Bill Koch Youth Ski Teams

Your child can learn to cross-country ski!

Our Bill Koch Youth (BKL) programs are fun, engaging learn-to-ski programs designed for children ages 4–11. The focus is on developing a love for skiing, building confidence on snow, and enjoying all that winter in Leadville has to offer.

Through games, adventures, and age-appropriate activities, athletes develop fundamental skiing skills while improving coordination, balance, agility, and overall athleticism. Most importantly, participants learn that being active outdoors in the winter can be both rewarding and fun.

Programs meet once or twice per week from January through early March and are led by dedicated volunteer coaches and parents who are passionate about sharing their love of skiing with the next generation.

Whether your child is stepping onto skis for the first time or building on existing skills, Bill Koch Youth provides a welcoming and supportive environment for every young skier.

The four ski groups we offer are as follows: 

• Pikas (Preschool to Kindergarten): The Pikas group is perfect for first time young skiers from preschool to kindergarten to learn to move around on skis. This group meets one day a week (Friday afternoons).

• Marmots (Kindergarten to 3rd Grade): The Marmots program is for first time and beginner skiers from kindergarten to 3rd grade to learn to nordic ski. This group meets one day a week (Friday afternoons).

• Bobcats (1st to 4th Grade): The Bobcats program is for experienced (either some cross country skiing experience or moderate alpine experience) skiers in 1st to 4th grade. Skiers will focus on developing the ability to nordic ski through a variety of terrain comfortably and increasing their endurance on skis while still focusing on fun! This group meets two days a week (Friday and Tuesday afternoons).

• Wolverines (2nd to 5th Grade): The Wolverines group is for experienced (either some cross country skiing experience or moderate alpine experience) skiers in 2nd to 5th grade. Skiers will focus on developing the ability to nordic ski through a variety of terrain comfortably and increasing their endurance on skis while still focusing on fun! It is a more advanced group compared to the Bobcats. This group meets two days a week (Friday and Tuesday afternoons). 

Skiers can move up or down group based on ability and experience. We will help place your child in the appropriate group after you register.

Youth Development Team (YDT)

The Youth Development Team is designed for skiers who are ready to take the next step beyond the Bill Koch program and build a strong foundation in both classic and skate skiing. The program practices twice per week from January 10 through March 7 and is ideal for younger skiers in 4th–6th grade who want to continue developing their skills, as well as older athletes in 6th–8th grade who are new to Nordic skiing and interested in learning both techniques.

Athletes will receive instruction in classic and skate skiing while improving endurance, coordination, and overall ski proficiency in a fun and supportive team environment. Participants should have skate skis, boots, and poles, as well as waxable (non-fish scale) classic skis, boots, and poles.

Equipment may be rented through Cloud City Mountain Sports for $100 for the season. Skiers will also have the opportunity to participate in local events and races, including the Leadville Loppet, for those interested in exploring the competitive side of the sport.

Middle School Race Team

CCMS proudly supports the Lake County Middle School Nordic Race Team, providing student-athletes with opportunities to develop their skiing skills, compete in races, and build a lifelong love for Nordic skiing. The team practices three to five days per week (excluding Sundays) from shortly after Thanksgiving through mid-March.

This program is designed for athletes in 6th–8th grade who are interested in training, skill development, racing, and having fun as part of a team. Participants should have some prior Nordic skiing experience or a strong background in alpine skiing. Athletes who are new to Nordic skiing are encouraged to begin with the Youth Development Team before joining the race team. Team members are expected to participate in several Nordic races throughout the season and should have both skate and classic ski equipment, including skate skis, boots, and poles, as well as waxable (non-fish scale) classic skis, boots, and poles.

Equipment may be rented through Cloud City Mountain Sports for $100 for the season. Through dedicated coaching, team camaraderie, and competitive opportunities, athletes develop the skills, confidence, and work ethic that prepare them for success in high school Nordic skiing and beyond.

High School Race Team

CCMS proudly supports the Lake County High School Nordic Team, helping student-athletes develop their skills, compete at a high level, and represent their school and community with pride. The team practices four to six days per week (excluding Sundays) from early November through mid-March and is open to athletes of all ability levels.

Whether students are experienced racers or newer to the sport, the program emphasizes skill development, endurance, teamwork, sportsmanship, and a lifelong love of Nordic skiing. Athletes are expected to participate in all Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) races throughout the season and are encouraged to commit fully to the team experience. Participants should have both skate and classic ski equipment, including skate skis, boots, and poles, as well as waxable (non-fish scale) classic skis, boots, and poles.

Equipment may be rented through Cloud City Mountain Sports for $100 per season. Through dedicated coaching, structured training, and competitive opportunities, athletes build the fitness, confidence, and character needed to succeed both on and off the snow.