October 11^th was the first of five women’s specific ski clinics hosted by Ski and Tea to benefit the CXC Elite Women’s Team.  The clinic was held at the Birkie Trailhead on 00 Road in Seely, WI.  The weather was perfectly sunny and the fall colors were at their best.  An impressive 25 participants showed up, foreshadowing huge potential for the remaining clinics.

The topic of the clinic was, “Fundamental Movements of Cross-Country Skiing,” presented by Maria Stuber, CXC Elite and XC Ski Alliance team member.  Participants gathered in the warm up building at 8 AM for refreshments and introductions.  The first portion of the clinic focused on a classic skiing dry-land technique progression involving double polling, kick double poling, and striding.  Next, the group moved to a similar progression for skate skiing technique.  Some of the veteran skiers fine-tuned their skate technique, while others worked on the timing of open-field, V1, and V2.  Finally, the group strapped on their ski boots and roller skis and hit the pavement.  About half of the clinic participants tried roller skiing for the first time and no one left disappointed!  Beginners spent time working on glide and weight transfer, while the experienced roller skiers did some drills to develop their V2 technique.  The Hayward High School Ski Team graciously loaned out their set of roller skis for clinic participants to use.

The CXC Women’s Team is ecstatic to be a part of this women’s specific skiing project.  What the Ski and Tea group has created is MUCH more than a series of clinics.  Mutually beneficial relationships between community-based groups and elite athletics can have a huge impact on the development of cross-country skiing in the USA.  To progress as a nation, it is important to develop strong cross-country ski communities and to bridge the “interest gap” between recreational skiing and top level racing.  The partnership between Ski and Tea and the CXC Women’s team is an innovative and powerful way to accomplish this.

In addition, Ski and Tea is creating new training opportunities for women, introducing active women to the sport of cross-country skiing, and inspiring women to push themselves and try new things.  Hats off to Ski and Tea for everything they are doing to make a difference in the cross-country skiing community!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CENTRAL CROSS COUNTRY SKIING ANNOUNCES A SERIES OF WOMEN’S SPECIFIC CLINICS

HAYWARD, WI (October 3, 2008)

The CXC Elite Team ladies, in conjunction with Ski and Tea, are proud to announce a series of women specific clinics in the Hayward area. Ski and Tea is an exciting new women’s training group in the Hayward area. They focus on having fun and building a sense of camaraderie that encourages women to maintain a healthy lifestyle. To learn more about Ski and Tea, check out this article in “Trail Blazer” magazine (trail-blazer-article-ski-and-tea-31).  The CXC ladies are very excited to share their vision by hosting a series of clinics specific to nordic skiing. There will be five clinics in all, each led by one of the CXC ladies. The progressive style series will begin with dryland technique work, progress to rollerskis, on snow work, and culminate with a pre-Birkie race clinic.

Ski and Tea Women with CXC Elite Women's Team (September, 2008)

Ski and Tea is helping to organize the clinics, but you don’t have to be a member to enjoy this opportunity. All women interested in improving their technique, learning more about the sport, and having a great time within a supportive women’s only environment are encouraged to attend. Prior knowledge of nordic skiing is not necessary, although experienced veterans will still benefit from the fun drills designed to teach and cement proper technique. “We’re hoping to attract women of all levels and abilities. The only requirement is excitement for skiing and improvement”, CXC Team member and Hayward resident Heather Zimmerman.

Kristina Owen, another CXC Team member living in Hayward says, “The clinics will be progressive and build on each other, so if you can, I’d recommend attending all five. But we also know that people are busy, and we’ll make sure you’re not lost if you have to miss one. Come to what you can, they’re going to be a blast!”

Each four-hour clinic will cost $50.00 per person. You can register for each clinic separately or all of them together. Registration and payment must be received at least five days before the clinic date. Registration forms and more information can be found at www.kristinaowen.com/skiandteaclinics.htm.
Lodging packages are available at Cresthill Resort www.cresthillresort.com . Cresthill donates lodging year round for the Hayward resident CXC Team athletes.

CLINIC DATES
Clinics will be held rain, snow or shine near the “OO” warming hut on the Birkie Trail from 8:00 AM – Noon.

Saturday, October 11, 2008 Fundamentals of Skiing Technique on Dry Land. Taught by Maria Stuber

Saturday, November 8, 2008 Dryland Skiing Technique and Introduction to Rollerskis Taught by Kristina Owen

Saturday, December 20, 2008 “ On snow” fundamentals of ski technique for both skate and classic. Taught by Johanna Winters

Sunday, January 18, 2009 More advanced Ski Technique for both skate and classic. Taught by Heather Zimmerman

Wednesday, February 18, 2009 Race strategies and packed snow skiing tactics. Taught by Caitlin Compton