SkiPost
Volume 16 Issue 7: June 12, 2014
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Do you have a Nordic training, technique, equipment, travel, or event question? Just email us at [email protected] 

 Vertically Challenged

 

I coach skiers that are between 12-18 years old, from beginner to more advanced, and we get together throughout the summer to work on technique and endurance.  I want to add more hills and longer intervals, but the problem is that we don't have the terrain to do good long uphill double poles or hills big enough to do long pole bounds.  Our biggest hills on pavement are maybe half a kilometer long with some of that very gradual and others too steep to do anything effective, and our longest hills on grass are maybe 40 meters long. We don't have any tall buildings to do much for stair work and traveling much outside of our city is not easy except for maybe on an occasional weekend. Wondering if you knew of any workouts/training ideas that we would be able to effectively use to challenge our skiers as well as make sure they don't get bored with doing a lot on a small hill?  We will be doing weight training a few times a week, but want to improve their hills and endurance. Thank you for your time and happy skiing!

 

Signed Team Vertically Challenged.

 

Dear Vertically Challenged

 

I am from the "flatlands" of the Midwest, so I have some experience here.

 

I look at training as 4 intertwined training factors:

 

- Training volume

-Training intensity

-Technical/Tactical

- Training Modality

 

The primary void that is created with a lack of hills surrounds the technical/tactical factor.  There are techniques both uphill and downhill that need to be practiced and perfected.  You can still get the physical volume and intensity, but you'll need to be creative to develop the diagonal stride techniques in classic as well as V1 and V2 in skate.

Also, sport specific strength has to be tackled in a creative way (which falls under technical/tactical).

 

Following are some suggestions:

1. Running and bounding intervals on your ski trails.  I suspect the climbs aren't sustained but a sustained effort can be maintained with running and then ski bound the climbs. The focus should be on fluid bounding when transferring from run to bound. You can scale the effort based on the prescribed intensity (either threshold or L4 intervals).

Bounding is a plyometric activity, therefore it is an excellent ski-specific strength and intensity session. Bounding is demanding, so it would be best to progress from running intervals to bounding intervals OR progress from easier ski terrain toward your most demanding ski trail.

 

2. Poling sessions can also be on rolling terrain where the athletes allow the intensity to climb a slightly during the short-gradual uphills and continue on for a sustained endurance session.

 

3. Poling intervals can be done on shorter-steeper hills by going a little faster and shorter.  This intensity could be at or above race pace with an emphasis on good technique and strength.  A focus on strength means that you are achieving full recovery.  These intervals might be 25-45 seconds per rep with full recovery (1.5-3min off time).  An increase in grade of the road is the best way to progress these OR you can introduce slower rollerskis.

 

4. Skating without poles intervals is a method to develop skate specific lower body strength and technique.

 

5. Downhills - One topic not to be forgotten is the development of agility and speed on skis.  This is another topic that will be missed without hills.  Build technical rollerski skill courses like this one from our

 

Under-16 camp last year:  

7-29-13 Under 16 National Camp-Marquette MI
7-29-13 Under 16 National Camp-Marquette MI

 

This will engage the athletes & improve their ski skills.  Get them to do things on rollerskis that they didn't think were possible..

 

All that being said, use your weekends productively to occasionally travel to hills and focus on ski-specificity.  Threshold intervals are an excellent way to target both ski specific intensity and technique.

 

There is nothing revolutionary about my answers.  I think the best thing to do is key in on quality of execution and being being creative with progressing these tasks.  One way to be creative is to blend activities.

Maybe have them do specific strength double pole uphill and ski down the hill on one ski for balance.  Then recover fully and go again.  Maybe add single stick and have them adapt their poling frequency.  If they typically take 30 double poles up the hill, can they do it in 20?  What happens when they take 40 double pole for the same segment? Do they conserve and expend more energy?  The intent here is to make the athlete adaptable without becoming mechanical.  Seek out fluidity of movement.

 

There are numerous of other ways to address training in an environment with limited vertical terrain, however these are some ideas that I have used with success.  The important questions to ask yourself are:


1. How am I addressing all four factors of training (volume, intensity, technical/tactical, and varying training modalities)?

2. How am I progressing the training from the baseline fitness of where my athletes are currently towards their winter performance goals?

  

 

I hope this helps,

 

Bryan Fish

Development Coach

U.S. Ski Team

  

SPONSOR NEWS

 

 

 

Salomon's S-LAB Process

  

Salomon skis are made according to the famous Salomon S-Lab process: developed, tested and validated by and for athletes. In late May and now June the crew has been hard at work testing in Sognefjell and Torsby. In Sognefjell we get real snow and in Torsby we get the same snow every day. Endless ski prototypes with different materials, laminates placement, cores, molds, press parameters, everything has been studied. We make repetitive blind tests with statistical analysis to study and learn. We test with World Cup athletes, as well as Loppet and Jr. Racers. It is work. But it is good work and we hope you like the results. Follow SalomonNordic on Facebook to see and ask more. 

Patrice, Romain & he who shall not be named
Patrice & Romain-global service/test at Sognefjell    

Jimmy Johnsson in Torsby Test

Daniel Tynell in Torsby Test

Post Test BBQ

Jimmy Johnsson-Team COOP, Ake Nilsson-Swedish race/test service,  Patrice Frison Roche-Global race/test service 

  

Follow SalomonNordic on Facebook to see and ask more.  
Why Start & Bliz?
 
Ok SkiPost we see you are directly linked to Start and Bliz? But why should we go with Start and Bliz? What makes them different than any other brand?
 
We promote Start because we feel you get more from Start  than any other wax or pole brand. It is a family owned company that makes it's own wax at it's own factory in Lahti, Finland. They live wax and have created the most complete line available and can tell you first hand why each wax exists and when/how to use them. For these reasons we promote Start unabashedly. 
 
We distribute Bliz for much the same reasons. Bliz is a family owned company from Gothenburg, Sweden. When we we were working the 2010 Olympics we noticed that Bliz were the choice of so many Nordic stars. We then discovered how affordable they were, while offering great clarity, customization and unsurpassed comfort. All these reasons made promoting Bliz a no brander. 
 
Andy at Bliz, Start, SkiPost
Wax Nerds Wanted

Do you love waxing skis? Can you wax prophetic about wax? Do you love standing in the cold helping others enjoy skiing? Start is looking for you to become a Start Waxing Ambassador and Hometown Hero.
 
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Employment

Look for  Nordic Job? email [email protected] to post

 

 

 

Anette B�e 
Ski Coach - Instructor
 
Anette B�e , the multiple time Olympic and World Championship medalist from Norway is looking to share her coaching and ski instructing skills with North Americans. 

Anette has been a coach for the: 
Norwegian Women's Cross Country Ski Team  
Norwegian Women's Hockey Team 
and run her own ski school.

Education:

Norwegian University of Sports; Bachelor phys.ed.
Norwegian School of Marketing, Oslo, Norway

Norway Future Female leader & coach program
 
If you are looking for a highly qualified coach and instructor and would like to discuss the options with Anette email  [email protected] 
and we will put you in touch with her.

 

Anette B�e at 1985 World Championships

where she won 2 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze

and the year she won the overall World Cup

Nordic Job Openings

Nordic Job Opening? email [email protected] to post

The Utah Nordic Alliance (TUNA) Seeking Head Coach

 

The Utah Nordic Alliance (TUNA) is seeking a full-time year-round Coach/Director to lead the competition and recreational ski programs.  The Coach/Director will be a primary coach for the Comp and Jr Comp teams and will be responsible for oversight and development of an integrated recreational and competition program to develop skiers following the mission of the TUNA Junior Program.  Please refer to the attached position description for details. Interested applicants should review the position description for details and send applications and inquiries to [email protected].

Duties will include:

  • Preparing and supervising team and individual training plans for Comp Team athletes.
  • Administrative duties in connection with the operation of the Comp and Junior Comp teams.
  • Providing coaching and waxing support for local ski races, travel with the Comp Team for out-of-town trips, provide coaching and wax support for IMD Junior National Championship Qualifier events, and organize and lead a number of out of town training camps. The Coach will also provide support for select regional and National events.
  • Planning, organization, and coach recruitment for TUNA's Recreation and Development programs.
  • Assisting the TUNA Board in team development functions and fund raising.
  • Maintaining on-going communication with Comp and Jr. Comp Team athletes and their parents.

This is a year-round position that, in addition to Winter skiing activities and competitions, also includes Summer and Fall dryland training and training camp responsibilities.  Interested candidates are encouraged to send a cover letter, resum�, and list of three references to [email protected].


 

Teton Valley Ski Education Foundation

Junior Nordic Head Coach

 

Teton Valley Ski Education Foundation (TVSEF) based out of Driggs, Idaho, wishes to retain a head coach who will have primary responsibility of coaching our middle school and high school aged team members.  The head coach will also have the responsibility of the day to day planning, administration, and oversight of all our Junior Nordic Programs.  The job will be salaried and seasonal from approximately October - March.  Contact Dan Streubel at [email protected] for further information and to obtain a detailed job description of our head coach position.  www.tvsef.org


Leavenworth Winter Sports Club
Head Coach/ Program Director for Nordic Team
 
Leavenworth, WA
The Leavenworth Winter Sports Club is seeking a Head Coach/Program Director to work with its Nordic Program, serving kindergarten through high school age skiers and competitive racers. This is an exciting opportunity to join an established Club with very successful programs and develop a comprehensive Nordic Program for all ages.

This is a seasonal salaried position (December through March) that requires availability for weekly practice and perform other aspects of running the team including travel to scheduled races and camps. The position is seasonal part-time (June -November) as off-season training programs are developed.

Qualifications:
1. Energetic and highly self-motivated
2. Collegiate or national level racing and/or coaching experience
3. Planning, budgeting and organizing skills
4. Team leadership
5. Strong written and verbal communication skills

Duties include:
1. Guide and develop the overall LWSC Nordic Program structure and vision
2. Athlete education and coaching, with an emphasis on fitness, technique and skill development
3. Supervise and conduct safe, fun and developmentally appropriate practices and activities for each age group.
3. Plan, develop, and implement training plans and practice sessions for high school age skiers
4. Identify strengths and weaknesses of athletes
5. Nurture and develop athletes' potential skills and abilities
6. Analyze and evaluate athlete's performances and modify training programs
7. Maintain scheduling with different age group practices
8. Work with and manage assistant coaches and parent volunteers conducting practices, waxing, events, races, and carpooling.
9. Communicate with athletes and families by email, website, and social media about schedules and upcoming events (LWSC staff will assist in these duties when applicable).
10. Attend races with the team. Coordinate waxing (both classic and skate) and wax testing while at races.
11. Assist in fundraisers and functions over the course of the year.

Please send resumes and references to:
Mark Milliette, General Manager [email protected] 
Summit Nordic Ski Club 
head coach 
 
SNSC is an established Nordic ski club located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, home to four outstanding Nordic ski centers, as well as Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin and Copper Mountain alpine ski resorts . Located just 75 miles west of Denver, this outdoor oriented community offers excellent training facilities including 40 miles of detached paved bike paths and an extensive trail 
network. 
 
"The primary mission of the Summit Nordic Ski Club is to provide the youth of Summit County with a well-balanced ski racing program including fitness, self-esteem, and character building through training 
and competition within a nurturing environment. ' 
 
Responsibilities Include: 
Coaching junior skiers from our Prep, Devo and Comp programs including those who are aspiring to compete at Jr Nationals and the Scando Cup. 
 
Head Coach will be travelling with athletes to appropriate racing opportunities and camps.  Develop a regular schedule of practice and training for our athletes. 
 
Qualifications Include: 
 
Ability and desire to work with all age groups and abilities 
Strong communication and organizational skills 
Previous coaching experience preferred 
 
This year around position involves coaching and mentoring U12 thru U20 aged athletes and to help foster and grow Nordic Racing in our community. 
 
Reply with a cover letter and resume to: 
Dan McCrerey, SNSC President, [email protected]

Nordic Center Director 

at Snow Mountain Ranch/YMCA of the Rockies, 

Granby CO

 

Position Summary:

Responsible for managing and directing all operational aspects of the Nordic Center, including year-round trail development and maintenance, and coordinating year-round special events.  Manages specialty retail outlets on property.

 

To see an overview of the position, including requirements, compensation, and the application process, please view:

http://snowmountainranch.org/work/year-round-employment/

 

ABOUT THE SNOW MOUNTAIN RANCH NORDIC CENTER

More than 20,000 skiers per year visit our property covering 5,200 acres of mountain meadows at an altitude of 9,000 feet.  Snow Mountain Ranch's Nordic Center has more than 100 kilometers of groomed trails accommodating everyone from the first-time classic cross-country skier or snowshoer to the elite racer/skate skier.  We are proud to host members of the U.S. Paralympics Nordic team for their training, regional races, the Colorado Biathlon, and other world class events. Beyond cross country skiing, families and groups can enjoy ice skating, sledding & tubing, snowshoeing and sleigh rides. Canine companions are welcome to join skiers on some of the trails, for a full-family workout.

Applications due by May 30, 2014.


About SkiPost

 

Cross-Country skiing's community lodge. Where knowledge and stories are shared. The goal of SkiPost is to make the sport of Cross-Country skiing easier and more enjoyable for all who choose to participate. If you have questions on Cross-Country Skiing email us [email protected] and visit SkiPost.com

 

Enjoy Winter,

Andrew Gerlach
Director/Editor- SkiPost
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In This Issue
Vertically Challenged
S-Lab process
Why Start & Bliz
Wax Nerds Wanted
Anette Bøe
Nordic Job Openings



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