ELY - The Ely Youth Ski League (EYSL) started the 2021 ski season last week with the coronavirus pandemic in mind. But that didn’t stop the fun and fitness elements of this annual family activity at the Hidden Valley Recreation Area.
The EYSL is a volunteer organization that offers children between the ages of 4 and 11 the opportunity to learn and enjoy cross country skiing. A typical season-opening ceremony and celebration is held the first Sunday in January, followed by sessions organized by age groups to introduce and emphasize safety and proper techniques for Nordic skiing.
Due to COVID regulations and restrictions, the group is not hosting the structured monthly sessions as a large group this year.
Once skiers are registered they have an assigned coach for their level and receive weekly check-ins, skills to work on, suggestions on trails to ski, and other fun communications.
“We will still plan some dress-up days and encourage skiers to post them on our League Facebook page,” said club member Stepanie Kosinski. “We will track kilometers and have prizes.”
Hidden Valley has both groomed and classic tracks in place on all major trails.
“We will groom for maintenance as needed between snow falls,” she said. “Trezona Trail also will get periodic grooming as needed, but it is also a multi-use trail so walkers and dogs may be encountered.”
Ely skier Chris Ellerbroek and his family hit the trails on opening day.
“It was a quiet day with very few kids, but we made the best of it and logged some kilometers with a few other kids and worked on turning and slowing down on hills,” he said. “I’m thankful for all the work that the volunteers have put in over the years and greatly miss the weekly community. We will be out every Sunday for the next two months if anyone would like to join us.”
Families wishing to register may purchase a family membership to the Ely Nordic Ski Club via www.elynordic.org for $75. This covers the cost of trail grooming and maintenance at Hidden Valley and the Trezona Trail, plus rentals for any youth up to age 11 in the family who need skis, poles, and boots.
“Volunteers make EYSL and the Ely Nordic Ski Club happen and are always appreciated,” Kosinski added. “If you are able to help on the leader board, coaching, with trail maintenance, or anything else, please let us know.”
For more information, email MYSL@ElyNordic.org or call Kosinski at 218-343-8652.