Nordic Skiing, Co-ed

Welcome to Nordic Skiing! Nordic Ski is open to students in grades 7-12. In Nordic Skiing, students will compete in skate and classic skiing. Get ready to master these techniques, get into skiing shape and have a great time!

2025-2026 season information

Practice Start Date/Register

Practice for the 2025-2026 school year begins Monday, November 10, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. at SLPHS. You must be registered in order to participate.

Registration for the winter 2025-2026 athletics season will open in October for Spring Lake Park, Centennial and St Anthony Village.

Fall equipment sales! These have already started. See SkinnySki for details.

Parent/Athlete Meeting Dates, slide presentation

Key dates for the 2025-2026 season (not including weekly conference meets)

TBD - Team night at Pioneer Midwest. Come ask questions, get special pricing, meet coaches.
Saturday, December 13 Nordic Ski Opener @ Elm Creek 8am-3pm (optional, fun, equipment demo, booths, lessons, races)
Tuesday, December, 16 , 2025, Holiday Relays at Battle Creek.
Thursday, Jan 8, 2026 - Saturday, January 10, 2026 Mesabi East Invite at Giant's Ridge (overnight Thursday and Fri)
Saturday, January 17, 2026 - ABC Relays at Mora Vasaloppet Center
Monday, January 26, 2026 - Conference Championships at Hyland Park
Thursday, February 5 2026 - Section 4 Championships at Battle Creek
Wednesday, February 11, 2026- (Sprint relay - classic this year) and Thursday, February 12, 2026 (Pursuit race). Two day State Meet at Giant's Ridge.
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 End of season Banquet.

Weekly Conference meets (as well as the above races) are posted on "Meet Schedule" along with bus times and out early times.

*Our conference does not set conference meets until late October . When dates become set, they will be posted on the meet schedule. (Update: current dates are now confirmed and can be viewed below on "Meet Schedule")

JNQ races: Dec. 13th & 14th, Dec. 20th & 21st, Jan. 17th & 18th, Feb. 14th & 15th

Meet Schedule

Meet Results

2025-2026 Team Results:

Results for just our team. (Open the link, then scroll along the bottom of the page to find the meet you would like to view)

2025-2026 Meet Results:

12-10-25 Armstrong Invite Full Results

12-17-25 Holiday Relays Teams Full Results

12-17-25 Holiday Relays Individual Splits Full Results

12-18-25 Elm Creek Classic Blizzard sprints Full Results

12-23-25 Elk River skate Full Results

Elm Creek Classic 1-6-26 Full Results

Mesabi East Invite Full Results Girls Varsity Boys varsity Girls JV Boys JV

ABC Relays 1-17-26 Full results

Archived Meets Results

2024-2025

Meet Results:

Results just for our team. Tap here, scroll to the bottom of the sheet. Select the meet you would like to view.)

12-11-24 Elm Creek Varsity Event (Full Results)12-17-24 Ahvo Taipale Holiday Relays: Boys Varsity Girls Varsity, All JV

12-19-24 Classic at Elm Creek (Full Results)

1-3-25 Classic at Hyland (Full Results)

1-8-25 Skate Sprint Relay at Elm Creek (Full Results)

1-11-25 Mesabi East Invite (Full Results)

1-18-25 ABC Relays (Full Results. Note, only A, B teams count in the scoring)

1-15-2025 and 1-23-2025 NWSC Pursuit race (Full Results)

1-27-2025 NWSC Conference Championship Race (Full Results)

1-29-2025 NWSC JV Conference Championship Race (Full Results Boys/Girls)

2-6-2025 Section 4 Championship Meet (Full Results)

2023-2024

SLP/StA/Cent Team Results (Results just for our team. Tap here, scroll to the bottom of the sheet. Select the meet you would like to view.)

12-20-23 Avho Taipale Holiday Relays (Full Results)

12-21-23 NWSC Elm Creek Skate (Full Results Girls, Boys)

1-6-2024 Mesabi East Invite (Full Results)

1-9-24 NWSC Elm Creek Skate (Full Results)

1-13-24 ABC Relays (Full Results)

1-18-25 NWSC Classic at Elm Creek (Full Results)

1-25-24 NWSC Classic Sprint Relays (Full Results)

1-29-24 NWSC Conference Championships (Full results from website)

PDF of Girls Relay, Girls Pursuit final, Girls Team standings, Boys Relay, Boys Pursuit Final, Boys Team standings.

1-31-24 NWSC JV Championships (Full Results)

2-7-24 Section 4 Championships. Girls team points, Boys team points, Girls Relay, Boys Relay, Girls Pursuit, Boys Pursuit. Website to view all at once.

2-14-24/2-15-24 Minnesota State Meet Full Results

2022-2023

SLP/StA/Cent Team Results (Results for just our team. Tap here, scroll to the bottom of the sheet. Select the meet you would like to view)

Elm Creek Skate 12-7-22 (Full Results)

Elm Creek Classic 12-15-22 (Full Results)

Mesabi East Invite 1-7-23 (Full Results)

Sprints 1-10-23 (Full Results, now with semi's and finals)

ABC Relays 1-14-23 (Full Results)

NWSC Pursuit race 1-19-23 (full Skate results)

NWSC Pursuit race 1-19-23/1-26-23 (Full Results)

NWSC Conference Championships (Full Results)

JV Championships 2-1-23. Boys Results Girls Results (No team scores)

Section 4 Championships (Full Results)

State Meet Results

2021-2022

Meet Results 2021-2022

SLP/StA/Cent team results (Results for just our team. Tap here, scroll to bottom of the sheet. Select the meet you would like to view.)

Elm Creek 12-16-21 (Full results)

Elm Creek 12-22-21 (Full results)

Mesabi East Invite 1-8-22(Full results)

Info sheet for Hyland 1-11-22 (Use this same info sheet from last week. Race is now classic, not skate but the course and time schedule is the same)

Hyland classic sprint 1-11-22 (Full results, no team scores)

ABC Relays 1-15-22 (Full results)

Hyland Skate 1-20-22 (Full results)

Elm Creek Classic 1-27-22 (Full results)

Powerpoint on new Conference/Section/State format with Sprint Relay

NWSC Conference Championships 1-31-22 ( Full results)

NWSC JV Championships 2-2-22 (Full results)

Section 4 Championships (Full Results) 2-10-22

State Meet Results (Full Results) 2-16-22, 2-17-22

2020-2021

Elm Creek Skate 1-22-21 (View full results)NWSC-Skate-1_22.pdf

Elk River Classic 1-26-21 (View full results)

Elm Creek Skate 2-1-21 (View full results)

Bunker Hills Pursuit 2-18-21 Boys (View full results)

Bunker Hills Pursuit 2-18-21 Girls (View full results)

Conference Championships 2-22/23-2021 View full results)

Conference Championships 2-22-2-21

Section 5 Championships 3-3-21 (View Full Results)

2019-2020

Elk River 12-4-19 (View team Results)

Elk River 12-4-19 (View full team results)

Elk River 12-4-19 (View girls' results)

Elk River 12-4-19 (View boys' results)

Elm Creek Classic 12-12-19 (View team results)

Elm Creek Classic 12-12-19 (View Team Scores)

Elm Creek Classic 12-12-19 (View Girls Results)

Elm Creek Classic 12-12-19 (View Boys Results)

Hyland Skate 12-18-19 (View Team Results)

Hyland Skate 12-18-19 (View Full Results)

Hyland Time Trial 12-31-19 (View Team Results)

Mesabi East Invite 1-4-20 (View Full Results)

Elm Creek Classic 1-8-20 (View Team Results)

Elm Creek Classic 1-8-20 (View Full results - Girls)

Elm Creek Classic 1-8-20 (View Full results - Boys

ABC Relays 1-11-20 (View Team Results)

ABC Relays 1-11-20 (View Full Results)

Elm Creek Skate 1-15-20 (View Full Results)

Pursuit 1-21/1-22 (View Team Results)

Pursuit 1-21/1-22 (View Full Results)

JV Champ's 1-27-20 (View Team Results)

JV Champ's 1-27-20 (View Full Results)

NWSC Conf Champ's 1-29-20 (View Team Results)

NWS Conf Champ's 1-29-20 (View Full Results)

Section 5 Champ's (View Team Results)

Section 5 Champ's (View Full Results)

2018-2019

State Meet 2-14-19 (View boys results)
State Meet 2-14-19 (View girls results)
JV Championships 2-11-19 (View boys results)
JV Championships 2-11-19 (View girls results)
JV Championships 2-11-19 (View team results)
Section Champ's Meet 2-6-19 (View boys results)
Section Champ's Meet 2-6-19 (View girls results)
Section Champ's Meet 2-6-19 (View full results)
Conference Champ's 2-1-19 (View team results)
NWSC Elm Creek 1-25-19 Classic (View full results)
NWSC Elm Creek 1-25-19 (View team results)
NWSC Wirth 1-17-19 (View team results)
NWSC Wirth 1-17-19 (View girls results)
NWSC Wirth 1-17-19 (View boys results)
ABC Relays 1-12-19 (View team results)
ABC Relays 1-12-19 (View full results)
NWSC Elm Creek 1-9-19 (View team results)
NWSC Elm Creek 1-9-19 (View boys results)
NWSC Elm Creek 1-9-19 (View girls results)
Mesabi East Invite 1-5-19 (View boys results)
Mesabi East Invite 1-5-19 (View girls results)
Mesabi East Invite 1-5-19 (View team results)
Mesabi 2019 Start List (View Start List)
NWSC Hyland Park 1-2-19 (View team results)
NWSC Hyland Park 1-2-19 (View full results)
NWSC Hyland Park 12-19-18 (View team results)
NWSC Hyland Park 12-19-18 (View full results)
NWSC Elm Creed 12-12-18 (View full results)
NWSC Elm Creed 12-12-18 (View team results)
NWSC Elm Creek 12-6-18 (View team results)
NWSC Elm Creek 12-6-18 (View girls full results)
NWSC Elm Creek 12-6-18 (View boys full results)

2017-2018

State Meet 2-15-18 (View running order)
Section 5 Championships 2-7-18 (View team results)
Section 5 Championships 2-7-18 (View full results)
NWSC Conference Championship 1-31-18 (View team results)
NWSC Conference Championships 1-31-18 (View full results)
NWSC JV Championships 1-29-18 (View team results)
NWSC JV Championships 1-29-18 (View girls full results)
NWSC JV Championships 1-29-18 (View boys full results)
NWSC Pursuit 1-23-18 and 1-24-18 (View team results)
NWSC Pursuit 1-23-18 and 1-24-18 (View full results)
NWSC Mora Classic 1-17-18 (View team results)
NWSC Mora Classic 1-17-18 (View girls full results)
NWSC Mora Classic 1-17-18 (View boys full results)
ABC Relays 1-13-18 (View full results)
ABC Relays 1-13-18 (View team results)
NWSC Elm Creek 1-9-18 (View team results)
NWSC Elm Creek 1-9-18 (View girls full results)
NWSC Elm Creek 1-9-18 (View boys full results)
Mesabi East Invite 1-6-18 (View team results)
Mesabi East Invite 1-6-18 (View full results)
NWSC Hyland Park 1-2-18 (View team results)
NWSC Hyland Park 1-2-18 (View full results)
NWSC Elm Creek 12-21-17 (View full results)
NWSC Elm Creek 12-21-17 (View team results)

Awards

Ski Pass

Once the season begins, your skier will need an electronic Minneapolis Parks ski pass (Wirth Park, Columbia GC) and a paper pass for Three Rivers Parks (Elm Creek, Hyland, French Park, etc). These will be handed out to all registered skiers starting in November as they become available.

The electronic pass must be activated BEFORE Dec 15. You will need the code given out at practice. If you missed the session at practice when we activated these, Here are directions to do this.

Rules and Resources

Team Rules/Nordic Ski specific Rules

TEAM RULES:

Philosophy: The philosophy of the nordic ski program is to provide the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to compete successfully as a way to promote positive, kind interactions and develop resilient leaders who can go out and do the same. Encouragement is given to achieve at one's potential and contests are entered to allow the student/athlete to utilize those skills learned. It is expected that the student/athlete will demonstrate skills in competition in the spirit of good sportsmanship.

Team Membership: Due to the nature of nordic skiing, every student/athlete will remain on the squad and participate in all contest which allow for unlimited entries, either as varsity or junior varsity as determined by the coaching staff.

Dress Code: Student/athlete is expected to wear school issued uniform in all contests in accordance with Minnesota State High School (MSHSL) Nordic Ski Rules. (No warmups/uniforms/hats with other team markings ie US Ski Team, CXC, LNR, etc. Manufacturer logos are ok). During practices any tasteful, school appropriate skiing attire is acceptable. Violation during competition can result in disqualification or time penalty for the meet. A violation during practice can result in student/athlete being dismissed from practice and possibly being suspended from the next meet.

Conduct: Student/athletes are expected to conduct themselves in a courteous, respectful manner to all opposing team members, coaches, officials, and parents. This behavior is expected individually and as a team. Unsportsmanlike conduct during competition can result in disqualification in accordance with MSHSL Nordic Skiing Rules. If this conduct occurs during practice, the student/athlete may be dismissed from practice and may be suspended from the next contest. All athletes are expected to complete the full workout designed for them according to ability -- cutting the workout short, cheats yourself and others.

Language: Offensive and abusive language will not be tolerated. The student/athlete can expect to be disqualified from further participation if this occurs in competition. If it occurs during practice, the student/athlete may expect to be asked to leave practice and may be suspended from the next contest.

Attendance: Absence from practice or meet must be cleared with a coach. Any absence from a meet should be cleared twenty-four prior to the meet (except due to illness). It is not okay to have another student/athlete give a message to a coach. If injured, an athlete is expected to report to the coach and then to trainer for treatment or alternative workout at the direction of the coach.

Habitual unexcused absences will be reason to disqualify an athlete from earning a letter award. An excused absence from a meet will be regarded as grounds for disqualification to earn a letter award.

Any student/athlete who is injured is expected to report to all practices for treatment or adaptive training and to attend all meets to support team mates until cleared for normal workouts. Tardiness: Student/athlete who knows in advance they will be late to practice is expected to notify a coach and do the entire workout later on their own or upon rejoining the team. Tardiness without prior approval or without a note from a staff member is considered an unexcused absence.

Academic Tutoring: It is the position of the nordic skiing coaching staff that academics are number one in importance and take precedence over the sport. Student/athlete who needs academic tutoring in lieu of being at practice is asked to notify a coach with a note from the teacher giving tutoring. Student/athlete is expected to return to practice as soon as possible after tutoring and complete the scheduled workout. Missing a meet for tutoring should not be necessary.

Discipline/Detention: Student/athletes are expected to abide by the rules and regulations of SLPHS, SAVHS, Centennial HS.. If required to serve detention, this obligation must be met rather than attending practice. The practice workout should be done on their own after discussion with the coach. Upon reviewing the offense with the coach, the student athlete could be subject to a one meet suspension. If arrangements are not made for an alternate workout, the absence will be treated as an unexcused absence and the appropriate penalty imposed.

Respect: Student/athletes are expected to treat all teammates, coaches, officials, opposing team members, bus drivers, custodians and any other individuals with respect. Disrespect during competition can result in disqualification from further competition. If this occurs during practice, the individual will receive one warning. Further disrespect will result in removal from practice and possible suspension from the next meet.

Curfew: No team curfew is set, however, the student/athlete is expected to comply with parental and community limits so as to maintain high academic and athletic performance.

Team Rapport/Participation: Whether an individual competes on the varsity or junior varsity level will be determined by the coaching staff based on performances in previous meets and practices. All team rules are to be observed by all teams at all levels.

Variance from Minnesota State High School League/Spring Lake Park High School Rules: none

Coaches Availability: Coaches can be reached through the TeamSnap app. See instructions on this website for how to get connected.

NORDIC SKI SPECIFIC Rules:

Slideshow shown at practice

MSHSL official rules (Includes schedule of State Meet)

Take this Quizlet test, to review the Nordic Ski rules. score 90% or better and take a screenshot.

Select all terms (34 total)
De-select "written"
Take the test
Score 90% or better
Screenshot your result and show to Coach

Lettering Policy

In order to letter, student athletes need to be a gold medal athlete (see below). Then complete one or both of the next two items (numbers 2 and 3 below).

Gold medal athlete. Letter winners are team leaders. They have and exhibit positive attitudes and actions. They do the following:
• Consistently ski in the varsity or JV races.
• Attend all practices Monday through Saturday. (No unexcused absences, no less than 90% attendance, arrive on time.)
• Know how to wax their skis for skate and classic (or willing to learn) and they are willing to teach others
• Attend all team meetings and team pasta feeds/activities
• Help the coaches in any way, especially on meet days when there is a lot of equipment to carry and lots of waxing to do
• Buddy up with any and all new skiers, especially middle schoolers, to help them get their equipment to school or to give rides
• Seek input from coaches to improve in Skiing
• Set goals and strive to achieve them during the season
• Actively recruit new members
• Support teammates at races by being on the course cheering them on, not hanging out in the chalet
Be on the section team. This is the top seven skiers plus two alternates.
Complete two races of 20k or longer. We will do these on a Saturday during practice. These are free. In the exceedingly rare event that you should miss this practice, you can make it up by registering for a citizen race. Find one on skinnyski, register, pay the fee and race. Make sure to inform a coach of your intention to race! We must be able to verify you have raced by viewing results on skinnyski. You must complete these by the State meet. *This category will be used to award letters to any skiers who might not qualify for the section team. You must qualify as a Gold Medal athlete above before you will be considered even if you ski in more than two 20k events. Credit for the 20k event will be given only to those giving their best effort. (Just completing the race is not good enough to letter.)

Resources

Parent Manual

Read the Parent Manual to learn more about the what, where, why and how much of Nordic Skiing. (Uff, this is pretty out of date - need to work on it...)

Quizlet on Rules for Skiing

Take this Quizlet test, score 90% or better and take a screenshot.

Select all terms (34 total)
De-select "written"
Take the test
Score 90% or better
Screenshot your result and show to Coach

https://quizlet.com/168382243/nordic-ski-rules-flash-cards/

Victor C. Dunder Scholarship

The Victor C. Dunder Scholarship is provided by Minnesota ski shops and the MN State High School Nordic Ski Coaches Association to motivated skiers in grades 7-12 who have completed one year of skiing on a high school team. The scholarship is based on coaches recommendation, skiers application and financial need. The award is designed to help promising first year skiers obtain needed equipment.

Click here for application and info

According to MSHSL rules, high school skiers are not allowed to receive awards worth more than $100.
One skier per team per year is eligible
Skiers coach must be a current member of the MSHSCA to be eligible to receive this award
Skis and equipment will be awarded to the award winning skier's team. The skier may borrow the skis as long as they are on the team. Upon graduation the awarded equipment will stay with the team to benefit other high school skiers.

Website Resources

Click on the links below to be directed to additional resources off the Spring Lake Park Schools website.

Skinny Ski: Skinny Ski has everything from results, to trail conditions to classifieds.
Finnsisu
Gear West
Hoigaards
Joe's Sporting Goods
Pioneer Midwest.com

Forms

Mesabi East Invitational Jan 8,9,10 2026

Are you coming with us? Please read ALL info below and fill out the forms. Get this done ASAP so we don't have to keep asking you for the forms.

Meet Info:

Forms you need to fill out and turn in to Coach Larson/Coach Noah:

Trip Itinerary Updated for 2026) Read this first to know the rules, who gets to go, what days we will miss, etc.

Extended Team Travel Form Required for ALL SKIERS from SLP/SAV/Cent going to Giant's Ridge. Fill this out and return to Coach Larson/Coach Noah. Updated for 2026.

Event Waiver (all skiers going to Giant's Ridge must fill this out. Giant's Ridge always requires a trail pass. School will purchase passes for Friday only. )
Spirit Mountain Waiver. (This is not available yet. It is required for Thursday at Spirit).

Maps and Directions

BAKER PARK RESERVE

2309 Baker Park Rd
Maple Plain, MN 55359

BATTLE CREEK

2300 Upper Afton Road
Maplewood, MN 55119

BRIGHTWOOD HILLS GOLF COURSE

1975 Silver Lake Rd NW
New Brighton, MN 55112

BUNKER HILLS

12800 Bunker Prairie Rd NW
Coon Rapids, MN 55448

CAMP RIPLEY

Camp Ripley
Green Prairie, MN 56345

COLUMBIA GOLF CLUB

3300 Central Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418

COMO PARK SKI AREA

1431 Lexington Pkwy N
St. Paul, MN 55103

EAGLE LAKE

11000 Bass Lake Road
Plymouth, MN 55442

ELK RIVER WOODLAND TRAILS

Woodland Trails
Elk River, MN 55330

ELM CREEK PARK RESERVE

12400 James Deane Pkwy
Maple Grove, MN 55369

FRENCH PARK

12605 Rockford Rd
Plymouth, MN 55441

GIANTS RIDGE GOLF & SKI RESORT

6325 Wynne Creek Dr
Biwabik, MN 55708

GREEN ACRES RECREATION

8989 55th St N
Lake Elmo, MN 55042

GREEN HAVEN GOLF COURSE

2800 Greenhaven Rd
Anoka, MN 55303

GROSS NATIONAL GOLF CLUB

2201 Saint Anthony Boulevard
Minneapolis, MN 55418

HIGHLAND LAKE PARK RESERVE

10145 Bush Lake Rd
Bloomington, MN 55438

IRONDALE HIGH SCHOOL

2425 Long Lake Rd
New Brighton, MN 55112

LONG LAKE REGIONAL PARK

1500 Old Hwy 8
New Brighton, MN 55112

ORONO HIGH SCHOOL

795 Old Crystal Bay Rd N
Long Lake, MN 55356

PHALEN PARK

1600 Phalen Drive
St. Paul, MN 55106

ST. ANTHONY HIGH SCHOOL

3303 33rd Ave NE
St. Anthony, MN 55418

TERRACE OAKS

Terrace Oaks East Park
Burnsville, MN 55337

THEODORE WIRTH PARK SKI TRAILS, WIRTH BEACH

Glenwood Ave & Wirth Beach
Golden Valley, MN 55405

THEODORE WIRTH PARK, CHALET

1301 Theodore Wirth Pkwy
Golden Valley, MN 55422

TROLLHAUGEN SKI AREA

2232 100th Ave
Dresser, WI 54009

Waxing Instruction (Not updated)

Read below for more information on waxing.

Waxing for Skate Skiing

Tools needed

Wax Bench
Wax (use warm wax for base prep. Warm = soft wax for warm weather)
Iron
Metal scraper
Plastic scraper ( rectangular)
Plastic groove scraper
Nylon brush
Fibertex (3M Scotch-Brite pad)
Fiberlene paper

For new skis or to prep old skis for the season

Buff ski from tip to tail with Fibertex. Buff in one direction – tip to tail.
Use metal scraper to give a light scrape. Use extreme caution with metal scraper. If uncertain, bring skis to Coach or to ski shop. Scrape ski from tip to center, then from center to tail. Scrape skis lightly to an even, flat finish. Remember to be careful as this is your base material you're scraping off.
Use Fibertex to buff ski.
Using an iron just hot enough to melt the wax, (if the wax smokes, the iron is too hot) drip wax up and down ski on both sides of the groove.
New school of thought on waxing suggests that instead of pushing iron back and forth over the ski to melt the wax you should push the iron slowly down the ski from tip to tail to melt the wax. Bring the iron down the ski two to three times. Be sure to keep the iron moving to avoid burning the ski base.
Allow ski to cool to room temperature for 30-40 minutes. Do not bring ski outside to cool. This does not let wax penetrate into ski base.
Now you're ready to scrape off all that wax. Use the groove scraper to scrape out the groove first. Then use the plastic scraper to scrape off as much wax as possible. Again, scrape from tip to tail. Use thumbs as brace, fingers as a guide for scraper.
Repeat steps 4 to 7 two more times
Use brushes to remove more wax (nylon for regular wax, horsehair for fluorinated waxes) Brush from tip to tail.
When waxing for a meet or for practice, do steps 4 to 7 just once. However, if you are changing wax colors (ie. going to a warmer or softer wax) you will want to wax twice to avoid ending up with a mix of the the old and new wax.
If you're a perfectionist you can buff the ski from tip to tail with Fiberlene paper.

Fine Points of Waxing

Hot Wipe (aka Clean Waxing) If you have skied a lot in dirty snow or you are just taking your skis down from the rafters you will want to do a hot wipe. Drip wax on as above (warm wax works best ie orange) and bring iron down the ski. Wipe behind iron with a piece of Fiberlene paper to remove as much molten wax as possible. This will remove all that dirt. Re-wax ski with desired wax.
Structure. To add structure to a ski You will need a special tool called a Rill Bar. Adding structure is really only necessary for meets. Even then you'll only notice a difference once you start to get pretty fast . As a rule, add structure first, then wax. to cut rills into the ski, angle the bar forward and push from tip to tail (/ ). To press rills into ski, angle the bar backward and push from tip to tail (\ ). There is a fine side and a coarse side to the bar. For medium, use the coarse side, then the fine. Use fine structure at 15 degrees or cooler, coarse for over 30 degrees. After you add structure, buff ski with Fibertex, then wax as normal.

Waxing for Classical Skiing

Wax tips and tails of skis just as you would for skate skiing--in other words, do this on the ski everywhere except where you will be putting the kick wax.
Apply kick wax (the small, round canisters of wax) to the ski from the back of the heel to 8-12 inches in front of the foot.
Crayon the wax on in a single layer
Take a cork and rub it in. Rub until it looks smooth and free of globs.
Use 2 to 3 coats of wax.
If you are slipping, add another layer or extend kick wax forward. If that doesn't work, add a smaller kick zone of warmer wax.
If you are sticking, remove your wax and start again with a colder wax.
Waxing will be easier if done indoors.
For a long race (greater than 15 kilometers), or hard packed trail, you can use an iron for the first layer of wax.

Removing Wax

Apply small amount of wax remover to waxed area of kick zone.
Put toilet paper or Fiberlene over this area.
Put scraper on paper and scrape off wax. Scrape from tip to tail. Remove as much wax as possible with the scraper. Then apply wax remover to Fiberlene paper and apply to the ski.
When putting wax remover on COMBI skis, allow remover to evaporate for 20 minutes if possible so that when you re-apply glide wax, the remover won't eat through your wax job.
Avoid using wax remover on skate skis.

Waxing for Glide (skate) and Kick (classic)

Article courtesy of Gear West Ski & Bike

Glide Wax

Before you think about glide wax, your ski base should be properly prepared. You may need to remove a thin layer of p-tex to eliminate surface oxidation, nicks, hairs or waves in the base. The appropriate base structure must then be applied (before waxing!).

Structure

Second to ski fit, the correct base structure is crucial for great glide. Structure is a specific pattern which is cut or pressed into the ski base. A condensed explanation: 1) fine structure for dryer, lower-humidity snow; 2) medium structure for most of our snow conditions; 3) course snow structure for wet, humid conditions. Factors affecting structure choice are coarseness of the snow crystals, snow temperature and amount of free water in the snow.

Stone grinding is the easiest and most foolproof way to clean, flatter and structure ski bases. A professional stone grind eliminates the need to sand, steel scrape and/or rill the base. Stone grinding removes the kilometers of snow time needed to make the skis fast.

Now you can glide wax with good results. These days, most companies offer excellent glide waxes. The real difference among waxes is their ability to repel dirt and moisture. This is where high fluorinated waxes shine. On clean, dry snow you can obtain similar results using a regular hydrocarbon or a low fluoro wax.

Hydrocarbon Wax

These waxes are the foundation of your wax box. A common mistake is to have too many waxes; three or four of your favorites will suffice. The latest from Scandinavia is to always blend two waxes - one hard and one soft. Colder temps require more hard wax and vice versa.

Fluorinated Wax

These waxes repel dirt and moisture. Used with the appropriate ski base structure, fluoro waxes will reduce surface friction and increase glide. The amount of fluorocarbon in the wax will determine its effectiveness; a low-fluoro, less expensive wax will not perform as well as it's hi-fluoro companion. At the elite level, fluorinated hard waxes are used as a base for fluoro powders.

Fluorinated Powders

Pressed or in powder form, these waxes are not bonded with hydrocarbons and must be applied with a hot iron. It is very important that you do not overhead and destroy your ski base. Therefore you must apply a base wax layer first before spreading the fluorinated wax. And, you need a good iron - Swix or Toko - whose temperature does not fluctuate. You can cork on fluoro powders, but their durability is severely diminished.

Waxing Tools

Proper tools are necessary to create fast bases. Our tool recommendations are simpler to beginning skiers or those not comfortable with handling tools. The minimum you will need however is:

Plastic scraper
Plastic brush
Groove scraper
Wax remover and cork (kick wax only)
Iron

To apply the waxes with the least amount of frustration you should own a wax profile bench and/or ski clamps. Additional tools and accessories for the enthusiast: steel scraper, base plainer, t-scraper, cork, fibertex, Fiberlene, riller or rill bar, horsehair brush, bronze brush, roto brush, etc. - lots of fun stuff!

Kick Wax

Most important for proper grips to have a properly fit ski. NO wax will work if your ski's camber is too stiff. A common mistake is to choose wax by looking at air temperature only. Remember to consider snow type (fresh or granular), humidity and snow temperature.

Best results are achieved by using two kick waxes; apply the harder wax or binder first for durability, then the softer wax on top. For serious racers, grip wax thickness should consist of at least 7 thin smooth layers. Citizen skiers can meet most all wax conditions owning only 4 to 6 hard waxes (and 1-2 kilisters). Stop by for recommendations on the most common/useful waxes to use.

The grip wax zone for most skis and conditions is 40-50cm, or approximately 20-30cm in front of the binding. Never wax behind your heel.

Klister

Klister works best on a klister ski, which has a slightly stiffer and shorter wax product. Otherwise, just shorten your kick zone on your regular classic ski. For serious skiers, a klister tip is to use 2-3 types. The job of the first layer is to grip to your ski, while the other klister(s) are mixed as needed for the best possible snow grip.

To prevent excess debris from accumulating on your klister, cover the outer layer with a fluorinated klister, or a thin layer of kick was, which will help repel dirt.

Tips for klister removal:

Lay toilet paper over klister and press down
With a designated plastic (klister) scraper, scrape off the toilet paper, thereby removing most of the klister
Spread wax remover over the klister zone
Dampen a clean scrubby with wax remover and rub over remaining klister
Dry with Fiberlene

Frequently Asked Questions about Nordic Skiing

What can student athletes expect from Nordic Skiing?

What is the cost and what equipment will athletes need?

The activities fee varies depending on your school. Students must have 2 sets of skis and poles, one for classic and one for skate skiing. It is recommended that skiers purchase their own equipment. Or you can rent two sets of skis and poles from the school for $70 total. You will need to purchase boots to fit our roller skis and rental equipment. Only NNN boots(2 parallel tracks on the sole for the binding instead of one large track) will fit our equipment. Here are some acceptable boot choices: Salomon pro combi ProLinks, Fischer RC3 combi, Rossi X8 pursuit, Alpina RCO combi, Salomon RS Carbon skate, Salomon Equipe 8 skate, NO classic boots (unless you use them for classic only and have a separate pair for skate). One other essential item is a ski bag to keep skis and poles together. The ski team does not provide these, you will need to purchase this. When you do, immediately put your name on it in very large print.

NOTE: PRO TIP FOR BOOTS - you will need a good quality boot that can work for skate and classic. When you grab the ankle cuff, you should not be able to easily flop it side to side - you need that support! They work great for both skate and classic. See Gear and equipment on the left for more info.

Ski rental is available when you register for Nordic skiing online.

Where should student athletes and parents go for more information?

When is the Nordic Skiing season?

What times are practices and meets?

Where does the team meet for practice?

During the dry-land portion of the season (no snow) we alternate weekly between SLP campus and St Anthony campus. We ski at various parks when they have snow. Typically we practice at Theodore Wirth Park, Elm Creek Park and Hyland Park. Note: SLP and St A are providing busing for practices.On meet days, we take one bus that stops both of those schools. Currently Centennial does not provide any bussing.

When do we compete?

What are the eligibility requirements?

What is the average number of members on the Nordic Skiing team?

What awards can student athletes receive and what is the criteria?

What student leadership positions are available?

Can I sign out roller skis for the summer?

Yes. Follow these steps:

1) Watch this video on how to stop

2)Fill out this Google request

3) Print out the email sent to you with your responses (the form will ask for your email, then send your responses to that email).

4) Bring the email with you on sign out day (watch for info in TeamSnap). Not on TeamSnap? Send an email with your info and your skier to: pantherskiboosters@gmail.com

Get Ready for the Season

Watch Helpful Nordic Skiing Videos

Equipment and Gear needed for the season - what to wear, team classifieds

Looking for ski gear? (Clothing content courtesy of Gear West Ski and Run)

SLP/StA/Cent ski swap! Looking to buy or sell ski gear? click here to learn more about used equipment available for SLP/StA/Cent skiers.

Ski Sales/Swaps:

Many are posted now on Skinnyski

What to Wear:

Cross country skiing requires clothing that keeps the skiers warm and dry during periods of high activity. No cotton and no downhill ski coats.

LONG UNDERWEAR TOP AND BOTTOM (base layer)
Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric of thermax, polypro or the like. Unlike cotton, these fabrics do not feel wet and clammy during exercise. Available in zip-t, turtleneck and crew for men and women.

WIND BLOCK PANTS
There are many styles available including full zip wind pants, wind panel front tights (Pearl, Swix, Louis Garneau, Bellweather), both loose or tight fitting. These pants can be worn as is, or over long underwear and are necessary for warming up and withstanding cold winds.

BREATHABLE-LIGHTWEIGHT JACKET
A micro fiber, ventilated jacket (not nylon because it does not breathe) which can be folded into a fanny pack. To be used as a layering piece over a base layer and middle layer of nylon or light fleece.

GLOVES OR MITTS
Ski specific gloves/mitts are necessary to fit pole grips (downhill gloves are too bulky). A popular model is the "lobster" two finger glove. For those with really cold hands, nothing can beat the Lil Sport mitt. Consider a glove liner for the really cold days.

HAT/EARMUFFS
Lightweight wool/polyester/fleece, these hats come in many styles and colors. Most skiers use xc ski earmuffs as well, to prevent frostbite on earlobes.

SOCKS
Mid-weight sock made of a wicking material that remains dry and warm. Liners are optional depending on the sock weight and skiers preference. Boot covers are the best solution to cold feet. These neoprene, fleece lined covers Velcro over the ski boot and are warmer than stuffing socks inside the boots.

WIND BRIEF
Just ask any skier who has skied in the cold.

WAIST PACK WATER BOTTLE HOLDERS
Bring water with you on long training sessions. The waist pack wraps around waist with zip pockets for wax and/or skis.

SKI BAGS
Mostly necessary to carry skis, poles, hats and other equipment to and from practice and races. Without ski bags everything gets kicked around and lost on buses.

SUGGESTIONS
Balaclava for face covering, glove liners, dermatone for face (mid layer made of fleece or other thicker fabrics insulate by trapping warm air without adding bulk) and vests which offer tremendous versatility for wind and insulation.

Courtesy Gear West Ski and Bike

Team Workouts, other training available

Stay Connected, Meet coaches

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News, Statistics and History

Pictures and slideshows

2023-2024 banquet video (courtesy of Brian Louks)
2019-2020 pictures and video
2014-15 slideshow
2013-14 slideshow
2014-15 pictures

Statistics

Click here to see Spring Lake Park/St. Anthony statistics from 1993-present

History of Nordic Skiing

Although Nordic Skiing began in 1934 in the state of Minnesota, the Spring Lake Park Ski Team began in the 1993-1994 season. Mike Miller was the coach back then and continues to this day. They started as a girls only team to satisfy gender equity concerns. They continued as girls only until the 2003-2004 season. A boys team skied "unofficially" that year, but was instated as a "nearly" full varsity team the following year. They had no official standing at the school for a couple of years until they finally became fully recognized.

From its beginnings in 1934 until about 1983, skiing was only classic. When skating came along in 1983, it quickly gained favor among skiers and coaches. Nordic Skiing moved away from classic skiing to exclusively skate skiing. There were literally years of high school skiers who did not learn the classic technique. Skate skiing continued to dominate until the relay came into existence in 1991. The relay started as a 3x5k, then went to 4x5k, then 4x3k. Members of the relay team had to have 2 skaters and 2 classic skiers. In an effort to bring back fully the classic discipline, the coaches association went to two separate races in 1996. That meant 2 separate state champions, one classic, one skate. This continued until the 1999 season when the 2 races became pursuit but now with three state champions: one skate, one classic, and one overall pursuit state champ.

In 2007, the coaches went to a full pursuit format with only one state champion - the first one out of the woods in the second race wins. There are currently several proposals to change this so the State Meet of the future could look quite different than it does today.

The SLP Nordic team began skiing in the 4-team North Suburban Conference in 1993. They continued with the North Suburban Conference until 2006. In that year, they went to the Twin Cities Nordic Ski conference. The TCNSC was a 9-team conference then, but increased to 12 teams by the 2013-2014 season. This alliance with the TCNSC lasted until 2013-2014. Beginning with the 2014-2015 season, SLP/St Anthony moved to the North West Suburban Conference. In 2021-2022, the team's cooperative sponsorship grew to include Centennial High School.

During the 2021-2022 season, a two-person sprint relay of 2 x 1.3km was instituted at the Conference, Section and State Meets.

Click here to view the state champion archives

Meet the Coaching Staff; contact information

Head Coach: Mike Miller

USSA Certified Level 200 Coach

Mike Miller started skiing on wood skis in 1973. (No, he did not need to fashion them himself). He started coaching Nordic skiing in 1993 when the Nordic program began. He previously coached cross country running for 23 seasons and track for 13. He still skis competitively when he can remember which ski boot to lace up first. He also enjoys long distance bike touring, canoeing, and, especially, time with his family. Mr Miller is a retired SLPHS Spanish teacher (36 years at SLP!) and proud alum of St John’s University. This will be Coach Miller's final season as head coach (his 33rd). Although you may still see him way too much in the future as a volunteer for the ski program.

Email Mike Miller (Or contact through TeamSnap)

Booster Club:

Email the Nordic Ski Booster Club

Assistant Coach: Erik Larson

I am a Andover High School Nordic Skiing alumnus (Go Huskies!) where I competed for 5 years earning various honors. Additionally, I competed collegiately in cross-country running and track and field for the Concordia Cobbers while studying Spanish and Education. I taught Spanish at Spring Lake Park High School and then Second Grade at Woodcrest Spanish Immersion. After leaving the teaching profession to pursue other passions and interests for a couple of years, I decided to return to teaching and now work as a 4th grade Spanish Immersion Classroom Teacher. I still enjoy competing, having run several marathons and skiing the Birkie and City of Lakes Loppet. Outside of work and athletics, I immensely enjoy reading and have become an amateur candle maker.

Email Erik Larson (Or contact through TeamSnap)

Assistant Coach: Noah Markfort

I am from Biwabik MN where I skied for Mesabi East High School for 4 years. I am currently a student at the University of Minnesota. where I study developmental psychology with a minor in physical activity & heath promotion. Additionally I’m a member of the U’s ROTC program where I am training to become an officer in the Minnesota Army National Guard. When I’m not studying you’ll probably find me doing something outside whether it be reading, running, or just having a lake day.

Contact Noah Markfort through TeamSnap