TCAPS Learning, Enrichment, Activities & Performance Program

About Nordic Flyers:

Nordic Flyers is Vasa Ski Club’s middle school skier development program, and has been in place for nearly 30 years. Each season, many middle school students participate in a fun on-ski on-trail Nordic ski instruction program staffed by numerous 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 with plenty of time for group skiing. 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 Vasa Raptors high school ski team, Nordic Flyers provides an excellent learning platform. We are back to bring another exciting year of XC ski fun and instruction for middle school students. Join your friends for our two-day-a-week program, Monday and Wednesday after school from 4:00 - 5:30 pm and optional Friday. 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 4 - February 24th, 2027

Sessions:

Monday and Wednesday 4:00 - 5:30 pm 

Friday 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

• Mondays and Wednesdays will be our practices with the whole group where we focus on technique, having fun and some friendly competitions. For skiers that are interested in even more technique work, and some more focused training they can join the Friday practice option (no additional cost) as this will be a more race focused training day. 

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

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 October 29, 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 - $55.00
• Skate Skis - $55.00

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 2-3 sessions per week.
• Includes a Vasa Ski Club membership.
• Ski rentals are an additional cost.

Hickory Hills Ski Passes

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: December 18, 2026

• 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: 

We are still trying to determine if we will be able to provide bussing from the Middle Schools and will communicate that to the parents if they are able to do so.

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, Abigail Jean
    • nordicflyers@gmail.com

***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.

NOTE: Payment is required at the time of registration. You may register online using a Discover, MasterCard, Visa, or ACH by clicking the registration button at the top right of the page. Registration is not complete until your course appears in your dashboard. You will also receive an email from Eleyo confirming your registration. If you need assistance please call the LEAP office (231.933.7480).