacle or race courses.  The goal of these activities is to make skiing fun through play!

·        During the second half of the session, we split up into groups according to age and ability.  These groups are let by a designated volunteer team leader.  During this time, we go out skiing on terrain suitable to the abilities of the group.  The focus is on skills and fun skiing.

 

Adventure Program

·        The adventure program is for children of all abilities in grades 5-8.  The format for this program is similar to that of the recreational program.

·        During the second half of the session when we are skiing with our smaller groups, there will be opportunity to try various kinds of skiing such as classical, skating, backcountry and orienteering.

 

Racing Program

·        The racing program is for children in grades 1-8 who are already accomplished skiers.

·        This group meets on Wednesday and Friday.

·        Each session consists of games, fund races, technique coaching, and free skiing with friends.

·        Participation in BKSL races on Sundays is encouraged but not required.

·        Both classical and skating techniques are taught by experienced coaches.

·        Skiers are encouraged to have both sets of equipment but some club skis and boots are available to borrow.