Frequently Asked Questions - Race Teams
What are the requirements to ski on the Development (Devo) Team?
The Devo Team age requirement is based on US Ski & Snowboard age categories. Devo Skiers need to be in the U12 and U14 age brackets. The skier must be able to ski 5km comfortably.
What are the requirements to ski on the Competition (Comp) Team?
The Comp Team age requirement is based on US Ski & Snowboard Age categories. Comp Skiers need to be in the U16 and U18 age brackets. The skier must be interested in racing and be able to ski 10km comfortably.
When does practice start for the race teams?
Practice for the Comp Team will begin in late October after Cross Country season completes. The Devo Team will begin in late November. We start off with “Dryland” training – running, roller skiing (comp team only) and strength training – typically lasts until mid to late November. We transition to on-snow training as soon as the trails are snow-covered!
What days do the race teams practice?
Where do the race teams practice?
Practices rotate between the Michigan Tech nordic ski trails, Swedetown Ski Area, and the Maasto Hiihto trails. Both teams practice at the same location. The practice plans (location, time, equipment needed) are communicated weekly via Ski Tiger message board/email.
Can I get directions to the trails?
Maps to trail heads can be found here.
Do I need to purchase a trail pass?
Kids under 13 yrs old ski free. Adults must purchase a trail pass.
Is Ski Tigers ever cancelled?
Practice occasionally needs to be cancelled due to the weather. Competitive, Development and Adventure Teams will be notified by coaches via email if practice is cancelled.
How do I get added to the Ski Tiger email list?
We use the email addresses provided on the skier registration form. Please be sure to include every email address you want on the list serve. Click here to send to request to be added.
What equipment will my Comp/Devo skier need?
Add a list of equipment. See our FAQ Equipment page for more information on selecting proper equipment.
What if my son/daughter currently does not have race equipment?
Cross country skiing can be an expensive endeavor, especially racing. It is preferred that your skier have their own equipment, however, the team has a good selection of new and used race equipment that can be rented for a nominal fee for the ski season. The Annual Fall Ski Tiger Ski Swap is a great place to find used race equipment. Our local ski shops are also very supportive of the race team and offer discounts for race team members. Down Wind Sports and Cross Country Sports both offer a Team Discount Day – Date TBD.
Do we need to buy a jacket and/or a race suit for the Devo & Comp Teams?
Ski Tigers loans race suits and warmup jackets to Development and Competition Team skiers to compete in. Skiers return the apparel at the end of season. Additional apparel items may be available per order, but this is optional.
What if my son/daughter joins the team but decides it is not for him/her?
All fees need to be paid by November 1. However, on-snow practice may not begin until well after this date. For that reason, we will refund 75% of the team fees until December 31 if a skier decides not to continue with the race team. Skiers who are “on the fence” are encouraged to talk to one of the coaches about their decision to continue.
Are there volunteer requirements for the race team skiers and parents?
Yes! Each family of a Comp Team skier is assigned one small job and one big job for our Parent Involvement Program. Also, in an effort to keep the registration fees at a reasonable level, we require skiers and parents to help out with fundraisers throughout the year. Comp and Devo Team skiers AND parents help at our annual Gear Swap in the fall (usually in late October) and serve as volunteers for the Run the Keweenaw in July. Our fundraising efforts typically earn us $5000 - $6000 each year. Family involvement helps make our program such a success!
Are there other fees involved?
Most team race registration fees are included in the team registration. However, registration fees for other races are the skier’s responsibility. Any travel expenses are shared equally among participating skiers. The team managers will estimate race expenses for each race, such as, gas, food, and lodging, if necessary. An e-mail will be sent after the event with the exact amount due.
Are all skiers required to purchase US Ski & Snowboard/CXC membership?
All competition, development, and adventure team skiers are required to register for US Ski & Snowboard/CXC. Parents are responsible for filling out the US Ski & Snowboard membership form, the CXC membership is added as division dues. This membership is required for all CXC races (e.g., CXC Youth Cup Kick-off or Jr. Birkie) and also gives the Ski Tigers organization some additional liability insurance. Competition team skiers that participate in the summer program will register and pay for US Ski & Snowboard/CXC membership at the beginning of the summer. All others will register for US Ski & Snowboard/CXC at registration.
Which level of US Ski & Snowboard/CXC membership should I register my Adventure, Devo or Comp Skier?
There are several of options depending on your skiers goals. Click HERE for recommendations. Please talk to the Comp or Devo head coach to determine which level is appropriate for your skier. Adventure Skiers do not need to register for US Ski & Snowboard/CXC.
What are the US Ski & Snowboard age groups?
U14 (ages 12-13)
U16 (ages 14-15)
U18 (ages 16-17)
U20 (ages 18-19)
* Age as of Jan 1
Who is responsible for waxing my skiers skis?
The competition team skiers are trained to wax their own skate and classic skis. Wax is provided. The development and adventure skiers are trained to wax their own classic skis. There is typically a clinic in the wax room for the development team skiers prior to races to assist them in waxing. Wax is provided. For routine waxing there is a public wax bench and iron in the MTU community room. If your skier is using team equipment please be sure to ask your coach for a wax demonstration before waxing your skis.
The Devo Team age requirement is based on US Ski & Snowboard age categories. Devo Skiers need to be in the U12 and U14 age brackets. The skier must be able to ski 5km comfortably.
What are the requirements to ski on the Competition (Comp) Team?
The Comp Team age requirement is based on US Ski & Snowboard Age categories. Comp Skiers need to be in the U16 and U18 age brackets. The skier must be interested in racing and be able to ski 10km comfortably.
When does practice start for the race teams?
Practice for the Comp Team will begin in late October after Cross Country season completes. The Devo Team will begin in late November. We start off with “Dryland” training – running, roller skiing (comp team only) and strength training – typically lasts until mid to late November. We transition to on-snow training as soon as the trails are snow-covered!
What days do the race teams practice?
- The Comp Team holds practices on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Practices typically go from 4:15 to 6:00 on weekdays and from 10:00 – 12:00 Saturday mornings.
- The Devo Team practices on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at the same time/location as Comp Team. Note that the Devo Team does not practice on Saturdays until the snow flies.
- The Adventure Team typically practices at the same time/location as the Devo team.
Where do the race teams practice?
Practices rotate between the Michigan Tech nordic ski trails, Swedetown Ski Area, and the Maasto Hiihto trails. Both teams practice at the same location. The practice plans (location, time, equipment needed) are communicated weekly via Ski Tiger message board/email.
Can I get directions to the trails?
Maps to trail heads can be found here.
Do I need to purchase a trail pass?
Kids under 13 yrs old ski free. Adults must purchase a trail pass.
Is Ski Tigers ever cancelled?
Practice occasionally needs to be cancelled due to the weather. Competitive, Development and Adventure Teams will be notified by coaches via email if practice is cancelled.
How do I get added to the Ski Tiger email list?
We use the email addresses provided on the skier registration form. Please be sure to include every email address you want on the list serve. Click here to send to request to be added.
What equipment will my Comp/Devo skier need?
Add a list of equipment. See our FAQ Equipment page for more information on selecting proper equipment.
What if my son/daughter currently does not have race equipment?
Cross country skiing can be an expensive endeavor, especially racing. It is preferred that your skier have their own equipment, however, the team has a good selection of new and used race equipment that can be rented for a nominal fee for the ski season. The Annual Fall Ski Tiger Ski Swap is a great place to find used race equipment. Our local ski shops are also very supportive of the race team and offer discounts for race team members. Down Wind Sports and Cross Country Sports both offer a Team Discount Day – Date TBD.
Do we need to buy a jacket and/or a race suit for the Devo & Comp Teams?
Ski Tigers loans race suits and warmup jackets to Development and Competition Team skiers to compete in. Skiers return the apparel at the end of season. Additional apparel items may be available per order, but this is optional.
What if my son/daughter joins the team but decides it is not for him/her?
All fees need to be paid by November 1. However, on-snow practice may not begin until well after this date. For that reason, we will refund 75% of the team fees until December 31 if a skier decides not to continue with the race team. Skiers who are “on the fence” are encouraged to talk to one of the coaches about their decision to continue.
Are there volunteer requirements for the race team skiers and parents?
Yes! Each family of a Comp Team skier is assigned one small job and one big job for our Parent Involvement Program. Also, in an effort to keep the registration fees at a reasonable level, we require skiers and parents to help out with fundraisers throughout the year. Comp and Devo Team skiers AND parents help at our annual Gear Swap in the fall (usually in late October) and serve as volunteers for the Run the Keweenaw in July. Our fundraising efforts typically earn us $5000 - $6000 each year. Family involvement helps make our program such a success!
Are there other fees involved?
Most team race registration fees are included in the team registration. However, registration fees for other races are the skier’s responsibility. Any travel expenses are shared equally among participating skiers. The team managers will estimate race expenses for each race, such as, gas, food, and lodging, if necessary. An e-mail will be sent after the event with the exact amount due.
Are all skiers required to purchase US Ski & Snowboard/CXC membership?
All competition, development, and adventure team skiers are required to register for US Ski & Snowboard/CXC. Parents are responsible for filling out the US Ski & Snowboard membership form, the CXC membership is added as division dues. This membership is required for all CXC races (e.g., CXC Youth Cup Kick-off or Jr. Birkie) and also gives the Ski Tigers organization some additional liability insurance. Competition team skiers that participate in the summer program will register and pay for US Ski & Snowboard/CXC membership at the beginning of the summer. All others will register for US Ski & Snowboard/CXC at registration.
Which level of US Ski & Snowboard/CXC membership should I register my Adventure, Devo or Comp Skier?
There are several of options depending on your skiers goals. Click HERE for recommendations. Please talk to the Comp or Devo head coach to determine which level is appropriate for your skier. Adventure Skiers do not need to register for US Ski & Snowboard/CXC.
What are the US Ski & Snowboard age groups?
U14 (ages 12-13)
U16 (ages 14-15)
U18 (ages 16-17)
U20 (ages 18-19)
* Age as of Jan 1
Who is responsible for waxing my skiers skis?
The competition team skiers are trained to wax their own skate and classic skis. Wax is provided. The development and adventure skiers are trained to wax their own classic skis. There is typically a clinic in the wax room for the development team skiers prior to races to assist them in waxing. Wax is provided. For routine waxing there is a public wax bench and iron in the MTU community room. If your skier is using team equipment please be sure to ask your coach for a wax demonstration before waxing your skis.
