Venue:

Highland 9 Golf Course - St Paul

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Details:

Registration:	Full Apply To Volunteer Enroll in Waitlist
Meets:	Sunday 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Starts:	Jan. 4, 2026
Dates:	Jan 4, Jan 11, Jan 18, Jan 25, Feb 1, Feb 8, Feb 15, Feb 22
Classic Rentals:	Club Rentals Classic - online - $70.00
Skate Rentals:	Club Rentals Skate - online - $120.00
Membership:	$55.00
Ski Pass Required:	St. Paul Natural Snow Ski Pass for skiers 13 and over
Leader:	Kate Smith
Email:	highland9@myxc.org
Skill Levels Offered:	Level 1-6 Classic and Skate
Land Acknowledgement:	St. Paul stands on the ancestral, traditional, and contemporary Dakóta homelands. In our pursuit of joy on these trails at Highland 9 Golf Course, we honor the Dakota peoples, the original caretakers of this land. We are thankful for their legacy and commitment to the environment.
Backup Plan:	In the event of no natural snow, we will move to Battle Creek from 1:30pm - 3:00pm.

Latest News

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Highland 9 – Sunday Afternoon SkiSparks Club

Welcome to the 2025–2026 Highland 9 SkiSparks season — we’re so happy you’ve joined us! This page is your home base for everything you need: weekly schedule, where to meet, what to bring, weather and cancellation details, equipment and rentals, volunteer roles, skill levels, and how to stay connected all season long.

Quick Links: Highland 9 Club Handbook • Preparing for the Season • Ski Passes • Trail Etiquette • MyXC YouTube Tutorials • Trail Conditions

Season at a Glance

First Session: Sunday, January 4, 2026
Time: 1:00–2:30 PM
- Level 1 ends at 2:00 PM
Location: Highland 9 Golf Course (Montreal Ave & Hamline Ave)
Season Length: 8 Sundays in a row

Important Pre-Season Dates

December 13: Minnesota Nordic Ski Opener @ Elm Creek
December 14–16: Highland 9 Ski Rental Pick-Up
December 15: Virtual Highland 9 Coaches Training

What to Expect on Day One

We’ll meet right at the corner of Hamline and Montreal. Just look for the SkiSparks flags and level signs — we’ll be easy to spot! After the first day, you’ll head straight to your coach; groups usually spread out around the perimeter of the course.

Please arrive 10–15 minutes early to find your group and settle in.

Bathroom reminder: Only porta-potties are available onsite. We recommend a quick bathroom stop before heading to the course so your skier doesn’t miss any lesson time.

What to Bring:

✓ Skis, boots, and poles (Level 1 will not use poles)
✓ Warm layers and dry mittens — head here for more info!
✓ A positive attitude and willingness to have fun!

Head to the Highland 9 Club Handbook for more tips on preparing for the first day (including links to skill videos on MyXC’s YouTube channel).

Pre-Season Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the questions we hear most often. For more details (and full prep tips), you can always check the Highland 9 Club Handbook.

What should we be doing to prepare for the first day?

✓ Label all gear (skis, poles, boots) so it doesn’t get mixed up on the snow — especially rentals.
✓ Practice putting on and taking off gear at home — it builds confidence and saves time during lessons.
✓ Review the email with your level assignment and meeting location so you know exactly what sign and group you’re looking for on day one.

What if we have to miss the first day?

It’s okay if you need to miss. Please arrive a bit early the first time you’re able to attend and check in with a coach at your skier’s level sign. We’ll help them find the right group and catch up.

What if my skier doesn’t want to ski?

It’s very common for kids to feel nervous or unsure. Let their coach know so we can keep things low-pressure and playful — more games, shorter loops, and lots of encouragement.

What should I do during the session — can I just drop my kids off?

Grown-ups of Level 1 skiers are required to register as a Level 1 Attendant and stay on the snow with their skier. For Levels 2–6, we strongly prefer families to stay on site — you’re welcome to ski nearby, help as a sweeper, or watch from the side.

Weather & Cancellation Updates

If we need to cancel due to weather or temperature, we’ll send an update at least 90 minutes before start time.

How do we decide whether to cancel? We use guidance from MYXC, St. Paul Parks & Recreation, and national cold-weather safety standards. Decisions are based on:

Temperature and windchill — generally, a windchill below about –5°F is unsafe for extended youth activity.
Snow conditions — if grooming isn’t possible or the course is icy, unsafe, or unusable.
Visibility and wind — blowing snow or poor visibility that makes group instruction unsafe.
Sudden weather changes — storms or rapid temperature drops that develop quickly.

Cold weather alone won’t always cancel a session, but when in doubt, we’ll always choose safety and communicate clearly.

How we’ll contact you: We’ll post updates on this Highland 9 club page and send both a Remind text and club email.

Equipment & Rentals

Families who requested rentals will receive a separate email with pickup times and sign-up slots. Only those who selected rentals during registration will receive this message.

Volunteer Opportunities

We are a fully volunteer-led program, and the magic of Highland 9 happens because families get involved. You’re encouraged to find a role — big or small — that fits your comfort level.