FUN, FRIENDLY, and WELCOMING.

These words best describe EMXC Youth. Our club also encourages “great sportsmanship” and offers both a racing (fast) and recreational program.

Registration

  1. EMXC Youth is for children who are 7-14 by December 31, 2023 (high school students are not eligible).
  2. Purchase a NENSA youth membership for the SKIER, $25 annually. Register under the Bill Koch Youth League, our club is Eastern Mass Cross Country (EMXC). Make a note of the membership number, as you will need it when you register for EMXC Youth.
  3. Register for EMXC Youth. Club fee: $65 for age 7, $100 and $140 for 8+ (the higher fee is for Scandinavian skiers who practice 3 days a week).
  4. Please note trail passes and equipment fees are not included in registration. We recommend scheduling a rental appointment early (read more about passes and equipment below).
  5. Once you register for EMXC Youth, you also become a member of Friends of Leo J Martin Skiing (FOLJMS), a nonprofit that works via partnerships to ensure skiing thrives and survives at the Weston Ski Track. As a member, you will receive communications and updates from FOLJMS.

Communication

  1. General club information is sent via club email - [EMXC Youth] *Youth Families. Specific practice information is updated on our youth news page.
  2. Check your email for a welcome note, a practice schedule, and our New Parent Checklist.
  3. Club emails are sent via Google Groups. Once you register, we will add you to our Google Group (EMXC Youth). Your settings must allow your email to be added. Check your spam folder for club emails and be sure to add youth-families@lists.emxc.org to your address book so that you will receive club communications.
  4. Prior to each practice, check Youth News for Coach Stock’s technique call (classic or skate), which is often weather related.
  5. Reach out to our Communications Lead Volunteer at youth@emxc.org with any questions.

Season Opener

  • Typically takes place on a Sunday in mid-November at Lincoln Sudbury Regional High School.
  • Skiers participate in a dryland practice.
  • Families learn about equipment, clothing, waxing and the overall season.
  • Whole club clothing and used gear swap.
  • Great opportunity to meet other families in the program.

Trail Passes and Equipment

  • Prior to the first practice at the Weston Ski Track, a trail pass to the Leo J. Martin Ski Track is mandatory for each skier.
  • DCR’s Leo J Martin Ski Track sells youth and family season passes. Passes are usually available in mid-November. In recent seasons, a youth season pass cost $80 and a family pass cost $300.
  • Affordable season rentals are also available at the Weston ski track. Equipment rental packages start at $215. We highly encourage first year families to consider renting as it is often cheaper and takes the guesswork out of choosing the right equipment in year one.
  • Learn more about equipment by clicking on the sidebar link and check out our used gear swap in the "members only" section of the website.

Practices

Season typically runs from early December through mid-March. We do not require a commitment at each practice, however Saturday practices are crucial for development.

Our club divides skiers into three regions based on age, experience and ability.

  1. North America (USA, Alberta, Quebec, Ontario) is for skiers who are brand new to the program. Skiers starting in USA spend two seasons in North America.
  2. Western Europe (Switzerland, Austria, Germany) is for returning skiers who want to improve their recreational skiing.
  3. Scandinavia (Sweden, Finland, Norway) is for returning skiers who want to improve their skiing and focus on racing. Typically they ski three times each week.

General Practice Schedule

SaturdayWednesdayThursday

Scandinavia

8:15am - 9:45am6:30pm - 7:30pm6:30pm - 7:30pm
Western Europe8:30am - 10am6:30pm - 7:30pmNo Practice
North America (except USA)8:30am - 10am6:30pm - 7:30pmNo Practice
USA (7-year-olds)8:45am - 9:45amNo PracticeNo Practice

Coaches

We welcome coaches at all levels, only asking that coaches can ski both skate and classic. Many of our coaches learn to ski at the same time as their children. Other coaches come from a racing background. We are proud of our multiple coaches with L100 or L200 coaching certification from US Ski and Snowboard (USSS). All of our coaches participate in SafeSport training and have background checking through USSS.

Clothing

  • Layers are key to cross country skiing
  • We encourage new families to buy a cross country ski pant (like Swix universal)
  • Get some club spirit with a team hat or buff
  • Race suits and team clothing can be purchased in the fall, but are not mandatory. Many skiers do not own team clothing.
  • Learn more about clothing using the sidebar link

Waxing

Cross country skis require waxing and cleaning. We know it’s intimidating; we have many coaches and volunteers to teach you the basics.

  • Waxing can be broken down into two basic components, glide and kick.
  • Glide wax helps the ski to slide over the snow effortlessly.
  • On skate skis, the entire base of the ski is glide waxed.
  • On classic skis, glide wax is applied to the tips and tails; kick wax and klister are applied to the middle portion of the ski for traction, depending on the conditions.
  • Glide waxing is done at home or in our wax tent before/after practice. Typically skiers will apply kick wax with their countries prior to classic practices.
  • First steps are to learn glide wax application and cleaning skis.
  • Check out these videos for helpful hints: Glide Wax 101, apply kick wax, remove kick wax.
  • Check out waxing on our website for more info.

Special Events

  • In addition to our Season Opener, the club has several special events to build community and give racing opportunities.
  • Each country enjoys a hot chocolate party once post-practice per season. Great opportunity for families to get to know each other.
  • Our club’s only race happens during the Carnival, typically in late January/early February.
  • Bill Koch League (BKL) Festival is a weekend of races and ski activities for all the New England ski clubs. Typically takes place early March.
  • Closing Event typically takes place late March/early April to celebrate the season.