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Como Youth Ski Club
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This club is full. Please add your name to the waiting list by filling out this form.
Welcome to St. Paul Como Park | MYSL Ski Sparks
We've been helping kids learn the life-long sport of Nordic skiing at Como for over 25 years. We welcome kids ages 4 to 14 and their families. The club is a 100% volunteer effort. We look forward to spending another season with happy skiers having fun in the snow!
CHANGES DUE TO COVID-19:
- We will not be meeting in person in January.
- In order to follow MDH guidelines for youth sports during Covid-19, registration will be capped at 60 skiers. We will divide into smaller groups, but will have staggered start times. For example, one group will start at 2pm, the next at 2:15, and the final group at 2:30. If you register multiple children, we cannot guarantee they will have the same start time.
- There will be a health screening at check-in.
- We will not have a back-up location if there is not enough snow to ski at Como.
- All level 1 skiers must have a caregiver present at every lesson. The caregiver can be on or off skis. If on skis, the caregiver must register as a volunteer.
- No treats or snacks will be provided.
- Face coverings are required at check-in and anytime 6 feet of social distancing is not easily maintained. A ski buff is a face covering.
Need-based scholarships are available. Please email como@mysl.org with scholarship questions.
2021 Schedule and Location
Meet at Como Park Golf Course from 2:00pm - 3:30pm, starting Sunday, February 7, 2021. We will have 8 lessons. Our last lesson is scheduled for February 21, 2021, but a makeup lesson (if needed) will be February 28, 2021.
Curriculum/Levels
MYSL’s curriculum teaches skiing with games using an orderly progression through six distinct levels, Levels 1 through 6. Each level is designed to be done twice. Generally, the levels and age groups for classic skiing are: Level 1 Ages 4-7 (parents ski along with the child); Level 2 Ages 6-8 (parents check in occasionally); Level 3 Ages 7-10; and Level 4 Ages 8-12. The levels for skate ski lessons are: Level 5 Ages 9-13 and Level 6 Ages 11-14. Here is a link to the age guide. Skill levels are selected or edited in the Household Information section of the club membership process.
We work hard to place children in the best group for their skill level and age, but may have to move children after the first few lessons as coaches assess skill levels. Additionally, level, age, and coach/skier ratio considerations will take precedence over buddy requests. Please email como@mysl.org to make a buddy request.
Coaching Volunteers Needed
When you sign up your child, please consider being a volunteer coach or assistant coach. If you have already signed up, you can still volunteer by emailing como@mysl.org. You don't have to be an expert skier. We provide each week's curriculum, there is a December coaches training that you can attend, and we provide a one-hour training for coaching levels 1 and 2 (but any volunteer may attend). If you are unable to make a weekly commitment, but are still interested in being involved, please consider signing up to be a SUBSTITUTE COACH that fills in when needed, or a SWEEPER that skis the trails during lessions to ensure a safe and successful environment for all MYSL participants.
Equipment
Como has a limited amount of equipment available to rent. Sign up for rentals when you register.
It is important for skiers to have equipment that fits well. Please note that Level 1 skiers do not need poles.
You may also purchase new or used equipment at the following locations:
- Boulder Nordic Sports (BNS) -- Bloomington
- FinnSisu -- St. Paul
- Gear West -- Long Lake
- Hoigaards -- St. Louis Park
- Joe's Sporting Goods -- St. Paul
- Pioneer Midwest -- Osseo
- Play it Again Sports -- various locations
You may also rent equipment from the Como Chalet before each lesson (about $12 in prior years). In the past, however, the Chalet has closed due to poor snow conditions and we have still had lessons. Additionally, the Chalet often closes its rental shop after President's Day weekend.
Clothing
Make sure to dress in layers. Polypropylene or lightweight wool will keep the moisture off the skin, wear a number of insulating layers for warmth that can be shed as games and skiers heat up. Add something non-absorbent on the outside to cut the wind and minimize sticking snow when we're rolling around. Use this checklist for success:
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Dry boots: Boots need to be dried out near a heat source between uses. They can’t stay in the car or garage.
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Dry, wool socks: No poly blends, no cotton. A dry pair of socks needs to be put on right before you put on your boots.
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No updrafts: Cold hands can often mean your body is too cool. Make sure jackets are not too big and billowy. To stop drafts, stuff jackets into pants, tighten drawstrings or wear a drink belt.
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Put on a hat and a neck gator (buffs, muffs, neck warmers): We all know we lose a lot of heat through our heads. But making sure your ears and neck are covered is just as important.
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Good gloves: Good ski gloves/mittens are an investment and can only be found at ski retailers, but they are worth it.
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Hand/Foot warmers: For when it is really cold, hand and foot warmers are helpful. These are oxygen activated and you can “turn them off” by putting them in an airtight container (such as a jam jar) to get multiple uses.
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Calories: A skier that is low on calories will have a hard time staying warm. Bringing back up snacks and drinks is always a good idea.
Important to Know
- Parking – parking can be a challenge at Como Ski Chalet, so be sure to plan your trip and arrive with enough time to grab bibs. Coaches start skiing at 2pm, promptly. Alternate parking is across the street, if needed. (Como Park Map)
- First Day – when you arrive the first time, please assist your children in finding their coaches outside on the golf course (to the West of the parking lot). There will be level-signs to guide you to the right coach. Each coach will have a ski bib and card for your child. We will collect the bibs at the last lesson.
- Subsequent Lessons – Meet your coach by the level-signs like you did on the first day.
- Volunteers and Coaches – Will be wearing MYSL coach bibs in the level color they coach, with coach names on hats - so you can tell us apart in our snow gear.
- Weather – If the forecast is very cold or cold with wind chill (-2 degrees air temperature or -10 degrees windchill), we’ll cancel. We also may shorten lessons on very cold days (below 5 degrees air temperature or 10 degrees windchill). Cancellations will be noted on this web page, via email to all members, and on Facebook by 8 am Sunday.
Communications
We communicate with Como MYSL families via email and Facebook. We need valid emails for all. When you register please include a contact e-mail address and phone number.
Messages will be sent:
- If we cancel because of weather.
- If we have to move to another MYSL location (due to snow conditions).
- Clarifying questions we may have about your registration.
- Providing updates with news and information about the Como ski club.
- Regarding pickup of rental equipment.
Please contact us with questions or feedback at como@mysl.org.