Few outdoor experiences in the Flathead Valley can compare to gliding across a glistening blanket of snow on a peaceful winter day, the only sound coming from the swish of your skies and the sound of your breath.
The dedicated folks of the Glacier Nordic Club have a passion for cross-country skiing experiences like this and make it their goal to spread their love of this sport throughout the Flathead Valley.
The Glacier Nordic Club has been in existence for over 40 years. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, their mission is to promote and inspire a life-long love of cross-country skiing by introducing the sport to newcomers, encouraging friendships among cross-country skiers, and providing cross-country skiing programs to the community. Whether you have never strapped on a pair of skis, or you are just biding your time until the Olympics come calling, the Glacier Nordic Club is here to support you.
Jennie Bender is Executive Director of the club. She is the only full-time, year-round employee, but a robust group of part-timers from trail groomers to coaches to administrative staff, as well as volunteers, keep the club active in the community throughout the year through three main branches of operation.
The first branch entails grooming and maintaining trails. “Grooming basically means that we flatten a track and make sure it’s ready for skiers,” says Jennie. They groom up to 67 kilometers (around 41 miles) of trail across four locations. Jennie says, “A lot of people think the city is responsible for the grooming and maintenance of these trails, but we do it all.”
The second branch revolves around the Glacier Nordic Center. Check in at the center to purchase a pass to ski at the golf course, rent skis and other equipment if you do not have your own, get your skies waxed, and take lessons run by club members. “If you’re in town and you want to go skiing, come on by,” says Jennie.
The third branch of operations is a particular passion for the club’s members, which involves producing a new generation of cross-country skiers. “If you can learn a sport when you're young, then you can always go back to it,” says Jennie. “We hope to just get kids out in the snow, learning body mechanics, gaining balance and strength, and just fostering the ability to push through challenging things.”
In addition to helping maintain a ski loop at Muldown Elementary School in Whitefish, the club offers several programs for youth in the community. “We’ve got programs for over 250 kids,” says Jennie. “We want kids to find a relationship with physical fitness, and if you find something you enjoy that’s fun, even better.” It should be noted that cross-country skiing is also a fairly inexpensive sport for children to get into compared with some other youth sports programs.
The Chet Hope Youth League helps kids ages 4 to 10 years learn to ski and improve their skills. The Youth Laser Biathlon Program partners with the U.S. Biathlon Association to help kids and teens prepare for this challenging sport that combines cross-country skiing and shooting, in this case using biathlon rifles that “shoot” a laser beam. The list goes on, ranging from lessons for kids that have never been on skis to clinics that help more experienced youngsters improve their technique.
Adults can also take advantage of Glacier Nordic Club’s efforts. Beginning cross-country skiers will benefit from private and group lessons taught by experienced instructors that cover both classic and skate skiing. In an effort to never stop learning, intermediate skiers will benefit from clinics that delve into specific techniques such as navigating hills and perfecting your glide.
Starting and perfecting any new physical activity can be daunting, and cross-country skiing is no different. Jennie has some guidance for those who may be hesitant, or even scared, to get into the sport. “I hear people say ‘Oh, I tried it once and I fell so I hate it,’ or ‘It’s too cold,’” Jennie says. “Like any activity, it’s important to set yourself up for success. Technique and good gear go a long way. I always suggest everyone just take one lesson. And once you get on enough gear and start moving, you’re going to warm up.”
Those who do invest a little time and money will not be disappointed as the physical and mental benefits reaped from cross-country skiing are abundant. Not only is it a great workout, but let’s face it, we all need a little motivation to get outside during a Montana winter. “Even if you can only go out a few times in the winter, I guarantee you will be stronger at whatever else you are doing,” Jennie says. “It starts at just being okay with challenging yourself and straying a little out of your comfort zone.”
To become a member, volunteer your time for club events, donate, view the calendar of events, or to learn more about Glacier Nordic Club's youth programs, visit GlacierNordicClub.org or check out their Instagram page @GlacierNordicClub.
“We want kids to find a relationship with physical fitness, and if you find something you enjoy that’s fun, even better.”