Welcome Letter for New/Prospective Skiers

Here is some information about the upcoming 2026-2027 season.  Please reach out if you have any questions.

DATES

First day of practice:  November 9, 2026

Team Meeting with Parent/Athlete/Coaches: November 10, 6:30-8:00pm in SLP LINK. (Please enter through Door 15 (Athletic doors). Do not enter through the cafeteria. It is being used for a banquet that night.)

Coupon sale: Sat 11/21 and Sun 11/22. All skiers are expected to attend one day of the sale. The skiers will go in groups with parent drivers to sell coupon books door-to-door in St. Louis Park. It's our big fundraiser and great team bonding.  More info to come.

Winter Trip (Optional): 12/4 thru 12/6 at ABR in Ironwood, Michigan. This trip is for high school skiers only. There is an additional cost, approx $200/skier. Financial assistance is available. Middle School skiers are invited, but families must provide transportation, lodging, and meals for their skiers. More info to come. 

Celebration of Doug Peterson’s Retirement: Coach Doug announced his retirement after 28 years coaching SLP Nordic. We will gather to celebrate Doug and the legacy he leaves behind. Info to come! Search for a new head coach is underway.

Registration:  Registration for all sports are done via the Bound system. Opens October 5. 

COMMUNICATIONS

Website:  https://www.slpnordic.com/home  (see more on gear and FAQs)

Email:  All skiers and at least one parent should be on the email list.  Here is a link to sign up for the email list. Please pass along to new ski families.  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnJtiCdasbwCB6cmE7Kw8UKeT62IFL-hMfIDBxiRHHNscFsg/viewform

Remind:  All Skiers and at least one parent should be on the Remind: @skison2 to 81010 to join

Instagram:  This is run by the skiers and has info, photos, etc: @slpnordicski. For booster club news and more photos: @slpnordicbooster

GroupMe:  Skiers ONLY.  Please reach out to a captain to get on the GroupMe.

Gear:  All skiers will need skis, poles, boots, and practice clothing.  

Recommended shops: 

Pioneer Midwest

Gear West

NOTE:  If you are new to the team, please reach out to SLP Nordic parknordic@gmail.com we will get you a free coupon book from last year.  The coupons are good through the end of this year and there are coupons for Pioneer Midwest and Gear West.  

Also, both places usually have ski packages and give discounts for any skiers on a high school team so be sure to mention you are on the SLP team.  

Local Ski Swaps:  

These are great places to get used skis, poles, boots, and clothing.  Here are a few local ones: 

Pioneer Midwest:  November 14-15  NOTE: If you volunteer to help at Pioneer on the Friday prior to the sale, they will let you have priority to pick skis.   

My XC: November 21 

The team has a limited number of used skis to lend to new skiers.  If you are interested or have gear questions, please contact Coach Brian at brian@brianhouts.com