This week, we had the pleasure of visiting one of our Nordic Rocks programs in Rutland, Vermont, where the excitement was as fresh as the winter air!
Representatives from Killington World Cup Foundation and Casella joined us to witness first-hand the 350 primary school students in Rutland City discovering the joy of cross-country skiing—right in the schoolyard. Despite being nearby to alpine and Nordic trails, many children in this community have never had the opportunity to access winter sports. Now, through the NENSA Nordic Rocks program, skiing has become an exciting part of their school day, opening the door to a lifetime of outdoor winter adventure.
But the impact of this program goes beyond just fun on the snow—it’s shaping healthier, happier kids. Learning a new skill like skiing fosters confidence, resilience, and teamwork—qualities that serve students well both on and off the snow.
Each class began with a simple but powerful message: “We can do hard things, and we are going to challenge ourselves today.” Students were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, push through challenges, and embrace the learning process. And when falls inevitably happened, they were reminded, “We are going to fall, and that’s okay—we’re going to get back up!” These words teach young skiers that success isn’t about perfection but about the effort and attitude that we have when trying new activities.
By breaking down barriers to winter recreation, this initiative is not just about skiing—it’s about empowerment, inclusivity, and ensuring every child has the chance to embrace the magic of the winter in New England.
We were joined by representatives from Killington World Cup Foundation, Casella Waste, NENSA Staff, and local community members interested in witnessing a program visit in person.
Topics that were covered during class included the anatomy of the ski, how to stand up on skis, the “side slide” stepping and turning, and the favorite on the day, the “dead bug” technique of getting up after falling. Once we practiced our “dead bugs” a few times, we were ready to start gliding! We played a few rounds of Simon Says and our first-grade classes even tried out skiing up and down a hill!
The NENSA Nordic Rocks program is generously funded by the Share Winter Foundation and the Killington World Cup Foundation and was developed to introduce children in grades K-6 to the excitement of cross country skiing. Nordic Rocks provides elementary school students with an opportunity to experience cross country skiing during the school day with their teachers and classmates, and to learn the health and lifestyle benefits associated with exercise and outdoor fun. The overarching goal of this program is to provide all children with the opportunity to ski as well as grow and develop life skills through sport.
