Winter 2023-2024 ski programs
Program basics
Memberships: do you have your annual membership for the winter? Membership, which is 12 month rolling, is required to register for our ski programs. We have opportunities for members of all ages to train, learn technique, improve, and just have a blast on snow all winter long! Our memberships offer access to our trail network, program registration, and more. Plus, subscribing to the member e-news is the best way to get the most recent updates about our programs.
Registration: Early registration for winter programs begins on October 8 at 8:00pm and fees increase (by 10%) on November 15. Registration for all winter programs closes on December 15 or as soon as program caps are met—whichever comes first. Late registrations are typically not accepted but are occasionally permitted in certain circumstances. A link to registration will be posted below.
Get some answers: Check our our FAQs and read through the Craftsbury Ski Club parent & athlete handbook to learn about our coaching philosophy, expectations, racing opportunities for all ages, and more. Not sure which program to join? Have questions about how our ski programs work, and what to expect? You’ll probably find a lot of answers in those documents. Take a look, then email our coaches if you still have questions or want to know more.
Communication: NEW this winter, our program communication has changed gears. Information is posted at the start of each week on our club updates page, and other communication has shifted to Slack, a simple and user-friendly communication platform. Upon registration you will receive an email with directions on how to join our Slack workspace.
Financial aid: Here at Craftsbury we strive to make our programs as affordable as possible. Although actual program costs are several times the program fees, we realize that our sport is expensive and costs may be prohibitive for some families. Check out our scholarship fund to learn more.
Winter 2023-2024 Program Details
Read on for more information on our many winter programs.
Registration for programs will open on Sunday, October 8th, at 8:00pm.
Catamounts
Kids must be 6 years old by December 01 to participate in Catamounts. Our popular Catamounts introductory skiing program, for kids ages 6-11, aims to build enthusiasm for Nordic skiing through ski play and skill development. Catamounts participants can either procure their own equipment or take advantage of our season-long rental program—see more below. Practices are Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons (different days for different age groups), plus Sunday afternoons for those who want to do two days. This year we will NOT have a Sunday-only option. Tuesdays are for 6- and 7-year old beginners or most blue group members from last year; Wednesdays are for ages 8+ or most green/red/orange group members from last year. Tuesdays and Wednesdays will focus on technique through instruction and play, while Sundays will typically be more of an adventure day making use of the skills we learned during the week. Coaches may need to move participants around to ensure a safe and productive experience for all. We will be offering two free group lessons for Catamounts parents early in the season—more information to come following registration. If you have questions, start by checking out our FAQs, and then if you need more info, send an email to both our junior skiing program staff: jrskiing@craftsbury.com AND head Catamounts coach Kara Dunn: catamounts@craftsbury.com.
Program Name
Catamounts
Aimed At
New skiers ages 6-11; experienced skiers ages 6-8
Program Dates
Starts: December 12. Ends: March (exact end date dependent on snow conditions)
Practice Days/Times
1 day option:
- Tuesdays at 3:30pm (for 6- and 7-year old beginners or most blue group members from last year);
- Wednesdays at 3:30pm (for ages 8+ or most green/red/orange group members from last year); OR
2 day option:
- Tuesdays @ 3:30pm + Sundays @ 1:00pm (younger/blue group—see above); OR
- Wednesdays @ 3:30pm + Sundays @ 1:00pm (older/green/red/orange group—see above)
Practices typically run for one hour.
Program Fee
Before November 15, $60 for the 1-day options and $120 for the 2-day options. Fees increase 10% on November 15.
Equipment
You can either procure your own equipment or rent it through us for the season. We offer season-long rental setups that you can take home for the duration of the winter. Catamounts must have at least a complete classic setup (skis, boots, and poles) and may opt for a skate setup as well. Those who don’t have skate equipment will be provided with it (for free) as needed for skate practices, but will not be able to take it home. You can learn more and order at our online store once you have registered. Our rental equipment is only available to enrolled participants. Supplies are limited and are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis as rental orders are placed. Fittings and gear pickup happen in November.
Uniform/jacket (very optional)
Various options are available for purchase or rent in our online store.
Coaching Staff
Kara Dunn, with help from GRP and additional staff. Learn more here.
Contact Info
Email: jrskiing@craftsbury.com and catamounts@craftsbury.com; Phone: (802)-586-7767 x344.
BKL
Our Bill Koch League (BKL) program is for kids ages 8-13 who have skiing experience and are eager to build on it. This year there are two NEW and important changes to note: (1) BKL has been redesigned to encompass both the “BKL development” and “BKL competitive” programs that we’ve offered in years past; and (2) scheduling will be much more flexible, with participants largely choosing their practice days (see details below). That means that BKL will be big and diverse! We plan to break down the group as needed to meet everyone’s needs. We expect some participants who are fresh graduates from Catamounts and others who are true BKL veterans with lots of experience skiing and racing. Participants should—at a minimum—be able to comfortably ski a 1-2km loop in both skate and classic techniques, with minimal falling, otherwise they are better suited to the Catamount group. Wondering what on earth the "Bill Koch League" is? Bill Koch (pronounced "coke") is America's first Olympic medalist in cross country skiing, and New England's youth ski league is named for him.
Program Name
BKL
Aimed At
Fairly experienced kids ages 8-13. New skiers ages 12-13 should contact coaching staff about whether to join BKL or Catamounts. Kids who have done Catamounts but aren’t sure whether or not to “move up” to BKL should check in with Catamounts coaches.
Program Dates
Starts: Sunday, November 26. Ends: early March, depending on snow conditions.
Practice Days/Times (NOTE: this year you can choose 1-, 2-, or 3-day/week options)
There will be practices on the following days/times—but read below about the possible combinations!
- Tuesdays at 3:30pm
- Wednesdays at 3:30pm
- Thursdays at 3:30pm
- Sundays at 11:00am—NOT available as a single-day option!
Participants can choose to participate 1, 2, or 3 days/week. Sundays are only available as a multi-day option—there is not a Sunday-only, 1-day-per-week option. Practices typically run for an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes.
Program Fee
Before November 15, $100 for 1 day/week; $200 for 2 days/week; and $300 for 3 days/week. Fees increase 10% on November 15.
NENSA Membership (required to participate in BKL Festival)
NENSA membership is only required for those looking to participate in regional races. You’ll need a "Bill Koch League (Youth)" membership. Register yourself at NENSA here. This will also suffice for U14s wishing to "race up" in Eastern Cups.
Equipment (required - either your own or rented)
All participants in this group will need to have complete skate and classic rental setups (either waxable or waxless classic equipment is fine). You can either procure your own equipment or rent it through us. We offer season-long rental setups that you can take home for the duration of the winter. You can learn more and order at our online store once you have registered. Our rental equipment is only available to enrolled participants. Supplies are limited and are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis as rental orders are placed. Fittings and gear pickup happen in November.
Uniform/jacket (optional)
Various options are available for purchase or rent in our online store.
Coaching Staff
Coached by our junior coaching staff. Learn more here.
Contact Info
Email: jrskiing@craftsbury.com; Phone: (802)-586-7767 x344.
U14 Competitive
Photo courtesy Dave Priganc
The U14 competitive program is for kids ages 12-14 who have several years of experience and are really excited about training and racing, even with older kids. This group will often mimic the junior practices.
Program Name
U14 Competitive
Aimed At
Kids ages 12-14 who have several years of experience and are excited about racing.
Program Dates
Starts: Sunday, November 12. Ends: mid-March.
Practice Days/Times
Tuesday - Friday afternoons @ 3:30pm; Sundays @ 9:00am. You pick a 2 day/week or 3+ day/week option but your days don’t necessarily need to be consistent. Practices typically run for an hour and 15 minutes, with some Sundays running longer (which will be communicated at the start of the week if so).
Program Fee
Before November 15, $250 for 2 days/week; $350 for 3+ days/week. Fees increase 10% on November 15.
NENSA Membership (required to participate in BKL Festival)
U14s should get a "Bill Koch League (Youth)" membership. Register yourself at NENSA here. This will also suffice for U14s wishing to "race up" in Eastern Cups.
US Ski & Snowboard Membership (required to race in Eastern Cups)
In addition to your NENSA membership, those of you U14s interested in "racing up" in some Eastern Cups will need a US Ski & Snowboard "General" membership. You can read about membership types here and register here.
Equipment (required - either your own or rented)
All participants in this group will need to have complete skate and classic rental setups. You can either procure your own equipment or rent it through us. We offer season-long rental setups that you can take home for the duration of the winter. You can learn more and order at our online store once you have registered. Our rental equipment is only available to enrolled participants. Supplies are limited and are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis as rental orders are placed. Fittings and gear pickup happen in November.
Waxing
U14 comp skiers are expected to have their own wax boxes with a range of basic waxing supplies. Ask coaches for more details.
Uniform/jacket (optional)
Various options are available for purchase or rent in our online store.
Coaching Staff
Coached by our junior coaching staff. Learn more here.
Contact Info
Email: jrskiing@craftsbury.com; Phone: (802)-586-7767 x 344. Communication will take place primarily through a Slack channel. You will be sent an invite to join the channel once you register.
Juniors
This year we’re rolling our former “High School Competitive” and “Eastern Cup Racing” programs into one. The Junior program is for all experienced high school-aged skiers who are excited about training, racing, and being part of a team. Although our group will be large and diverse, we’re planning to staff accordingly to meet everyone’s needs. We expect to have some skiers who are focused exclusively on high school racing and others who are eager to compete at regional, national, and international levels.
This group has training options 5 days per week but participants will choose their commitment level at registration. All Junior program participants have access to: a weekly and yearly training plan, one-on-one technique coaching, a coach-reviewed training log, goal-setting meetings, season-long equipment rentals, and waxing support at the Vermont U16/EHSC qualifier race. Full-time participants will also receive full wax support at Eastern Cup races (available per diem to non-full-timers). This winter, all juniors will also have access to team travel to the first and second Eastern Cups for an additional fee.
If you have questions about the group or equipment, please send an email to jrskiing@craftsbury.com.
Program Name
Juniors
Aimed At
High school-aged racers
Program Dates
Starts: Sunday, October 29. Ends: late March.
Practice Days/Times
Tuesdays - Fridays @ 3:30pm & Sundays @ 9:00am. Practice duration is variable depending on training goals, but weekday practices are typically an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half, while Sunday practices may go a little longer. Talk to coaches with questions.
Program Fee
Before November 15th, $300 for 2 days/week; $400 for 3 days/week; $600 for full-time (includes full Eastern Cup wax support). Fees increase 10% November 15. New participants should reach out to coaches before registering.
NENSA Membership (required to participate in Eastern Cups, U16 Champs, Eastern High Schools)
You will need to become a NENSA member to participate in Eastern Cups, though not all members of this group may want to do that. Check out our distillation of license needs here. Register yourself online for NENSA here. A NENSA membership is not required for those not racing in those events, but is a good way to support the New England ski community.
US Ski & Snowboard Membership (required to participate in Eastern Cups)
You will need a US Ski & Snowboard membership to race in Eastern Cups. Check out our distillation of license needs here. You can read about US Ski & Snowboard membership types here and register here. For juniors racing in Eastern Cups, there are two main options:
1. A "general" membership for those interested in the racing experience but unconcerned with scoring points toward Junior Nationals, etc. (A “short-term” membership is also possible for those who only want to do ONE Eastern Cup race.)
2. A “Competitor U13 and over” membership for those who ARE interested in scoring points
Waxing
Participants are expected to have basic wax boxes for training. More experienced participants should have more stuff in their arsenals! Newer participants shouldn’t let waxing intimidate them—we’ll help you. See our junior wax box suggestions here. All juniors have access to waxing guidance for practices and also coach-led waxing support for the VT U16/EHSC qualifier. The wax fee for Eastern Cups is included in the “full-time” program fee; non-full-timers are expected to pay for per diem Eastern Cup wax support when they want it ($25/race or $50/weekend—this will be billed directly to families after racing each weekend).
Equipment
Participants in this group are expected to have complete skate and classic setups for racing and/or everyday skiing. We highly recommend owning the basic setups at this level, but we do have season-long rentals available for newer/younger participants. You can learn more and order at our online store once you have registered. Our rental equipment is only available to enrolled participants. Supplies are limited and are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis as rental orders are placed. Fittings and gear pickup happen in November.
Uniform/jacket (recommended)
Various options are available for purchase or rent in our online store.
Coaching staff
Coached by our junior coaching staff. Learn more here.
Contact info
Email: jrskiing@craftsbury.com; Phone: (802)-586-7767 x344. Communication will take place primarily through a Slack channel. You will be sent an invite to join the channel once you register.
Biathlon
While we occasionally incorporate biathlon into our regular programming for kids ages 9+, we also offer additional biathlon practices for those wishing to hone their skills. Our extra biathlon sessions are currently only for skiers already enrolled in our BKL, U14, or Junior programs. Our biathlon sessions are run by coach Ethan Dreissigacker, Rick Costanza, and our GRP biathletes. Sessions are scheduled to precede or follow other programs as closely as staffing permits. Sometimes practice times are wiggled around a little to accommodate various other practice constraints. There are 3 distinct biathlon groups: Junior/U14 biathlon; Experienced BKL biathlon; and Beginner BKL biathlon. Beginner BKL biathletes can only sign up for 1 day/week, but experienced biathletes may sign up for 2 days/week.
Program Name
Biathlon
Aimed At
Experienced skiers ages 9 and up seeking to improve their biathlon skills. Note that we have raised the minimum age due to many 8-year-olds struggling with rifle handling in the past (they’re big!).
Program Dates
- Junior/U14 biathlon: starts Sunday, November 5
- Experienced BKL biathlon: starts Sunday, December 3
- Beginner BKL biathlon: starts Sunday, December 3
Practice Days/Times (Note: Junior/U14s and experienced BKL biathletes may choose whether to do 1 or 2 days/week of biathlon. Beginner BKL biathletes must pick just one day.)
- Junior/U14 biathlon: Thursdays at 5:00pm and/or Sundays at 11:00am
- Experienced BKL biathlon: Tuesdays at 4:45pm and/or Sundays at 10:00am—note the change from Wednesdays to Tuesdays as of 9/22!
- Beginner BKL biathlon: Wednesdays at 4:45pm OR Sundays at 1:00pm—note the change from Tuesdays to Wednesdays as of 9/22!
Practices typically run for 40 minutes.
Program Fee
Before November 15, $120 for 1 day/week or $240 for 2 days/week (includes use of ammo and rifles). Fees increase 10% on November 15.
Coaching Staff
Ethan Dreissigacker, Rick Costanza and GRP biathletes (current and retired). Learn more here.
Contact info
Email: jrskiing@craftsbury.com and biathlon@craftsbury.com; Phone: (802)-586-7767 x 344. Communication will take place primarily through a Slack channel. You will be sent an invite to join the channel once you register.
Beginner Masters
NEW! This winter we are offering a beginner masters group. Are you an adult who wants to ski with other adults? Don’t really know what you’re doing? Wish you could ski off with those friends while the kids are at practice? Maybe you’ve been a few times, and just need some confidence boosting group lessons?! Join Beginner Masters! Come join coaches Kara Dunn and Amy Schulz, and build a solid foundation of basics in both skate and classic technique. Beginner Masters will start with the basics, and build smooth and efficient technique from there. Good candidates for this group range from those with little to no experience to folks who have a desire to expand their beginner skills towards a smoother, more confident technique. We will progress at the group's pace with time for individual tips throughout each lesson. The goal of this time together is camaraderie on skis while learning the skills that can lead you to a longer, happier ski on your own, with friends, or move you up to the intermediate group in the future! Technique will switch from week to week (alternating skate and classic as much as the weather allows).
Program Name
Beginner Masters
Aimed At
New skiers ages 20 and up
Program Dates
Starts: Tuesday, January 2nd
Ends: early March
Practice Days/Times
Tuesdays at 9:30am
Program Fee
Before November 15, $100. Fees increase 10% on November 15.
Coaching Staff
Kara Dunn and Amy Schulz
Contact info
Email: kara.dunn@craftsbury.com
Intermediate Masters
Looking to improve your ski technique this winter? Join our intermediate masters group once a week! Mondays are coached by longtime Craftsbury skier/coach Gina Campoli and other staff as available; and Tuesdays are led by coaches Rick Costanza and Kara Dunn. The intermediate masters group is aimed at improving your ski technique so you can get more out of skiing. Whether your goal is to ski longer, farther, or just more efficiently, this group is perfect for those masters skiers who are not as interested in racing. Technique focus will switch from week to week (alternating skate and classic, though sometimes weather throws a wrench in that a little). Questions? Email Gina and our coaching staff.
Program Name
Intermediate Masters
Aimed At
Intermediate skiers ages 20 and up
Program Dates
Starts: Tuesday, January 2 (Monday group starts following week due to holiday). Ends: early March, 2023.
Practice Days/Times
- Mondays @ 2:00pm with Gina OR
- Tuesdays @ 2:00pm with Rick and Kara
Program Fee
Before November 15, $100. Fees increase 10% on November 15.
Coaching Staff
Gina Campoli, Rick Costanza, additional staff TBD
Contact info
Email: ginacampolivt@gmail.com, jrskiing@craftsbury.com
Competitive Masters
Led by coach Ollie Burruss, our competitive masters training group is appropriate for experienced adult skiers ages 30+. Members of this group can choose whether to sign up for one or both days of training. Our masters group is diverse, with some participants setting competitive racing goals and others mainly seeking to improve fitness and skills, but those without extensive skiing experience should choose the intermediate masters group instead. Competitive masters work on fundamentals of fitness and strength, fine-tune skate and classic technique, and work with the coaching staff for guidance toward individual goals. Most importantly, we have a blast!
Program Name
Competitive masters
Aimed At
Intermediate to advanced skiers ages 20 and up
Program Dates
Starts: Thursday, December 1. Ends: early March, 2023.
Practice Days/Times (choose one or both)
- Thursdays @ 9:30am
- Sundays @ 2:30pm
Program Fee
Before November 15, $100 for 1 day/week and $200 for 2 days/week. Fees increase 10% on November 15.
NENSA Membership (required for some races, like Eastern Cups and other regional races)
Register yourself online for NENSA here. While not required, adult memberships help to support skiing in New England!
USSA Membership (required for some races, like Eastern Cups)
You will need to become a USSA member if you want to race Eastern Cups. Register yourself online for USSA here.
Coaching Staff
Ollie Burruss, with help from the junior coaches, GRP and others. Learn more here.
Contact info
Email: ollie.burruss@craftsbury.com; Phone: (802)-586-7767. Communication will take place primarily through a Slack channel. You will be sent an invite to join the channel once you register.
Seniors/Green Racing Project
The Green Racing Project is Craftsbury's elite racing team. Composed of post-collegiate racers from all over the country, the GRP has skiers and biathletes that compete across the globe at a number of levels, historically including the SuperTour, World Cup, and Olympic levels. To learn more about the GRP, visit their website. This elite training group is by application only; applications are solicited in the spring of each year. In addition to the GRP, we typically accept a small number of U23 athletes for summer training as well. Interested skiers should contact us via skiing@craftsbury.com for more details.
School Groups
Groups of kids from area schools can come ski for free on our professionally maintained trails through our school groups program. Equipment is also provided free of charge. Helping promote Nordic skiing and making it accessible to the local public is an important part of our mission. School teachers and administrators are encouraged to contact us to learn more about this great opportunity. Reach out early! The school group calendar fills up fast.
Scholarships
Part of our mission is to make lifelong sport accessible to one and all. As such, we have a scholarship program to support kids who may not otherwise be able to participate in our programs. We also offer assistance to families in our programs whose children have qualified for and are traveling to major skiing competitions. You can complete a scholarship application here. Feel free to contact junior coach Anna Schulz with questions about scholarships.
Still have questions? Contact us via skiing@craftsbury.com for more details.
Hope to see you on the trails!