This past weekend, the snowy trails of Jackson, NH came alive as 650 (!!!) young skiers gathered for the 2026 L.L.Bean Bill Koch League Festival. Hosted by the Jackson XC BKL at Jackson Ski Touring, the Festival was a joyful celebration of youth cross-country skiing in New England, bringing together athletes, families, coaches, and volunteers for two unforgettable days of “FrontCountry and Backcountry” adventures alike.
The L.L.Bean BKL Festival is the marquee event of the New England Nordic Ski Association’s Bill Koch Youth Ski League. Rooted in a mission to introduce young people to the lifelong sport of cross-country skiing, the League emphasizes fun, inclusion, skill development, and community. The Festival reflects those values at every turn, creating an environment where skiers of all ability levels, from kindergarten through 8th grade, can challenge themselves, try something new, and feel part of something bigger.
The 2026 Festival featured racing alongside a wide range of winter activities designed to spark joy and adventure. The 2026 Festival featured racing alongside a wide range of non-competitive winter activities designed to spark joy and adventure for skiers of all ages. Thrill-seekers put their skills to the test at the Radar Run, hosted by the Jackson Police Department, where they raced uphill to find their speed on skinny skis. The Terrain Park offered fun rollers and snow obstacles for skiers to navigate, while the eBiathlon, hosted by Jackson Biathlon (JXB), gave participants a chance to combine skiing with electronic marksmanship. Para Nordic enthusiasts had a chance to push their double poling at the Sit-Ski Drag Race, hosted by Mount Washington Valley Adaptive Sports, experiencing firsthand how people of all abilities can enjoy winter on skis in the White Mountains.
Creativity and imagination flourished throughout the Festival. Young skiers added sparkle at the Glitter Table inside the Event Tent, inspired by Jessie Diggins, or participated in a variety of vendor-led design activities, including the JAKROO Hat Design Contest, Bivo water bottle creation, Skida hat design for the 50th anniversary print, and BirdieBlue’s fanny pack design challenge. Limbo lunges for lollipops, wooden medallion painting, and other hands-on activities kept kids moving and engaged, while the Festival Parade invited skiers to show off their colors and NENSA district pride.
Families and young adventurers explored the Mini-Marathon & Story Book Trail along the Ellis River trail, hosted by the Jackson Public Library, enjoying a picture book story along the way. More adventurous skiers could follow signed backcountry trails and finish at the Cocoa Cabin for a warm treat and campfire. Backcountry Adventures 101, led by Acadia Mountain Guides, introduced participants to the skills needed to safely explore the mountains in winter.
We were honored to have Bill Koch at the Festival all weekend, cheering on skiers, signing autographs, sharing stories, and reminding us all that fun remains at the heart of the sport. His continued involvement and dedication to youth skiing are a powerful reflection of the League’s founding spirit.
Racing began Saturday with the high-energy classic relay, followed by paired and individual start freestyle races on Sunday. A particularly meaningful moment each Sunday is the 8th Grade Graduation. Graduating skiers took a celebratory lap together to mark their journey through the Bill Koch League, then gathered in the finish corral to welcome the youngest participants across the line, handing out lollipops in a full-circle moment of mentorship and community. Each graduate was recognized by Bill Koch and presented with a certificate honoring their time in the League.
No matter the size of their home club, every skier was part of something larger, a regional team, a shared experience, a weekend rooted in camaraderie and celebration. The Festival is not just about results. It is about growth, confidence, resilience, and the simple joy of skiing together.
We are deeply grateful to the Jackson XC BKL and Jackson Ski Touring Center for serving as fantastic hosts. The BKL Organizing Committee dedicated countless hours of thoughtful planning and coordination, and many volunteers stepped forward to support the event.
A sincere thank you to our Gold Sponsors, L.L.Bean, Jakroo, Fischer Sports, and Podiumwear, for their generous support and enduring commitment to youth skiing. We are also grateful to the sponsors who joined us on-site, L.L.Bean, Bivo, Jakroo, Birdie Blue, Skida, Stratton Mountain School and Green Mountain Valley School for bringing energy, enthusiasm, and outstanding products and activities to share with our community throughout the weekend.
Because of this collective effort, organizers, volunteers, sponsors, families, and skiers, the 2026 L.L.Bean BKL Festival was a true celebration of winter, youth, and the lifelong love of cross-country skiing.
And last, but not least, the winner of the Jakroo Denali Hat Decorating Contest is Caryn Taff of Quarry Road Ski Club!
