Organizations team up
to offer youth ski programs
Getting out on a pair of skis and enjoying our beautiful Aroostook County winter is easier than ever for youth because of a unique partnership between TAMC, Bigrock Mountain, and the Nordic Heritage Sport Club.
Both ski centers are offering weekly ski programs for youth throughout the winter. The programs, sponsored by TAMC, focus on creating a fun atmosphere for kids to try out skiing while helping them get comfortable on skis and build their skills.
The Nordic Heritage Youth Ski Program is offered free of charge at the Nordic Heritage Center on the Fort Fairfield Road in Presque Isle on most Saturdays from 10-11:30 a.m. The program is appropriate for skiers of all levels who are in grades 1-8.
“The goal of our program is make skiing fun,” said Sarah Gahagan, youth ski program director. “Kids who attend will participate in a variety of games and activities to help them improve while having a great time. We want kids to fall in love with skiing and being active outside.”
The program allows kids to experience Nordic skiing, also known as cross country skiing, behind the colorful lodge on the flat ground and rolling hills of the Nordic Heritage Center. In addition to featuring trails that are appropriate for youth, the facility also contains a terrain park that allows skiers to build skills.
The program dates are Jan. 12, 19 and 26; Feb. 2, 9 and 16 and March 2. Children in grades one and two must be accompanied by an adult. Equipment rentals are available by contacting Heidi Bartley at 551-1705 or MOJO at 760-9500.
Bigrock SnowSchool offers three ski programs for youth between the ages of 4 and 13 at Bigrock Mountain in Mars Hill. The programs focus on building alpine, or downhill, skiing skills in a fun and friendly atmosphere. It is appropriate for kids who have never skied before and also for more experienced skiers.
Littlerockers, for kids between the ages of 4-6, meets every Saturday from 1-3 p.m. This program focuses on developing fundamental skills in a safe, fun environment. Instructors use games and activities to make learning fun.
Bigrockers, for kids between the ages of 7-13, also meets on Saturdays from 1-3. Open to riders of all abilities, this program is about fostering friendships and building a lifelong appreciation for staying active in winter. The program emphasizes skill development, getting experience on the mountain and having fun.
Racerockers, for ages 8-13, meets Sundays from 1-3. Participation is based on each individual’s ability and maturity level. The instructors tailor the program to match the needs of the participants.
“Our programs are structured so that we have something for everyone,” said Mark Shea, SnowSchool director. “Our instructors build a lot of variety into the program, and they really know how to help skiers move at the right pace and have a great time on skis.”
Equipment rentals are available right at the mountain.
TAMC is supporting both ski programs for a second consecutive year in order to make it easy for youth to stay active in the winter months. TAMC’s support of these programs is one of many things the organization does to encourage youth to develop healthy habits at an early age.
“Youth obesity is a serious problem in our communities, and anything we can do to provide children with an opportunity to engage in healthy activities they enjoy will make a difference,” said Renee Fournier, a TAMC pediatrician. “TAMC’s Aroostook Pediatrics office, through our work with Let’s Go Aroostook and other community partners, is tackling this problem head on, and we’re happy to support programs that promote exercise, particularly in the winter when it can be more difficult to get outside.”
There are also many opportunities for adults to get out on the slopes at both the Nordic Heritage Center and Bigrock Mountain this winter. Trails at the Nordic Heritage Center can be used free of charge, and adults and children can ski for free at Bigrock Mountain on Wednesday nights.
TAMC is sponsoring a free ski night at Bigrock Mountain Feb. 20 and encourages the community to come out and visit with the TAMC team and ski with Ted E. Bear, the organization’s mascot.
Youth programs at the Nordic Heritage Center and Bigrock Mountain run through early March.
