This past weekend, the snowy trails of Waterville, Maine, came alive as 550 young skiers gathered for the 2025 L.L.Bean BKL Festival. Hosted by Quarry Road Ski Club and Quarry Road Trails, the festival was a joyful celebration of youth cross-country skiing in New England—bringing together kids, families, and ski enthusiasts for two unforgettable days of “Wicked Winter Weather”.
Credit: @flyingpoint
This youth cross country ski festival is the marquee event of the New England Nordic Ski Association’s Bill Koch Youth Ski League whose mission is to introduce young people to the lifelong sport of cross-country skiing, and the many associated health, fitness, and social benefits, in a fun, inclusive, and safe environment. The 2025 Festival featured racing, as well as a wide range of non-competitive winter activities, for skiers of all ability levels from kindergarten up to 8th grade.
This weekend-long event had something for everyone, offering a variety of exciting activities for all ages. Thrill-seekers could test their speed at the Radar Run, navigate the Terrain Park with fun rollers and snow obstacles, or experience the challenge of Laser Biathlon on Saturday, hosted by the USBA & the National Guard. Creativity flourished with Snow Painting, where participants added color to our Wicked Winter Weatherland, and the Glitter Table, where visitors could sparkle like Jessie Diggins inside the Event Tent.
Credit: @flyingpoint
Families and young adventurers enjoyed the Story Ski, following Mr. Magee and his dog Dee on a delightful ski journey by Maine author Chris Van Dusen. The Sit Ski Scramble provided an opportunity to try a Para Nordic sit ski. The Mini-Marathon & Memory Course took skiers on a scenic route through the trails, with special characters to spot along the way and a prize waiting at the Welcome Center.
Saturday also featured special attractions, including the L.C. Bates Museum, where visitors learned about winter animal adaptations and track identification. Sunsquatch made a special appearance, spreading a hopeful message for a cleaner future. The LL Bean Boot Truck brought the iconic oversized Bean Boot to life, and young artists competed in the JAKROO Hat Design Contest, with the winning design selected by Bill Koch.
We were also thrilled to have Bill Koch himself at the event cheering on athletes, shaking hands, signing autographs, and sharing his love of the sport with all the young skiers. We are so grateful that he is still so involved with youth skiing and actively working to ensure that having fun remains at the core of skiing for racers and recreational skiers alike.
Credit: @flyingpoint
Credit: @flyingpoint
The racing action kicked off on Saturday with the skate relay event, followed by the paired and individual start classic races on Sunday. A special highlight of the weekend was the 8th Grade Graduation, where graduating skiers took a celebratory lap together to mark their time in the Bill Koch League. Afterward, they gathered at the finish corral to welcome the youngest participants, handing out lollipops as they crossed the line. To honor their achievement, the graduates were recognized by Bill Koch and presented with a graduation certificate.
Credit: @flyingpoint
Credit: @flyingpoint
No matter the size of their home club, each skier was part of something bigger—a regional team, a shared experience, a weekend of camaraderie and celebration. The festival wasn’t just about competition; it was about challenging oneself, cheering on new friends, and embracing the joy of skiing together.
We are so grateful to the Quarry Road Trails and the Quarry Road Ski Club for being incredible hosts and organizers. The BKL Organizing Committee dedicated considerable time, energy, and expertise to the planning and implementation of this event and the number of dedicated volunteers who helped with the event was unprecedented. Truly the whole Quarry Road community stepped up to make this event happen.
A huge thank you to our Gold Sponsors—LLBean, Jakroo, Fischer, and Podiumwear—for their generous support and commitment to youth skiing. We are also grateful to the sponsors who joined us on-site—Hootie Hoo, Bivo, Sidas, Jakroo, and Birdie Blue—bringing energy, enthusiasm, and fantastic products to share with our ski community. Your support helps make this festival a truly special experience for young skiers, and we couldn’t do it without you.
Photos:
Flying Point Road – proceeds from the purchase of photos to benefit Quarry Road Ski Club.
Sam Gessinger photos
