Venue:
Carver Park Reserve
Greyed out options are no longer available.
Details:
| Registration: | Open Apply To Volunteer |
|---|---|
| Meets: | Sunday 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM |
| Starts: | Jan. 11, 2026 |
| Dates: | Jan 11, Jan 18, Jan 25, Feb 1, Feb 8, Feb 15, Feb 22, Mar 1 |
| Classic Rentals: | Club Rentals Classic - online - $70.00 Chalet Rentals Classic |
| Skate Rentals: | See next option Chalet Rentals Skate |
| Membership: | $55.00 |
| Ski Pass Required: | Three Rivers Ski Pass for skiers 12 and over |
| Leader: | Eric Adams |
| Email: | carver@myxc.org |
| Skill Levels Offered: | Level 1-6 Classic and Skate |
| Land Acknowledgement: | We acknowledge that the land on which we gather and enjoy our activities at Carver Park Reserve is the ancestral territory of the Dakota people. We honor their enduring connection to this land and recognize the deep history and cultural significance it holds. As we engage in our skiing community, we commit to learning from and respecting the traditions of the Dakota and all Indigenous peoples. We encourage reflection on the impact of our presence here and strive to promote awareness, understanding, and respect for the rich heritage that continues to shape this area. |
| Backup Plan: | If we must move our club meeting to man-made snow, we will meet at 11:30am (earlier same day) at Hyland in Bloomington. |
Welcome to the Carver Youth Ski Club
The 2026 season will be a great year for the kids at Carver Park Reserve. This is a volunteer led program. Every family is urged to help in some way. Please see below for volunteer information.
Schedule and location
Carver SkiSparks will meet for 8 Sundays beginning with our first meeting Sunday, January 11th 2026 from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM at Carver Park Reserve. Our last week of club meeting will be Sunday, March 2nd.
Announcements
Note that our backup time (in case of no snow) is at Hyland Park Reserve at 11:30am. Any location changes will be posted on this website.
Weather and cancellation policy
We will not ski if the air temperature is below -2˚ F or the wind chill is below -10˚ F, or at the leader’s discretion. Always check the website or email carver@myxc.org with questions. Cancellations will be posted on this Web page.
Dress for Success
LEVEL 1-3
Dress your child like they are going to play in the snow, because this is what they will be doing! The most important things are:
- Warm, dry socks. No cotton! A thin wool sock is best.
- Warm, dry mittens. Try to stay away from gloves to avoid cold fingers.
- Warm hat that covers your ears.
- Something to cover your neck.
LEVEL 4-6
Some skiers may wear more specific xc ski pants and jackets so it's easier to move fast, but it's not necessary. The most important thing is dressing your skier in layers (on the top) so they can take off a layer when they get hot.
- Winter jacket
- Fleece jacket/light jacket
- Long sleeve (not cotton) shirt
- Warm, dry socks. Thin wool socks are the best.
- Warm, dry mittens
- Warm hat that covers your ears.
- Something to cover your neck.
Equipment
Carver Park has classic and skate rentals available at the chalet/visitor center. Additionally, our club has a limited supply of classic equipment for levels 1-4 available for seasonal rental. Children skiing in level 5 or above can rent from Carver Park Chalet or can use their own skate skis, boots, and poles.
A great option for buying new and used equipment is the MyXC Ski Swap in mid-November at Basecamp near Fort Snelling.
Ski Passes
Trail passes are not required for children 11 years old and younger. Ages 12 and up, as well as skiing parents/coaches, will need to purchase a pass. It is recommended that you get the "All Parks" Annual Pass (there is a household discount if you purchase them together). More information about passes can be found on the Three Rivers Park website.
Registration
Please register early to insure a spot at Carver. Club equipment rentals are limited. Please consider volunteering to get priority registration!
More info, tips and tricks:
Please take some time to review the general SkiSparks guidelines HERE (especially the information on skill levels)
Classic ski technique:
Level 1: Ages 4-7 (parents ski or walk along with the child)
Level 2: 6-8 (parents check in occasionally)
Level 3: 7-10
Level 4: 8-12
Skate ski technique:
Level 5: 9-13
Level 6: 11-14
Questions about levels? Contact us at carver@myxc.org
Communications
We will be communicating with Carver SkiSparks families via email. When you register please include a contact e-mail address. You will be contacted for the following reasons:
- To let you know if we have to cancel or shift the meeting time.
- To clear up any questions we may have about your registration.
- To be given periodic updates with news and information about the ski club.
MyXC is on Facebook and Instagram! You can "like” the MyXC page to get general announcements, photos and videos from each of the MyXC club.
VOLUNTEERING
This is a volunteer run club. The success and affordability of this program comes directly from your contributions of time, energy, and talent. By registering for this club, you are committing to the club’s success and are agreeing to volunteer. More information on training for volunteering here.
Level 1 skiers will need to be accompanied by an adult (registered volunteer). Coaching at level 1 is a great way to accompany your child. We are also in very great need of coaches for all levels 1-6. Please consider coaching as it is our number one need! You do not necessarily need to coach at your child’s level.
Coaching:
We really need your help! This is our biggest need and is one of the most rewarding ways in which you can help the club. Kids get more out of the program when the coach-to-kid ratio is low, and coaches need not be experienced skiers to volunteer. The MyXC program makes it easy for a coach to know what to do. An eight week curriculum has been prepared for every level and each day's plan is available on an app. The guide also provides many helpful tips and games to keep classes enjoyable and interesting. You do not have to be an elite level skier to be a coach. All you need is a desire to help kids and have fun.
Junior Coaches:
High-school aged skiers, we need you! We rely heavily on high school volunteers, who are fun, friendly and in far better shape than most of us. Coaching for Carver SkiSparks qualifies as a service commitment for NHS. Think about how great this will look on a college application!
Assistant and Sub Coaches:
As an assistant coach, you can support a coach by accompanying the group on the trails and helping skiers. If you feel like your skiing level is at the same level as the level your kids are signed up for, you would be a fantastic assistant coach! You are not in charge of the instruction, rather you are there to make sure the kids are safe, and can assist with activities.
If you are a sub coach, you can fill in when a coach isn’t able to make it to ski club.
Snack Coordinator:
Set up sign-up for parents to bring weekly snacks and send reminders. Be available on ski days to help organize and clean up snacks.
Need to contact us? Email us at carver@myxc.org