The Winter is fast approaching, and we are excited to get out on the trails again!  We are once again offering a range of programs to fully suit each individuals skiing level in a fun and competitive team format.   A full suite of experienced and talented coaches will lead the team in daily engaging and rigorous practice.  The program focuses on fun centered training to instill a welcoming team environment, a love of endurance sports, and the progression of good skiing technique in very athlete.   

Please select the button below to find more information and to register.

Dear Eastern Sierra Nordic Supporters,

With the winter of 2019-20 behind us, the ESNSA Board of Directors is busy wrapping up the business of the ski season and making plans for next season. Looking back, it was a bit of a wild ride, with early season snow, then a couple of dry months, followed by a snowy spring and an abrupt early closing. Tamarack came through with exceptional grooming all winter, so a big thank you to the folks at the ski center who make what we do possible.

Eastern Sierra Nordic Ski Association remains dedicated to their mission of supporting nordic skiing, even during these uncertain times. Unfortunately, we lost the popular Biathlon this year, but we have lots of other nordic activity to report.

Our junior program literally hit the ground running in June of 2019, with a solid group of dedicated U12-14’s and a brand new coach. Ben Higgins came to us from New Hampshire and took over the junior coaching reins from outgoing coach, Nancy Fiddler. The juniors trained 4 days a week together all summer and fall. Coach Ben organized roller ski, running, hiking, and strength workouts in a fun and informative format, and the kids got strong! By the time the snow flew in November, the team was ready to begin their on-snow preparation for racing. School team coaches, Jeff Byberg and Kathi Kirkeby jumped into their winter work in December, along with Coach Nancy, who has turned into a perennial volunteer.

Highlights of the season included a CNISSF State Championship title for the Mammoth Middle School Boys team and a Second Place trophy for the Mammoth Middle School Girls Team. Additionally, Mammoth’s Dane Karch was the individual winner at States. ESNSA’s junior club team, Mammoth Nordic Racing, had a very active and successful winter, as well. MNR juniors added a Saturday workout to the school practice schedule and a few more weekend races. Our MNR juniors raced before Christmas in a two day Junior National Qualifier at Auburn Ski Club, at the local Allan Bard JNQ in February, and a two day JNQ at Sugar Bowl. Additionally, the team traveled to Soldier Hollow, Utah, for a weekend of racing at the western regional level. The kids did a lot of racing, and besides being fast, they demonstrated good sportsmanship and team spirit everywhere they went.

We are ready to roll out the 2020 summer programs, which begin June 1. Currently, Coach Ben has a pre-season plan in place and the athletes are training on their own. While we wait for restrictions to lift, group training is on hold. In the meantime, the skiers are involved in a 100 Mile Challenge during May, with about 14 individuals representing MNR in a competition against other nordic clubs. Everyone is out getting miles for the team, so when we are able to meet as a group, we will be able to begin training in earnest. Also on hold is our June Lake training camp in July, but if restrictions lift, we expect to fill this program.

Ben and Anna Ceruti are offering a brand new masters program this year. Right now, they are offering a twice weekly free Zoom program with technique and core strength sessions. Once restrictions lift the in person masters program will start up. Please contact Coach Ben at mammothnordicracing@gmail.com or at 603-631-5754 for details on this program.

It’s time to get on board with ESNSA! Please show your support for what we do by becoming a member or re-joining for the ‘20-’21 season. Any donation is welcome and goes toward our mission of keeping our ski programs strong. ESNSA provides scholarships for the Tamarack Gliders program, Mammoth Middle and High School teams, and the Mammoth Nordic Racing program. While junior program participants are responsible for buying or renting their ski equipment, ESNSA provides crucial support for uniforms, wax and tools. Club volunteers spent Christmas week gutting and remodeling the waxing loft at Tamarack, a project that was at least 50 years overdue! We also help support our MNR coaches and continuing professional development for all our coaches. 

Thank you! Your donations go straight to work to keep nordic skiing strong in the Eastern Sierra!