TCAPS Learning, Enrichment, Activities & Performance Program

VASA Ski Club Raptors High School Team

Welcome to the VASA-Raptors! We are the Traverse City area high school Nordic ski team, a VASA Ski Club program focused on developing junior skiers of all abilities through hard work and fun. Athletes race locally, regionally, and nationally throughout the winter.

Coaches

Head Coach: Ethan Goss - tcvasaraptors@gmail.com
Assistant Coaches: Amy Powell, Hannah Goss
Parent Board President: Meghan Dykstra - meghan.dykstra@tandemwealthtc.com

Informational Meeting

New families, please plan to attend.
Date & Time: Thursday, October 29, 2026 @ 7 PM
Location: Hickory Hills Lodge

Registration

• Deadline: Saturday, December 12, 2026 
• Eligibility: 9th-12th graders. 7th-8th graders can "ski-up" after registering with the Vasa Flyers.
• Fee: $365 (covers team uniform, race support, and State Championship registration)
  • Skiers must purchase their own Hickory Hills season pass.

Race registration and travel costs are not included in the team fee, except for the State Championship registration fee. Scholarships are available through the team website.

Practice

• Start Date: Monday, November 9, 2026
• Schedule: Five days a week, 4:15-5:45 PM
• Locations: Before snow: TC Central, Hickory Hills, Civic Center, and The Commons trails. With snow: Hickory Hills. Weekly training schedules with practice details will be emailed.

Communication

Weekly emails share training schedules and updates. You can join our email list through our website. We use the TeamReach app for direct communication with athletes and parents (group code: VasaRaptorsTeam).

Racing

• Not required, but encouraged.
• Local (good for everyone): MI Cup races and the MI High School State Championship
• Regional (for more experienced skiers): CXC Junior Qualifiers for the Great Lakes Division. Athletes can qualify for Junior Nationals or U18/U16 trips based on results.

Equipment

Required:

• Dryland gear (rollerski boots, poles, athletic clothing)
• Winter ski clothing (base layers, Nordic pants, jacket, gloves, socks, hat, BUFF)
• Ski gear (skate skis, classic skis, poles, boots, ski ties)

Recommended:

• Practice skis, yoga mat, water belt, ski bag, wax cork, scraper

Local Purchasing Options

Suttons Bay Bikes, Brick Wheels, and Don Orr Ski Haus carry Nordic gear and offer expert advice. Buying locally helps make sure your equipment fits properly.

Rentals:

XC Ski Headquarters offers affordable rental packages, a great option for beginners.

Transportation

Athletes are responsible for their transportation to practices and races. Contact the Parent Board if you need assistance with carpooling.

Volunteering

• Parents: About 25% of the team's budget comes from fundraising, so we need help at events and fundraisers. Contact the Parent Board to get involved.
• Athletes: Volunteering for Vasa programs earns points toward a varsity letter.

We'll host Tuesday night sprint races this season and need volunteers for setup, registration, bibs, and timing. Please reach out if you can help!

Join the VASA-Raptors!