“Nordic skiing is a great option anytime but especially now when people are looking for opportunities to get outdoors during the pandemic. Nordic skiing is a good option because it tends to be something you can do as a family or independently and has social distancing already a part of it,” says Matt Halloran, Spokane Nordic Ski Association (SNSA) board member and Nordic Kids program liaison. Halloran cross-country skis with his two children ages 5 and 8.
This winter, SNSA’s traditional Nordic Kids program isn’t available because Selkirk Lodge is unavailable as a warm refuge for groups. There are two alternative options, however, and Halloran encourages Nordic families to sign-up for both at SpokaneNordic.org.
- Option 1: SNSA-generated weekly emails on how to get your child out on snow, includes videos and tips and recommendations for you as a parent ($15).
- Option 2: Scheduled 2-hour lessons, with one instructor, for groups of 5 or fewer; available every Saturday in January and February ($10 per person).
Though lessons begin outside of Selkirk Lodge, Halloran says, “Plan to have zero access to the lodge.” Be prepared to warm-up in your vehicle, bring your own hot cocoa in a thermos, and use the state park’s vault toilets. The lodge will be mainly available for the Nordic ski patrol.
