Author: The Brand Office

1 Day Technique Workshop for New Coaches

Written by The Brand Office
No comments
Categories: Professional Development
One-day XC Ski Technique Workshop for New Coaches and Instructors

One-day XC Ski Technique Workshop for New Coaches & Instructors

Workshop Overview

One-day XC Ski Technique Workshop for New Coaches and Instructors
Workshop Overview
The XC Ski Instructor Workshop is a one-day course designed for new coaches and instructors interested in learning essential techniques for teaching and coaching beginner and intermediate cross-country skiers. The workshop focuses on the fundamentals and movement patterns of effective skiing and introduces dynamic teaching methods to engage learners. This course covers both classic and skate skiing styles, providing participants with the tools to support skiers in their journey from basic skills to improved performance.


Workshop Objectives

By the end of the workshop, participants will:
1.) Gain Coaching Techniques: Learn drills and tips to develop and support efficient ski techniques.
2.) Understand Progression Examples: Explore step-by-step approaches for teaching the diagonal stride and skate skiing.
3.) Learn Teaching Fundamentals: Grasp key principles for effective instruction and skier engagement.
4.) Enhance Personal Skills: Improve their own skiing through targeted practice and personalized feedback.


Example Schedule and Activities


An example schedule for a one-day clinic would allow for a 2-hour classic session in the morning and a 2-hour skate session in the afternoon after a lunch break. To achieve these objectives, participants will engage in a range of activities designed to build both coaching and skiing skills:

  • No-Pole Diagonal Stride Drill
    Purpose: Focus on weight transfer in classic skiing to promote balance and control.
  • Body Position Games
    Purpose: Use interactive games to help skiers develop an effective body position and movement awareness.
  • Marathon Skate Drill
  • Purpose: Isolate and refine the skate ski push-off technique to enhance power and efficiency.


What to Bring

  • Clothing: Breathable layers suitable for outdoor skiing and clinic activities.
  • Gear: Cross-country ski equipment (skate or classic, TBD based on session focus).
  • Supplies: Sunscreen, water, snacks, and lunch (or funds to purchase lunch if available nearby).

Workshop Benefits


This workshop is an invaluable opportunity for new coaches and instructors to build their coaching toolkit while improving their personal skiing techniques. Through a combination of drills, games, and feedback, participants will leave the clinic with a deeper understanding of both the technical and instructional aspects of cross-country skiing. Let’s work together to build strong, confident skiers!

Read More

Instructor & Coach Development 2-Day Clinic

Written by The Brand Office
No comments
Categories: Professional Development
Instructor and Coach Development
2-Day Nordic Ski Clinic

Instructor and Coach Development
2-Day Nordic Ski Clinic

Objective:
This two-day clinic is designed to develop and enhance skiing skills and coaching abilities for instructors, both new and experienced at teaching. Participants will improve both their personal skiing techniques and instructional methods through hands-on practice, video analysis, and guided discussion.

Outline

Day 1: Skiing Skills

9:00 AM – Introductions and Goal Setting

  • Meet and greet participants
  • Outline objectives for the clinic and gather participant goals
  • Review and refine the day’s outline based on group needs

Classic Skiing Session (On Snow)

  • Warm-Up: Wax check, equipment review, and group warm-up
  • Fundamentals of Classic Skiing: (May include video analysis of participants for real-time feedback)
    • Activities (tailored to participant goals):
      • Body Position, Weight Transfer, Balance Exercises – Both dryland and on-snow practice
      • No Poles Diagonal Stride – Focusing on technique and form
      • Poling and Double Pole Technique
      • Diagonal Stride with Poles – Incorporating full movement
      • Uphill Herringbone Technique
      • Kick Double Pole (Optional) – Time permitting
  • 12:00 PM – Lunch Break / Group Discussion
    • Watch and analyze participant video clips as applicable
    • Movement analysis discussion and skill feedback

Freestyle/Skate Skiing Session (On Snow)

  • 1:00 PM – Warm-Up: Game-based warm-up and equipment review
  • Fundamentals of Skate Skiing: (May include video analysis of participants)
    • Activities (tailored to participant goals):
      • Body Position, Weight Transfer, Balance Exercises – Both dryland and on-snow practice
      • No Poles Skate – Developing glide and control
      • Double Pole Review – Emphasis on power and timing
      • V2 Technique
      • V1 Technique (Uphill Focus)
      • V2-A (Optional) – Time permitting
  • Downhill Skills
    • Snow Plow – Essential for control
    • Step Turn / Skate Turn – For varied terrain
  • 3:30 PM – Video Review and Analysis
    • Group review of participant videos
    • Discuss feedback, key takeaways, and progress from Day 1

Day 2: Teaching and Communication Skills

9:00 AM – Check-In and Goal Adjustment

  • Review participant reflections from Day 1
  • Outline and adjust the plan for Day 2 based on feedback
  • Can include indoor sessions on coaching to learning styles, individual feedback in group settings, and/or creating a learning environment that keeps clients coming back.  

Classic Skiing Session (On Snow)

  • Warm-Up Exercise
  • Teaching Skiing Fundamentals
    • Activities (tailored to participant goals):
      • Assessing Students and Building Trust – Observing and adapting to individual needs
      • Planning and Implementing Drills/Activities – Structuring effective lessons
      • Creating Meaningful Practice – Engaging participants in purposeful skill development
  • 12:00 PM – Lunch Break / Group Discussion on Teaching Techniques
    • Focus on teaching and learning styles
    • Discuss adapting instruction for diverse learning needs

Freestyle/Skate Skiing Session (On Snow)

  • 1:00 PM – Warm-Up Exercise or Game
  • Communication and Feedback Skills
    • Activities (tailored to participant goals):
      • How to Provide Effective Feedback – Focusing on clarity and encouragement
      • Practice Feedback with Peers – Simulated teaching practice
      • Lesson Reflection and Preview Skills – Wrapping up with reflections and next steps

3:30 PM – Final Wrap-Up

  • Reflect on the clinic’s outcomes
  • Discuss next steps for continued development
  • Collect feedback on the clinic and provide participant resources for ongoing improvement

Workshop Benefits:
This clinic is designed to be interactive, with hands-on activities, peer learning, and professional video analysis. Each participant will leave with enhanced skiing skills, effective coaching techniques, and new insights into both Nordic skiing and teaching.

Read More

Laramie, WY Clinic

Written by The Brand Office
No comments
Categories: Camps and Clinics

Laramie, WY Clinic

UDPATE!! The December 20, 2025 Laramie one-day skate ski clinic has been canceled due to lack of snow. Please check out information on our 3-day Steamboat camp as an alternative.

Laramie, WY

One-Day Adult Skate Ski Clinic

Saturday December 20, 2025

One-day Adult Skate Ski Clinic

Tie City Trailhead in the Happy Jack Recreation Area, Highway 210, 11 miles East of Laramie, WY

Saturday December 20, 2025 – CONDITIONS PERMITTING!

Presented by: The Nordic Link in partnership with Medicine Bow Nordic Association (MBNA).  

Registration is open.  Space is limited so register early.  If capacity is reached, additional people will be put on a waiting list.

REGISTER NOW

About the clinic: The Laramie one-day skate ski clinic is a great way to improve technique and skills with top coaches.  This camp is for adult skiers of all abilities – from those who have never skied to those who want to improve their racing skills.  Participants must bring their own or rented gear to the clinic.  More information about equipment rentals is provided below.

Clinic details:  Participants can choose to enroll in either the morning or afternoon session, or both.  Each session includes a 2-hour session with professional coaches providing tips and drills to improve technique.  Those signing up for both morning and afternoon sessions should bring their own lunch. There will be space available in the Tie City Trailhead Warming Hut to eat lunch. Dress in breathable layers:  light, wicking layers close to skin, followed by a breathable light fleece or soft shell, followed by a wind jacket or warmer layer as needed.  Hand and toe warmers are also a good option.  An extra hat, gloves, and socks are recommended to keep you dry if you are staying for the afternoon.  Also bring a warm parka to have available. It’s easier to shed layers if too warm than not have enough layers and be too cold.  Bring a water bottle and some nutrition (bars/gels) for fuel during the session.

Clinic schedule is as follows:

Saturday December  20, 2025 

Morning Session: 9:30 am – 11:30 am

Afternoon Session:  1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

At the start of each session, participants will break into ability groups.  Group sizes are limited to six (6) people per coach to optimize individual instruction and feedback.

Please plan your travel time to the clinic accordingly.  The Happy Jack Ski Trails are at 8600 feet elevation and highways to the site can experience hazardous driving conditions.  Please check the Wyoming Department of Transportation road and travel conditions website before traveling to ensure roads are open.  Depending on the weather and road conditions, extra travel time may be needed.

Cost: Cost for an individual session is $75. The cost to attend both the morning and afternoon sessions is $140.

NOTE: Please be aware, the US Forest Service requires a $5/day fee to park at the Tie City Trailhead.  Payment can be made at the kiosk located in the parking lot at the trailhead.  Alternatively, annual parking passes can be purchased for $30 at the Medicine Bow/Routte National Forest Office located at 2468 Jackson Street, Laramie, WY.  

Coaches:  The coaching staff includes: Katie Lindquist and Emily Lovett both from Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and Judi Hulme from Laramie, Wyoming. All three coaches are certified cross-country ski instructors through the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and each have been teaching, coaching and racing for over 25 years. 

Cancellation policy:  Because this is an early-season clinic, snow may not materialize for this event.  If there is not enough snow to hold the clinic, or if road conditions prohibit travel of our out of town coaches from coming to Laramie or if the road to Happy Jack closes, 100% of the registration fee will be refunded to each participant. We will make a determination of whether we can hold the clinic by a week before the event (Saturday December 13). Cancellations and requests for refunds made by participants will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Rental Equipment:  
For skiers needing to rent skate equipment, there are three options located in Laramie. 

  1. Fast Haus
  2. UW Outdoor Program

For those coming from Cheyenne or from Fort Collins through Cheyenne, skate skis can be rented from Rock on Wheels in Cheyenne.

Lodging: There are many lodging options in Laramie, which is a 15-20 minute drive from the event location at the Tie City Trailhead. Those coming from the front range can also stay in Cheyenne, which is a 35-40 minute drive to the Tie City Trailhead.

Directions to: 
Tie City Trailhead from Laramie

Tie City Trailhead from Fort Collins via Highway 28197 North through Laramie

Tie City Trailhead from Cheyenne via Interstate 80 West

Tie City Trailhead from Cheyenne via Wyoming Highway 210 – Happy Jack Road

For clinic updates please check The Nordic Link website.  For any questions about the clinic, call or text Judi Hulme at 307-760-4501 or via email at dhulme9@gmail.com  For trail grooming updates, see the Medicine Bow Nordic Association Grooming Blog

Read More