Goal 6 of the RXCSF strategic plan states: “Increase opportunities or support for cross country skiing in urban areas and West Side communities by the beginning of the 2024-2025 season …” In fulfilling this goal, RXCSF started a pilot program in 2024 in partnership with the City of Rochester Carter Street Recreation Center (R-Center), a facility that provides a safe after school venue for school aged children, . This winter, under the leadership of Board members Anna Gorbold and Bob Kuehl, RXCSF followed up with a second series of Nordic ski sessions at the R-Center.

RXCSF committed to five Wednesday sessions starting mid-January, at approximately 4:00 pm, and running about 2-3 hours each. Eight students ranging in ages from 8-11 signed up, one was repeating from last year, the others were total novices. In addition to Joe the lead R-Center supervisor of the group, we were joined by several other employees, all young women, that volunteered to help in the program and enthusiastically wanted to ski as well.

After last year’s dearth of snow, this year we were unbelievably fortunate as the snow came and stayed. The Carter Street R-Center has a perfect outdoor venue, a large field bounded on one side by a nice gentle slopping berm. RXCSF provides the boots, skis and poles. The Center encourages correct clothing for skiing, but has back up clothing such as gloves and hats.

The kids had an amazing time. While they are all very excited the first day, they become tentative and hesitant at first in learning how to put on Nordic boots and then clipping into the skis that they have no idea how to control. But being young they quickly learn. Time was spent instructing basic Nordic skills focusing on classic technique. The first couple of lessons were free of poles but they were introduced by the 3rd session. This was interesting and amusing learning in itself, figuring out how to coordinate your body with skis and poles to move in the snow. Some of the skiers preferred to use the poles while others chose not to use them.

The program had several highlights. The berm slope at the center provided perfect downhill ski skill learning. It was hard getting the kids off the slope as they were having so much fun. Supervisor Joe modeled beginner technique well, both in staying upright and falling! Learning how to get back up onto Nordic skis is a skill set all of its own. While we were not going to develop expert Nordic skiers in this short time frame, we were able to provide a unique experience that enhanced personal physical skills and exposed young people to a sport that they would not otherwise experience. You never know where that may lead.

The last session was held at the Bristol Nordic Center. The R-Center has a van available for field trip transportation. RXCSF paid for day passes and instruction continued. After the ungroomed terrain at the R-Center, the kids enjoyed the set tracks and the groomed snow at Bristol. Skiing around the Aries loop was a thrill and so different from the flat ground at the Center. You could see their enthusiasm and confidence on skis grow. Lunch was generously provided by Amiel of Amiel’s Subs with enough extra food to take home.

RXCSF plans to continue bringing Nordic skiing into the City. After a review of this year’s program, we have decided to include some of the older kids at the R-Center. as they expressed curiosity and desire inspired by what they saw the younger kids enjoying. We will be searching for and collecting winter gloves and over pants for next winter, to provided better weather protection for participants which in turn will increase their ‘stickability”! Exciting prospects for winter 2026.

Furthering RXCSF’s goal to introduce Nordic skiing to kids in Rochester was an equipment loan of eight sets of skis, boots and poles to John O’Brien who leads the Edison Tech Outdoor Club. He introduced his kids to Nordic skiing for the first time. They had a blast but unfortunately by the time John started this venture the snow conditions were deteriorating preventing repeated sessions. The intention is for RXCSF to support this venture next winter.

The objectives of RXCSF’s strategic plan Goal #6 are coming to fruition. Your support contributes to not just grooming at our local ski venues but makes it possible for RXCSF to expand the Nordic ski experience to those who may not otherwise be able to try it. This was a very positive experience for Board Members Bob Kuehl and Anna Gorbold. We welcome and encourage additional volunteers from the skiing community to join us as we work to sustain and grow the program. It is an experience well worth the time.