Venue:
Starring Lake Park
Greyed out options are no longer available.
Details:
| Registration: | Open Apply To Volunteer |
|---|---|
| Meets: | Sunday 01:30 PM - 03:00 PM |
| Starts: | Jan. 3, 2027 |
| Dates: | Jan 3, Jan 10, Jan 17, Jan 24, Jan 31, Feb 7, Feb 14, Feb 21 |
| Classic Rentals: | Club Rentals Classic - online - $75.00 |
| Skate Rentals: | Club Rentals Skate - online - $125.00 |
| Membership: | $60.00 |
| Ski Pass Required: | |
| Leader: | Jennifer Pitterle |
| Email: | edenprairie@myxc.org |
| Skill Levels Offered: | Level 1-6 Classic and Skate |
| Land Acknowledgement: | As we ski at Staring Lake Park, we acknowledge that we are on the sacred lands of the Dakota peoples. We are grateful for their stewardship and strive to honor their culture and history. |
| Backup Plan: | In the event of no natural snow, we will meet at Hyland Ski Area at Jan's Place on Sundays at 3:30 p.m. For Hyland: Everyone 12 and over needs an "All Parks Pass" through Three Rivers Parks. https://www.threeriversparks.org/activity/cross-country-skiing |
Welcome to the Eden Prairie SkiSparks Club!
We’re looking forward to a great 2027 season of fun, learning, and community on the snow. Our club is led by volunteers. Each family is encouraged to be involved!
Where are weekly meetups?
Staring Lake Park
14800 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie*
*If there is not enough snow to ski at Staring Lake, our backup location is Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington and our backup time is 3:30 p.m. (at Hyland). We’ll provide additional details about the backup plan as the season gets underway.
When are weekly meetups?
January 3
January 10
January 17
January 24
January 31
February 7
February 14
February 21
1:30-3:30 p.m.
How do we get announcements and communications?
In the case of weather-related changes or cancellations, we will reach families via email and via our Facebook page (Eden Prairie SkiSparks).
What to know before our first meetup:
All Level 1 skiers need an adult with them on the trail at all times (we call this role the "level 1 attendant” or "level 1 sweeper”). Parents, you should register for this volunteer role right after you register your skier. Level 1 skiers without a registered attendant/parent will not be allowed to participate in meetups.
Families, please arrive by 1:15 p.m. Find our welcome table near the east side of the Staring Lake parking lot and check in with club leaders.
All skiers need to be signed in by a parent or caregiver at the beginning of practice AND signed out at the end.
At our first practice, each skier will receive a bib for their level color and emergency contact information. After filling out bib information, we’ll direct skiers to meet up with their coaches.
Staring Lake Park has a warming house and restrooms a short walk away from our check-in location. There are no restrooms along the trail, so please plan accordingly. A parent will need to be available if their young child needs access to the restroom during our club meetings; coaches are not permitted to take skiers to breaks.
What should my skier wear?
Levels 1-3
Dress your child like they are going to play in the snow–that’s what they’ll be doing! We recommend:
- Warm, dry socks. Avoid cotton; wool is best.
- Warm, dry mittens (mittens keep fingers warmer than gloves).
- Warm hat that covers your ears.
- Something to cover your neck.
Levels 4-6
Some skiers may choose to wear more specific cross-country 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. We recommend:
- Winter jacket to block the wind.
- Fleece jacket/light jacket.
- Long-sleeved shirt or base layer top (avoid cotton; wool is best).
- Warm, dry socks. Thin wool socks are the best.
- Warm, dry mittens.
- Warm hat that covers your ears.
- Something to cover your neck.
What equipment does my skier need?
Level 1: Classic skis and boots; no poles
Levels 2-4: Classic skis, boots, and poles
Levels 5-6: Skate skis, boots, and poles
Our club offers equipment for season rental; you’ll be able to select rental options when you register your skier.
A great option for buying used or new equipment is the MyXC Ski Swap in mid-November at Basecamp near Fort Snelling. Families who volunteer to help at the swap get priority registration and rentals.
Do we need a ski pass?
Skiers at Staring Lake do not need a pass for the trails. If we move to our backup location (Hyland Lake Park Reserve), each skier will need a trail pass. We’ll send more details about that when the season gets underway.
How can I help/get involved?
This is a volunteer-run club. The success and affordability of this program come directly from your contributions of time, energy, and talent. By registering for this club, you are committing to the club’s success! Find more information on training for volunteering here.
Info for Junior Coaches:
High school skiers, we need you! Coaching for Eden Prairie SkiSparks qualifies as a service commitment for NHS. Think about how great this will look on a college application!
Info for Assistant 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 there to make sure the kids are safe, and can assist with activities.
Questions?
Reach out any time at edenprairie@myxc.org. Our 2027 club leader is Jennifer Pitterle.