Welcome!

Schedule and location

Our club will meet on each Sunday, January 3 to February 21, 2010, at Baker Park Reserve in Medina from 1:15 to 2:45 pm. We gather in the back meeting room in Baker’s Chalet. Baker Park Reserve website: http://www.threeriversparks.org/activities/cross-country-skiing.aspx

We may have a few optional gatherings such as participation at local ski events.

Weather and cancellation policy

We will meet each week, regardless of snow conditions. Fortunately, Baker is one of the best metro locations for skiable snow. If we can't ski at Baker, we will ski at another park or will meet at Baker for non-snow activities (we will email you).

If the chalet at Baker Park is closed due to frigid temperatures our session is canceled (in 2007 they closed when the air temp was below -30˚ F or wind chill below –40˚ F). To see if the chalet is closed, call the Park chalet at (763) 694-7660. We may also cancel in other super cold conditions and will email you if our session is cancelled. If you are unable to reach the Park and have not received an email by Saturday at 8 p.m., feel free to contact the Club Leader.

Dress

Please be sure your child is dressed appropriately with the understanding that the chalet is always open for a cold skier. Appropriate dressing for active sports like cross country skiing means several thin or medium insulating layers, and a wind shell, not heavy winter coats.

Equipment

Rental equipment is available at the ski chalet, but come early because the equipment is rented on a first-come-first-served basis. If weather conditions warrant, Three Rivers Parks may not rent equipment on certain days.

We believe waxable skis are ultimately more fun because of better glide. But for most newer skiers, especially younger ones, waxless skis may be more convenient and more enjoyable. If you are considering new skis for an advanced skier, we recommend classic skis for both striding and skating because of their range of use and flexibility. Skating skis are very rigid for young, light skiers, performing poorly in soft to medium packed snow.

Volunteering

This is a volunteer organization, so we need you! Your Club Leader welcomes your help with snacks, handing out bibs and other tasks, but especially asks you to consider assisting a coach or coaching one of the groups! The coaches need only to commit to seven afternoons, understand the fundamentals of skiing, and have fun (Moms and Dads are great at this!). You do not need to be an expert skier, just be willing to help. We can never have too many coaches - more coaches means more personalized attention and more fun for the kids!

Parents

If you are the parent of a 4- or 5-year-old or have a skier in First Steppers (Level 1), we ask you to accompany your skier on snow at all times, either on or off skis. We encourage all parents to bring their skis along and join the fun, either assisting a group or skiing around the park.

Registration

See the Registration link at the top of the page to register online or to acquire a registration form. We encourage you to register early with MYSL - it really helps out our club's planning. If the season has started and you have not yet registered, don’t let that stop you -- register ASAP or just show up on a Sunday and we’ll help you with registration.

Contact info

For more information, contact MYSL Baker Youth Ski Club Leader Tim Reese at (952) 472-4613 or timreese@frontiernet.net

We hope you and your family enjoy the upcoming ski season!

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