Frequently Asked Questions - Youth Program
How did Ski Tigers get started?
Ski Tigers began in the early 1990’s as the dream of Beth and Russ Reid. Cross Country skiing was their passion and they wanted to share that passion with the local community and in the process create a ski community for area youth. Ski Tiger volunteers continue this dream with their commitment, generosity, and passion. Volunteers continue to be the heart of Ski Tigers.
Where are sessions held?
Sessions occur at Tech Trails, Swedetown Trails and Maasto Hiihto Trails.
Youth program locations are determined before the season starts and can be found on the Calendar page.
Can I get directions to the trails?
Maps to trail heads can be found here.
Do I have to purchase a trail pass?
Kids under 13 yrs old ski free. Adults must purchase a trail pass. Daily trail passes can usually be purchased at the trail head (look for a donation-type box).
Michigan Tech seasonal / yearly trail passes can be purchased at the Nordic Club office (in the wax building) or at the ticket office at the SDC. Swedetown seasonal / yearly passes can be purchased at the Chalet. Trail passes can also be purchased online at KeweenawTrails.com or at https://www.michigantechrecreation.com/trails/membership/index
Is Ski Tigers ever cancelled?
Ski Tigers will be CANCELLED when:
Competitive and Development Teams will be notified by coaches via email.
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.
Is there a minimum age for Ski Tigers?
Yes. The minimum age is 5 years old (before the first session). This age limit has been set to try to overcome the biggest challenge with young skiers - staying warm and having fun. We want their first experience with skiing to be a positive one 😊.
How should my child dress for Ski Tigers?
A layering system consisting of 3 different layers usually works best. The inner layer should be moisture-wicking, the middle layer should be insulating, and the outer layer a shell (wind proof). (Please dress Green skiers like they are going to play outside, at least until they’re skiing/moving more.) There is some great information on the National Ski Patrol website. NOTE: cotton is NOT a good inner layer because it absorbs water rather than wicking it away from the skin.
What equipment will my youth skier need for Ski Tigers?
See our Equipment Basics page for more information on selecting proper equipment.
What if my son/daughter decides Ski Tigers is not for him/her?
All fees need to be paid by December 1. Ski Tigers will refund 75% of the fees if a skier decides not to continue Ski Tigers before the third Saturday session.
My skier is interested in joining the development or race team. What are the qualifications?
Eligibility for the comp & devo teams can be found on the Race Team FAQ page.
What is SafeSport?
President Trump signed the federal Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 into law in February 2018.
https://usskiandsnowboard.org/safesport-athlete-safety/safesport-faqs
https://usskiandsnowboard.org/sites/default/files/files-resources/files/2019/MAAPP-June-2019_0.pdf
How do I contact Ski Tigers?
Email your questions to [email protected].
Ski Tigers began in the early 1990’s as the dream of Beth and Russ Reid. Cross Country skiing was their passion and they wanted to share that passion with the local community and in the process create a ski community for area youth. Ski Tiger volunteers continue this dream with their commitment, generosity, and passion. Volunteers continue to be the heart of Ski Tigers.
Where are sessions held?
Sessions occur at Tech Trails, Swedetown Trails and Maasto Hiihto Trails.
Youth program locations are determined before the season starts and can be found on the Calendar page.
Can I get directions to the trails?
Maps to trail heads can be found here.
Do I have to purchase a trail pass?
Kids under 13 yrs old ski free. Adults must purchase a trail pass. Daily trail passes can usually be purchased at the trail head (look for a donation-type box).
Michigan Tech seasonal / yearly trail passes can be purchased at the Nordic Club office (in the wax building) or at the ticket office at the SDC. Swedetown seasonal / yearly passes can be purchased at the Chalet. Trail passes can also be purchased online at KeweenawTrails.com or at https://www.michigantechrecreation.com/trails/membership/index
Is Ski Tigers ever cancelled?
Ski Tigers will be CANCELLED when:
- Temperature at the ski site is below 0 degrees F (-18 C)
- The wind chill is BELOW -10 F (-23 C)
- In the judgment of the Ski Tigers president or their designee, a combination of factors, such as temperature, wind, blowing snow and road conditions makes Ski Tigers unadvisable.
Competitive and Development Teams will be notified by coaches via email.
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.
Is there a minimum age for Ski Tigers?
Yes. The minimum age is 5 years old (before the first session). This age limit has been set to try to overcome the biggest challenge with young skiers - staying warm and having fun. We want their first experience with skiing to be a positive one 😊.
How should my child dress for Ski Tigers?
A layering system consisting of 3 different layers usually works best. The inner layer should be moisture-wicking, the middle layer should be insulating, and the outer layer a shell (wind proof). (Please dress Green skiers like they are going to play outside, at least until they’re skiing/moving more.) There is some great information on the National Ski Patrol website. NOTE: cotton is NOT a good inner layer because it absorbs water rather than wicking it away from the skin.
What equipment will my youth skier need for Ski Tigers?
- Green, Grey, Blue and Purple group skiers will need classic skis, boots and ski poles. Ski poles are not required for the Green group.
- Red & Yellow groups will need classic and skate skis, ski boots and ski poles.
See our Equipment Basics page for more information on selecting proper equipment.
What if my son/daughter decides Ski Tigers is not for him/her?
All fees need to be paid by December 1. Ski Tigers will refund 75% of the fees if a skier decides not to continue Ski Tigers before the third Saturday session.
My skier is interested in joining the development or race team. What are the qualifications?
Eligibility for the comp & devo teams can be found on the Race Team FAQ page.
What is SafeSport?
President Trump signed the federal Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 into law in February 2018.
https://usskiandsnowboard.org/safesport-athlete-safety/safesport-faqs
https://usskiandsnowboard.org/sites/default/files/files-resources/files/2019/MAAPP-June-2019_0.pdf
How do I contact Ski Tigers?
Email your questions to [email protected].
