All classes are held at the Birch Hill Cross Country Area (NOT the Birch Hill downhill ski area on base). From town take the Steese Expressway, take a right on Fairhill Road, then an immediate left on Birch Hill Road. Follow Birch Hill Road to the top of the hill (approximately 2 miles) and take a right. Follow the road into the Birch Hill Cross Country Ski area. We do not hold class during the week of Thanksgiving or During Christmas Break. FJN does not guarantee the number of lessons, due to the unpredictability of the weather.
First Day
Everyone will meet inside for the first 10-15 minutes of class on the first day. This will give the coaches a chance to meet the parents and kids and explain some rules and answer questions. Most groups will be large the first day, with more than one coach. The coaches will take the kids outside and do a little ski so they can assess their ability and determine which group to place them in.
Groups
Children are divided into groups based on their age and ability as much as possible. Our goal is to have one coach for every 10 kids, as well as one parent helper. Please let us know if you can help with a group. It is often best not to help with your own child’s group. We try to honor requests for friends to ski together as long as their ability is similar.
Be on Time
Plan to be a Birch Hill 15 minutes early to allow for parking and getting skis on. Children are expected to be at their meeting spots at the start time. The groups leave promptly. We don’t want kids to be standing around getting cold. IT IS THE PARENTS RESPOSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THEIR CHILD HAS MET UP WITH HIS/HER GROUP!! IF YOU CAN’T BE THERE ON TIME, PLEASE DON’T COME UNLESS YOU PLAN TO SKI WITH YOUR CHILD.
Weather Cancellations
Lessons will be cancelled when it is colder than 5 below at Birch Hill. Cancellations will be announced on the Junior Nordic Hotline 457-4437, two hours prior to lessons. Make sure to call the Hotline. Birch Hill is often much warmer than town.
Hats
All children receive a FJN hat the first time they sign up for lessons. Replacement hats are available for $15.
Equipment
We do not provide equipment. A number of local ski stores including Beaver Sports, Raven Cross Country and Goldstream Sports have ski packages for sale. The people there are very knowledgeable. We do not recommend no wax skis. They are not appropriate for our climate.
Goldstream Sports and Beaver Sports do have some equipment for rent. Rental equipment is also available at the University and at the Outdoor Center on Ft. Wainwright. Keep your eye out for local groups holding a ski swaps in the fall. Make sure to get help if you are not knowledgeable about equipment- you want to make sure you get skis the right length (too long can be quite frustrating for children) and boots that fit the bindings!
Refund Policy
Refunds will not be issued after October 31.
Receipts
If you need a receipt for the lessons, please attend the October 16 sign-ups. If you are unable to be there, receipts will be available after the second week of classes. Please contact me by email and you can pick it up when you come to class. Receipts will not be available after the last day of class.
Junior Nordic Comp Group
The Junior Nordic Comp Group is for kids in grades 4-8 who are proficient skiers and are interested in improving their training and technique and entering ski races. They meet three times a week, and continue to meet during Christmas Break and after the regular Junior Nordic Program is over. Email for more information.
Information
For more information email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or leave a message at 457-4435. The Nordic Ski Club website is nscfairbanks.org.
2010 Starting Dates:
- Sunday, November 7
- Tuesday, November 9
- Thursday, November 11
