Frequently asked questions
Please check out the team manual. It should be a good resource to get started! Here are the answers to some of the frequently asked questions.
Do I need previous experience with Nordic skiing to join the team?
You don’t need to have experience to join the team; new skiers are welcome here! We have a learn to ski program for kids ages 6-18 and a masters program as well. More information about these opportunities is posted on the registration page.
When does the season start?
It depends on the snow! Ski practices begin when there is enough snow to ski at Eldora Nordic Center and typically continue through spring break. Occasionally, we are able to practice at North Boulder Park in town. BNT also offers optional dryland running (and strength/games!), and rollerski practices in the fall.
Where does the team practice? When does the team practice?
All practices times and locations will be posted on the team calendar. In general, winter practices are held at Eldora and fall practices are held at various locations throughout Boulder. Weekday practices are after school, Saturday practices are held in the afternoon, and Sunday practices are held in the morning.
What gear do I need and how do I get it?
Note: There is a more complete list in the team manual.
Athletes in the learn to ski program will need the following:
- One pair of appropriately sized classic skis w/ NNN bindings** (all age groups)
- One pair of appropriately sized skate skis w/ NNN bindings** (U14-U20 athletes only)
- One pair of combi boots (for either technique)
- One pair of poles sized for classic skiing** (all age groups)
- One pair of poles sized for skate skiing** (U14-U20 athletes only)
- Breathable ski pants & jacket
- Long underwear for base layers
- Hat & gloves
- Warmer layers for colder days
- Sunscreen & sunglasses for sunny days
- Quality headlamp and spare batteries
- Range of glide waxes and kick waxes, waxing iron, scraper & a cork
- Waterbelt
- Snacks for before and after practice
** Boulder Nordic Team has a reasonably large fleet of skis and ski poles available for rent on a per-season basis. You can also purchase used or new equipment as our ski swap in November – this is a major club fundraiser and one of the best places in the country to pick up new or lightly used gear for rapidly growing athletes (or parents). Boulder Nordic Sport can also help you out and offer discounts to team members. If you need help figuring out where to get gear or sizing, coaches are happy to help. Send an email to info@bnjrt.ski.
How do I get new Boulder Nordic Team jackets/branded wear?
Every Athlete can order a team jacket through our team store which will open for a Thanksgiving order and a New Years order. Additionally, race suits, ski pants and training apparel will be available for all groups through this team store.
Isn’t it dark after school? How do we ski?
Yup, it gets dark during practice from November through March. We ski by headlamp – it’s fun! We recommend getting a good quality one with a battery level indicator so that you know you will have enough light for the evening!
Do I have to race to join the team?
No, there is no pressure to race when you join the team. Many of our athletes decide that they want to try racing eventually, because the race weekends are very fun and provide time to see friends and cheer each other on! Our coaches help each skier set appropriate goals for themselves. Skiers can race in none, one, or more races of their choosing!
If I decide to race, what races does the team typically participate in?
BNT participates in several optional race weekends (called “Junior National Qualifiers”) and a youth festival (in Frisco) at the end of the season. This year Junior National qualifiers will be held in Steamboat, Soldier Hollow (Salt Lake), Aspen, Crested Butte. We also have a Thanksgiving Camp in Crested Butte that all athletes, regardless of skill level, are encouraged to attend. The expenses for races and trips are separate from the membership fee. The racing season is posted here.
Does the registration fee cover races?
BNT keeps their fees lower than other clubs by separating out the cost of races from registration fees. We typically set up a block of rooms at a hotel near the race venue at a discounted rate that you can reserve yourself. Racers will need to pay race fees to register, contribute to joint costs for race waxing, coach fees, van fees, team foods and their own lodging and food costs. You will receive an invoice with the final amount owed for your potion of these costs after each race, which you can pay by check or Quickbooks (for an additional transaction fee). You are only invoiced for your share of actual expenses – we do not mark up these costs.
Wait, I have to wax my skis? How do I do that?
It’s not that hard! Skiers will need to have their skis glide-waxed for practice and be able to apply kick wax as conditions warrant. Coaches will provide waxing clinics at Thanksgiving camp in Crested Butte and in December in Boulder. Please reach out to coaches with questions as well.
I’m a parent… what are my responsibilities?
Thank you for asking!
- Mandatory Volunteering (for all groups except Learn to Ski): We are an all volunteer team and an all volunteer board. Parent participation is an essential part of our team’s cohesiveness and success. Each family should expect to contribute noticeable time and energy to sustain the growth of their skiers and vitality of the club. Please see our detailed information for volunteering to fulfill this requirement.
- Mandatory Donation: A $300/skier donation is collected at the time of registration. This donation is tax-deductible. Please don’t hesitate to email our Treasurer, Bob Petty, at accounting@bnjrt.ski with any questions about this change or for BNT’s tax-ID number. If the mandatory donation poses a challenge to your family, please notify Dan Weinberger or Lenora Reynolds at president@bnjrt.ski so that we can work with you!
- Fundraising: We appreciate any additional fundraising you can do to help the team. Some corporations will match your donations, and you can raise funds during our annual ski-a-thon, a fun event in March where athletes raise funds based on donations per lap skied.
- Athlete Preparedness: If a U8-U14 athlete arrives at a practice or a race without adequate food, drink, warm clothing or the necessary gear, parents must either find a warm place to wait with their child or transport them home. Please also remember a trail pass and a headlamp!
- Transportation: Parents are responsible for transporting all U8-U12 athletes to and from practice and races. Older athletes may ride in the team van for an additional fee. (Older athletes are encouraged to take the van since it is great for team bonding!)
I’m a parent who will be driving my kid up to Eldora to ski. What can I do with that time?
You too can ski or snowshoe at Eldora after hours, provided:
- Get a US Ski & Snowboard membership (club volunteer level is currently ). This requires you to complete a background check, safe-sport training online, and an introductory avalanche training online. This is mandatory and required by our team’s insurance.
- Purchase a season’s pass to Eldora Nordic Center. If you have an Ikon pass, this can be added on at a lower rate than a full independent pass. You must pick up your pass and sign a waiver while Eldora is open prior to visiting after hours.
We are also offering a masters team to teach parents & other community members how to ski! Please see our registration page for more details on this program.
I’m a parent and it seems like a lot of driving. Are there ways to reduce this?
Absolutely! Parents often informally coordinate rides. A team roster for parents will be provided, which will allow parents to contact one another about ride sharing coordination. Additionally, older skiers (U14 and older) can use the van to get to practice for an additional fee. Reach out to info@bnjrt.ski with questions.
What does U8, U10, U12, etc. mean?
These categories refer to the athlete’s age. Age is based upon the year an athlete was born regardless of the date of birth. For the 2024-2025 season:
U8 – ages 6 & 7, born in 2018 or 2019
U10 – ages 8 & 9, born in 2016 or 2017
U12 – ages 10 & 11, born in 2014 or 2015
U14 – ages 12 & 13, born in 2012 or 2013
U16 – ages 14 & 15, born in 2010 or 2011
U18 – ages 16 & 17, born in 2008 or 2009
U20 – ages 18 & 19, born in 2006 or 2007
Senior – ages 23 and above, born in 2002 or prior
If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Questions may be sent to our coaches through the email: info@bnjrt.ski or you can send us a note through our contact page. Thanks!