Why Nordic?

About Nordic

Nordic skiing is one of the world's most challenging endurance sports, placing a heavy emphasis on strength, technique, and speed. An olympic sport since 1924, cross country skiing has evolved into a sport consisting of different ski techniques and race formats. The two primary techniques used in Nordic racing are classic and skate. Depending on the particular event, race distances range from 1 kilometer (sprint) to 50 kilometers (loppets/ski marathons).

Vermont has long been a stronghold for Nordic racing, producing many Olympic skiers over the years. A small state with numerous Nordic ski venues and training opportunities, VT is one of the best places in the country to be involved in Nordic ski scene! Many of these ski venues are located near the Essex and greater Burlington area, making training very accessible for teams and individual racers. Shown below are pictures of a few of the many world class Nordic athletes from Vermont. 

Liz Stephen, US Ski Team.  Montpelier VT native

Andy Newell, US Ski Team, 2006 and 2010 Olympian. Shaftsbury VT native

Bill Koch, a Brattleboro VT native, and first ever U.S. Nordic skier to Olympic medal (1976), catches the surf in Maui!!

Here at Essex, VT 

EHS Waxing and Strength Training Room

The majority of public high school races in Vermont range from 2.5 to 7 kilometers.  Most of our ski meets (Essex) are held on Saturdays, however, a handful of local races take place after school. We generally have between 10 -12 races scheduled per season, with a near equal number of classic and skate races.  Once the winter sports season officailly begins (late fall), pracitces will run five days a week.  The day before a race will always be designated as a wax / game practice.  Our primary training sites are Sleepy Hollow Nordic Center, The Ethan Allen Biathlon Range in Jericho, and ocassionaly the Westford Middle School trails.  Tuesdays and Thursdays are our main busing days when we travel to any one of the above training venues to ski.  The rest of the week we are based right at EHS and ski on the field in behind the school (if there is snow!).    

Molly Duff powering around the state loop (2012)

  Essex Retro Racing Bib

Ethan John sprinting to the finish at the State Meet (2012)

The all new 2013 numbers

             
Go Hornets!

Here are just a few of the many benefits of Nordic skiing, regardless of where you are...

• Nordic racing provides great physical challenges for its competitors. 
• It's about the motives! - Nordic racers are some of the most driven, hard working athletes, who spend countless hours (and years!) working to capture goals, and trying to make the very best of all their stored potential. Many athletes compete simply for the love of the sport, and just as a way of staying fit. Others might be involved for their love of nature, or maybe for the social bonds and relationships. 
• Racing and training promotes a healthy lifestyle and spurs positive relationships between teammates and competitors. 
• Again, the effects can be long lasting...With the obesity crises in America becoming an ever increasing issue, it is crucial that people of all ages be exposed to activities that promote good health. Nordic skiing is an excellent opportunity to develop a long lasting active lifestyle that will help make make people fit for life. 
• Athletes are exposed to many opportunities beyond just racing in the high school circuit. 
• Nordic skiing is a lifetime sport that can be enjoyed by any group or individual at any time in their life. All that is needed is snow, skis, and trails.

Essex Nordic State Championship Titles

Boys  

• 1996

Girls 

• 1996
• 1997
• 1998
• 1999