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New England Nordic Ski Association

New England Nordic Ski Association

The Home of Cross Country Skiing in New England

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Preston Noon

Bob Burnham receives the 2023 Chummy Broomhall Award

Preston Noon · July 20, 2023 ·

Bob Burnham could not be a more fitting recipient of the 2023 Chummy Broomhall Award, as a dedicated volunteer of the CSU and EMXC program for over two decades. The award is named after Chummy, who was the Chisholm Ski Club leader for 70 plus years, a two time Olympian, and builder of the Olympic race courses for Palisades Tahoe and Lake Placid. He embodied the spirit of being a volunteer as he was a man who gave his time to generations. It is in this spirit that this award be in his honor for the unsung heroes of ski racing.

Bob with Ann and Jim Burnham at Jackson, 2020. Doucett photo.

 

Bob Burnham was nominated by Sarah Kirincich, a current EMXC skier, “ because he’s well known on EMXC for being the coach that also coached all of our coaches who were formerly on the team.  He was one of my first teachers on EMXC and when I first joined the club in 2020, he brought me up to speed so I could ski with the group that season.  Before he retired, he was one of the most dedicated people on the team.”

Burnham was a three event skier at Phillips Academy, competing in alpine, cross country and ski jumping – he then went on to ski Nordic Combined at Dartmouth.  During these years he developed a love for skiing that would shape his life, and a mantra that, “any skiing is skiing.”  After college Bob coached high school skiers at Missoula, Montana, Northfield-Mt. Hermon, and Phillips Academy.  This diverse background turned into a love of sharing skiing as a lifetime sport – a passion he clearly passed on to his boys, Chris and Jimmy, as well as hundreds of skiers from the Boston area and beyond.

As his boys showed more interest in cross country skiing in high school, he started officially coaching for CSU in 2005, further developing his passion for getting kids into sports.  This role lasted until this past season – well beyond when his children had graduated from the program.  During this tenure he felt compelled to expose CSU skiers to the broader skiing community and the deep winter that could be found to the north including Mont-Sainte-Anne in Quebec.  He originally learned about the area during the poor snow season of 1980, when he traveled there with the Dartmouth team in search of snow.

His son Chris explains, “He was so impressed with the skiing up there that he returned nearly every year since, later bringing this tradition to his family and to CSU itself.  Early on, he realized that one of the biggest difficulties facing young skiers in eastern Massachusetts was the lack of consistent snow and difficult terrain to ski on. He worked with other CSU coaches to provide training camps during school vacation weeks in Quebec and New Hampshire.  He has also led numerous smaller weekend camps in Jackson, NH and Stowe, VT.”

Jamie Doucett, another stalwart of CSU skiing, continues, “Bob has given freely of his time with the CSU/EMXC juniors for over two decades, roller skiing, running and skiing with the kids on training workouts around the Boston area, at ski camps at Mont-Sainte-Anne and manning a wax bench, skiing course warm ups, and cheering at most of the Eastern Cup races, U16 Championships and Eastern High School championships as well as countless other events.  Bob got started with coaching juniors when his two boys, Jimmy and Chris, went into high school and joined the CSU Juniors.  I think he was secretly relieved when his younger son Chris decided at last to abandon downhill skiing and go full-time into cross country skiing, as he would no longer have to do gate duty!”

“Bob spent so much time coaching, much of it in the background, because of his love of the sport and what it has and still gives to him and the enjoyment of sharing that with younger skiers.  While skiing has always been a family thing with both his boys and his wife actively skiing, he has carried on coaching long past the time his boys were juniors, giving selflessly of his time and knowledge of the sport.  The reward for Bob is to be out there skiing with young skiers and having the opportunity to pass along his joy of the sport, his experience, and knowledge to the next generation of skiers.  And maybe tell a few stories along the way….”

Cate Brams, the EMXC Head Coach and Program Director, introduces another success story – that of Elizabeth Graziani, who, “entered her senior year of high school with one year of skiing experience. Thanks to Bob’s coaching, Elizabeth began her journey to be one of the strongest skiers on our team – three seasons later, she has just finished a PG year with GMVS where she placed in the top-15 at JNs, and she’ll be heading to Middlebury to ski in the fall. Just the most recent example of Bob’s impact!”

Elizabeth was inspired by Burnham, “Bob was my first coach on EMXC.  Though I found Nordic late in high school, I quickly became passionate about skiing and knew I wanted to race in college.  I talked to Bob about my goals and he spent countless practices helping me work on my technique.  From my early EMXC days in “Red Pod” to running into him at races now, he’s always been extremely generous with his time, never without helpful advice or tips about the course.  Bob is an amazing coach and it would be hard to overstate how grateful I am that he believed in me.”

Bob at the 2023 Bogburn. Doucett photo.

Skiing truly is a family affair for the Burnham’s – at this seasons Zak Cup awards the entire family found themselves in the top three of their age group.  Chris, the eldest son, is known to log over 200 days of skiing a year – in Vermont – which is truly a feat!  The author remembers a not so random connection to the Burnham family on the slopes of Snowbird in the late 2000’s – on a wonderful Utah powder day.  Some 2300 miles from Boston, the whole family who I thought were cross country focused were shooting across the famous Cirque with alacrity!  The smiles and recognition of other Nordic skiers so far from Eastern trails was enthusing to all.

Bob and his wife, Ann, enjoy traveling the globe, participating in World Loppets as well as regional races across New England.  “Bob’s coaching has always been an integral, year round part of our lives.  He’s always been very committed to his teams and loves seeing his kids progress.  He brings a lifetime of ski experience to his coaching – alpine racing for Cannon, downhill training camps in Italy and Chile, JO’s in Nordic Combined, jumping and cross country for Dartmouth, as well as endless ski adventures with family and friends.”

Meg Yoder, a former CSU skier and current EMXC coach reflects on being coached by and coaching with Burnham, “Bob’s impact on the athletes he has coached cannot be understated. His ability to teach novice skiers to ski well is unmatched; he has never chosen to prioritize those who have a natural aptitude but instead sees the potential in all athletes. Bob taught me to ski, and while I trailed behind my peers he also gave me institutional knowledge that many in the ski community may take for granted, from its broad history right down to what kick wax was used at any given race in the past 60 years. Coaching alongside Bob, I came to more thoroughly appreciate his skill and dedication and to rely on him to crack the code when I couldn’t work out an athlete’s technique issue. His impact on our ski community cannot be overstated and I can think of no one more worthy of this recognition. Congrats Bob!”

We are fortunate to have people like Bob Burnham in our skiing community – his deep love of all modes of skiing and sharing the joy of sliding on snow has created a legacy that will live on for generations to come.

 

Eastern Cup Location Update

Preston Noon · December 9, 2022 ·


The opening Eastern Cup has been relocated to Mt Van Hoevenberg in Lake Placid, NY.
Registration remains open and we thank the Rikert Outdoor Center and Frost Mountain Nordic for continued partnership to make this event happen despite one of the toughest starts to winter in a few years.
@skivanhoevenberg has been able to consistently blow snow and is currently expanding available terrain. All race formats will remain as planned and any schedule changes will be updated to both NENSA website and the SkiReg page.
Registration closes Wednesday at 5pm. Please direct any questions to staff@nensa.net
We realize a venue change presents logistical challenges for many skiers — NENSA along with the venues and organizing committee made this decision as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
With the limited amount of skiing available across the East Coast it is no small miracle we are able to host a sanctioned competition.
#miracleonsnow

Castle Conquest – Lake Placid, NY September 24th – 25th, 2022

Preston Noon · September 15, 2022 ·

New Gloucester, ME – September 19, 2022

New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA) in partnership with the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) and New York Ski Education Foundation (NYSEF), will host a trifecta of Nordic events open to the public from September 24-25 at venues around the Lake Placid Olympic region.

On Saturday, the weekend kicks off with Mt Van Hoevenberg’s Keys To The Castle. Athletes will battle for a spot on the podium to earn the “Keys To The Castle” by roller skiing the World Cup trails at Mt Van Hoevenberg in an epic race of endurance and speed. After a highly competitive Sprint competition last year — this year the event will be more inclusive with a Court style format — meaning all competitors get to ski in the rounds!

CALLING ALL YOUTH SKIERS! On Saturday, a fun ‘youth’ agility course with ramps and agility features will be set around the lower rollerski loop at MVH.  NENSA and NYSEF coaches will be on hand to help new skiers gain confidence on rollerskis from 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm.  Registration is free — bring your own boots and helmet if you have them, with the option to get outfitted with equipment when you arrive! Find the NYSEF registration tent at the event for more info.

As if that’s not enough, afterward, take to the range with the intense precision of rifle marksmanship in a Biathlon Super Sprint.

On Sunday, race to Whiteface Mountain’s summit during the NYSEF Climb to the Castle race.  Join one of the most anticipated Nordic events of the fall and see if you have what it takes to conquer the castle at Whiteface Mountain’s summit. Ascend 13km of the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway in Wilmington on rollerskis. The 8% grade provides a challenging climb, but the views are incredible!

Come out and conquer the Castle Long Course, or try the new SHORT COURSE option! Waves start at 8 am.

A big thank you to our NENSA associate sponsors – Salomon, LL Bean, Swix, and Fischer – for their dedicated and ongoing support of NENSA. We are also grateful to Enjoy Winter and Swenor Rollerskis for supplying us with an awesome fleet of rollerskis and Cabot Cheese for providing #theworldsbestcheddar for our Open, Junior, and Masters podiums!

The NENSA Team

#CASTLECONQUEST #CLIMBTOTHECASTLE #KEYSTOTHECASTLE

Castle Conquest 2022

 

2022-2023 Eastern Cup Schedule Announced

Preston Noon · May 26, 2022 ·

NENSA is excited to announce the venues for the 2022-2023 Eastern Cup 

Full event details will be added to the Eastern Cup pages over the coming weeks. These four race weekends constitute NENSA’s highest level race series bringing together junior, senior, and master skiers. They also serve as qualifying races for the New England Junior National Team.  Race distances will be determined by the final formats of Junior and Senior Nationals and the Equal Distance movement decisions by FIS and U.S. Ski & Snowboard.

We would like to extend our thanks to the many venues that bid for this year’s events and we look forward to a competitive and snowy winter. 

Eastern Cup #1 – Rikert Nordic Grand Prix – Eastern Cup Opener Ripton, Vermont

(U.S. Ski & Snowboard sanctioned) Hosted by Frost Mountain Nordic @ Rikert Nordic Center 

December 17-18, 2022


Eastern Cup #2 – Chisholm Ski Club Eastern Cup and Bates Carnival Rumford, Maine

(U.S. Ski & Snowboard sanctioned) Hosted by Chisholm Ski Club at Black Mountain

January 14-15, 2023


Eastern Cup #3: Roy Varney Memorial Quarry Road Eastern Cup

(U.S. Ski & Snowboard sanctioned) Hosted by Quarry Road Trails

February 4-5, 2023


Eastern Cup #4: Dublin Double Eastern Cup

Dublin, New Hampshire

(U.S. Ski & Snowboard sanctioned) Hosted by Dublin School February 18, 202: Freestyle Sprint February 19, 2023: Individual Classic 

NENSA is looking for it’s next Leader ~ Executive Director Job Posting

Preston Noon · May 9, 2022 ·

NENSA is looking for it’s next Leader ~ Executive Director Job Posting

ONE WEEK LEFT

The New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA) is looking for its next Executive Director to lead this vibrant and thriving XC Ski Non-Profit Organization.  Founded in 1995, NENSA is a member-supported service organization that promotes the culture of cross-country skiing by creating opportunities for youth, athletes, coaches, officials and skiers of all levels. NENSA also provides the support structure necessary to bring cross-country skiers to their highest potential at regional, national and international events.

Executive Director | Job Posting

The New England Nordic Ski Association is seeking its next Executive Director.  This role requires strong, inspired leadership with a collaborative spirit to galvanize and to work with our ski community as well as our staff and Board of Directors.  This position is key in supporting, overseeing and advancing NENSA’s four non-profit pillars of income: Sponsors & Grants, Donations, Membership and Programming. This person will work closely with the staff – the Competitive Program Director, Youth & Introductory Program Director, Operations Manager, and Event Support/TD Coordinator, as well as community stakeholders including members, sponsors, donors, clubs, venues, U.S. Ski & Snowboard and various NENSA and US Ski & Snowboard committees. Great people skills are a must.  The Executive Director is an empowered leadership position, requiring energy, vision, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask, in advancing all of NENSA’s programming and mission.

To deliver the mission of NENSA as the regional governing body for cross country skiing in the U.S., the Executive Director will:

  • Promote cross country skiing as a healthy and inclusive recreational sport.
  • Provide development opportunities for skiers of all abilities and levels, including volunteer and professional development to support the sport.
  • Produce high quality competitive events for elite and recreational skiers.
  • Ensure compliance of NENSA with US Ski & Snowboard and be NENSA’s Representative to US Ski & Snowboard Congress.

Essential Functions – Including, but not limited to, management of the following areas:

Staff:

  • Overall support and management of the staff and contracted/associated professionals (timers, technical delegates, etc).

Sponsorships & Grants:

  • Responsible for maintaining and expanding all current sponsors as well as finding and securing new sponsorship opportunities.

Annual Fundraising:

  • NENSA’s Annual Fund (ongoing) – maintaining donor relationships and cultivating new ones
  • Auction or other fundraising events

Finance and Administration:

  • Oversight and accountability of the FY budget throughout the year in concert with the Treasurer, Finance Committee and contracted bookkeeper.
  • Annual financial review with independent auditor and Treasurer.
  • Oversight and renewal of insurance policies.

Promotion & Membership:

  • Oversee all marketing and communications including but not limited to website, NENSA eNewsletter, and social media.

Board Management:

  • Work with a volunteer Board of Directors who oversee and support the operation and fulfill the obligations of 501(c)(3) status.

Qualifications:

  • Education: Bachelors/Associates Degree or commensurate educational background.
  • Passion and familiarity with the sport of cross country skiing and the ideals of the NENSA mission
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and human relations skills
  • Proficiency and comfort working in both office and field settings with appropriate technology: Google App suite (or comparable), cloud based competition and data applications.
  • Demonstrated ability to work remotely in fast paced multidisciplinary team environment
  • Must be eligible to work in the USA, hold a valid driver’s license, and qualify to hold a US Ski & Snowboard coaching/volunteer license (with background check).

Conditions:

  • Regular work from home office with occasional travel to headquarters in Maine
  • Regional travel in and around New England for our programming & with staff
  • Occasional national travel
  • Some work will be done outdoors in varying and winter weather conditions
  • Able to thoughtfully handle potentially politically sensitive issues (such as COVID masking and vaccinations, climate change initiatives and trans-gender racing).

The Executive Director is a full time, year round position. This position reports to the President of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee.

  • Salary based on experience
  • Simple 401k match
  • Phone & internet stipend for home office
  • A modest health care stipend
  • Executive Committee approved travel expenses reimbursed

NENSA is an equal opportunity employer. All staff and coaches undergo background checks. Start date is negotiable, but we seek to fill this role as soon as possible.  Applications should be submitted by May 15, 2022.  Interested candidates should send a letter of interest, resume, and three references to Ellen Chandler & the Search Committee via email at: employment@nensa.net

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New England Nordic Ski Association
P.O. Box 97
Lyme, New Hampshire 03768