GRAND MESA GLIDERS

 

The Grand Mesa Gliders (“GMG”) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the education and enhancement of nordic skiing for children and teens who live in Mesa and Delta County.

 

Learn to Classic Ski Program

 

The Learn to Ski Program (Fishscale ski program) is designed for children ages 5 to 12.  It is designed for children who want to learn to cross country ski or are beginners.  The emphasis is on having fun on skis, while developing basic skills in the classic technique. Kids will be playing games on skis that will provide unstructured learning opportunities, such as balance, turning, stopping, etc..  This program allows kids to rent skis for only $1.00 per session.  If your child needs to rent skis, please indicate this on your registration form.

 

Learn to Skate Ski Program

 

The Learn to Skate Program is designed for kids ages 10-16 who already know how to ski the classic technique and want to learn how to skate. The sessions will consist of games, drills, and activities that introduce kids to the skate technique. The emphasis is on fun and developing a life long interest in x-c skiing, with an introduction to racing.

 

 

The Learn to Classic Ski and Learn to Skate Ski programs will last approximately 1 ½ hours in length, with a fifteen minute break.  The Program will start on Sunday, January 6, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the Skyway trailhead, and will continue the remaining Sundays of January (13th, 20th, and 27th). Children who complete the program will be invited to attend and participate in the Aspen ski festival and children’s race series on February 8 and 9, 2008   

 

Junior Development Ski Team

The Junior Development Ski Team is open to junior high and high school youth who know how to ski both classic and skate techniques.  The Development Team will focus on technique and skill development, with more emphasis on racing.  The team will meet weekly, attend Saturday or Sunday training sessions, travel to and compete in Rocky Mountain Nordic junior races, and attend summer and winter camps.  Rocky Mountain Nordic (RMN) membership is required; USSA membership is encouraged.  The first training camp is the Thanksgiving Training Camp, November 16-18, 2007, so please register ASAP.

 

In the 2008-2009 season, The Grand Mesa Gliders will add a Junior Competition Team.  This will open to J3, J2, and J1 skiers who are interested in competing in cross country ski racing at a higher level. The focus will be on endurance, technique refinement, and, of course, fun.  Team members will meet weekly during the season and will attend summer and winter camps.  Members will be required to become members of Rocky Mountain Nordic and USSA.  Dry-land training camps for the junior team will begin in Summer, 2008.

 

Registration

If you wish to register, please sign the attached liability release form.  Enclose your check made payable to Grand Mesa Gliders.  Full payment of program fees is preferred. However, payment plans are available for GMG Junior Development Team participants. If you wish to set up a payment plan, please contact the Annie Deprey at GMG for more information at the number below.

Please register by mail to:

 

Grand Mesa Gliders

P.O. Box 45

Mesa, CO 81643

Your child cannot be enrolled in Grand Mesa Glider program without a signed release and registration form. As soon as Grand Mesa Gliders receives your payment, signed release, and completed registration form, we will contact you and send you a code of conduct and a program packet including detailed information for the program you registered for.

 

Registration Deadlines:

 

•              November 15, 2007 - for Junior Development Ski Team

•           December 15, 2007 - for Learn to Ski and Learn to Skate Program

Please note that prices go up after the deadlines so register early!  GMG will assess a $30 fee for any returned checks.

 

Volunteers

 

In an effort to make this a cost-effective program, we will require volunteers.  Parents (or a designee) will be required to provide at least one volunteer hour per participant.  Areas of need include: skiing sweep (skiing behind the class), on-site medical personnel, warming station, bringing treats or hot chocolate, helping with game set-up or take-down, marketing, and coaching assistance.

 

Scholarships or Discounts

 

Grand Mesa Gliders believes that interested children should have the opportunity to experience winter sports regardless of financial situation. We will allow children to participate in a GMG program for a discount or no cost in exchange for parent volunteer hours.  If a parent provides five hours of volunteer hours ($10.00/hour + one required volunteer hour), their child may participate in a GMG Learn to Ski program for no cost.   If this is not a feasible solution, need-based scholarships are available for participants.   For scholarship information, please call or e-mail Annie at GMG at the contact information below.

 

Refund PolicyRefunds are available prior to the start of the program and are subject to a $50 processing fee for the Junior Development Team. Through January 15th, GMG will also refund fees for participant withdrawal due to medical reasons or family relocation. The refund will be pro-rated according to the date we receive written notification.

 

Transportation

 

Carpooling is strongly recommended for all GMG programs.  There is limited parking at the Skyway trailhead, and many other trailheads on the Grand Mesa.  After the registration deadlines, we will create a roster of the program participants with contact information so that participants can work out car-pooling to the practices and events.

 

Conduct

 

GMG participants shall follow the RMN Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a manner that preserves their own safety and the safety of those around them. Participants shall not use offensive or inappropriate language. Participants shall do their part to maintain a cooperative atmosphere while participating in any GMG Program.

• Code violators will have a written note sent home to their parents and a copy will be kept on file at GMG.

•  Second violations will lead to a suspension from the program for a period of time deemed appropriate by GMG.

 

Sponsorship 

 

We have a great need for equipment and are currently looking for sponsors to donate nordic equipment (skis, roller skis, and wax) or provide discounts on nordic equipment.  In addition, we are looking for people willing to donate their time and talents in the following areas: staffing a warming station during sessions, accounting, web and uniform design, and possibly coaching.  We are also raising money for scholarships, uniforms, travel, and to create a team website.  All donations are tax deductible.  If you are interested in volunteering your services or if you or your business would like to be a sponsor, please contact me by phone, (970) 623-4424, or e-mail, [email protected].

 

Thank you!

 

Annie Deprey, Grand Mesa Gliders program director

P. O. Box 45; Mesa, Colorado 81643

[email protected]; (970) 623-4424

 

Feel free to contact any of our coaches with questions:

Christina Starks, [email protected]

Sarah Dufford, 970-242-5236

Annie Deprey

 

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