Nordic Ski School

Nordic Ski School Application Form

The Mazama Nordic Ski School offers three types of cross-country skiing classes: Classic, Telemark, and Backcountry.  Ski Mountaineering is taught as a separate program.  The Nordic Ski School program consists of an evening student orientation meeting on December 15, 2011, a series of four lessons on consecutive Saturdays or Sundays – your choice – in January, 2012, and a series of three optional evening programs on cross-country skiing in January. This year’s applications for the Ski School must be received by December 1, 2011.

Important Dates for 2011-2012 Mazama Nordic Ski School

• December 1, 2011 (Thursday) – Ski School Applications Deadline – applications must be received by 5:00 p.m.
• December 15, 2011 (Thursday) – Mandatory Student Orientation Night – Meet your instructors and class mates and get oriented at 6:30 p.m. at the Mazama Mountaineering Center 527 SE 43rd Ave. (at Stark) Portland, OR 97215
• January 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2012 (Saturdays) or January 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2012 (Sundays) – Nordic classes

Optional educational presentations for Nordic Students

• Jan 12
• Jan 19 
• Jan 26 
Programs start at 7:00 p.m. Topics will be announced at Student Orientation Night.

Student Registration

• Register online using the Nordic Ski School Application Form

Please don’t delay in registering for Nordic classes.  Although we attempt to find class space for all applicants to the Nordic Ski School, classes are filled on a first come, first served basis, and there may be more applicants than we can accommodate.  If classes are filled, we will start a waiting list.

Student Feedback

• After your class is completed please complete the Student Evaluation Form. Your comments are important and help us evolve future classes to student needs.

General Nordic Ski School Info

Do you think outdoor fun with the Mazamas ends with the close of summer climbing season? Think again, because January means Nordic Ski School!  This year we have another great group of instructors who are ready to take you to the next step in cross-country skiing, no matter what your level.  We offer traditional cross-country skiing from beginning (never been on skis) to advanced.  Beginning telemark is taught in our Nordic Downhill course.  And this year we are offering a Backcountry ski course.

Applications for Mazama Nordic Ski School classes are available at the Mazama Mountaineering Center or by downloading the form from this page (in the Student Registration section above). Online registration also will be available here beginning in November.  The deadline for applications is December 1, 2011, at 5:00 p.m..  Applications and payment must be received at the Mazama Mountaineering Center by this date.

Class Fees are as follows:

• Classic Cross-Country or Backcountry Skiing: Mazamas members: $75; non-members: $95
• Nordic Downhill (Telemark): Mazamas members: $105; non-members: $125.  (Note: lift tickets, needed for the Nordic Downhill classes, are not included in this price.)

Refund Policy. Fees are non-refundable if you cancel after December 31, 2011, unless:
(1) you are on the waiting list, (2) you are replaced by someone on the waiting list, or (3) you experience an “exceptional circumstance”. Submit a letter or email the Mazamas to request a refund.

Instructors are Mazamas members who are Nordic skiing enthusiasts and volunteer to teach Nordic skiing simply for the love of the sport.  They have First Aid and CPR certification and receive instructor training, guidelines, and support from the Mazamas.  Each class also has at least one assistant instructor.  If you are interested in teaching or assisting with a Mazama Nordic Ski School class, please see Information for Mazama Nordic Ski School Instructors section below.

Please note:

• Typically, classes are held in the Mt. Hood area.
• The actual class content and location may vary at the discretion of each instructor because of snow conditions or the particular needs of the students.
• Carpooling with other students in your group is encouraged and is the customary way to get up to the mountain.
• Class size is around 10 people.
• The minimum age for the class is 13 years old, as of January 1 of the class year. For students under 18, written permission from a parent or legal guardian is required.
• The Mazamas do NOT provide equipment for this class.  Skis, boots and poles may be rented from most local shops.  Gear costs are around $12-15 per day for Nordic gear, and $25-30 per day for telemark gear.
• Weather, snow conditions or instructor availability may cause some classes to be canceled or postponed until later weekends in February or March. Students should allow for possible postponements in planning their schedules. No refunds will normally be made for missed, postponed or canceled classes.

Class Descriptions

CLASSIC CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Beginning:  Never had a formal Nordic lesson (or at least I can’t remember which pole is the left one), but cross-country skiing sure looks like fun
For those who have never skied or ski infrequently. Classes cover: gear selection; moving on skis (walking flats; climbing & descending gentle hills); pole usage; diagonal stride; controlled falling & recovery; braking & turning wedge; step turn.

Intermediate:  OK, I’ve got good gear and I can glide, turn and stop. Is that all there is? – No? - Then let’s keep…….skiing!
For those who are comfortable with diagonal stride, braking & turning wedge, and step turns on moderate terrain. Classes cover: review of basics; blending diagonal stride with double poling and double pole with a kick; improving rhythm & flow; increasing speed & control. Ski all Green trails & easy Blue trails.

Advanced:  Nordic rules, and I want to go faster and farther, deeper and steeper!
For those who have a well-developed diagonal stride, and can transition to double pole and double pole with a kick. Should be able to control speed and maneuver with linked wedge and step turns on moderate to steeper terrain. Classes cover: review of intermediate skills; increase efficiency to promote control and endurance at higher speeds. Beginning telemark turns depending on individual skill level. Ski all Blue trails & most Black trails.

NORDIC DOWNHILL: Yearn for the burn in the turn
For those possessing at least intermediate turning skills, who wish to ski steeper terrain with telemark gear, typically on lift-assisted groomed slopes. Classes cover: gear selection; riding lifts; telemark and parallel turns.

NORDIC BACKCOUNTRY:  Hey, this is fun, but I want to go off-trail and not be limited to fixed routes!
For those who want to develop the skills and confidence to get off the beaten path. This class will emphasize winter backcountry navigation and negotiating difficult terrain with safety and comfort. Intermediate cross-country skills and intermediate navigation (map/compass) are required. Note: This is Nordic Backcountry and will not cover Ski Mountaineering skills.

Note: Actual class content for all classes may vary at the discretion of the instructors because of ski conditions or the particular needs of the students in the class.

Questions?

Questions about Mazama Nordic Ski School?
E-mail Carol Lane at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or call the Mazamas at 503-227-2345.

Are our classes full?
More Nordic ski classes are available through Portland Parks and Recreation, Outdoor Rec. Program, 503-823-5132 and the Oregon Nordic Club.

Photos

Want to see some Nordic ski class action photos?  Check out the new Nordic ski photo gallery under Resources.

Information for Mazamas Nordic Ski School Instructors

The Nordic Ski School instructors are Mazama members who are Nordic skiing enthusiasts and volunteer to teach Nordic skiing simply for the love of the sport.  They have First Aid and CPR certification and receive instructor training, guidelines, and support from the Mazamas.  Each class also has at least one assistant instructor.  If you are interested in teaching or assisting with a Mazama Nordic Ski School class, or just have questions about it, please contact Karl Steady at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).  We would love to have you.

Nordic Instructor Application Form

Important dates for 2011-2012 Mazamas Nordic Ski School Instructors

• December 1, 2011 (Thursday) – Instructor application deadline. Download form above.
• December 1, 2011 (Thursday) –Mandatory Instructor Orientation
• December 3, 2011 (Saturday) – Saturday Clinic
• December 4, 2011 (Sunday) – Sunday Clinic
• December 15, 2011 (Thursday) – Student Orientation – 6:30 p.m. at the Mazama Mountaineering Center.
• January 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2012 (Saturdays) or January 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2012 (Sundays) – Nordic classes

There are two ways to apply to be a Mazamas Nordic Ski School instructor:

• If at all possible, please apply online using the Nordic Instructor Application Form
• If you are unable to apply online please call the Mazama Mountaineering Center at 503-227-2345 and apply over the phone.  Lee Davis OR an office volunteer can enter your information in the database.

Instructor Recognition
The Nordic Committee would like to recognize the volunteer Nordic ski instructors who make the Mazama Nordic Ski School possible.  There are three levels of recognition:

1) 5-year Nordic Ski Instructor Award.  This award will be given to any person who has instructed in the Nordic program for 5 years.
2) 10-year Nordic Ski Instructor Award.  This award will be given to any person who has instructed in the Nordic program for 10 years.
3) 15-year Nordic Ski Instructor Award.  This award will be given to any person who has instructed in the Nordic program for 15 years.

The awards will be presented at the annual Mazama Annual Celebration.  The Nordic Committee will present certificates and badges to folks who have taught in the Ski School for 5, 10 or 15 years as Lead Instructors or Assistants.  Any person qualifying for these awards needs to submit data to the Nordic Committee by e-mail to Elliott Mecham at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). If you’d like to receive the awards, please send Elliott a list of years taught and names of co-instructors by Dec. 5, 2011.  Also note whether you plan to attend the Annual Celebration.

USDA Special Use Permit Information and Non-Discrimination Statement

Mazamas Education Programs operate under a special use permit with the Mt. Hood National Forest.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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