Nordic Programs & Registration Information
AVSC Nordic Programs have a rich tradition of success. Recent alumni include two U.S. National Team athletes, two Sochi Olympic team members, two PyeongChang Olympic team members, and hundreds of exceptional alumni. Our team programs are designed to develop, challenge, and engage athletes of all ability levels. All team programs are offered in Aspen on the City of Aspen's trails and in Carbondale on the Spring Gulch Trails.
Not sure what program is right for your athlete? Contact Program Director Sophie Caldwell Hamilton at shamilton@teamavsc.org.
Program Philosophy
The general philosophy of AVSC Nordic programs is to provide all youth in the Roaring Fork Valley with the opportunity to experience Nordic skiing as a fun and competitive sport. Opportunities will be provided by the availability of need-based scholarships and fostered by a dynamic pipeline of progressive development programs intended to advance athletes of all ages and ability levels. AVSC Nordic believes that commitment, teamwork, and integrity are an essential part of the competitive sport experience. All AVSC Nordic coaches, staff, volunteers and athletes are expected to learn and live by a strict code of values emphasizing character, work ethic, healthy competition, leadership, and inclusion. Ultimately, the AVSC Nordic program aims to achieve national and international success by utilizing world class facilities, executing science based training, providing exceptional coaching support, and hosting high quality events.
The AVSC Nordic program’s main focus will always be on the best interest of our student-athletes and fostering a love for Nordic skiing. Our goal is to create healthy athletes that always put forth their best attitude and effort, live each day with intention, and strive for personal excellence.
Nordic program success can be measured by athlete participation at all levels, athlete community involvement, alumni community involvement, results, representation at major championship events (Junior Nationals, Scando Cups, and World Juniors), and placement of athletes onto College teams, post-grad teams, and/or the USST.
HOW TO REGISTER
Registration for 2026-2027 Winter Programs opens July 1!
If you have used Campminder before with us, please use the same login and do not create a duplicate!
Scholarships are available for all team programs based on need. Scholarship application coming soon. Athletes applying for a scholarship must submit their registration and scholarship application by the early registration deadline (August 1, 2026). A $100 - $600 deposit (dependent on program) is required to apply for a scholarship. Scholarships are only available to residents of the greater Roaring Fork Valley. Post-graduate athletes are not eligible for scholarships.
*Please note Bill Koch Youth Ski League Programs and Pre-Devo Programs have later scholarship deadline of Oct. 1. Click here for more information on Bill Koch and Pre-Devo Scholarships.
Program Recommendations
AVSC’s Nordic Programs are designed for children to progress in ability and commitment from our Bill Koch (BK) programs through the high school Team/Programs. Coaching staff recommendations based on age and ability are listed below. There is some purposeful age overlap built into program descriptions for parent discretion. Parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s preferences with a coach.| Age Group |
Ability | Program Description |
| K – 4th Grade | Beginner | BK Program |
| 3rd – 4th Grade | Experienced | Pre-Devo |
| 5th Grade | Beginner | Pre-Devo |
| 5th Grade | Experienced | Devo |
| 6th – 8th Grade | All | Devo |
| 8th Grade | Experienced | U16 Race Team (if U16 age) or Devo |
| In High School and under U16 on Dec. 31 of current year | Experienced | U16 Race Team or U20 Race Team |
| 16+ on Dec. 31 of current year | Experienced | U20 Race Team |
COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS
Our Competitive Programs are designed for competitive athletes. Nordic skiing is their passion. They want the highest level of opportunity – working with the most experienced coaches, having the most hands-on equipment recommendations, travelling to the highest level of competition for their age group. They want to give skiing their all; they are fully committed and excited to invest a significant amount of time and energy year-round in pursuit of becoming the very best Nordic skier that they can be.
U20 RACE
U20 Race is a year-round training and racing program for experienced nordic skiers who have an excellent work ethic and a desire to pursue excellence in nordic skiing. All Race Team athletes are expected to compete in all Rocky Mountain Nordic (RMN) Junior National Qualifier races and participate in summer dryland training. The Race Team training program is designed to help athletes reach the highest possible levels of competition. Race Team athletes will receive an individualized year-round training plan. Character, sportsmanship, work ethic, leadership, and inclusion will be important parts of the curriculum.
- Year-round training (July 1 – June 30); On-snow training: year-round as weather allows.
- Athletes will have the opportunity to participate in travel competitions with team support (AVSC coordinates transportation and housing; athletes travel as a team at this age).
- Early Sign-up Fee: $6,810. Regular Program Fee: $7,325. Additional Parent Work Deposit $710.
Registration coming soon
U16 RACE
U16 Race is winter and summer training and race program for nordic skiers who have a desire to pursue excellence in nordic skiing. All athletes are encouraged to compete in Rocky Mountain Nordic (RMN) Junior National Qualifier races and participate in summer dryland training. The Race team training program is designed to help athletes between full time training and racing and the Devo Programs. Character, sportsmanship, work ethic, leadership, and inclusion will be important parts of the curriculum.
- 150 + Training Days throughout winter and summer. (July 1 - June 30); No spring or fall training as we encourage athletes to participate in other sports at this time
- Athletes will have the opportunity to participate in travel competitions with team support (AVSC coordinates transportation and housing; athletes travel as a team at this age).
- Early Sign-up Fee: $5,310. Regular Program Fee: $5,710. Additional Parent Work Deposit $710.
Registration coming soon
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
Development Programs are for athletes who want to participate in nordic skiing on a seasonal basis and serves as a bridge between Pre-Devo and Race Teams. Athletes will build a strong foundation in their sport, working through thoughtful progressions to build skills and have fun. Seasonal equipment rentals are available through the Ute Mountaineer (while supplies last). AVSC offers summer training and adventure camps for athletes at an additional cost.
ASPEN DEVO TEAM (GRADES 5-8)
Based out of Aspen (AVSC Clubhouse & City of Aspen Trails) this program is designed for athletes of all ability levels. Skiers will focus on fundamentals and fun and will be introduced to racing and goal setting.
- Schedule: October 26 – March 18 (No training week of December 22 and 29). Mon/Weds/Thurs and several weekends.
- Athletes will have the opportunity to participate in travel competitions (sometimes with team travel and housing).
- Early Sign-up Fee: $2,560. Regular Program Fee: $2,755. Additional Parent Work Deposit $550.
Registration coming soon
SPRING GULCH DEVO TEAM (GRADES 5-8)
Based out of Carbondale (Spring Gulch Trails), this program is designed for athletes of all ability levels. Skiers will focus on fundamentals and fun, and will be introduced to racing and goal setting.
- Schedule: October 26 – March 18 (no training week of December 22 and 29). Tues/Weds/Thurs and several weekends.
- Athletes will have the opportunity to participate in travel competitions (sometimes with team travel and housing).
- Early Sign-up Fee: $2,560. Regular Program Fee: $2,755. Additional Parent Work Deposit $550.
Registration coming soon
DEVO PLUS (GRADES 5-8 AND ALREADY SIGNED UP FOR A NORDIC PROGRAM)
Devo Plus is designed for Devo-aged athletes who love both Nordic and alpine skiing and want to continue developing skills in each discipline throughout the winter. In addition to the regular Nordic Devo program, Devo Plus includes 10 weekend alpine ski days focused on free skiing, improving technique, exploring the mountain, and occasional uphill skinning.
This program provides a fun, balanced approach that helps athletes build all-around ski skills, maintain a strong connection to both sports, and enjoy more time on snow with teammates throughout the winter. These days will be announced in the fall and are scheduled to avoid conflicts with Nordic races. Athletes must be enrolled in the Nordic Devo program in order to enroll in Devo Plus
- Early Sign-up Fee: $1,070. Regular Program Fee: $1,155. (Price in addition to nordic fee).
Registration coming soon
BIATHLON (GRADES 5-12)
We are excited to introduce Biathlon to the AVSC Nordic lineup this season. Designed for Devo and Race Team athletes, this program offers a fun and accessible introduction to the
sport of biathlon, combining cross-country skiing with precision target shooting.
Athletes will train using laser rifles and targets in a safe, coached environment. The program includes 10 biathlon practice sessions focused on developing skiing skills, learning biathlon fundamentals, and building confidence with shooting technique and race formats.
Practice dates will be announced closer to the season and scheduled to avoid conflicts with Nordic practices and races. As this is our first year offering biathlon, we expect to learn and grow alongside our athletes while creating exciting opportunities to experience this dynamic sport. We also hope to incorporate informal race simulations and low-key competition opportunities throughout the season.
Practice locations will be snow-dependent, with most sessions likely taking place at AVSC. We will also make an effort to offer practices at mid-valley and down-valley when possible. Athletes must be enrolled in the Nordic Devo or Race Team program in order to enroll in Biathlon.
- Early Sign-up Fee: $350. Regular Program Fee: $380. (Price in addition to nordic fee).
Registration coming soon
PRE-DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
The Pre-Devo Program builds on the skills learned in Bill Koch Youth Ski League and introduces athletes to both classic and skate skiing in a fun, supportive environment. Athletes have the opportunity to participate in local competitions, though racing is entirely optional. Those who choose to race will receive coaching and support throughout the season.
Equipment is not provided by AVSC. After joining the program, families will recieve equipment recommendations and information about local rental options.
Registration: Early pricing ends and scholarships are due on October 1 at 5 p.m.
ASPEN PRE-DEVO (GRADES 3-5)
Location: AVSC Clubhouse & City of Aspen Trails
Schedule: December 1 – March 18 (No training the weeks of December 21 and 28)
Days/Time: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:00–5:30 PM
Early Sign-up Fee: $1,000. Regular Program Fee: $1,080.
Registration coming soon
SPRING GULCH PRE-DEVO (GRADES 3-5)
Location: Spring Gulch Trails, Carbondale
Schedule: December 1 – March 18 (No training the weeks of December 21 and 28)
Days/Time: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:00–5:30 PM
Early Sign-up Fee: $1,000. Regular Program Fee: $1,080.
Registration coming soon
BILL KOCH YOUTH SKI LEAGUE (BKL)
The Bill Koch Youth Ski League (BKL) is a fun, learn-to-ski program for children in kindergarten through fourth grade. The focus is on building a love for cross-country skiing, enjoying winter in the Roaring Fork Valley, and developing fundamental Nordic skills through classic skiing only. Athletes improve coordination, balance, agility, teamwork, and sportsmanship through games and age-appropriate activities.
Equipment: This is a classic skiing-only program. Seasonal rentals are available through the
Ute Mountaineer and The Independence Run and Hike while supplies last.
Snow Conditions: If snow conditions are limited at the start or the end of the season, athletes
will participate in dryland activities. Spring Gulch groups will meet at North Face Park in
Carbondale.
Registration: Early registration pricing and scholarship applications are due by October 1 at
5:00 PM.
About Bill Koch
Bill "Kochie" Koch was America's first Olympic medalist in cross-country skiing and a World Cup Champion. Known for his creativity, fun-loving spirit, and role in popularizing skate skiing, he inspired generations of skiers to explore, play, and race on skis. The Bill Koch Youth Ski League was created to introduce young athletes to the joy of Nordic skiing and remains the foundation of youth cross-country skiing programs across the country.
ASPEN – BILL KOCH YOUTH SKI LEAGUE PROGRAMS
TUESDAY GROUP (GRADES KINDERGARTEN - 4)
- Dates: December 1 – March 16 (No training the weeks of December 21 and 28)
- Time: Tuesdays, 3:30–5:00 PM
- Fee: $590 before October 1 | $635 on or after October 1
WEDNESDAY EARLY GROUP (GRADES KINDERGARTEN - 4)
- Dates: December 2 – March 17 (No training the weeks of December 21 and 28)
- Time: Wednesdays, 2:00–3:30 PM
- Fee: $590 before October 1 | $635 on or after October 1
WEDNESDAY LATE GROUP (GRADES KINDERGARTEN - 4)
- Dates: December 2 – March 17 (No training the weeks of December 21 and 28)
- Time: Wednesdays, 3:45–5:15 PM
- Fee: $590 before October 1 | $635 on or after October 1
Registration coming soon
SPRING GULCH – BILL KOCH YOUTH SKI LEAGUE PROGRAMS
TUESDAY GROUP (GRADES KINDERGARTEN - 4)
- Dates: January 5 – March 9
- Time: Tuesdays, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
- Fee: $430 before October 1 | $465 on or after October 1
THURSDAY GROUP (GRADES KINDERGARTEN - 4)
- Dates: January 7 – March 11 (No training the weeks of December 21 and 28)
- Time: Tuesdays, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
- Fee: $430 before October 1 | $465 on or after October 1
Registration coming soon
REFUND POLICY
This season-ending injury refund assumes complete withdrawal from all AVSC programming, including Strength & Conditioning or athletic training services. (Devo/Weekend programs through the end of the season; Team programs through the end of July) All refunds are subject to a $100 processing fee.