We know that some new members
and/or newer skiers are leery about signing up for a ski trip when they don't know the difficulty level of the trail
system and don't know if there will be other skiers at their level on the trip.
To help overcome these concerns
we have put together a program of ski lessons, outings specifically for beginning skiers, and designated trips that are appropriate
for beginners - as well as those needing to brush up on their skills. After all, the mission of
the North Star Ski Touring Club is to promote cross-country skiing at all levels.There
are even two trips with new member priority for reservations.
See the complete Trips Schedule
for all the details on the following activities or feel free to contact trip leaders to discuss their activity.
Waxing
and Equipment
November 10th: Intro
to Skis, Waxing, and Other Gear
This session is a chance
to learn more about cross-country ski equipment and basic waxing during a talk and demonstration by Finn Sisu experts. Held
from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Finn Sisu, 1841 University Ave W, St Paul. For directions see www.finnsisu.com. Room for 25. To reserve
a spot contact Gene Goldenfeld, genegold@highstream.net
or call 651-647-1410.
Ski
Lessons With Guaranteed Snow
December 10th: Beginner/Intermediate/Rusty
Skiers Ski Lessons
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. session will
include skiing twice on snow, videotaping of your progress, and numerous handouts. Student/teacher ratio will
be 8/1 or less. Cost is $20 with 25-30 participants. Trollhaugen Ski Resort, Dresser WI (just across the MN border). You
must pre-registere FFI: call Bob at 952-927-0874 or e-mail rohara@mn.rr.com
January 7th and February 4th: Beginning Classic Ski Lessons
These lessons are for NSSTC members only. Lessons
start at 11:00 a.m. at Elm Creek Park Preserve. We will cover the basics of classic skiing in a two-hour lesson to help beginner skiers
get off to a good start. Limit of ten, must pre-register. FFI: Pete Hawkins, 763-786-3792 or pkhawkins@peoplepc.com
Short
Beginner Lesson and Ski
January 11th and February 8th: Moonlight short lesson and ski at Hiawatha Golf Course in south Minneapolis.
FFI Rick or Darlene Charboneau 612-722-4942 or charb002@umn.edu
Feb 12th: Morning short lesson
and ski at Hiawatha Golf Course in south Minneapolis. FFI Rick or Darlene Charboneau 612-722-4942 or charb002@umn.edu
Trips Designated
as Good for Beginners
December 16-18: National Forest Lodge near Isabella, Minnesota
Early skiing on 40 km of trails winding through beautiful pine and birch forest. Stay in heated
rustic cabins and enjoy homemade meals.
FFI: Fran, 612-869-8971 or e-mail franhowley@aol.com
January 6-8: Deep Portage Reserve near Hackensack,
Minnesota
Over 18K of groomed ski trails right outside the door.
Forested hills, good food, and indoor climbing wall. Terrence Smith for music and dancing on Saturday. FFI: Dave
or Dana, 612-929-0205.
January 20-22: North Shore near Grand
Marais, Minnesota
We ski wherever we find snow; Cascade
River State Park, Sugarbush Trails, Pincushion Mountain, or Bearskin Lodge. FFI: Bruce Stenswick, 952-960-1332, 612-385-5531,
vstenswick@mn.rr.com or
vbstens@netscape.net
January 27-29: Kathio State Park/Camp Onamia near Lake Mille
Lacs
All ages are welcome on this wonderful trip for families! Singles,
grandparents, and anyone who loves children and/or skiing are welcome. Skiing at all levels and a super sliding hill are available
at Kathio. Families with children have their own rooms. FFI: John Christensen or Cindy Porter, 763-754-9039.
February 3-5: Brainerd Lakes Area
Lodging at Kavanaugh’s Resort on Sylvan Lake. Swimming
pool, exercise facilities, lighted ice skating rink, and 40 km of groomed cross-country trails right outside the door.
FFI: Rick or Sheryl Erickson,
612-798-5208.
February 10-12: Bayfield,
Wisconsin
Windfield Inn on Lake Superior
overlooking the Apostle Islands. Ski Mount Ashwabay, Mount Valhalla, and if the ice is good ski out to the sea caves. FFI:
Chip Treen or Laura Baker at 651-647-9972.
February 11: Day Ski at Afton State Park
The final destination may change depending on
snow conditions and will be announced in the e-loype and on the Nordic Connection.
FFI: Kathy Kelly or John Driscoll, 952-941-6788.
February 17-20: Timm's Hill
Highest point in Wisconsin in the gently rolling hills and
forests of north central Wisconsin. A short lesson and beginner ski will be offered on Saturday. Other activities include
snowshoeing (snowshoes included), outdoor hot tub and a sledding hill.
FFI: Rick or Darlene Charboneau, 612-722-4942.
February 19: Day ski at Sand Dunes State Forest near Zimmerman
About 2-1/2 hours of skiing through the woods and around the lakes and ponds. FFI: Walt Coombs,
763-541-4941 or Todd Petersen, 612-839-2143.
March 17-19: Ski Giants Ridge near Biwabik, Minnesota
Stay at the Sports Dorm and ski from the door on over 60
km of the best groomed trails in the Midwest. Snowboarding and downhill skiing are available for an additional modest fee
upgrade. FFI: Bob O'Hara, 952-927-0874 or rohara@mn.rr.com
New
Member Priority Trips
January
6-8: Singles at Garmisch Resort near Cable, Wisconsin
Ski
at Rock Lake, Telemark, Mount Ashwabay, or wherever the snow sounds best. Other activities include snowshoeing, ice skating,
hiking, an indoor pool, sauna and hot tub at nearby Lakewoods Resort, fine dining, relaxing with a good book, and playing
games in front of the fireplace. FFI: Carol Wahl, 612-920-0149 or cjwahl@earthlink.net or Jim
Ruhl, 651-702-9030
January 13-16: Martin
Luther King Weekend at Maplelag Resort near Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
Enjoy good hospitality, great camaraderie,
gourmet food, and superb skiing with impeccably groomed trails. The resort has been voted the #1 cross-country ski resort
in the US in 2003-2004. It features 60 km of trails, a large hot tub accommodating over 30 people, and two saunas (one
that allows you to "take the plunge" into the lake). FFI: Barb or Allen Porter, 651-483-0327 or bwahman@netscape.com
