Youth race team

Building strong skiers, teammates, and leaders—one stride at a time.

At Durango Nordic Ski Club, our Race Team is where passion meets performance. Designed for competition-oriented skiers ages 8–18, the program helps athletes reach their full potential through skill development, teamwork, and racing around the region. Whether your skier dreams of Junior Nationals or simply loves the challenge of racing, this program builds strength, technique, and confidence—all while having fun on snow.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Durango Nordic Race Program is open to skiers who want to train and compete at a high level throughout the season.

Season: October through March (snow-dependent)
Races: Junior National Qualifiers (JNQs) across Colorado and Utah
Age Groups: U10, U12, U14, and older competitive divisions
Transportation: Van transportation available (priority to race team members). Email info@durangonordic.org for details.

DRYLAND TRAINING

Durango Nordic helps its youth race team athletes stay active throughout the year. Summer dryland training kicks off in June and runs through August. Then, after a short break, the team starts fall dryland training in October to continue building endurance, strength, and balance. Athletes roller ski, run, hike, and complete bodyweight workouts to prepare for the winter season. These workouts simulate ski movements, build cardiovascular fitness, and create strong team bonds before the snow even falls.

JUNIOR NATIONAL QUALIFIERS (JNQS)

DNSC athletes compete in Rocky Mountain Nordic (RMN) Junior National Qualifier races across the state, with opportunities to earn points toward Junior Nationals. Races include both skate and classic techniques and vary in format from sprints to distance events.

2026-2027 Race Schedule

JNQ #1 – Crested Butte Nordic Center
Location: Crested Butte, CO
Dates: December 19-20, 2026

JNQ #2 – Super Q at Soldier Hollow
Location: Midway, UT
Dates: January 23–24, 2027

JNQ #3 – Howelson Hill Ski Area
Location: Steamboat Springs, CO
Dates: January 29-30, 2027

JNQ #4 – Maloit Park
Location: Minturn, CO
Dates: February 21–22, 2027

Mike Elliott Youth Festival at Durango Nordic Center
Location: Durango, CO
Dates: March 6-7, 2027

Junior Nationals
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Dates: March 11-15, 2027

Eastern U16 Championships
Location: Titcomb, ME
Dates: March 12-14, 2027

Race Team

For the Competitive Skier
Train and compete with athletes across the region! Travel to Rocky Mountain Nordic Junior National Qualifiers.

Key Info:
- Includes pre-season dryland training
- Recommended ages are 9-18