As we wrap up the rollerski season and begin looking ahead to snowy trails, we want to take a moment to reflect on our Learn-to-Rollerski clinics and share some highlights with you. This summer and fall were filled with gratitude as we connected with incredible community members across the East, spreading the joy of rollerskiing—the summer version of skiing—and enjoying time outdoors! This season also marked our first full year using the youth rollerski agility kit, which added a colorful, inviting, and most importantly, fun element to every event.
Our first rollerski club visit of the summer was an energetic agility session with Ford Sayre. The event debuted our new agility kit, which earned enthusiastic approval from all participants. The highlight of the day was a refreshing water-gun soak at the finish line—perfect for a warm summer afternoon.
Next, we traveled to Hinesburg, Vermont, for a visit to Sleepy Hollow Camp. This session was especially exciting, featuring a guest appearance by NENSA staff alum Kait Miller and a film crew from the USOPC. Kait was recognized as a 2023 Team USA Community Champion by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Foundation, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, and Comcast. Check out the full video HERE!
In early August, we joined the Stratton Mountain School (SMS) BKL and Junior Camps for a full day of agility, speed, and learning. The morning began with an agility session for Bill Koch campers in a nearby parking lot, followed by a presentation highlighting the joys of cross-country skiing in New England. After lunch, we hit the pavement for more rollerski action with the junior skiers.
A few days later, we visited Fryeburg Academy, where the day began with a lively group of young skiers from clubs across Maine and New Hampshire. For many, it was their first experience on rollerskis, but by the end of the session, their confidence and smooth technique made it seem like they had been skiing for years. In the afternoon, we hosted a clinic for high school students and adults, creating a welcoming space for skiers of all ages and experience levels to develop their skills and share their passion for the sport.
After the Free Fall Sprints in Burlington, Vermont, we gathered a group of Bill Koch skiers for some rollerski fun. For some participants, it was their first time on rollerskis, while others practiced skate techniques and worked on classic skiing fundamentals. The session ended with a lively game of pool noodle tag and well-deserved popsicles.
We then headed south to Boston for the fourth annual YES Rollerski Clinic, partnering with EMXC and YES to introduce young people in the area to the joys of summer cross-country skiing.
The clinic also aimed to build excitement for the winter season and foster connections between YES participants and EMXC athletes, who assist with coaching YES’s winter ski program. We were thrilled to have SMST2/US Ski and Snowboard athlete and 2022 Olympian Julia Kern join us as a special guest, inspiring the next generation of skiers.
From Boston, we traveled west to Notchview for a Berkshire Trails BKL club visit. After a pre-rollerski cupcake break, we worked on agility drills and refined techniques before heading out for a short ski. Participants also had the chance to try classic rollerskis, adding another layer of excitement to the day.
We also hosted our first-ever Youth Community Day, bringing together athletes from across Southern and Central Vermont. The crisp weather set the perfect tone for getting excited about the upcoming winter. After a scenic hike to Mid Mountain Lodge, we returned to the school for lunch and a presentation about post-BKL opportunities for youth skiers. The afternoon was spent in the air awareness center and on rollerskis. For a third of the participants, it was their first time on rollerskis—a milestone that called for celebration at the end of the day.
To round out the season, we attended the Snowbound Expo for the third consecutive year, spending the day introducing countless children and families to the world of rollerskiing.
While that’s a wrap for the NENSA rollerski season, we’re already looking forward to next summer! If you’d like to schedule a rollerski clinic for your club or camp, visit our info page HERE for more details and reach out to mackenzie@nensa.net and isabel@nensa.net.
Thank you for a fantastic season—we can’t wait to see you on the snow!
