November Greetings NENSA Community!

This past weekend NENSA staffers were in Stowe for our third annual Trapp Invitational rollerski race, which sadly got canceled by the Town of Stowe, due to the unprecedented flooding from a massive rain storm the night before. It was extremely disappointing not to have that final race of the rollerski season. I want to thank the Trapp Family Lodge for their support of this annual race, and for hosting our NENSA Fall Board Meeting this weekend. Our spirits were lifted on Saturday evening, when we got to attend the VT Ski & Snowboard Museum 2019 induction ceremony and benefit dinner for their Hall of Fame. Two people who have both figured prominently in our sport were honored. First, Peggy Shinn received the Paul Robbins Journalism Award, for excellence in snow sports writing. Second, John Broadhead was inducted into the Hall of Fame for all his amazing work at Craftsbury, where he developed an extensive trail system and their Craftsbury Nordic Ski Club program. John was also the founder and the organizer of the Craftsbury Marathon. For 38 years as Director of the COC, John has touched the lives of countless skiers. What was really wonderful to see that evening, were the 50 or so cross country skier fans and family that came out to honor and celebrate both Peggy and John.

It was all smiles at our very fun and successful Maine Event Agility Sprint Race and 5k Run, that was held in New Gloucester ME on Sunday 10/27, despite the pouring rain. Full story and a link to some really great Steve Fuller (@flyingpointroad) photos in the box below.

This winter we have 25 races on our Popular Race Series calendar which include both our Zak Cup Races and Marathons. See box below for the full 2019-20 schedule of races. I hope to see you at a few of them myself this winter!

Yesterday, NENSA unveiled our new Wax Policy for the upcoming 2019-20 season. We sent that to all our members and contacts. If you missed that email, please check out our new Wax Policy below. NENSA is committed to making safe and supportive competitive events for all cross country skiers. It is important to note that the wax industry will shift as the international market responds to mounting regulation of ingredients in Europe. We hope our stance will promote a healthy environment for athletes, technicians, spectators and New England venues. These policies are based on trust and NENSA cannot enforce compliance. Thanks for respecting the new wax rules and the venues who host our NENSA races.

It's November! Time to RENEW your annual NENSA membership, or join (or re-join) NENSA! This season, we have a great deal for first time ever NENSA members - our NENSA GETSKIING Free Membership! See box below for all the details on this new membership category. We think once folks try NENSA programing, they too will get hooked on all that NENSA has to offer, all year round! So if you know someone who has never been a NENSA member before - please encourage them to try our Free GETSKIING membership today!

We have some great offers for our NENSA members from some of our sponsors on our website: https://nensa.net/individual/ . These offers include a 20% discount on Nokian Tyres (just in time for snow!), discounts on Concept2 SkiErgs, TOKO Team orders, 15% off EnjoyWinter.com for all your Bliz eyewear and FaceTape needs, and 10% off at the Trapp Family Lodge. More sponsor deals to come soon! As always, please support the companies that support NENSA, and our sport - thank you!

NENSA has one final Regional Technique and Coaching Clinic, Lincoln-Sudbury High School, MA this Saturday November 9th.

Think snow and see you on the trails soon!
Best,
Amie

Amie W. Smith
Executive Director
New England Nordic Ski Association
Amie@nensa.net

Be sure to follow us on fb, Twitter and on Instagram @nensa_nordic
NENSA News from the Field
Highlights and Notes from NENSA and the Nordic World
NENSA Announces our GET SKIING
FREE Membership
for First Time Members
2019-2020 NENSA  GETSKIING  MEMBERSHIP: FREE!!!!
Good for First-Time NENSA Members only
Yes, you heard that correctly ~ we want everyone to  GET SKIING , so we are offering anyone, of any age ~ Youth, juniors, seniors, masters, parents, grandparents, a FREE membership to NENSA  (if you have never been a NENSA member before) . This is a great way to try our NENSA programing this coming season and join in all the summer, fall and winter fun! You can try out that rollerski race, BKL program, an Eastern Cup race, a Citizen’s race or a coaching clinic, and your NENSA membership is FREE! 
Click here to   JOIN NENSA TODAY
If you are already a NENSA member ~ THANK YOU! Click here to  RENEW   your membership today. June is the official start of our new membership year, so take a few minutes to renew, or join for free, and GET SKIING today!
Recap of the NENSA’s Rollerski Series Maine Event Agility Sprint Race & 5k run
Sunday morning, October 27th, dawned chilly and wet in New Gloucester, Maine as NENSA staffers set up an agility sprint course in the parking lot loop of Pineland Farms. The day marked the second annual running of the Maine Event, a cross-country cross (XCX) sprint on rollerskis preceded by a 5k trail run. The course of the XCX race was designed to use NENSA’s innovative rollerski ramps to test skiers’ rhythm, balance and coordination... Link to full article HERE

Link to Steve Fuller @flyingpointroad photos of the Maine Event Agility Sprint and 5k Run HERE
NENSA rolls out our Popular Race Series:
Zak Cup & Marathons
Zak Cup full winter schedule and event details click HERE
Marathon full winter schedule and event details click HERE
NENSA's Women's Day Registration is OPEN
Save the Date: Bethel Village Trails at The Bethel Inn, Bethel, ME, February 23, 2020

Link to more info and registration page click HERE
NENSA WAXING POLICY
2019-2020 SKI SEASON
Mission Statement:  NENSA is committed to making safe and supportive competitive events for all cross country skiers. Concerns about fluorinated waxes have emerged from three schools of thought: the health implications of exposure, the environmental effects involved with the raw materials in many of the wax products, and the competitive advantage certain clubs may gain due to the perceived complexities of available products. NENSA would like to address these issues and help reduce the dependence on fluorinated waxes through education and waxing guidelines.
It is important to note that the wax industry will shift as the international market responds to mounting regulation of ingredients in Europe. We hope our stance will promote a healthy environment for athletes, technicians, spectators and New England venues. These policies are based on trust and NENSA cannot enforce compliance.

Click HERE to see our NENSA Wax Policy for the 2019-20 Season
SafeSport Program
U.S. Ski & Snowboard, our National Governing Body (NGB) requires the following individuals complete training provided by the U.S. Center for SafeSport:

Individuals associated with Member Clubs (that means any NENSA club)

  • Adult athlete members of Member Clubs, except Short Term Athlete Members due to their limited participation and Master Athletes who do not i) have regular contact with minor athletes or ii) have authority over minor athletes
  • Adult members (who are not athletes) of Member Clubs who i) have regular contact with athletes, or ii) have authority over athletes
  • Employees and Board Members of Member Clubs
  • Individuals providing services to Member Clubs, including but not limited to contractors, volunteers, interns, who i) have regular contact with athletes or ii) have authority over athletes
  • More info here: https://usskiandsnowboard.org/safesport-athlete-safety/safesport-training

NENSA urges ALL New England coaches, parent volunteers, venue volunteers and anyone working with youth to take the SafeSport on-line course and get certified. NENSA requires this of all our staff and volunteer coaches and wax techs at JN's and REG Camps. Please take time this season to be sure all your club volunteers and coaches are SafeSport certified. Do it today. Go to: https://www.safesport.org

Further information on SafeSport, and important updates made as of 4/15/19 to the SafeSport Program, can be found on our NENSA website HERE
Exciting News from our Partners:
Concept2’s  SkiErg World Sprints  

This year’s edition of Concept2’s  SkiErg World Sprints  takes place November 7–10, 2019. This is a virtual 1000 meter race—you can participate from your home, school or club—or you can join a physical event near you.

Here is a link to a blog post with all the details:

Mark your calendars and join the fun!!
L.L. Bean Nordic Team Night
Coaches, Teams and Parents
Thursday, November 21st, 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
L.L. Bean Bike, Boat and Ski Store
 57 Main Street, Freeport, Maine
Information – 207-552-7670 

4:00 - 5:00 p.m. – Dryland Training  
·       Dryland Training with NENSA's Tom Weir and Bowdoin's Nathan Alsobrook (parking lot behind store)
o   Athletes must bring signed Participant Agreement or have a coach present to sign
Snacks, energy bars, and drinks provided after workout
 
5:30-6:30 p.m. – Clinics
·       Fundamentals of Efficient Classic Ski Technique with Nathan Alsobrook, Bowdoin College Head Nordic Ski Coach (1st Floor)
o   A detailed analysis of Classic ski technique for coaches and athletes.
·       Stretching and Foam Rolling with Joel Hinshaw, Freeport High School Nordic Team Head Coach & L.L.Bean Wellness Employee (2nd Floor)
o   While stretching and foam rolling Joel will teach the importance of nutrition, hydration, and how to warm up and cool down properly

6:30 p.m. – Meet and Greet with Kris Freeman: FOUR-TIME OLYMPIC XC SKIER, MULIT-SPORT ATHLETE & TYPE 1 DIABETES ADVOCATE
·       Get an autographed picture after Kris gives a quick motivational talk 

5:00 - 8:30 p.m. 
·       Waxing Demonstrations by Swix & Toko Professionals (service shop)
o   Learn skate and classic waxing techniques that will help improve your performance and enjoyment this season
·       1000 Meter Ergometer Head to Head Sprint Races (ski shop 1 st  floor)
o   Challenge yourself against other local racers for the chance to win great prizes
·       Podium Photo Booth Contest
o   Jump up on the podium and post your victory photo to win a gift card
·       Get Sized Up-  Factory Reps will help you select all the gear you’ll need for a successful season. 
o   Sales reps will be available from Salomon, Rossignol, Fischer, Craft, Swix, Toko, Darn Tough Vermont, Redd Energy Bars & L.L. Bean
o   Special team pricing for team members this night only!
o    NEW THIS YEAR!!    We will have inventory on hand from Swix, Fischer, Rossignol, Darn Tough, and Redd Bars.  We will also be taking special orders.
o   Coaches, this is the time to get your wax order in for the season! Special team night pricing will be available from Swix & Toko. 

L.L.Bean Nordic Ski Team Cards will be distributed to all eligible athletes.   Each card entitles the athlete to 1 free hotbox and a 20% discount throughout the race season (expires February 29 th ).

There will be several door prizes and raffles throughout the evening!
Justin Fereshetian in the new Quarry Road Program Director and Ski Coach

WATERVILLE, ME—Before the first snowflakes fly this season, Quarry Road Recreation Area has a full-time Program Director and Nordic Ski Coach on deck, ready to go.
 
Justin Fereshetian, 29, the former Nordic Development Director/Head Coach and Initiative Coordinator with the Outdoor Sport Institute in Caribou, Maine, starts his new job in Waterville on October 25.
 
“We are excited to see Justin join Waterville’s Parks & Recreation Department with a focus on further developing programming at Quarry Road Recreation Area,” stated Friends of Quarry Road President Joseph Reisert. Fereshetian will be the Head Nordic Coach for Central Maine Ski Club during ski season as well as develop programming year-round. In addition to Nordic, Fereshetian has coached and participated in other outdoor sports including running, mountain biking, backcountry skiing, whitewater paddling, ultimate frisbee and disc golf.
 
“I will strive to do everything possible to make the Quarry Road Recreation Area a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts and to help the Central Maine Ski Club to become the premier ski club in the state,” said Fereshetian.
 
Fereshetian holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from the University of Maine at Presque Isle. He has 21 years of skiing experience and has trained 16 different athletes to quality for the New England Junior National Team. He also has experience collaborating with programs outside of the Outdoor Sport Institute.
 
“I look forward to working with the Friends of Quarry Road, Waterville’s Parks and Rec staff, and all community partners to create and expand programs held at Quarry Road, to help make this area one of the best places in New England for anyone to ski and enjoy the outdoors,” said Fereshetian.
Upcoming Events
A Look Ahead at the NENSA Calendar
Upcoming NENSA Events: