Upcoming Events
01/26/2022
The Minnesota Youth Ski League invites you to Theodore Wirth Park for Family Night and the...
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Lebanon Hills SkiSparks Club
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Location
860 Cliff Road
55124
Eagan
, MN
Phone:
651-554-6530
See map: Google Maps
Minnesota
Venue Name:
Lebanon Hills Park
Registration:
Full
Meets:
Sunday
:
12:45 - 2:00pm
Starts:
January 2, 2022 - 12:45pm
Dates:
1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27
Rentals:
Chalet Rentals
Membership:
$50 (Classic only at this club; no skating)
Other (Equipment Options):
Daily rentals also available on-site conditions permitting
Other (Ski Pass Requirements):
Dakota County Parks Ski Pass required for adults skiing on their own
Leader:
Kyle Schwarting ,
:
763-367-0401
Email:
This club is full. Please add your name to the waitlist or register for a different club.
For skiing at Lebanon Hills plan to arrive in the parking lot at least by 12:30 since we start skiing at 12:45. The address is 860 Cliff Road, Eagan, MN 55123 which is at the Visitor Center near Schulz Lake. Since this is our first time at Lebanon Hills this year, here are some additional details.
- Meeting Place: Our meeting area will be behind the visitor center near the lake. To get there from the parking lot, go between the Visitor Center and the rental equipment building where you will find our bib distribution table. There you can pick up the Minnesota Youth Ski League bib with your skier’s name, and then proceed to the meeting area for your skier’s group which is identified by a colored flag. You can determine which flag to meet at by matching the flag to the color on your skier’s nametag.
- Start Time: To minimize the amount of time skiers stand around getting cold, we try to release the skiers onto the trails promptly at 12:45. To make sure they are ready to ski at 12:45, we suggest you allow at least 10 minutes for skiers to get their bib, put on their skis, and get to their meeting area. That means it is probably wise to be in exiting your vehicle in the parking lot at 12:30; earlier if you have multiple skiers to corral. Latecomers will need to wait for their group to return since we can’t have skiers heading off on their own to try and find their group unless they are with a parent. If you arrive late we will try to have your skier’s group return to meet your skier but this is not always possible, so in that case your skier may have to ski with their parent/guardian.
- Visitor Center: Although you are welcome to use the Visitor Center to have your skier change into ski boots, we’ve found that it is best if skiers put their boots on at home or in the car to minimize congestion in the building and to help them be ready to ski at 12:45. Please do not bring skis or poles into the Visitor Center. There are ski racks outside the building to use. Some may be reserved for MYSL use, so feel free to use those if you see them.
- Skier Group Assignments: Our coaches to their best to place skiers in a group that is the best fit for them, and this may change from week to week, and may mean the skier is separated from a friend. If this is a problem let one of our volunteers or coaches know and we'll work to figure out a solution.
- Parent Skiers: You are welcome and encouraged to ski with your child’s group as a “Ski Chaperone”. Just let the group leader know, and if you can assist with any issues such as dropped mittens, loose boots, etc. while skiing along that would be appreciated. Please be aware that all adult skiers who are not coaching will need a trail pass, so please factor this into your schedule since that could take a few minutes depending on the line. Cost at Lebanon Hills is $5 or $6 per day or a season pass for $25.
- On Site Rentals: if you are renting skis at Lebanon Hills, as you come down the sidewalk the rental building will be on your left. Ask for the MYSL rate, which is valid for both youth skiers and their parents or guardians. Remember to arrive even earlier to allow for the time it takes to go through the rental process. Due to Covid 19 you will need to rent skis online from Dakota County Parks.
- End of Session: At the end of the session, skiers should remember to a) return their bibs to the bib distribution table; and b) thank their group leader and any assistants. Dakota County sells hot chocolate and has other drinks available in the Visitor Center, and many skiers find it enjoyable to get a hot chocolate drink after their session. Cost is $1.
- Meet the Coach/K Counter: We encourage parents and guardians to introduce themselves to your skier’s coach at the end of each session. This way you can understand what your skier learned that day and how far they skied. We encourage you to log in to your MYSL account and enter the distance your skier skied at the “K counter” section so you can track their progress throughout the season.
Information for First Session on January 2nd
Welcome! Please plan to arrive in the parking lot at least by 12:30 since we start skiing at 12:45. The address is 860 Cliff Road, Eagan, MN 55123 which is at the Visitor Center near Schulz Lake. If the weather changes and we need to move our location, we will send an email, so be sure to check this web page or your email Saturday evening. As you prepare for our first session, we wanted to provide the following helpful hints for week 1:
1. Meeting Place: Our meeting area will be behind the visitor center near the lake. To get there from the parking lot, go between the Visitor Center and the rental equipment building where you will find our bib distribution table. There you can pick up the Minnesota Youth Ski League bib with your skier’s name, and then proceed to the meeting area for your skier’s group which is identified by a colored flag. You can determine which flag to meet at by matching the flag to the color on your skier’s nametag.
2. Start Time: To minimize the amount of time skiers stand around getting cold, we try to release the skiers onto the trails promptly at 12:45. To make sure they are ready to ski at 12:45, we suggest you allow at least 10 minutes for skiers to get their bib, put on their skis, and get to their meeting area. That means it is probably wise to be in exiting your vehicle in the parking lot at 12:30; earlier if you have multiple skiers to corral. Latecomers will need to wait for their group to return since we can’t have skiers heading off on their own to try and find their group unless they are with a parent. If you arrive late we will try to have your skier’s group return to meet your skier but this is not always possible, so in that case your skier may have to ski with their parent/guardian.
3. Label Your Equipment: Please be sure to label your skis and poles with your child’s name. Colorful duct tape works well for this process. Many youth skis are the same brand and size and they are easy to mix up.
4. Visitor Center: Although you are welcome to use the Visitor Center to have your skier change into ski boots, we’ve found that it is best if skiers put their boots on at home or in the car to minimize congestion in the building and to help them be ready to ski at 12:45. Please do not bring skis or poles into the Visitor Center. There are ski racks outside the building to use. Some may be reserved for MYSL use, so feel free to use those if you see them.
5. Patience: We are all working to adapt to the Covid-19 reality. We have over 100 skiers signed up for our sessions, so when combined with parents we will have quite a crowd. All of our coaches and leaders are volunteers who are donating their time to help make this a good experience for your skier. Please be patient as our volunteers do their best to get organized this first week, and remember that your child’s group leader may also be working with his/her own child to get equipment on, visit the restroom, or handling the many other needs that spontaneously arise with children.
6. Skier Group Assignments: We do our best to place skiers in a group that is the best fit for them. If you find that your child’s assigned group does not seem to be a good fit, please let one of our volunteers or coaches know and we’ll attempt to adjust for future sessions.
7. Parent Skiers: You are welcome and encouraged to ski with your child’s group as a “Ski Chaperone”. Just let the group leader know, and if you can assist with any issues such as dropped mittens, loose boots, etc. while skiing along that would be appreciated. Please be aware that all adult skiers who are not coaching will need a trail pass, so please factor this into your schedule since that could take a few minutes depending on the line. Cost at Lebanon Hills is $5 or $6 per day or a season pass for $25.
8. On Site Rentals: if you are renting skis at Lebanon Hills, as you come down the sidewalk the rental building will be on your left. Ask for the MYSL rate, which is valid for both youth skiers and their parents or guardians. Remember to arrive even earlier to allow for the time it takes to go through the rental process
9. End of Session: At the end of the session, skiers should remember to a) return their bibs to the bib distribution table; and b) thank their group leader and any assistants. Dakota County sells hot chocolate and has other drinks available in the Visitor Center, and many skiers find it enjoyable to get a hot chocolate drink after their session. Last year the cost was $1.
10. Meet the Coach/K Counter: We encourage parents and guardians to introduce themselves to your skier’s coach at the end of each session. This way you can understand what your skier learned that day and how far they skied. We encourage you to log in to your MYSL account and enter the distance your skier skied at the “K counter” section so you can track their progress throughout the season.
Please be aware that we will not necessarily send reminder emails to you for upcoming sessions, so it is always wise to check the club webpage for any announcements. In addition, we have facebook, twitter, and instagram accounts managed by our Minnesota Youth Ski League partners that will enable you to stay abreast of club announcements and information.
• Twitter: @mysl_leb_hills
• Facebook: MYSL Lebanon Hills
• Instagram: mysl_lebhills
• Facebook: MYSL Lebanon Hills
• Instagram: mysl_lebhills
Thanks, and we are looking forward to a fun, snow-filled season. If you have any questions, it is best to email them now rather than waiting to ask in person when we’re trying to get the skiers in their groups and out on their skis.
We'll see you on Sunday!
Welcome to the 2022 Lebanon Hills Youth Ski Club!
Our club was formed to help children from age 4-15 in the Rosemount/Eagan/Apple Valley area learn to love the life-long sport of cross-country skiing. The low registration fee and absence of attendence requirements make this a great way to for younger skiers to experience the sport for the first time while also allowing older athletes to stay in shape and cross-train for soccer, swimming, track, cross-country running, lacrosse, and other sports. Because of the grooming policy at our venue, with the Lebanon Hills Ski Club the ski sessions are designed for "classic" style skiing rather than "skate" style skiing. However, we will attempt to schedule some skate ski instruction as well if there is enough interest and skiiers have the proper skate ski equipment.
Schedule, location, and trail passes
Our first meeting date for the 2022 ski season will be Sunday, Jan 2. Our home venue is Lebanon Hills Park in Eagan, at the same location as the Visitor Center at 860 Cliff Road, Eagan, MN 55123. We are tentatively scheduled to meet from 12:45 - 2:00 PM for eight weeks in January and February.
Our last session of the season is scheduled for Sunday, Feb 20th, with members encouraged to add the Midwest Junior Ski Festival to your calendar in March at Wirth Park in Minneapolis.
Youth skiers under age 18 will not need a trail pass at Lebanon Hills. Adult skiers will need to purchase a either a daily pass for $5 or a season pass for $20. If we need to move to Hyland recreation area due to poor trail conditions at Lebanon Hills, ALL skiers age 12 and older will need a pass which was $9 per session last year.
Registration
Registration is handled on-line by clicking on the "Register Today" link on the MYSL home page. Equipment rental fees (see equipment section below) can also be paid online. If your skier already has equipment, be sure they are "classic" style skis. If your skier has "skate" style skis, contact the club leader to determine if we will have access to the proper venue and coaching to support skate skiing.
Weather and cancellation policy
We will not ski if the air temperature is below -10˚ F, or the wind chill is below -30˚ F, or at the leader's discretion. Cancellations will be posted on this web page in the "Announcements" section above.
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.
5. Avoid long scarfs that could fall off or get in the way. A better option is a nordic buff. Here is an example of what a nordic buff looks like https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/b/buff/c/cross-country-skiing?r=b%3Bc&pagesize=84&queryRule=outlet-only&ir=category%3Across-country-skiing&outlet=true
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.
Equipment
We have a limited number of rental ski equipment for skiers to use for for the full season for the low price of $45. This equipment can be taken home and used for family outings or other skiing events. REGISTER EARLY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS FANTASTIC RENTAL OPPORTUNITY!! Please remember we have a limited number of ski packages and sizes. If you pay for rental equipment on-line but are not able to be outfitted, you will be reimbursed for the fees. Our rental skis are classic no-wax skis.
As mentioned previously on this page, Lebanon Hills does NOT have skate ski grooming at our location; we only use classic technique. As a result neither Lebanon HIlls nor MYSL rent skate ski equipment for our club.
If we don't have sizes for your skier, or if all club ski equipment is rented, ski equipment can be rented for daily use at Lebanon Hills, with the fee expected to be approximately $6 per session.
Volunteering
This is a volunteer run club. The success and affordability of this program comes directly from your contributions of time, energy, and talent. By registering your child for this club, you are committing to the club's success and are agreeing to volunteer. Level 1 skiers will need to be accompanied by a parent. Coaching at level 1 is a great way to accompany your child. Please consider coaching as it is our number one need! You do not necessarily need to coach at your child's level....in fact it is often better if you don't. If you are able to help coach "on snow", we will provide instructional information for each session and discuss training opportunities to learn more about proven coaching techniques and drills.
If you aren't comfortable coaching on skis, there are many other ways in which you can volunteer, including:
Assistant Coaching: Sometimes we just need someone to provide encouragment, a smile, and support on the snow. This is a great way to be involved and enjoy watching kids learn.
Ski Chaperone: Do you want to get out on your skis but aren't yet confident enough to coach? Volunteer as a ski chaperone to do things like helping to make sure the group stays together, assisting skiers with putting their mittens back on, picking up hats that fall out of pockets, and providing general assistance to the Coach and Assistant Coach.
Bib coordinator - To help identify the skiers as part of the club, they wear "race bibs" during the sessions. We need someone to make color coordinated level cards with skiers name and insert them in bib pockets, recording bib number with child's name, and collecting bibs at session's end.
Race Coordinator - Make other club members aware of available racing events for the kids, and coordinate the group at the race location. (Note: Races are optional opportunities not part of the standard club fees)
Covid Guidelines Review - the short version.
- Please stay home if you or other in your household are sick. Please follow state health guidelines for quarantine. Mask are required inside Dakota County buildings. Skiers are welcome to wear mask or a ski buff but it is not required.
Club Leader Contact Information:
Kyle Schwarting
763-367-0401 (mobile calls or text messages)
email: lebanonhills@mysl.org