Nordic Team
We are a team of Nordic skiers composed of members of all ability levels. We offer practices throughout the fall and spring and travel to public ski races throughout the Midwest from January to March. Races include the Noquemanon in Marquette, MI; the American Birkebeiner in Hayward, WI; and the Great Bear Chase in Calumet, MI. Members sign up individually for races they want to ski, and then the team provides lodging, meals, and transportation for the weekend. Races are a great way to get out and ski during the winter, and socialize with your fellow team members! Races range from 10k to 56k, and members can choose to ski either classic or freestyle techniques at each race. We welcome members of all abilities and experience levels; practices and races are as relaxed or competitive as you choose to make them!
The Nordic Team is a part of the USCSA Midwest Collegiate Skiing Association (MCSA). Race team members who choose to be a part of the MSCA have the opportunity to participate in scoring points towards a conference championship in several races during our regular season. Skiers may also race at the MCSA Regional meet in Rhinelander, WI, where teams have the opportunity to qualify for the USCSA Nordic National Championships in early March. Just like the team itself, participating in the MCSA is an option for all members.
Practices
During the fall semester, the team has optional dryland practices five days a week (schedule here). Practices continue until the end of the Fall Semester. Over Winter Break, the team travels to Cable, WI to ski the Birkebeiner Trails for Training Weekend.
During the spring semester, the team practices every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday night from 6-8 p.m. The team travels to Elver Park on the west side of Madison for winter practices. Transportation is provided.
Training Weekend
Over winter break, skiers have the opportunity to attend Training Weekend. This 4-day trip includes housing and food and many kilometers of skiing in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, usually on the Birkie trails. Members typically ski in small groups or on their own for a majority of the trip, but we also hold technique workshops throughout the weekend. Long days on the trail are wrapped up with cozy cabin time and group meals! All members are invited on this trip.
Cost
All team members are required to pay the $48 Hoofer SnS membership fee in addition to team dues. Members that just want to practice pay dues of $150, while racing members pay $250 in dues. MCSA members must also pay an additional $20 membership fee directly to the MCSA. Dues go towards transportation to practices and races, lodging, and food for training weekend and race weekends.
Questions?
For more information, contact the Nordic Directors at uwnordic@gmail.com!