Junior Program 2025-26

The Junior program is an amazing team of high school age skiers interested in training for endurance sport particularly, but not limited to, nordic skiing.  The Junior program sets an environment for kids of a wide range of skills to flourish, united by their hard work, learning, and love for endurance sport.  

Mat-Su Nordic’s professional coaching provides a safe and healthy path as they learn to push their limits, become young adults, and promote the same enjoyable experience for their teammates.  Consistent and frequent coaching throughout the year and long term is paramount to developing these skills during these years.  

The program supports long term sport development, providing a base for success in other sports such as cross country running, track, mountain running, and others.  These various sports can synergistically enhance experiences and success.  For example, running and aerobic fitness is a main staple in the full-time Summer training prior to the cross country running season; and part-time ski-specific training is offered during these school seasons to complement the running to maintain a multi-sport base.  Running through the Winter is also promoted to maintain a strong aerobic base and be better prepared for running track in the Spring.  

Mat-Su Nordic tailors training to fit each individual throughout the year.  All athletes are different, progress differently, and have their own different set of circumstances day to day.  Each person’s situation is assessed holistically.  Generally, the same principles are developed across the group with slightly different means as appropriate.  

One common question regards combining the MSN Junior membership with their High School Team.  It is best to think of MSN Juniors as a resource to achieve the same goals of that of the High School Team, and more.  MSN is there to help you come into the high school season better prepared, fill in any gaps, and of course provide top level preparation and service for non high school races.  Additional coaching around high school practices and races is available.  As described above with the holistic approach, MSN training is tailored to fit the individual and their own situation and goals.  Being a member of both the MSN Junior Team and your school team is a WIN-WIN!

Year-Round and Seasonal Programs

The program year is sub-divided into Summer, Fall, and Winter seasonal terms.  A seasonal membership may be good for some but the year-round membership is likely to promote better meaningful development and fun, and so it is incentivized by a discounted per session rate.

Free Week Trials are available.  Select the 'Free Trial' option in the drop-down to come check out the program and see if it's a good fit.  If you're not sure when you'd like to try out the program, sign up for the free trial to get on the mailing list and receive regular Junior program emails with upcoming schedules and plans.

Season Options

• Summer - $895

  • April 28 to August 17th (15 weeks)

    • During track season: 2-3 sessions per week, scheduled around track practices & meets.  Additional guidance offered if not running track.

    • During Summer break:

      • Monday - Friday, 7:30-9:30 AM

      • Occasionally longer (7:00-9:45 AM)

      • Possible Tuesday and Friday afternoon Strength workouts

    • Two potential camps:

      • June 12-14

      • July 24-26

    • *No Sessions week of July 4th Holiday

• Fall - $495

  • August 18th to November 2nd (10 weeks)

    • During XC season: 2-3 sessions per week, scheduled around XC practices & meets.  Additional guidance offered if not running XC.

    • Post XC season: Monday - Friday, 3:15 - 5:15 PM

• Winter - $895

  • November 3rd, 2025 - April 4th, 2026 

  • 21 weeks

    • Sessions offered to complement and fill gaps in HS season

      • Weekends, non-school days, holiday breaks

    • Early November camp (2 days on a long weekend)

    • Extra coaching (outside of HS practice) available upon request

    • Race ski planning and consultations for all races

    • Non-HS race (Besh Cups and other races) preparation

    • Besh Cup race service

    • Post HS season practices - the best ski conditions of the year!

• Year Round - $1,950 (Best Deal!)

  • April 28, 2025 to April 4th, 2026

  • 46 weeks (Summer, Fall, and Winter)

  • Semi-annual payment plan is available.  2nd half-payment due Oct 1, 2025.

Program Costs

Great efforts are made to keep the program costs as affordable as possible.  A year-round fee is not insignificant to many families.  Though, it should be noted that the whole year's coaching and Besh cup race service comes to less than half the cost of the trip to Junior Nationals.  Family discounts are available.  If you, or someone you know, is facing financial hardship, there is potential for finding a sponsor.  Please reach out and we can explore this.

Mat-Su Nordic is also any approved vendor for home school extra curricular activities!

Prorated Fees are offered for mid-season registration for new members.  Contact Eric Strabel (eric.strabel@matsuski.org) to receive the discount coupon or with any questions and to get the practice plan.

Family discounts are available for families with multiple year-round Mat-Su Nordic program members.  Contact Eric Strabel at eric.strabel@matsuski.org with your family's membership intentions for a discount code before registering.

• 10% off for 2 family members

• 20% off for 3 family members

• 30% off for 4 or more family members

Special Registration Notes:

• Be sure to support the Mat-Su Ski Club by being a MSSC member!  Except for the Free 1-week trial, a current family MSSC Membership is required to participate in the youth programs (Mini, Devo, Junior); Individual or Family membership is required for the Masters.

• You must be logged in to our website with your Mat-Su Ski Club membership identity to add these products to your cart (except for the free trial).

• If you're still having trouble registering or viewing the calendar (below) on your mobile device, please try a desktop browser.

Recommended Gear for Dryland Training

Running and Strength

• Trail running shoes

• Weather appropriate clothing

On Foot w/Poles

• Trail running shoes

• Weather appropriate clothing

• classic ski-length poles work okay, but a pair that are 2-3 inches shorter is ideal

Skate Rollerski

• Bike helmet is required

• Skate rollerskis (personally owned)

• Skate length poles with ferrules installed in place of snow baskets

• Knee and elbow pads if you prefer.  A few falls are expected if you're new to roller skiing.

Classic Rollerski

• Bike helmet is required

• Classic rollerskis (personally owned)

• Classic length poles with ferrules installed in place of snow baskets

• Knee and elbow pads if you prefer.  A few falls are expected if you're new to roller skiing.

Mountain Bike (potential)

• Appropriate clothing and shoes as you prefer

• Helmet is required

• A reliable and safe bike for the trails.  Please have your bike inspected by a reputable bike mechanic if you're not sure.  Suspension is nice but not required.  Fat tire bikes work well too.