Otter Tail SkiSparks Club

Welcome to the Otter Tail County Youth Ski Club

This club is all about helping kids learn to love the life-long sport of Nordic skiing. The club is open to 1st - 6th grade children.

Wondering about what skills are covered for each age group and how to best support your young skier? Check out the MyXC SkiSparks curriculum app and the MyXC YouTube playlists to learn more.

Visit our Facebook page for photos and other timely updates!

Subscribe to our Remind list (@otynski) for the latest updates.

Schedule and Location

For 2027, we will meet on Saturdays from 10:30am-12pm @ Spidahl's Ski Gaard (see map above). Tentative dates are January 9, 16, 23, 30 and February 6, 13, 23, and 30. 

Things to remember each week

• Come dressed ready to ski. This includes a hat, gloves, and face covering. This year's welcome kit includes a face buff and a warm pair of socks.
• Make sure you have all of your equipment -- skis, boots, and poles. Wear your ski boots in the car (but don't ski across the parking lot!)
• Make a stop in the bathroom before you leave home.
• Please arrive early (10:15 - 10:25) to check in and receive your ski bib.

Registration

Check back soon for registration information.

Equipment and Trail Passes

Equipment pick-up date TBD. Equipment cost is $40 per skier ($100 family maximum) and will be paid on site at equipment pickup. Cash or checks payable to "OTYSL" (Ottertail Youth Ski League).

All skiers will need to purchase a yearly trail pass, even if you are not renting skis. This fee helps support trail maintenance, helps keep our ski area in great shape for everyone to enjoy, and gives you access to the Ski Gaard trail system outside of club days. A family pass option is also available. Price will be announced at the beginning of the ski season.

Family Equipment Rental

If you have children who are not in the program but who would like to ski, we may have a limited amount of equipment available for rent. Please contact our equipment manager, Erik Ronnevik, for more details.

Weather and cancellation policy

We will not ski if the air temperature is below 4˚ F, or the wind chill is below -15˚ F, or at the leader's discretion. Cancellations will be posted on this Web page under Weather Announcements and a Remind (@otynski) text will be sent to parents/families.

Cancellations will not be rescheduled, though if we cancel 2 or more club meetings due to weather we will add backup dates of March 6 and/or 13.

Children should dress in layers. A moisture wicking under layer, an insulating layer, and a wind proof layer are typically appropriate. Please use your discretion noting your child's activity level and the outside temperature/wind chill. Often a winter jacket and snow pants or a snow suit are too warm once the child gets skiing.

Volunteering

This club is run by volunteers. Though we do not expect all parents to also serve as volunteers, the success and affordability of this program comes directly from your contributions of time, energy, and talent. We do have a number of ways to get involved with the program; please contact us if you would like to discuss ways you can contribute.

Following are some suggested areas of volunteer service:

Coaching

We really need your help! If you plan to volunteer as a coach, please contact us. You do not need to be an expert skier to coach. We offer coaching positions for beginner, intermediate, and advanced (skate ski) students. Instructional information for coaches to use for each session will be provided. Given enough interest, training opportunities for coaches can also be arranged.

Assistant Coaching

Assistant coaches act as tagalongs for all levels. Basic duties include assisting students with putting on/taking off skis, helping with drills and other activities, and keeping students focused.

Bib Coordinator

Bib coordinators are responsible for making color coordinated level cards with skier's name and inserting them in bib pockets and collecting bibs at session's end.

Ski Equipment Coordinator

The ski equipment coordinator assists our head coordinator with distributing equipment -- keeping track of who has what, collecting rental fees, and collecting equipment at the end of the season.

Contact info

Program Coordinators

Carrie Ugstad - Communications
Erik Ronnevik - Equipment Manager
Mary Budke - Bib Coordinator and Outreach
Jake Krohn - Website
Katrina Mouser - Program Organizer