NSCF COVID-19 Mitigation Measures

by | Oct 6, 2021 | Club News

The Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks takes the COVID-19 pandemic very seriously and wants to minimize any risk in furthering transmission of the coronavirus. However, the club does not want to cancel all of its events and programs. Outdoor exercise is vital to our physical and mental health, especially in winter. Club programs and events help motivate people to continue skiing.

Therefore, the club has modified all of its programs and events to minimize the risk of coronavirus transmission while still being able to encourage people to get out and ski. These modifications will be continually monitored, as will the situation with the coronavirus across Fairbanks and Alaska. If deemed necessary, the NSCF board will make further changes. It is the board’s great hope that it will be able to ease these restrictions earlier rather than later, but that will depend on the coronavirus situation across the broader community.

Included below:

  • NSCF PROGRAM MITIGATION MEASURES
  • HOW TO SKI SAFELY DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
  • OTHER USEFUL LINKS

 

NSCF PROGRAM MITIGATION MEASURES

(These are general descriptions. Some of the programs have more detailed plans. Participants of those programs are notified about the most current plan details.)

ALL PROGRAMS

  • Birch Hill Facilities are open to the public. Skiers and parents MUST WEAR MASKS when inside, even if vaccinated. (NSCF masks available for purchase here.)
  • Everyone should do a daily COVID self-screening before attending any group session.
    • Check for symptoms. Anyone showing any of the symptoms are told to NOT come for the session.
    • Ask themselves if they have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 or exhibited symptoms. If yes, then they should NOT come for the session.
  • Travel policy: Vaccinated coaches and skiers do not need to quarantine or test after travel as long as they remain asymptomatic. Upon return from Out of State Travel unvaccinated coaches and skiers are recommended by the CDC to:
    • Strictly social distance for 7 days AND obtain a negative test
    • Quarantine for 10 days
  • All programs are guided by these “Coronavirus Guidelines for NSCF Training Activities”

RETURN TO SPORT

Guidelines and recommendations for return to activity after COVID-19 are changing and developing as more information becomes available. If your child is positive for COVID or you think they have had COVID, NSCF recommends evaluation and discussion with your Primary Care Provider specifically regarding appropriate timing for return to skiing before they return to an NSCF program.

JUNIOR NORDICS

  • Group sizes are limited to 10 participants.
  • When outside, face coverings are encouraged, when social distancing is not possible.
  • Multiple drop-off and meeting locations.
  • For more information see here.

FXC

  • Before and after outdoor practices, face coverings are required if participants cannot maintain 6 feet of distance from others.
  • Face coverings are required anytime participants are indoors or in the team van.

FXC MASTERS

  • Class sizes limited to 20 or less.
  • Face coverings are required before and after practice when participants cannot maintain 6 feet of distance from others. They are also required anytime participants are indoors.
  • For more information see here.

ADULT LESSONS

  • Class sizes are limited to 15 participants.
  • Face coverings are encouraged, when social distancing is not possible.

RACES

  • As the COVID situation is in flux and no races are scheduled until at least November, the NSCF is holding off on determining COVID protocols for now. We will provide updates before the racing season begins. Please see the individual race pages when race times come near to get the most updated information.

TOURING

  • No indoor gatherings before or after the tour.
  • All people in the tour should try to maintain a reasonable distance from others (a ski pole and outstretched arm make a good distance measuring stick).
  • Face coverings are encouraged if participants cannot maintain 6 feet of distance from others while standing still and 10 feet of distance while skiing.
  • Carpooling to the tours is discouraged, except with people from your own household.

 

SPECIAL EVENTS (Backcountry Film Festival, Ski Your Age, etc)

  • Special events are being dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Please see NSCF News or the event page for further information.

 

HOW TO SKI SAFELY DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

  • Wear a mask/buff when in the parking area, Stadium entrance, or other areas at which people congregate. If no one is around, you don’t need to wear it, but have it handy in case someone appears. (Hint: put a dedicated mask in your ski jacket just for this purpose.) To be ultra-stylish, buy and wear one of the NSCF masks! (Find them here.)
  • When out skiing on the trails, if you are not already wearing a buff, have one ready in case you want to stop to talk to someone or assist someone needing help.
  • Keep your distance from others when at all possible. (Hint: your pole and outstretched arm is a good distance measuring stick!)
  • Smile- be happy you can be outside and enjoy our great trails!

 

OTHER USEFUL LINKS