Androscoggin Valley Bill Koch League

It's a weekly program for kids that brings parents and kids together on snow. The Androscoggin Valley Bill Koch League is a partnership that focuses on fun and instruction for kids. WHO: Kids ages 6-13 interested in cross country skiing and their parents. WHAT: An organized ski club run by parents for kids at Great Glen Trails. WHERE:  Great Glen Trails is the home base with trips to other venues possible. Participation in the New England BKL Festival in Windsor, MA Feb. 28-March 1 is encouraged. WHEN: Sundays 1-3 pm, late December – March WHY:  FUN!! (and improve ski skills)

Click here to view a photo gallery with a sample of some of last season's fun. (Photos courtesy of Maury McKinney.)

Unlike many other Bill Koch Leagues, children are led and taught by professionals at Great Glen Trails. In fact, Great Glen Trails goes one step further and on most Sundays this instructor is Ski School Director and 1984 Olympian Sue Wemyss.

Each year in November, the Androscoggin Valley Bill Koch League raises money through their bake sale and raffle at the Great Glen Craft Fair. The date of this year’s Craft Fair is Saturday, November 29. Parents may get involved by selling baked goodies and raffle tickets and providing baked items to sell.

Parent volunteers are required for each session. Parent volunteers are needed for: communication and coordination of volunteers; Craft Fair bake sale; membership records; skiing assistants; lodge parents. Club members receive the team discount rate for in stock children’s ski equipment:  skis, boots, poles, and bindings at Great Glen Outfitters.

Costs:
To join AVBKL Club
    Club Dues: $15/first child; $10/each additional child
    NENSA membership* to be paid for by AVBKL Club in the winter of 2008-2009.

Trail Pass for BKL on-snow session at Great Glen (Sunday afternoon)
    Kids….$4/session
    Parent Volunteer skiing with Club that afternoon . . . FREE

Rentals (if needed)
   Kids . . . $4/session
   Parent Volunteer  $14/afternoon (begins at 12:30 pm; regular rental rate)

*NENSA (New England Nordic Ski Association) Benefits:
     Individual – 6 issues of New England Nordic News; sticker & poster; opportunity to participate in New England BKL Festival; online Forum at www.nensa.net
     For Club – insurance coverage for Club activities; resources & info; possible clinic with NENSA Staff member;
     Support the main governing body of cross country skiing for New England region