Trail Kids Beginner Nordic Ski Clinics

The purpose of the three-week ski clinics is to introduce participants to nordic skiing. The clinics are designed for beginners and will focus on teaching the fundamental skills of either classic ski or skate ski technique. The clinic practices will include technique drills, relays, and games on skis – with a focus on developing skills, having fun, and falling in love with a lifetime sport! Following the clinics, participants who want to continue developing their skills can do so by signing up for a Trail Kids Session. For more information on the Trail Kids Ski Programs or for general program questions, email trailkids@loppet.org.

Note: Participants will need to purchase a ski pass to participate in Trail Kids ski programming. Passes are NOT included with Trail Kids program fees. Passes can be purchased as an add-on with registration or separately at loppet.org.

*There are a limited number of rentals available at WIRTH ONLY as an add-on purchase for this program*

Beginner Classic Ski Clinic 1: Wednesdays

• When: 5:30–7pm on the following Wednesdays: December 2nd, 9th, 16th
• Where: The Trailhead (meet at team flags east of the Trailhead)
• Type of instruction/equipment needed: Classic technique. Classic skis (skin skis or kickwax skis) and poles (shoulder height). Combi boots can be used.

Beginner Skate Ski Clinic 1: Thursdays

• When: 5:30–7pm on the following Thursdays: December 3rd, 10th, 17th
• Where: The Trailhead (meet at team flags east of the Trailhead)
• Type of instruction/equipment needed: Skate technique. Skate skis and poles (nose height) needed. Combi boots can be used. 

Beginner Skate Ski Clinic 1: Sundays

• When: 1:30–3pm on the following Sundays: December 6th, 13th, 20th
• Where: The Trailhead (meet at team flags east of the Trailhead)
• Type of instruction/equipment needed: Skate technique. Skate skis and poles (nose height) needed. Combi boots can be used. 

Beginner Classic Ski Clinic 1: Sundays

• When: 3:30–5pm on the following Thursdays: December 3rd, 10th, 17th
• Where: The Trailhead (meet at team flags east of the Trailhead)
• Type of instruction/equipment needed: Classic technique. Classic skis (skin skis or kickwax skis) and poles (shoulder height). Combi boots can be used.

Beginner Classic Ski Clinic 2: Tuesdays

• When: 4–5:30pm on the following Tuesdays: January 5th, 12th, 19th
• Where: The Trailhead (meet at team flags east of the Trailhead)
• Type of instruction/equipment needed: Classic technique. Classic skis (skin skis or kickwax skis) and poles (shoulder height). Combi boots can be used.

Beginner Skate Ski Clinic 2: Wednesdays

• When: 5:30–7pm on the following Wednesdays: January 6th, 13th, 20th
• Where: The Trailhead (meet at team flags east of the Trailhead)
• Type of instruction/equipment needed: Skate technique. Skate skis and poles (nose height) needed. Combi boots can be used.

Beginner Skate Ski Clinic 3: Tuesdays

• When: 5:30–7pm on the following Tuesdays: February 9th, 16th, 23rd
• Where: The Trailhead (meet at team flags east of the Trailhead)
• Type of instruction/equipment needed: Skate technique. Skate skis and poles (nose height) needed. Combi boots can be used.

Beginner Classic Ski Clinic 3: Wednesdays

• When: 4–5:30pm on the following Wednesdays: February 10th, 17th, 24th
• Where: The Trailhead (meet at team flags east of the Trailhead)
• Type of instruction/equipment needed: Classic technique. Classic skis (skin skis or kickwax skis) and poles (shoulder height). Combi boots can be used.

Financial Assistance: The Loppet provides financial assistance for those in need. To apply, please fill out this Financial Assistance form. Our staff will be in touch with you with next steps once your application has been submitted. Limitations apply, please see the application form for rules and restrictions.

Sibling Discount: For those families who have three or more kids in the same Trail Kids offering we can provide a fifteen percent discount code. Please email trailkids@loppet.org for more information.

Registration Close: For staffing and administrative purposes Trail Kids closes registration approximately a week in advance of the program start.

Friend Requests: For safety and equity reasons, Trail Kids does not offer friend requests as part of registration. The mass quantity of friend requests made it impossible to accommodate them all and greatly impacted safety and group dynamics. We would love to allow everyone to practice with their friends, but if we cannot accommodate all friend requests, we cannot offer them to everyone. We encourage riders to embrace the opportunity to form new friendships through our programs!

For answers to frequently asked questions, please visit our Registration FAQ page.

Financial Assistance: To apply please fill out the Loppet Financial Assistance Application We will follow up with you with instructions on how to register at a price that is manageable for your family. Applications for programs that start two weeks or less from the date of submission will not be approved.

Sibling Discount: For those families who have three or more kids in the program we will given a 15% discount code. Email trailkids@loppet.org for more information.

Friend Requests: For safety and equity reasons, Trail Kids does not offer friend requests as part of registration. 

Winter Program Equipment Guide: For more information on ski equipment, clothing, and a beginner guide to both glide and kick waxing tips click here: Nordic Ski Equipment and Program Guide.

Refund Policy: The Loppet will issue a full refund of the program fee minus the original processing fee up until 6 weeks before the program starts. Between 6 weeks and 4 weeks from the program start date, a 50% refund will be issued. Between 4 and 3 weeks from the program start date, a 25% refund will be issued. There are no refunds for any cancellations within less than 3 weeks of the start of a program. During the program, if your child has a medical issue that makes it impossible to participate, please contact the TK Admin team email at trailkids@loppet.org. If the Loppet cancels a program, a full refund will be issued. For instructions on how to request a refund, click here.