BSF Nordic Elite & Post-Graduate Program Taking Applications

The Bridger Ski Foundation, in Bozeman, MT, has begun the application process for its Post-Graduate and Elite Teams. BSF is a nonprofit that promotes athletic and personal excellence through educational and competitive programs in three Olympic ski disciplines. The Post-Graduate program is open to skiers who have graduated from high school and are looking for a year of high-level ski racing experience before attending college. The Elite team is comprised of post-college athletes, as well as athletes who do not wish to attend college.

Bozeman is a prime training location for Nordic skiers. Over 50 kilometers of groomed in-town and forest service trails, along with Bohart Ranch, Lone Mountain Ranch, Homestake Pass, and West Yellowstone’s Rendezvous Trails all provide world-class training opportunities in and around Bozeman.

Additionally, Montana State University (MSU) provides educational opportunities for BSF athletes wishing to pursue an education while training full-time.

APPLICATION PROCESS

If you are committed to maximizing your cross-country skiing athletic abilities, would like to join the BSF Nordic community, and are ready to make Bozeman, MT your home for at least 3 years, please contact Program Director and Head Coach Dragan Danevski to find out more about the program.

Email: dragandanevski@yahoo.com

Cell: (406) 579-7874

Additionally, prepare a statement that includes your personal and athletic goals for the next 3 years, complete bio, training information and former coaches/programs. BSF Nordic would like to evaluate how well the P-G/Elite program fits your needs. Send application to:

Bridger Ski Foundation

Attn: Dragan Danevski

P.O. Box 1243

Bozeman, MT 59771

 

BSF Nordic looks forwarded to hearing from you.

 

Bridger Ski Foundation

707 Bridger Drive, Suite B

Bozeman, MT 59715

(406) 587-2445

www.bridgerskifoundation.org

 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The BSF P-G/Elite team has three tiers:

• Level 1- International Athlete

• Level 2- National/International Athlete

• Level 3- National Athlete

 

Level 1 – International Athlete:

• Expected results: (Europa Cup, WC, World Championship, Olympics), top 5 results at Senior Nationals and Canadian Nationals, podium finishes at Super Tour and NorAm races

• Requirements:

o Demonstrates ability for international excellence and proven results from international XC ski events, such as Europa Cup, World Championships, and Olympics. The skiers should have top 5 finishes at Senior Nationals or Canadian Nationals, and podium finishes at Super Tour and NorAm events.

o Demonstrates strive towards personal excellence and the BSF Nordic philosophy. Committed to living in Bozeman in order to participate in training at least 3 times per week; travel with the BSF team to races, camps, and training, and race as a member of the BSF Nordic team with a BSF team racing suit.

o Participate in BSF fundraising events such as Sweet Pea Festival, Auction, Banff Film Festival, Golf Tournament, and the Jim Bridger Trail Run.

o Prepare a long-term personal and athletic plan. Work with the BSF coach on training and race schedule; participate in time trials and fitness testing.

• Benefits: Year-round coaching & waxing support; team and individual workouts; training program design and guidance, and fitness testing; travel and camp costs covered by BSF.

Level 2 – National/International Athlete

• Expected results: Top 10 finishes at Senior nationals and Canadian Nationals, top 10 finishes at Super Tour and NorAm, podium finishes at Mass races, qualify for National WC quota

• Requirements:

o Proven results from national XC ski events, such as Senior Nationals and Super Tour. Athletes should have top 10 finishes at Senior Nationals, Canadian Nationals, Super Tour and NorAm, and podium finishes at Mass races. They must also qualify for National WC quota.

o Demonstrates strive towards personal excellence and the BSF Nordic philosophy. Committed to living in Bozeman in order to participate in training at least 3 times per week; travel with the BSF team to races, camps, and training, and race as a member of the BSF Nordic team with a BSF team racing suit.

o Participate in BSF fundraising events such as Sweet Pea Festival, Auction, Banff Film Festival, Golf Tournament, and the Jim Bridger Trail Run.

o Prepare a long-term personal and athletic plan. Work with the BSF coach on training and race schedules; participate in time trials and fitness testing.

• Benefits:

o Year round coaching & waxing support, team and individual workouts, training program design and guidance, and fitness testing.

o Eligible for travel grants for camps, depending on availability of funds.

o Priority for advancing to Level 1 status is given based on personal and athletic development.

 

Level 3- National Athlete

• Expected Results: Top 20 finishes at Senior Nationals and Canadian Nationals, top 15 finishes at Super Tour and NorAm, ranked in the top 10 overall in Super Tour

• Requirements:

o Top 20 finishes at Senior Nationals or Canadian Nationals, top 15 finishes at Super Tour or NorAm. Athlete must be ranked top 10 overall in the Super Tour.

o Demonstrates strive towards personal excellence and the BSF Nordic philosophy. Committed to living in Bozeman in order to participate in training at least 3 times per week; travel with the BSF team to races, camps, and training, and race as a member of the BSF Nordic team with a BSF team racing suit.

o Participate in BSF fundraising events such as Sweet Pea Festival, Auction, Banff Film Festival, Golf Tournament, and the Jim Bridger Trail Run.

o Prepare a long-term personal and athletic plan. Work with the BSF coach on training and race schedules; participate in time trials and fitness testing.

• Benefits:

o Year-round coaching & waxing support, team and individual workouts, training program design and guidance, and fitness testing.

o Priority for advancing to Level 2 status is given as personal and athletic development meet criteria.

 

Program Requirements:

Participation for all three levels is required in:

• Summer, fall, and winter training

• Summer, fall, and winter camps

• Local, regional, national and international races

 

Travel Requirements:

• Travel with the BSF team to races, camps and training

• Race under the BSF name and compete in a BSF racing suit

 

Training Requirements:

• Train with the team a minimum 3 times per week

• Work with the BSF coach on training and race schedule

 

Other Requirements:

• Participation in testing and time-trials

• Participation in BSF events

• Fund raising events (Sweet pea, Auction, Banff film festival, Golf tourney, JBTR)

• Promoting skiing – skiing with juniors and masters, helping with wax clinics, etc.

 

BSF Support:

• Level l: Coaching, waxing, travel, camps, lodging and board, racing fees

• Level 2: Coaching, waxing, camps, lodging,

• Level 3: Coaching, waxing

 

Testing Opportunities:

• Field test four times a year- time trials, psychomotor abilities, blood lactate test

• Lab tests three times a year- Vo2 Max test, blood lactate test, anaerobic test, and maximum heart rate test

 

Camps:

• Summer dryland training camp (Canmore, Alberta)

• Potential on snow camps: Haig Glacier, Dachstein Glacier, Finland, West Yellowstone (Thanksgiving Camp)