No. We get total first-timers every year. We'll teach you everything — classic, skate, waxing, how to dress for cold, all of it. Day one is built for beginners.escription text goes here

No tryouts. No cuts. Every student who shows up to train can race in the league.

Three steps: a current sports physical (within 3 years), school clearance through ArbiterSports, and team sign-up so we can add you to the BAND group where coaching and logistics happen. Full details on the Join page.

Dryland training in late October. Snow practices usually begin in late November or early December, depending on conditions. The competitive season runs through February.

Four to five practices a week during the season, plus a Sunday training day. Most weekday practices end by 5pm; the Wednesday on-snow practice at Auburn Ski Club runs longer (back to NU around 8:30pm).

Dryland training — running, strength work, roller skiing, technique drills, and games. It builds the fitness and the team before the snow arrives.

Skis with wheels. You use them on pavement to practice the same motion you'll use on snow. No prior experience needed — we teach it.

We keep doing dryland and drive farther on practice days. Auburn Ski Club is one of the most reliable Nordic facilities in the Sierra and usually has snow when no one else does.

Classic skis run in parallel grooves cut into the snow — you stride and glide. Skate skis go on top of a flat trail — you push off at angles like an ice skater. You'll learn both, classic first.

Yes — racing is part of being on the team. But our races are low-key. You race in the class that fits your level, you compete mostly against yourself, and first-time racers get extra support. Most skiers find race day is the part they remember most.

Around the Tahoe Basin mostly, with a few trips as far south as Mammoth Lakes. We compete in the California/Nevada Interscholastic Ski and Snowboard Federation (CNISSF) league.

League races are on Fridays — athletes will miss some school for them. There are also optional Saturday "citizen races" around Tahoe that we encourage.m description

Typically 3K to 10K, depending on the event.em description

Yes. Talk to Coach Laurel — there are options and we work with families to make sure no one is shut out for cost.

Skis, boots, poles, ski bag, roller skis, team uniforms, and windbreakers.

Cold-weather clothing in synthetic layers (no cotton), gloves, hat, sunglasses, and a water bottle. We have a "clothes locker" with loaner gear if you need to borrow.

Returning skiers often buy their own gear so they can keep skiing after high school. Ask Coach Laurel for guidance before you spend money.

Layers. Synthetic base layer, insulating mid-layer, wind- or water-resistant outer layer. Hat, gloves, neck gaiter. No cotton — once cotton gets wet it stays wet and you'll be miserable. We go over this at the pre-season meeting and again on the first cold practice.

Often yes. NU encourages multi-sport athletes. Talk to Coach Laurel about your schedule.

Almost always yes. Tell Coach Laurel ahead of time so we know what to plan for. Inhalers come along; cold-weather management is part of what we do.

Yes — Nordic is an official NU sport and counts toward the graduation PE requirement.

NJUHSD has a formal Return-to-Play protocol overseen by the school Health Office. If a skier has a concussion or head injury, that protocol determines when they return — not the coach, not the athlete, not the parents. Communication runs through the Health Office at every step.

Driving athletes to and from Auburn Ski Club is the biggest single need — it's a long drive and we share the load. Volunteering at races, helping with team events, and fundraising are all welcome. Get in touch with Coach Laurel.