Summer 2026 Roller Ski Training

About the program

Do YOU want to work toward being the best Nordic skier you can be? Regardless of your age or experience, roller skiing and engaging in other ski-related activities during the summer will help you reach your goals as a Nordic skier.

Train this summer with your Nordic teammates. Receive coaching not only from the team’s regular coaching staff but also from successful program alumni.

The ISD 196 Summer 2026 Nordic Ski/Roller Ski Training Program >> is intended to:

  • Provide an introduction to summer training for new skiers looking to improve their technique and condition
  • Offer an opportunity for Junior Varsity skiers to develop the skills and conditioning needed to qualify for the Varsity team next year
  • Support our current Varsity skiers, including those taking part in other summer training programs, to further develop their skills with a focus on enhancing those aspects of skiing that will support them reaching their personal skiing goals

Skiers of every ability and experience level are welcome. We aim to have at least three coaches at each practice session, so we can break into groups based on ability.

This year, we will have both three-day and two-day options. Athletes are expected to have their own equipment, but we will have roller ski rentals available to all who need them.

Register here

When

Dates: Practices will begin June 7 and end July 30. The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) 2026 summer "no contact" period is July 4 through July 10. However, all skiers will be provided a plan to follow if they want to train that week.
Days of the week: Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays
Time: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

What

We will always spend at least part of the practice roller skiing so always bring your roller ski gear. Practice will be geared toward…

  • Improving technique
  • Enhancing balance and agility
  • Developing/extending basic endurance
  • Developing and maintaining ski-related strength
  • Enhancing skier ability to ski at race levels for extended periods of time

Daily breakdown

Tuesday: Meet at Lebanon Hills MTB loop parking lot on Johnny Cake Ridge Road (or if closed at Ridge Cliff Park on Covington just West of Johnny Cake Ridge Rd.). This day will be devoted to technique and strength training (on roller skis).

Thursday: Meet at Lebanon Hills MTB (or if closed at Ridge Cliff Park on Covington just West of Johnny Cake Ridge Rd.). Thursdays will be interval days. Intervals will typically be on the Covington loops just east of Johnny Cake.

Sunday: Meet at Rich Valley Park on Rich Valley Rd. in the lot off of Rich Valley Rd. The goal of this day is an over-distance workout with hills, The goal is two hours of low-intensity training.

If you are taking part in other summer training cross country running or mountain biking, a three day/week Nordic program will be sufficient for you to see great improvements in your placings and times next season. However, if you are not taking part in another training program and are interested, Coach Abery is willing to write you a five-six day/week program that includes two to three additional training days per week.

Coaching staff

  • Brian Abery: Development of workout plans, coaching three days/week, liaison with community education, parents, and skiers
  • Jacob Daubenberger: Supervisor, attending two to three days/week
  • Brock Taylor: Asst. Coach attending two to three days/week
  • Sam Abbott: Volunteer Asst. Coach attending on Sundays
  • Scott Lyon: Volunteer Coach extraordinaire when he is in town!

Cost

The projected cost is:
  • $300 for training three days/week
  • $200 for training two days/week
These costs cover coach’s salaries, insurance and registration through 196 Community Education. The cost will be finalized when we set up with Community Ed.

Equipment

See a detailed list at Clothing & Equipment for Roller Skiing >>.

The high-level list follows.

Required

  • Roller skis: These can be Combi or Skate only and can be rented for the summer/fall from the Booster Club through Coach Abery for $50.
    • If renting roller skis, please pay the $50 one of the following ways:
      • Venmo: @isd196nordicskiteam
      • Check or cash: Contact Jill Noack (via TeamSnap) to arrange OR provide to Coach Abery on pickup
  • Ski boots: The same ones you used on snow or, better yet, an old pair
  • Running shoes
  • Skate ski poles: (the longer poles) that have their baskets removed and have ROLLER SKI ferrules installed on them (cost $15-$20 at a ski shop).
  • Bicycle helmet: Well-fit. Required per district policy.
  • Water: Water bottle carrier/bottle and/or belt for hydration
  • Sunscreen: Please apply prior to practices!
  • Optional (but highly recommended)
    • Gloves: Light pair of roller ski/work gloves
    • Sunglasses
ISD 196 Nordic logo

ISD 196 Nordic Ski Booster Club | email: isd196nordicskiteam@gmail.com

Head Coach: Brian Abery | email: abery001@umn.edu