Meets

Days, times, and locations

There are approximately ten races in the season. Most races take place on Tuesdays, typically starting at 3:30 p.m. and ending by 5:30 p.m.

Meet locations vary and will include the following locations:

• Valleywood Golf Course in Apple Valley »
• Hyland Recreation Area in Bloomington »
• Murphy Hanrehan Park Reserve in Savage »
• Kenwood Trail in Lakeville »

Each race's distance, schedule, and ski method are included in the TeamSnap schedule. This information in addition to meet transportation scheduling and plans will be communicated via email.

Be aware of the arrival time stated in the TeamSnap schedule, so that Varsity skiers have time for coaches to wax their skis.

Transportation to and from meets

Bus transportation is provided to meets at locations other than Valleywood Golf Course (team's "home" location) based on the bussing needs of the team members. To determine the need for buses for each "away" meet, a poll will be sent out one week beforehand to collect this information.

When a bus is available for meet transportation, it will depart from and/or return to Eagan High School's lower parking lot (east side -- not the Dakota Hills Middle School main entrance)

Parents of skiers who do not drive will need to be flexible in order to make sure skiers can get (a) to all meets at Valleywood, (b) to and from Eagan High School should the skier ride the meet bus, and (c) to all "away" meets should no bus be available for transportation in one or both directions. We recommend carpooling.

Coach Abery will specify the bus availability and schedule ahead of each "away" (non-Valleywood) meet in the TeamSnap schedule.

Dressing for a meet

Racing skiers will wear their uniform and a bib with their number. Numbered bibs are handed out to skiers before the race and collected after the race. When skiing the uniform and bib must remain fully visible. See photos above for examples of skiers racing.

Skiers should wear base-layer clothing as needed under their uniform to remain warm and dry while skiing.

While warming up for a race, skiers may choose to wear additional clothing, like a jacket or warm-up pants. Before heading to starting line, skiers will leave their warm-up clothing with the rest of their gear at the team camp (the team's setup area for waxing and gear at the meet).

Capes will be available at most meets, which skiers can wear to stay warm once they remove their warm-up clothing. However, skiers should pack additional clothing as capes are not worn throughout the event's hours.

Packing for a meet

Skiers MUST come prepared to stay warm and safe in Minnesota's cold winter temperatures during the warm-up, while racing, and throughout the meet.

A simple plan for packing is to have

• A ski bag
• A backpack/duffle bag with a waterproof bottom

While skiers' gear will sit outside at the team camp, there are always parents or teammates around the camp setup, so all ski gear and backpacks will remain safe. Skiers may bring their school backpack with and not worry about losing it.

Ski bag

In your skier's ski bag, pack both sets of skis, poles, and appropriate boots. If the meet is

• Classic method, then then coaches will apply kick wax to Varsity skiers' skis, and skiers can warm up for the race on their Freestyle/Skate skis. Junior Varsity and Developmental skiers will wax their own skis and may warm up on their Classic skis as well.
• Freestyle/Skate method, Junior Varsity and Developmental skiers do not need their Classic skis for warm-up as wax won't be applied by coaches.

Make sure the ski bag is clearly labeled with their name.

If your skier is not using a ski bag, make sure the skis and poles are securely tied together. Rubber bands do not work. Make sure the gear is labeled with your skier's name.

Backpack/duffel bag

Be sure the bottom of the bag is waterproof.

Food/drink

Skiers will be onsite a couple hours. No food or drinks are available for purchase at the meet. Come prepared with

• Water for pre-race
• Electrolyte drink mix post-race
• Pre-race snack (especially if coming directly from school)
• Post-race snack with protein

Clothing

Skiers will remain outside during the meet.  On really cold days, bring

• A bigger puffy/down coat to wear on top of uniform and warm-up clothing
• Hand warmers and/or foot warmers
• A blanket

These are important if the skier rides the bus--and has no car to warm up in--or gets cold easily and wants to keep watching the meet outside.

If the skier wants dry, warm clothes after their race, consider packing

• Dry socks
• Separate shoes or boots
• Dry base-layer shirt
• Dry sports bra

There is usually a tent where waxing takes place and where skiers can get warm, but the warmth AND space available are limited. Plan to pack for the weather and brave the elements.

Additional information

Skiers stay warm while skiing, but parents do NOT move around a lot while watching the races. The only warm place at a race is in your car.

Parents, come prepared with very warm boots or the cold will sneak up through the soles of your boots. Use hand warmers, foot warmers, hats, and layers--whatever you need to stay warm.

A good way to stay warm is to HAVE A TASK. Numerous volunteer opportunities are available for parent sign-up the day before a meet. Sign-up availability is communicated via TeamSnap.