• Start date: January 6th, 2025
  
• End date: February 24th, 2025
  
• Program length: 6 weeks, with 2 make-up sessions possible (last possible class is Monday, March 10). We follow TTUSD snow days and holidays (Jan. 20, Feb. 17, Feb. 18).
  
• Meeting time: 3:30-4:45pm at Tahoe XC. Kids Ski Race: All Strider Gliders are invited to participate in our season finale Kids Ski Race on Tuesday, March 11!
  
• Cost: $150 per participant (includes ski lessons & seasonal equipment rental)
• Gear Pick Up (for those enrolled): Sunday, November 17th (10a-12p) and Monday, November 18th (2:30p-5p)
  
• Registration: 8:00am - Saturday, October 26th, 2024. If your desired class is full, please add your child’s name to the waitlist. Spots may open up.**

Schedule & Group Placement

All classes are available Monday, Tuesday or Friday. Each class meets 1 day/week. Skiers may be moved to different classes as necessary depending on ability. Participants are issued equipment for the season and are encouraged to hit the trails outside of class.

We find the best Skate Skiers have a strong Classic XC background - a skillset which is also needed for competing in Middle School and beyond. We highly recommend at least two years of Classic XC experience before moving on to our Skating classes.

All classes focus on instilling a life-long love of XC skiing that embodies good sportsmanship and respect in a healthy and fun environment.

• Pink/Kinder XC (Friday only): This class is an introduction to Cross-Country Skiing for Kindergarteners only. Coaches will be introducing Classic Cross-Country Skiing.
• Orange/1st Year XC: This class is designed for 1st Graders and up who are in their first year of Cross-Country Skiing. Coaches will be introducing Classic Cross-Country Skiing.
  
• Yellow/2nd Year XC: This class is designed for 2nd Graders and up who are in their second year of Cross-Country Skiing. Coaches will be reinforcing Classic Cross-Country Skiing skills and preparing skiers to continue with Skate Skiing next season.
  
• Green/1st Year Skate: This class is designed for 3rd Graders and up who are strong Classic Cross-Country Skiers. Participants in the Green class will be introduced to Skate Skiing.
  
• Blue/2nd Year Skate: This class is designed for 4th/5th Graders who have completed at least one season of Skate Skiing.
  
• Violet/3rd Year Skate: This class is designed for 4th/5th Graders who have completed at least two seasons of Skate Skiing. Due to our high skier to coach ratio, we are able to accommodate both skiers looking to prepare for the next level and skiers who just want to have fun!
  
• Laser Biathlon (Friday only): This class is limited to 4th and 5th graders who have strong Skate Skiing skills and are also registered for a Violet class this season. The goal of the program is to introduce participants to biathlon fundamentals in a safe environment. Participants will have the opportunity to learn shooting technique on the range with our laser biathlon rifles. We will also work on improving Skating Skills on the trails.
  

Season Equipment Rentals

Included in the program registration fee is a full season’s equipment rental, making Strider Gliders one of the most affordable programs around. In return, we ask you to take care of our equipment properly:

• When storing cross-country skis use rubber bands (not tape) to keep sets of skis and poles together.
  
• Tie boot strings together in gentle knots, if at all.
  
• You are responsible for making sure your children do not ski over anything that is not snow.

Gear Pick Up

For those enrolled in Strider Gliders this year, you can pick up gear on the below dates and time:

• Sunday, November 17th from 10:00a-12:00p
• Monday, November 18th from 2:30p-5:00p

Laser Biathlon Program

Our Laser Biathlon Program uses safe laser rifles to introduce students to the amazing sport of biathlon. This program is available on Fridays only and is open to any athletes in Violet or Red Groups. An additional $45 is required at registration for this program. Safety is our top priority, participants are expected to take all aspects of the sport seriously.

Parent Involvement

Strider Gliders is made possible through Tahoe XC’s non-profit, Tahoe Cross-Country Ski Education Association (TCCSEA). We need parent involvement to support our program. Here are some ways you can help:

• Coach: All of our coaches are volunteers who are passionate about sharing their love of XC skiing! Please reach out to meghanpry (@) tahoexc.org if you are interested in joining our coaching squad. All coaches receive a complementary Tahoe XC season pass.
  
• Gear Support: We are looking for pre-season help scraping skis and organizing equipment
  
• Apres Ski: Parents can help prep hot chocolate for kids looking for a post-ski treat.
  
• Kids Race: We rely on volunteers to help make our grand finale a fun celebration for all.
  
• Tahoe XC Events: Tahoe XC is always looking for volunteers to help with events including the annual Ski Swap, Trail Work Day, and more.
  
• Ski: We encourage parents to get out and experience our trails while their kids are participating in Strider Gliders. Parent tickets are available for only $15 during class!

Coaches

Do you have a passion for XC skiing? Would you like to share that passion with the next generation? We are always looking for enthusiastic classic or skate skiers to join our coaching team! Our skiers also love having Junior Coaches (6th Graders and up) on our coaching squad! This is a great opportunity for kids who want to share their love of XC skiing and learn coaching techniques from our adult coaches. It can also satisfy community service requirements. Please contact Meghan Pry, meghanpry(@)tahoexc.org for more info.