This winter, Rutland’s Northwest and Northeast Elementary School students traded snowball fights for ski poles, thanks to the Nordic Rocks program. Administered by the New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA), the initiative introduces children in grades K-2 to cross-country skiing during physical education classes—often for the very first time.
Funded by a Killington World Cup Foundation and Casella Waste Systems grant, Nordic Rocks provides each participating school with enough skis for every P.E. class student. The program uses specially engineered bindings—developed by Lost Nation R&D of Albany, Vermont—that allow children to ski in their own snow boots, eliminating the need for specialized gear. The innovative bindings use a combination of rigid plastic and flexible silicone to fasten regular boots to skis securely.
“Many of these kids would never have an opportunity to try cross-country skiing,” said Rutland PE teacher Bryan Cupoli. “It’s about exposure and about getting them outdoors in winter.”
Zahara Kuc was all smiles during her introduction to cross-country skiing through the Nordic Rocks program.
The Nordic Rocks program originated in the Midwest over a decade ago and was brought to New England in 2015 by Vermont Olympian Andy Newell. Since then, it has expanded significantly, with 61 schools participating nationwide. More than 7,300 students in grades K-6 have benefitted from the program, which includes a five-lesson curriculum covering basic ski techniques, games, and indoor alternatives for inclement weather. NENSA staff, including Youth and Introductory Program Director Mackenzie Rizio, support schoolteachers with little or no skiing background.
“Nordic Rocks provides an introduction in our literal winter playgrounds to a sport that embraces our region’s offerings and traditions,” said NENSA Executive Director Heidi Lange. “It’s about healthy, active lifestyles and the joy of being outdoors in winter.”
NENSA provides skis to schools on an annual basis, and schools keep the equipment as long as they continue to participate in the program. Adjustable bindings allow one set of skis to accommodate children of different ages. NENSA also supplies resources for students and teachers interested in continuing skiing outside of school hours.
“Nordic Rocks is an amazing program that fits perfectly with KWCF’s mission to increase access to winter sports to youth in New England,” said Lynn Boynton, executive director of the Killington World Cup Foundation. “It is inspiring to see the smiles on the kids’ faces as they glide their skis for the first time.”
For more information about the Nordic Rocks program, visit: nensa.net.
Rutland elementary student Melody Burke learned the art of balancing on skis during a recent Nordic Rocks cross-country skiing clinic.
