NORDIC KIDS

Nordic Kids is a fun cross-country ski program for all skill levels. Our 7-week program offers children 5 to 12 years old and their parents the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of Nordic (cross-country) skiing. This is a volunteer-run program that creates a great opportunity to meet others in the Nordic ski community.

The lessons typically run every Saturday in January and February. Lessons include drills to learn new skills, games to reinforce learned skills, adventures off the trails, and long tours to reach the Nova hut. The emphasis is on safety and having fun. Check out the video below to see what lessons are like.

2025 Season: Jan 4- Feb 22 (excluding Feb. 15)

WHERE

The Mt. Spokane State Park Nordic ski area. Parents or custodians are responsible for providing transportation for their children to and from the ski area.

WHEN

Saturdays in January and February

[depending on snow and weather conditions]

OPTIONS

7-WEEK PROGRAM

Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced

Morning session

9:30-11:30 a.m.

Afternoon session

1:30-3:30 p.m.

cost

EACH CHILD: $120

Family Membership is included in the cost.

To park at the Selkirk lodge you'll need a State Parks Sno-Park permit: Available at area snow sports stores or the State Parks web page.

ENROLL

How It Works

Kids meet their coaches at the Selkirk Lodge. There are large Nordic Kids Flags denoting where to meet.

Please arrive a few minutes early so you have time to get them dressed and ready to ski at the scheduled start time. All parents who are not coaches are encouraged to tag along to support their children if desired.

Parents or custodians are responsible for their children before and after class.

Lesson groups will leave the starting area to find terrain suitable for the skills they will learn for the day. Because of the range of abilities within a group, the group may get spread out. The coaches will ensure that no child is left unattended on the trail.

If a child is late, and the group is out on the trail and not able to be reached, the late skier will be returned to their parent's care and becomes the parent's responsibility.

How classes are determined

In order to create the best possible experience for each child, classes are created by sorting the kids by skill and physical ability. This means that children may be moved to a different class after the first or second week of lessons. Placing them with skiers of similar abilities enables them to learn more and have the most fun!

beginner

New to skiing or limited experience.

intermediate

Can ski up and down hills and snowplow. Can ski for 30 minutes to 1 hour at a relaxed pace.

advanced

Can stop on steep descents and perform proper skating technique. Can ski for 1 or more hours at a relaxed pace.

5 STEPS TO BECOMING INVOLVED IN THE NORDIC KIDS PROGRAM

Step 1: Decide how to be involved

Nordic Kids is run entirely by parent volunteers. Nordic Kids thrives on the energetic support of the parents. Without parent involvement, this program would simply not exist.

Participation from at least one parent or adult from every family is desired and helps keep our lesson costs low. Participation by both parents, grandparents, etc. is encouraged! Helping out on the snow is a lot of fun and parents also receive pointers from our ski Instructors.

There are a number of choices for volunteer placement.

Your involvement will ensure the kids have a great experience.

coaching

Every 10 kids will need 2 adult leaders (on skis) who assist the coach, every week. You don't need to be an expert, just willing to learn and have fun!

session coordinators

Coordinators will serve as communication facilitators for the morning and afternoon sessions.

LODGE HELPERS

Helpers provide snacks, patrol the lodge area, assist kids that have returned early, and clean up.

VOLUNTEER

Step 2: Get skis for your child

Kids need to have their own ski equipment.
You can check our ski swap page for any listed ski packages.
REI has child and youth packages. Waxless skis are encouraged.

Skis should have bindings that match the boot type (either SNS or NNN).

Waxless skis are recommended because they provide grip in a variety of snow conditions with minimal prep. Please remember to mark all skis and poles with the child's name.

Ski boots should have room for toes to wiggle; that helps keep feet warmer.

On very cold days, toe warmers can be placed in the child's boots.

Level 1 children 4–6 years of age do not need poles.

You can find the proper sizes for older children by clicking the link below:

*Click here for ski and pole sizing charts.

Step 3: Get your State Parks Sno-Park permit

You must have a SnoPark permit to park at the Nordic area. Permits cost $120 and are available at local ski shops and from the Park Rangers. The money from the sale of SnoPark permits supports cross-country grooming, snow removal, and winter Parks staffing at Mt. Spokane.

PURCHASE THE Seasonal Non-Motorized Permit/Special Groomed Sticker Combo HERE

Step 4: Prepare their skis

Applying a universal glide wax to your child's skis is simple and inexpensive. It will help the skis glide better and on days with sticky snow, will help prevent snow from clumping on the bottom of the child's skis. There are several different types available from Mountain Gear or REI, and you can follow the instructions that come with it.

We recommend purchasing universal SwixF4 glide wax. It comes in a little plastic box with cork glued on the bottom. Simply crayon it on the bottom of the ski and rub it in vigorously with the cork.

Step 5: Dress your child well

Children should come to the lesson dressed in layers. DO NOT WEAR COTTON FABRICS (i.e. cotton turtle necks, blue jeans) When they get wet, cotton fabrics stay wet for a long time, and draw heat from the body.

BODY

Ideally, a synthetic or silk moisture-wicking base layer should be worn next to the skin. The next layer should be an insulating layer of fleece (or wool). Finally, an outer layer for beginner skiers is usually similar to what is worn by downhill skiers: snow pants and lightly insulated jackets or snow suits. For faster, more advanced skiers the outer layer may be a breathable windbreaker.

HEAD

Children should wear a winter hat. Try it at home, make sure it is a good fitting one and will not slide on your child's eyes during class.

HANDS

Mittens are much warmer than gloves. Most kids are encouraged to wear insulated mittens. Some mittens have pockets for hand warmers - those are great, especially for younger children.

FEET

Kids should wear wool fleece socks, with synthetic or silk liner, if needed. NO COTTON SOCKS!

FACE

Lip balm is encouraged. On warmer sunny days, sunscreen can be used. On colder days put an oil-based skin salve frost nip barrier on your child's face. It should not contain water or any plant juice like aloe vera.