Registration is open for 2024-2025!
Stowe Nordic Youth Ski Program, 2024-2025
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, December 10 – March 11, snow permitting, except 12/24, 12/26, 12/31, 2/25, 2/27.
Times: 3:30-4:40 pm
Where: Trapp Family Lodge Outdoor Center
Cost: The Stowe Nordic program fee is $125 per child. A season ski pass at the Trapp Outdoor Center is required for your child to participate, but Stowe Nordic will provide this pass for children not otherwise covered by a family pass at Trapp’s. Families with children in the program will also receive a complimentary family membership in Stowe Nordic. Season rentals of skis/boots/poles are available from Stowe Nordic. If you need to lease ski gear for your child ($25 for skis+boots+poles for the season) please email us at: info@stowenordic.org
We thank the Trapp Family Lodge Outdoor Center for hosting the Stowe Nordic Youth Ski Program and for offering discounted rates on trail passes for program participants!
Program Description:
Our Youth Program is geared towards beginning and developing Nordic skiers starting in Kindergarten through 8th grade. It meets at Trapp Family Lodge Outdoor Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-4:40. Youth skiers will sign up for EITHER Tuesday OR Thursday. There will be eleven practices on each day, weather permitting. We will cap group sizes to 40 participants on each day.
Practice usually begins with skill-building games and drills and ends with some free ski time in ability-specific groups. Our primary goals are to introduce the sport of Nordic skiing to beginners, advance the skills and technique of developing skiers, and most importantly to grow the enjoyment and love of Nordic skiing as a lifetime sport.
In order to best manage small group efficiency this season, we are asking for consistent weekly parent volunteers to work with the same group of 6-8 skiers. We also ask that parents of the newest and youngest skiers (6 or under) attend practices.
Questions about the program may be addressed to Neal Graves at neal.t.graves@gmail.com
Financial Support:
Promoting the passion and pursuit of Nordic skiing as a lifetime winter sport is central to Stowe Nordic’s purpose. Lack of financial resources should not be a barrier to participation. Therefore, we are pleased to provide scholarships upon request to those who need support. Please inquire at neal.t.graves@gmail.com
Our Coaches:
Dave Didomenico, Head Coach
Dave has been cross country skiing for about 30 years. He has been a member of the Stowe Nordic Masters group for the past five years. He started teaching skiing at Trapp Family Lodge last season and will continue there this year. He’s looking forward to working with the kids in the Stowe Nordic Youth Program.
Melissa Manning, Assistant Coach
Originally from Buffalo, NY, Melissa relocated to Jericho, Vermont in middle school to pursue her dream of becoming a biathlete. With the support of her family, she immersed herself in the sport, training with the Ethan Allen Biathlon Club and racing with Mansfield Nordic Club. Over the next 10 years, she competed with teams like Mount Mansfield High School and Maine Winter Sports Center, eventually representing the U.S. as a biathlete at the World Junior Championships. Melissa has coached youth athletes at the Royal Gorge Nordic Center in California, and Stowe Alpine Resort. She has been a Trapp Family Lodge season pass holder for four seasons and enjoys hopping into local races or getting in early morning loops before work when the tracks are fresh. She also loves being towed on skis by her two Swiss Shepherd dogs.
Neal Graves, Program Coordinator
Neal has 20 years of distance running and Nordic skiing experience, starting in middle school in western Massachusetts and including two winters as the manager at the Gunstock Nordic Center. Neal is a Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) level 3 and a US Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) certified Nordic instructor, and brings significant experience in training, technique analysis, and youth development.
A family membership in Stowe Nordic is required, but this is offered free for families with a child in the Youth Program. After registration, a coach will email you a form where you can specify your day of week preference and provide additional information about your child.
Questions about registration and payment may be addressed to registrar@stowenordic.org