Welcome to the MYSL at THEODORE WIRTH PARK in MINNEAPOLIS
We are excited to have you join us for the 2022 ski season! The MYSL Sunday Wirth Club is an all-volunteer club that teaches cross-country skiing to children at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis. Children ages 4-15 and their parents are welcome, as are other volunteers who share in our goal of generating a love for Nordic skiing in youth and having fun in the snow. Our club welcomes families brand new to skiing as well as dedicated ski families.
The Wirth Club is scheduled to meet on nine Sundays from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., beginning Sunday, January 2nd and ending Sunday, February 27th. Wirth is one of the few sites in the metro that has snowmaking, so parking can be tight! Please plan on arriving early to find parking and to get your skier dressed, equipped and with their group. Your coach would like to start skiing right at 3 p.m.! (The parking lot in front of the Trailhead can fill up on nice days; if it does, you can park just north on the the Parkway in the Chalet lot or across from the Chalet in the overflow lot.)
DRESS FOR THE WEATHER:Even though the weather will be warmer this upcoming Sunday, here are some good clothing tips for cold weather, but many of them apply to the temps we will have on Sunday. Cold feet and hands are the most common issue. Use this checklist for success:
Dry boots: Boots need to be dried out near a heat source between uses. They can’t stay in the car or garage.
Wool socks: No poly blends, no cotton. Really. I mean it.
Dry socks: A dry pair of socks needs to be put on right before you put on your boots. This makes a big difference.
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.
Put on a hat (and a neck gaiter): 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. I’m not sure how we used to survive without neck gaiters (buffs, muffs, neck warmers), because they seem like a necessity now.
Good gloves: Good ski gloves/mittens are an investment and can only be found at ski retailers, but they are worth it. Keeping track of these should be in your job description. These should not be your child's school playground mittens.
Hand/Foot warmers: I only use these when I have to, but I’m usually very glad I have a few in my pocket for emergencies. These are oxygen activated and you can “turn them off” by putting them in an airtight container (such as a jam jar). I get about three uses out of each pack.
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.
MEET YOUR COACHES: The coaches will meet with the skiers on the south side of the Trailhead building or up on the snow just south of the circle drive in front of the Trailhead. The coaches will have bibs on that match the color of the name card in your skier's bib (i.e. Level 1 is red). There will also be yellow level marker signs out that the groups will gather at. The marker will correspond to the level your child is in. After you get your child’s bib, proceed directly to the yellow marker showing the number of your child's level to meet your coaches.
SMALL CHILDREN:As per MYSL policy, any child not yet in first grade (these are most children in Level 1) MUST have a parent alongside during the entire session (on skis). Thank you. We encourage parents to ski along with your child in the other levels.
BIBS: If you were unable to attend our first session last week, we have your bib - please come in the Trailhead and head back to the large open space where we will be set up at a table with the bibs. I will also have new name cards for any skiers that have switched levels since their first day.