New Masters Ski Program Schedule Released

by | Oct 27, 2019 | Club News, FXC, Programs

The Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks has released the schedule of a new masters ski program, with programming for adult skiers five days a week through March. Registration is now open.

In an effort to expand opportunities for older experienced skiers, the club has created a comprehensive schedule that includes technique classes, training sessions, and a social get-together. This new program, called FXC Masters, is a mix of new classes and classes that have been run for several years.

Classes can include ski walking if there is not enough snow for skiing. Photo by Christina Turman

The masters coaches are some of the top Nordic ski instructors in Fairbanks. Many have gone through extensive coach training programs. All have many years of experience, sometimes decades, skiing, racing, and coaching. Most classes will be held at Birch Hill Recreation Area. A few classes, as noted, will be held at West Ridge on the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) campus. The schedule is below. Some dates, such as Christmas and New Year’s eves, may not apply. More information can be found at: www.nscfairbanks.org/programs/fxc/masters/

MONDAY
  • John’s Grab Bag: Former US and UAF Ski Coach John Estle offers a “grab bag” class of agility, balance, and skill development drills. Starts at 5:45 p.m. October 14-December 9, January 13-February 10. Cost: $250. Only 2 spots left as of October 26.
  • Back of the Pack Training Group: Former Olympian Audun Endestad leads moderate interval workouts each week to help you improve your skiing and fitness. Held at UAF West Ridge, starting at 5 p.m. November 11 – December 9. Cost: $90 for NSCF members, $115 for nonmembers.
TUESDAY
  • Women’s Strength Training: Former UAF Ski Coach Christina Turman guides participants in gaining ski specific strength. This class is for women only and will meet indoors in the Birch Hill FXC weight room. Starts at 5:45 p.m. November 5 – January 7. Cost: $190 for NSCF members, $210 for nonmembers.
  • Sonot Kkaazoot Training Class: Coach Kristen Rozell, a veteran of several 100-mile ski races, leads training sessions to get you ready for the 50-kilometer Sonot Kkaazoot ski marathon in March (or any ski marathons). Skiers should be at least intermediate skate-ski skill level. Starts at 5:45 p.m. January 14 – March 17. Cost: $175 for NSCF members, $200 for nonmembers.
WEDNESDAY
  • Estle’s Interval Training: Coach John Estle leads a solid interval workout complete with splits. Starts at 5:45 p.m. October 16-December 18, January 15-February 12. Cost: $250. Only 2 spots left as of October 26.
  • 5-week Block Interval Training: Coach Christina Turman leads weekly interval training with a warm-up, interval set, and cool down. Held at Birch Hill and UAF West Ridge, starting at 5:30 p.m. Three sessions: November 6 – December 4, December 11 – January 15, February 5 – March 4. Cost: Each session is $90 for NSCF members, $115 for nonmembers.
THURSDAY
  • FXC Coaches Technique Class: FXC coaches Nick Crawford, Aasne Hoveid and Tobias Albrigtsen help advanced skate and classic skiers maximize their potential with drills, exercises, and video reviews of technique. Starts at 6:30 p.m. November 7 – March 19. Cost: $300 for NSCF members, $330 for nonmembers.
FRIDAY
  • Nordic Happy Hour!: Meet your friends and training partners for an hour or more of skiing and then return to the Old Warming Hut for bring-your-own beverages and appetizers. Listen to lighthearted presentations and share stories. Starts at 6 p.m. November 8 – February 20. Cost: Free! No need to sign up, just show up!
OTHER SKIING OPTIONS

The NSCF continues to offer its Adult Lessons program for beginners and those with just a little experience. To find out more see: www.nscfairbanks.org/programs/adult-lessons/

For those interested in low-key social ski outings, two group offer weekly get-togethers. Ladies of Leisure (LOLs) meet at 6 p.m. on Mondays and 1 p.m. on Wednesdays. Each LOL session usually has several mini-groups that ski at various speeds, from a relaxed pace to a faster tempo, depending on ability levels and group desires. SCUM (Susan’s Class of Untrainable Men) meet at 11 a.m. on Sundays. SCUM are mainly men over 50 years old. Their levels of skill and endurance vary widely, and they also break into smaller groups. Groups meet at the Old Warming Hut at Birch Hill Recreation Area.

Also, Beaver Sports offers free cross-country skiing lessons for those just learning or wanting to try out the sport. The monthly lessons start on November 18 at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays. Check their Facebook Events page.

For more information on NSCF programs contact Christina Turman (stinaturman@gmail.com).