Trailblazers of X-Country Skiing: The New England Nordic Ski Association

Welcome to the 25th episode of the New England Endurance Podcast! To mark this milestone, and the coming winter season, we explore one of our favorite endurance activities: cross-country skiing! We chat with two leaders from the New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA): Isabel Caldwell, Community Development Director, and Ben Theyerl, Competitive Program Director. Together, they explore NENSA's mission to make Nordic skiing accessible and enjoyable for skiers of all ages and abilities, while sharing insider tips and hidden gems that even seasoned skiers might not know.
Episode Highlights:

• Nordic Skiing Essentials: For newcomers, Isabel and Ben give a rundown on Classic vs. Skate skiing and offer advice on choosing the right first-time experience.
• They break down the accessibility of NENSA’s programs, like the Bill Koch Youth Ski League, which combines fun and community to help young skiers develop a lifelong love for Nordic skiing. Listeners will be inspired by stories of athletes who began their journey in NENSA programs like the beloved Bill Koch Festival, a must-attend event for young skiers that celebrates community spirit and friendly competition.
• Isabel and Ben discuss how NENSA promotes both grassroots participation and elite-level achievement, balancing support for competitive athletes with initiatives to bring new people into the sport.
• The Impact of Nordic Rocks: NENSA’s Nordic Rocks program recently received a Share Winter Foundation grant to expand access for youth across the region. Ben and Isabel share a peek into a Nordic Rocks session and describe the reactions of kids trying cross-country skiing for the first time—pure joy and discovery.
• Hidden Gems of New England Nordic Skiing:* Curious about where to find the region’s best-kept skiing secrets? Isabel and Ben reveal some lesser-known spots that offer unique trails and stunning scenery:
  • Quarry Road Trails in Waterville, ME, known for its pristine trails and varied terrain.
  • Wild Wings Ski in Peru, VT, a picturesque location with cozy, tree-lined trails.
  • Trapp Family Lodge
  • Marlboro Nordic Ski and Prospect Mountain in Woodford, VT, both offering fantastic experiences for intermediate and advanced skiers.
  • Gunstock’s Valentine’s Paintball Biathlon in NH, a quirky, fun race combining skiing with paintball! In a delightful twist, Ben introduces the *Gunstock Valentine’s Paintball Biathlon*, a playful take on the traditional biathlon where participants swap out rifles for paintball markers, adding a fun and unexpected layer to the experience. This event exemplifies how NENSA creates unique, inclusive spaces for skiers to enjoy the sport without the intensity of competition.
  • Tour de Stowe, an event featuring some of Vermont’s finest ski trails, ideal for those seeking a mix of scenic touring and challenging terrain...with soup and beer at the end!
  • Rikerts Outdoor Center, a versatile venue with trails that accommodate everyone from beginners to seasoned Nordic veterans.

Join us for an inspiring episode that highlights the trails, traditions, and hidden gems of New England’s Nordic skiing community. Whether you're a competitive racer or simply looking for a scenic winter activity, Isabel and Ben’s stories will make you want to hit

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