Upcoming Events
Buy and sell used and new youth, junior and adult ski equipment. We have it all! Please go...
Buy and sell used and new youth, junior and adult ski equipment. We have it all! Please go...
This club is full. Please add your name to the waitlist or register for a different club.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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)
Club Leader Contact Information:
Kyle Schwarting
763-367-0401 (mobile calls or text messages)
email: lebanonhills@mysl.org