The Bill Koch Ski League (BKL) is a Youth Ski League for kids in grades K-8. This program serves as an introduction to the sport for any and all abilities.
The Rec. Program provides elementary-age kids with a fun learn-to-ski environment. This group meets once a week to play games on skis, get pointers on technique, and go out and play. This is a great way to introduce younger kids to cross-country skiing, have fun and develop as skiers.
The Adventure Program helps middle school kids improve their skiing while having fun. The Adventure group is designed for middle school kids who want to have fun on skis in a low-key environment. Members play games and work with coaches on technique while having fun skiing. Adventure skiers meet Friday afternoons at Hamill's Training Center and can skate ski or classic ski, though we encourage them to do both.
Mansfield Nordic Club also provides a separate Race Program for kids who want to ski more days, receive more skill work, training, as well as support at youth ski races. The Race Program is for every young skier who loves skiing fast, challenging themselves and wants to ski better! While all skiers are encouraged to participate in local BKL races, it is not required… our focus is on speed, fun, fitness and camaraderie! Within the Race Program are two options:
Mansfield Nordic Club also provides a separate Race Program for kids who want to ski more days, receive more skill work, training, as well as support at youth ski races. The Race Program is for every young skier who loves skiing fast, challenging themselves and wants to ski better! While all skiers are encouraged to participate in local BKL races, it is not required… our focus is on speed, fun, fitness and camaraderie! Within the Race Program are two options:
- Junior Racers, or 2-day Racers, who train at the range Tuesdays and at HTC on Fridays. These skiers are usually younger or newer to fast skiing, so we have a focus on improving their technique and fitness through games, challenges and fun.
- Race Team, or 3-day Racers, train at the range on Tuesdays / Thursdays and at HTC on Fridays. These skiers have progressed up through the program and want more speed, better technique and to do some racing. There is a mix of games and challenges with focused work on technique.
Contact us for further information
We have skis, both classic and skate, available to lease for the winter on a first come first served basis at sign-ups.
The Bill Koch Program is an all volunteer organization, so we depend on parents to volunteer and help out as they are able. See the Volunteer page for ideas and info. All volunteers must sign a NENSA Waiver of Liability Form.
The Ski for Ks program helps kids keep track of how far they have skied, giving them a feeling of accomplishment at each distance milestone.
Clubs around Northwestern Vermont host races nearly every weekend. These are low-key fun events that anyone is welcome to participate in. Check the Calendar for upcoming races and events which are open to all.
The Bill Koch Festival is an annual event attended by hundreds of youth skiers from all over New England. The event was held in Middlebury in 2011.
