About the Junior Jets Program – REGISTER HERE!
Junior Jets teaches youth, U10 & U12 (ages 8 to 11) how to skate ski and improve their classic ski skills through games and exercises. Specific skills learned (depending on current ability) include diagonal stride, double pole, V-1, V-2, up hills, down hills and turning as well as ski knowledge, safety and etiquette. We will start dry land with running and games and move to skis as soon as there is snow.
Jets are encouraged to participate in the local ski races and in the regional Youth Champs festival (this year in McCall, ID). Snow permitting, Jets will go on an adventure ski – last year we skied on Big Mountain. It is expected that registrants have some cross-country or other ski experience. First time skiers 10 and under are encouraged to register for Chet Hope Youth Ski League. Skiers 12 and up are eligible for Teen Adventure or Prep & Prep Pro Team. Please contact glaciernordicskiteam@gmail.com with any questions.
Head Coach
Assistant Coaches
Denny Gignoux, Heidi Tate, Ed Visnovske, Nancy Persons
Program Dates
December 7, 2023 to February 22, 2024 (starting with dryland until the Golf Course Trails open)
Program Days & Time
Tuesday and Thursday, 4:15 to 5:30 pm
Location
Glacier Nordic Center or an alternative location for better snow and trail 
conditions.
Cost
$220. Includes a team hat for first-time registrants
Gear Rental
Available for the season at a cost of $100 rental for a complete set, or $60 rental for classic or skate gear.
If you want to use your own gear, please plan for compatibility with the NNN system. We begin handing out rental gear in late November – early December. Only registered and paid participants are able to rent.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for both rentals and tuition, please fill out and submit our GNST SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION. Please fill out the form ASAP and email to jennie@glaciernordicclub.org.
Applicants will be notified by email no later than November 30, 2023. Awarded scholarships will be refunded to the household account payment method. If you need to spread out your payments, please select our monthly payment option. If you need assistance covering initial funds prior to scholarship acceptance, please email jennie@glaciernordicclub.org for assistance with solutions.
Registration Open
Register here for the 2023-24 Season!
Junior Jets Gear List
- Skate skis, skate poles and combi boots
- Classic skis, poles and combi boots. Skis can be combi, waxless, or dedicated. See Gear Notes below.
OR combi skis used for both skate and classic (will need to remove kick wax after classic skiing) - Water belt and water bottle
- Jacket for varying conditions including rain/wet snow and cold weather – please no parkas – makes it hard to move
- Synthetic or wool clothing that you can layer appropriately for conditions (no cotton) wind layer on top. Dress as you would for winter running.
- Gloves, Hat, Sunglasses
Gear Notes
Waxless Skis
Waxless skis have a fish scale, cross-hatched or ridged pattern in the kick 
zone to provide grip eliminating the need for kick-wax. A liquid, glide was may be used on the scales to prevent snow and ice build-up. Depending on the bases the tips and tails may still benefit from hot wax or the liquid glide was.
Combi Skis
Combis skis do not have a pattern on the bottom of the skis and are fine to use. You’ll need to apply kick wax (this grips the snow) for classic days, then remove the kick wax and apply re-glide wax for skate days. Families are responsible for applying and removing the kick wax and applying the glide wax.
Poles
Having two pairs of poles—one for classic skiing, the other for skate skiing
—is important for learning proper technique. The top of classic poles should come to almost the top of the shoulder and skating poles to the upper lip.
Combi Boots
These boots can be used for both skate and classic skiing. They generally have a cuff to support the ankle for skate skiing, but aren’t as stiff as pure skate boots.