The 2022 season will be a great year for the kids at French Regional Park. This is a volunteer led program. Every family is urged to help in some way. Please see below for volunteer information.
Schedule and location
French SkiSparks will meet Sundays at 1:30pm French Regional Park in Plymouth. Families should plan to arrive closer to 1:00pm to have enough time to chek in, use the restroom and get gear on so your skier is ready at 1:30pm to ski.
We will meet at the visitor center at French Regional Park: 12605 Rockford Rd., Plymouth. Skiers and their parent/guardians will check in weekly at the Eastman room, which is located upstairs in the visitor center. This is where you and your skier will check in and out of the club each week, can put on their equiment and leave personal belongs during the session.
If there is not skiable conditions at French Regional Park we will be meeting at Elm Creek Regional Park.
Announcements
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. Cancellations will be sent via email to all French Club Skiers, always check your email if there's inclement weather to confirm or email french@mysl.org.
Winter Gear
1. Please use your discretion noting your child's activity level and the outside temperature/wind chill. Often a winter jacket and snow pants or a snowsuit are too warm once the child gets skiing. They will warm up quickly, so it is okay if they are a little bit cold to begin with.
2. Children should be dressed in layers. A moisture wicking under layer, an insulating layer, and a windproof layer are typically appropriate. Each layer should be breathable.
3. Make sure to dress your child in a waterproof and windproof outermost layer. Cross-country skiing often requires hard work and skiers may sometimes fall down. Without a waterproof layer, the child could get wet from falling down, which makes for a cold and uncomfortable session.
4. Make sure your skier is wearing a hat, insulated & waterproof gloves, and warm socks. Wool socks are the best choice for cross-country skiing.
6. Try avoid cotton because it has little insulation capabilities and once it gets wet, it stays wet and can create a miserable experience.
7. Pay attention to the weather. On colder days, more layers are appropriate. If it is warmer out, do not overdress your child. It is never fun to be too hot or to have to carry around layers.
WATER AND SNACKS
Cross-country skiing burns a lot of calories, and your skiers will likely be hungry and thirsty when they are done for the day. We do not plan to provide snacks this year. Please make sure your child has eaten before coming to ski club. It is strongly recommended to send a water bottle with your child and snacks. If you forget the visitor center sells snacks and warm drinks, please plan accordingly for you and your skier(s).
EQUIPMENT AND PASSES
French has rentals available at the chalet/visitor center. Children skiing in level 5 or above should have their own skate skis, boots, and poles. In addition, for children skiing at level 4, waxable classic skis are highly recommended. The cost for children's rentals is $8 each week for Youth Classic skis. Advanced reservations are required and can be made up to 7 days in advance, here's the link:https://web2.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/mnthreeriverswt.wsc/search.html?module=RN&type=CROSSCOUNTRYSKI&category=FRE&webScreenDesign=WWW-RN-EQ
Trail passes are not required for children 11 years old and younger. Ages 12 and up (skiing parents/coaches as well) need to purchase passes. Passes are available daily for $6 or buy an annual pass for $55. The annual passes are good at all Three River parks except Elm Creek and Hyland. Elm Creek and Hyland require a snowmaking ski pass. More information about passes can be found on the Three Rivers Park website.
PARENTS
If you are the parent of a skier in Level 1, we ask you to accompany your skier on snow at all times, either on or off skis.
COVID
Please do your best to help keep everyone in our club healthy and safe this winter:
If your skier is feeling unwell, do not attend ski club.
If your skier is currently under isolation or quarantine, do not attend ski club.