WEEKLY SKI PROGRAM FOR KIDS
Bill Koch League (BKL), is a regional youth ski program named after Bill Koch, the first U.S. Olympic medalist in cross-country skiing. We emphasize having fun, making new friends, and learning and improving skills all while sliding on snow.
Bill Koch League skiers are the youth skiers of the New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA). NENSA is a member-supported service organization that promotes the culture of cross-country skiing by creating opportunities for youth, athletes, coaches, officials and skiers of all levels.
BKL Activities include:
- Ski skills development
- Fun games on skis
- Trail skiing
- Hunts & obstacle courses
- Junior sprints
- Relay races
- Ski care clinics
2024 SESSION Dates
7 Sundays, beginning January 7 through March 10
No BKL Club on January 14, February 18, and March 3 (weekend of New England BKL Festival in Ripton, VT)
If members are first time skiers – they must attend the 1st two sessions. This is mandatory so they can participate in the rest of the program.
COSTS
*Club dues: $45 first child; $35 additional child(ren)
*Season pass or afternoon trail pass: $5 per session
*Equipment rental (if needed): $5 per session
*NENSA Youth BKL membership: $25 (optional but is required if going to the Festival – register on your own and select Great Glen BKL Club as your club.)
Please note Great Glen’s winter season pass policy: When an adult purchases a winter season pass, that adult’s children aged 17 and under can get their season pass for free. Season passes purchased before December 1 are eligible for special discounting of the regular season pass rate.
Additional Benefit: Club members receive the team discount rate (20% off) for in-stock children’s ski equipment at Great Glen Outfitters.
COACHES
Rachel Fithian
Rachel has been the Assistant Coach for Great Glen’s BKL Club for the past five years. She began skiing and racing cross country at Gorham High School, along with her alpine racing involvement. She was a two-time NH high school Ski Meister, and a former alpine instructor at Wildcat. She currently teaches music in the local school system. Rachel is known for her enthusiasm and positive attitude, as well as her patience with developing skiers. She truly loves the sport of cross country and sharing it with youngsters.
Amy Kuzma
Amy has been cross-country skiing for over 40 years since setting out on her first skis with her parents and sister at the age of 4. She started ski racing as a member of her local Bill Koch League in Vermont at age 8 and continued skiing competitively into her late 20s. She continues to ski recreationally, and it truly is her passion. Amy also has over a dozen years of experience in the ski industry; teaching lessons, recommending and fitting ski gear and planning ski races and events, including 9 years at Great Glen Trails. Any day on skis is a good day in her opinion and she hopes to share the love of skiing with our BKL ski club the way her first BKL coach and wax technician (her dad) shared with her.
Ben Higgins
Ben is the ski school director for Great Glen Trails Outdoors Center, and new addition to the coaching staff for the BKL Club. Ben grew up in Jefferson, NH having skied with White Mountains Regional through Middle School and High School. After a stint in the Upper Peninsula with Northern Michigan University, he settled into coaching cross country skiing. The past four years Ben was coaching Nordic athletes full time in Mammoth Lakes, California. Returning home to New Hampshire to be involved with skiing is a lifetime goal of his. Cross country skiing has given Ben so much joy, opportunity and excitement; passing that experience on is the best gift yet.
For questions or to contact the coaches, send an email to: ggtbklskiclub@gmail.
REGISTRATION
To register, call (603) 466-3988 or email ggtbklskiclub@gmail.
Return the form via:
Email:
ggtbklskiclub@gmail.
Drop off:
Great Glen Trails
Route 16, Pinkham Notch
Mail to:
GGBKL Club, c/o Great Glen Trails
PO Box 278 Gorham, NH 03581
Phone (603) 466-3988
