Please visit the official Minnesota Youth Ski League Page at: www.mysl.org

The Detroit Lakes page is found by clicking the "Clubs" link on their page.

The Minnesota Youth Ski League (MYSL) is a volunteer organization that offers children between the ages of 4 and 15 and their parents the opportunity to learn, develop and enjoy cross country skiing skills together. The League is a collection of neighborhood clubs, administered by a Board of Directors, offering leader training, festivals, and outreach programs which builds interest in cross country skiing.  Programs emphasize fun, fitness and development of a life-long love for outdoor activities, (especially cross country skiing!), as the primary focus of this family organization. Parents are strongly encouraged to come and participate with their children. Skiers of all skill levels are welcome.

Membership in MYSL costs $30 for each child (Family discounts available for three or more children). Children must have their own equipment, though there is equipment rental available in very limited quantities at Detroit Lakes.

Welcome to the MYSL in Detroit Lakes! About us:

Our group will meet again on Sunday afternoons starting on January 10, 2010 at Dunton Locks County Park.

  Register online here!

2010 Schedule: Sunday 3:00-4:30 PM

Jan.: 10, 17, 24, 31

Feb.: 7, 14, 21

Fun day: Sunday Feb. 28th

Practice Conditions:  We will cancel practice if the temp is below 0 degrees, or the wind-chill below -5. We will make the call at noon of that day if the weather is questionable and I will post it on this website as well as ask KDLM to announce it. For weather information you can check out http://www.noaa.gov

Clothing:  Please dress appropriately for outdoor winter activities. Make sure you are warm enough but still able to move freely. Layers are best, and synthetic fabrics (NOT cotton!) are best for the layer right against your skin. You may want to consider a lighter jacket for warm days (20 degrees or warmer) as the kids will be moving around a lot and tend to get hot!

Weekly Practices:  We will meet inside at the beginning of each meeting for announcements them move outside to ski! Practice will be from 3:00 to 4:30 in the afternoon. Parents: please come and ski too! If your children are 6 years old or younger we require that you stay with your child. 

Levels:  There are six levels of skiing that MYSL has put together. When you have mastered the 10 or so goals at the end of each season you may move up to the next group. We do encourage all children regardless of prior skiing experience to start at Level One so they have the correct foundation as they move through the other levels.

Coaching and Volunteering:  You are the reason for the success of this program! No experience is needed, curriculum is laid out for each practice and I will be available to help out if you’re not sure how to do something. Don’t want to coach? Snacks are very appreciated at practices, or getting the word out about our organization in the community will be a huge help! (Never underestimate the power of a chocolate chip cookie!)

Skis:  We have a very limited number available for rental. As the club grows so will our collection of skis. (This is what your registration fee goes towards!) We will do the best we can to accommodate anyone who needs to rent. The skis will remain with the coach during the week.  If you are planning on investing in skis please talk to Nikki for suggested equipment, retailers and deals.

Ski buying suggestions:

- We suggest the NNN II binding system for resale and sharing purposes.

- The ski should be slightly taller than your child. If anything, buy them too long and they can grow into them.

- Poles should be up to their shoulders. Again, buy too tall and they will grow into them as they get taller. It's better to have poles too long than too short.

Announcements:

February 14th- Today is the last day at Dunton Locks. Remember there is the candlelight ski from 7-9 PM that the entire family can come and ski!

Sunday, Feb 21st (the last day of Youth Ski League) we will meet at Mountain View Rec Area instead of Dunton Locks.

February 28^th- a fun day to come out and ski at Mountain View Rec area as a group. No lessons, just skiing from 3:00-4:30! Bring the whole family!

March 7^th- Kids race at Maplelag at 12:30. Entry is $5.00. Ribbons to the top 3 finshers in 4 categories: Boys ages 8-12, Girls ages 8-12, Boys ages 7 and under, Girls 7 and under.

We Need Kids Skis!

Please call Nikki at 218-234-5938 if you have children's cross country skis to donate to the club. We appreciate any skis you might have!

Head coach/Organizer: Nikki Caulfield

nikki@detroitlakesxcski.com

Coaches needed for next year! Please email if interested.