Winter Park Competition Center ready for snow season
Winter Park Competition Center/Courtesy photo
As snow begins to fall in Grand County, the Winter Park Competition Center is ready to welcome new and returning skiers and snowboarders for the 2024-25 season.
The competition center stated in a news release that staff are “thrilled to introduce exciting new programs designed to engage and inspire the next generation of winter sports enthusiasts.”
Registration is currently open at the center, now in its 62nd year. New programs include snowboarding and Nordic skiing.
Intro to Nordic program
The Nordic ski program launches this year to make the sport fun and accessible for kids.
“Initially centered on classic techniques, the program gradually introduces skate skiing, helping kids develop proper skills while enjoying the beautiful outdoors of Winter Park,” the center stated.
This program teaches the basic of Nordic skiing, combining games with short-distance skiing activities.
Jacob Schopp, a competition center skier, is excited to join the Nordic program this winter.
“Everyone at the comp center is super supportive and the coaches make everything fun. The comp center will make Nordic cross country your favorite sport,” Jacob said.
His father, John Schopp, said that his son has loved training at the competition center, and Grand County is the perfect place to Nordic ski.
“Grand County has some of the best cross-country ski areas in the world, such as Snow Mountain Ranch and Devil’s Thumb,” he said. “They are ridiculously underutilized compared to other ski hubs such as in Minnesota or in Europe. We are so blessed.”
What inspired you to register your child as a comp center athlete?
“I wanted my kids to experience the joy of gliding fast through the woods with minimal effort, which is something that can only come with considerable coaching and practice. The coaches for the Nordic comp center are highly competent and encouraging. The young athletes that enroll tend to be a positive and enthusiastic bunch, which makes for a super peer group.”
What has the effect been on your child?
“Jacob makes sure he works out all year so that he can be in shape for ski season. He has definitely learned the joy of cross-country skiing. It’s all he wants to do all winter. It is a confidence builder. With a few years at comp center an athlete can ski far better and faster than most adults. We have downhill passes too. He used to do comp center freestyle. But it’s definitely a distant second fiddle now to cross country.”
What makes Nordic a great sport to learn and do?
“It’s the hands down best exercise you can get, and it’s also quite safe versus other mountain sports. It takes little formality to go out and enjoy the sport. No crowded parking lots, lift lines, heavy gear —just hop on and go. It is an acquired sport. At first it can be hilariously difficult. But eventually you can zoom through the woods without too much effort.”
Snowboard program for younger athletes
For the first time, the team’s minimum age has been lowered to 6 years old.
“We can begin guiding families earlier, helping them build a strong, healthy and sustainable relationship with both the sport and our team.” said snowboard director, Rich Nelson. “At the Winter Park Snowboard Team, we are committed to fostering passion and long-term development in snowboarders.”
The “little shedders” can join the all mountain/development team. Getting on the snow earlier allows students build their skills and confidence. Coaches will lay down a solid foundation, so younger kids can become well-rounded snowboarders as they progress through the program.
About the Winter Park Competition Center
The center’s winter programs are designed for children, teens and adults in a supportive, fun environment. There are options that cater to beginners as well as those looking to compete at the highest levels. Whether competitors are just starting out or aiming for the podium, the center offers expert coaching and a wealth of opportunities to grow as an athlete and as an individual.
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