TCAPS Learning, Enrichment & Athletic Program

About Nordic Flyers:

Nordic Flyers is Vasa Ski Club’s flagship middle school skier development program, and has been in place for nearly 30 years. Each season, 60-100 middle school students participate in a very fun, on-ski on-trail Nordic ski instruction program staffed by over 20 volunteer coaches. Nordic Flyers is for middle school skiers of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, and they are broken up into groups accordingly. Besides learning cross country ski technique, the skiers are exposed to a healthy outdoor activity in a fun environment, in beautiful winter surroundings at the wonderful Hickory Hills ski area. This program lays the foundation for a lifelong recreational activity students can share with friends and family. For any kids who might be interested in later joining the high school xc ski team, Nordic Flyers provides an excellent learning platform. We are back to bring another exciting year of XC ski fun and instruction for area middle school students. Join your friends for our three-day-a-week program, Tuesday & Thursdays after school from 4:30 - 6:00 pm and Saturday mornings from 9:00 am - 10:30 am, beginning January 7th. The Vasa Ski Club Nordic Flyers Program is a learn-to-cross-country-ski program and is open to boys and girls in 6th - 8th grade from any Traverse City area school (both TCAPS and non-TCAPS students). The program runs 8 weeks, and is for beginner through advanced skiers... no experience necessary!

Program Details:

Program Director - Abigail Jean

Season - January 7, 2025 through  March 1, 2025

Sessions - Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:30 - 6:00 pm and Saturday mornings 9:00 am - 10:30 am

• Parents must drop off and pick up their children before and after practice at the designated drop off location.

Holiday Camp - During Winter Holiday break at Hickory Hills

• 2 day camp, 9:00 am - 10:30 am
• December 27 & 28
• Participation in this camp is not required

Ski Up Option:

Some more experienced skiers may want the option to ski up with the Vasa Raptors high school team. Skiers wanting to ski up can do so on Wednesdays. This will allow skiers to get exposure to detailed technique training and to ski side by side with the high school athletes. Skiers interested in this option should plan to participate in pre-season dry land technique with the Raptors. More information will be available at the Raptors pre-season meeting November 7, 7:00 pm at Hickory Hills. Please let the Flyers program director know if your child is interested in this opportunity.

Equipment:

Skiers must own or rent both classic and skate skis.

Rentals - The Vasa Ski Club offers rentals to Flyers participants.

• Classic Skis - $55
• Skate Skis - $55

Rental payment is accepted during registration.

Junior ski equipment is available to purchase locally from Brick wheels or XC Headquarters.

Registration Details:

Flyers Program Participation Fee: $150.00

• Includes 3 sessions per week.
• Includes a Vasa Ski Club membership.
• Ski rentals are an additional cost.

Hickory Hills Ski Passes
New this year, each skier must have a Hickory Hills season pass. This may be an Alpine or Nordic specific pass.
Family passes are also welcome. Season passes will allow skiers to ski at Hickory Hills any time during the season.

Registration Deadline (extended): January 3, 2025

• Participation Cap - 75 athletes
• Skiers will be admitted based on the order in which they register..so hurry and register soon!!
• All athletes must register using TCAPS LEAP registration platform regardless of whether the athlete is a TCAPS student

Scholarships:

• Vasa Ski Club offers a limited number of partial and full scholarships.
• DO NOT complete the online registration process if you are applying for a scholarship.
• Email nordicflyers@gmail.com to request a scholarship application.

Location: Hickory Hills and Hickory Meadows Ski Area, 2000 Randolph Street, Traverse City, MI  49684

Transportation: Parents must drop off and pick up their skiers at the designated Hickory Hills drop off area.

Helpful Information:

• Please have your skier dress appropriately for the weather.
• This is NOT a Hickory Hills sponsored program.
  • ALL questions/concerns should be directed to the Program Administrator, Pamela Jean
    • nordicflyers@gmail.com or 231-633-4663

***IMPORTANT: All skiers must have both classic and skate style skis to participate (either your own, or rented)

Failure to not answer height, weight and boot size may result in not having equipment for your student.

****Rental skis will be available on a first come first served in order of registration.

VASA Ski Club offers a limited number of partial and full scholarships.

To have your student considered for a scholarship, please DO NOT complete the online registration process but contact the Program Administrator at nordicflyers@gmail.com to begin the scholarship application.

Participation Limits

Nordic Flyers will be limited to 75 skiers this year. Skiers will be admitted based on the order in which they register..so hurry and register soon!!

NOTE: Payment is required at the time of registration. You may register online using a Discover, MasterCard, Visa, or ACH (via a checking or savings account) please register below. Payment with cash or check can be made at the LEAP office located at: Traverse City East Middle School, 1776 Three Mile Road, Traverse City (call to make in person payment arrangements) School Year Office hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Please call the LEAP office at 231.933.7480 for more information. Registration is not complete until your course appears in your dashboard.  If you did not receive an email from Eleyo or see your course in your dashboard, the payment did not process and the student is not registered.