French SkiSparks Club

We are looking forward to a great 2026-2027 season! This is a volunteer-run club, so please consider one of volunteer roles. If you are new to skiing and would like to connect with one of our co-leaders, please email us at [email protected]

Schedule and location

Sunday, January 3rd 2027 will be our first day on snow. If we have natural snow, we will meet at French from 1:30PM - 3:00PM; Level 1 will meet from 1:30 to 2:45PM. Look for us outside in the back of the chalet.

 

In the event of no natural snow, we will move to Elm Creek Park Reserve, Sundays from 1:00pm-2:15pm. Level one will end at 2:00pm. Parking is competitive at Elm Creek so please allow plenty of time. We meet on the snow where the trail access begins right after the rental building (next to the chalet).

 

Weather and cancellation policy

We will not ski if the air temperature is below -2˚ F or the wind chill is below -10˚ F, or at the leader’s discretion. Always check your email or email [email protected] with questions. We will make a final weather or conditions call on Sunday morning at 9am by sending an email to all of the families.  

Clothing

Dress warmly, but dress to move! It's best to dress in layers and avoid cotton or cotton-blends. Suggested layers*:

• Base layer (underwear layer) wicks sweat off your skin: polypropylene or lightweight wool long underwear tops and bottoms
• Middle layer (insulating layer) retains body heat to protect you from the cold: a second long-underwear top, a long-sleeve (non-cotton) t-shirt or a lightweight fleece
• Outer layer (shell layer) shields you from wind and snow: heavy fleece or jacket on top and fleece pants/leggings or pants designed for xc skiing on bottom

Other tips for staying warm:

• Wool socks: Invest in a pair of wool (or non-cotton wool-alternative) socks that come up to mid-calf.
• Cover the head, ears and neck: We lose a lot of heat through our heads, so cover up with hats (that cover the ears), neck warmers, balaclavas or headbands.
• Dry boots: Cold, wet boots are no fun to put on. Bring ski boots in from the car and let them dry out between uses. Before driving to SkiSparks, have your kids put their boots on at home where it's warm.
• Mitten/gloves: Mittens will keep fingers warmer than gloves. Most kids where their waterproof snow gloves, but more advanced skiers may be more comfortable wearing breathable gloves designed for cross-country skiing.
• Hand/Foot warmers: For when it is really cold, hand and foot warmers are helpful. These are oxygen activated and you can "turn them off” by putting them in an airtight container (such as a glass jar) to get multiple uses.
• Calories: A skier who is low on calories will have a hard time staying warm. Bring extra snacks and drinks.

Equipment Rental

• Children grow quickly and so we are happy we can offer quality rental equipment for a low fee ($55/classic, $125/skate) for the entire season. The club typically distributes equipment in early December and collects it once the snow melts in the spring. That means that your children can take their equipment home and ski whenever they want. 
• You can rent equipment at the same time you register for SkiSparks. Supplies, especially larger sizes, are limited, but we try our best to secure rental equipment for all skiers who request it. If you pay for rental equipment when you register and we ultimately cannot outfit your child(ren), we will reimburse you for the fees.

Purchase

If you plan to purchase skis this season, we encourage you to do so early (October is not too early) because there was a ski shortage last year. You can also purchase used equipment at MYXC's annual ski swap.

Communications

We will be communicating with French MyXC families via email.  We need valid emails for all.  When you register please include a contact e-mail address.  You would be contacted for the following reasons:

• In the event we cancel because of weather.
• To let you know if we have to shift the time we are meeting because of weather or event at French
• To clear up any questions we may have about your registration.
• To be given periodic updates with news and information about the French ski club.

Need to contact us? Email us at [email protected]

Following are some suggested areas of volunteer service

Coaching:

This is our biggest need and is one of the most rewarding ways in which you can help the club. Kids get more out of the program when the coach-to-kid ratio is low, and coaches need not be experienced skiers to volunteer. The MyXC program makes it easy for a coach to know what to do.  An eight week curriculum has been prepared for every class level and each day's lesson is printed on a card that can be carried in your pocket. The pocket guide also provides many helpful tips and games to keep classes enjoyable and interesting. You do not have to be an elite level skier to be a coach.  All you need is a desire to help kids and have fun. Contact us at [email protected] to sign up.   

Junior Coaches:

High-school aged skiers, we need you!  We rely heavily on high school volunteers, who are fun, friendly and in far better shape than most of us. Coaching for French MyXC qualifies as a service commitment for NHS. Think about how great this will look on a college application! 

Assistant and Sub Coaches:

As an assistant coach, you can support a coach by accompanying the group on the trails and helping skiers. If you feel like your skiing level is at the same level as the level your kids are signed up for, you would be a fantastic assistant coach! You are not in charge of the instruction, rather you are there to make sure the kids are safe, have an adult to bring them to the bathroom, and can assist with activities.  

If you are a sub coach, you can fill in when a coach isn’t able to make it to ski club. 

 

Sweeper:

Being a sweeper is an especially great role for parents with no prior skiing experience who want to learn the basics and have some fun. Sweepers generally ski at the back of the group, supporting and encouraging skiers who may be struggling. They also accompany skiers who need to return to the meeting area to warm up, use the restroom, or take a break.

If you have ideas about how to help kids learn to ski, now is your chance to make it happen.