FAQs
Q: What is the Bogus Basin Nordic Team?
A: The Bogus Basin Nordic Team (BBNT) is comprised of youth and adult athletes looking to progress their Nordic skiing. The team promotes the development of Nordic skiing through fun practices in hopes of developing a life-long love of Nordic skiing and healthy outdoor living. The team provides diverse programming and a unified community centered around the sport of Nordic skiing in the Treasure Valley. Unlike many other sports, BBNT is ONE team - from first time skiers to those racing at the national level to adult marathon skiers - all working together. The Youth Rec Team is composed of 3rd – 6th graders and the Devo Team is 7th - 12th graders. High schoolers wishing to take a more committed approach look to join the Comp Team. The Adult Team is open to adults of all ages and abilities.
Q: What is the mission of the team?
A: BBNT seeks to develop and support the diverse Nordic skiing community in the Treasure Valley through programming for all ages and abilities. The pursuit of Nordic skiing teaches many valuable life lessons, including focus, discipline, self-confidence, teamwork, responsibility, sportsmanship, and the value of healthy living. All these attributes are qualities that will continue long after the ski team experience is done. BBNT believes that there is a social, physical, emotional, educational, and psychological benefit involved in all our programs.
Q: Do we need Nordic ski experience to join the team?
A: No ski experience required! Our Nordic coaches have experience instructing all levels of skiers, from beginner to elite racers.
Q: When does the season start? End?
A: Winter programming begins November 1st and concludes in mid-March with a final BBNT Spring Banquet typically held in the middle of March. We typically hold practices until Spring Break (public schools). BBNT takes April off from any programming then begins full Summer programming the first week of June.
Q: How do I register myself or my child for BBNT?
A: To register, please go to the Sign Up page. Reach out to Lettie Stratton for questions regarding registration.
Q: What age bracket is my child?
A: In skiing we refer to ages in U8, U10, U12 etc. all the way up to U20, U23, & Masters. This means Under age 8, Under age 10, and is referring to your athlete’s age on December 31st of that upcoming winter season. These categories are set by the US Ski and Snowboard Association.
Q: What is dryland training? When are practices?
A: Dryland training is the ‘core’ of every Nordic skier and refers to off-season training to build a fitness base for winter skiing. “Skiers are made in the Summer!” The focus of practices is to build cardiovascular conditioning and strength within a fun and team building environment.
Dryland practices for Youth Rec are typically at Camel’s Back Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:15-5:30pm.
Dryland practices for Comp & Devo Team are typically Mondays-Fridays from 3:45-5:15pm and are held at various park locations in north Boise. **Please see coach’s calendar for updated winter “on-snow” schedule. **
Q: What is the difference between Classic and Skate skiing?
A: Classic skiing (or diagonal stride) is the more traditional form of Nordic skiing. Skate skiing uses a “skate” method of skiing, similar to ice skating using skis on snow. Both types of skiing are taught and developed within BBNT.
Q: Do athletes need a Bogus Basin Nordic Pass?
A: Yes, all athletes need a Bogus Basin Nordic Ski season pass for the winter.
Q: How does team information get communicated to parents?
A: The team communicates to parents through regular email from BBNT coaches and BBNT Board. There is also an event calendar on our website.
Q: What are the volunteer expectations for parents?
A: BBNT relies heavily on parent volunteers for most aspects of the team’s programming, from fundraising, Bogus Challenge race series, team family socials, to name a few. Parents are expected to volunteer for events throughout the season.
Q: Do athletes need their own Nordic skis to be on the team? How do I get ski equipment?
A: Seasonal leases are available for Youth Rec and first year Devo Team athletes new to skiing. The rentals are limited and are on a first-come, first-service basis. Please note that BBNT gear is for use at practices, on race trips, and any time your athlete is skiing at Bogus Basin. Gear cannot be checked out for personal trips. Adult team members should own their own gear.
Low-cost buying opportunities include the BBNT Ski Swap in the fall. Also check with local used / consignment outdoor shops like Outdoor Exchange. Local retailers Idaho Mountain Touring and World Cycle also run BBNT bulk gear orders every Sept-Oct.
Q: What other equipment is needed for winter ski practice on the mountain?
A: Other gear needed for your child for every “on snow” practice include flexible ski pants, ski jacket, warm layers, hat/gloves, head lamp. Think athletic attire for running in cold weather. Youth Rec Team has optional jacket winter lease option; Devo Team athletes have the option of purchasing team jackets.
Q: Is there transportation to Bogus Basin Nordic Center in the winter?
A: Youth Rec families can choose the transportation add-on for van rides to/from Bogus Basin Nordic Center for on-snow practices during the winter. Devo and Comp athletes can ride in the team van to/from the Nordic Center; this transportation fee is included in the tuition.
Q: Are there races that my child can participate in? Does my child have to race to be part of the Nordic team?
A: Participating in ski races are always optional. If your athlete chooses to race, local races at Bogus Basin are a great way to try it out. The Bogus Challenge Community Series includes 5-6 races scheduled throughout the winter. These races provide an opportunity for athletes to race in a supportive and fun atmosphere. The Intermountain Youth Festival (IYC) is another great chance for younger athletes (U14 and younger) to compete in a variety of races. The IYC event is typically held the last weekend of February or the first weekend of March and moves locations throughout the region each year.
BBNT also hosts and/or travels to 3 Junior National Qualifiers (JNQs) every winter. These are the staple races of our winter and provide the chance for our older athletes (U16-U20) to qualify to Junior Nationals in March. JNQs always hold races for the younger age brackets as well U10-U14
Q: Do athletes need to be a member of U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association?
A: Yes, any athlete over the age of 12 needs to have a membership. US Ski & Snowboard Membership. U14s or under can choose the general membership. Every U16 should have the competitor membership. Please email tony@bbnt.ski if you have questions about which type of membership you need.
Q: What’s the deal with West Yellowstone and Thanksgiving?
A: West Yellowstone Ski Festival is an annual tradition over the week of Thanksgiving for skiers across the Western US, North America and beyond! West Yellowstone, MT is almost always blessed with some of the first skiing in the country and the festival has been a huge tradition for Nordic skiers for over 40 years. Typically, BBNT rents a few large condos and we all travel over as a team for the entire week to train for athletes U14 and older. Younger athletes are encouraged to travel with their parents and join in on some workouts. It’s a ton of fun! The team usually skis twice a day and gets loads of productive skiing in. There is a Novice Biathlon race on Wednesday, and more serious XC races on Saturday at the end of the week. BBNT offers an 'early departure' van ride home back to Boise on Wednesday after the biathlon race for athletes trying to make it home to Thanksgiving or younger athletes who do not need to train hard for 7 days straight. It's also a tradition for many of BBNT parents to travel to West Yellowstone for part or all of the Thanksgiving week. Parents get plenty of good skiing in and everyone associated with BBNT enjoys Thanksgiving meal together. We typically rent out a large church kitchen space to use and enjoy. This will be organized by a BBNT Board member. Check out the Ski Festival website.
Q: What’s the BBNT Concussion Policy?
A: The concussion management plan includes information on BBNT’s concussion protocols, including identifying symptoms, removal from play, return to learn, and return to sport.
Bring this medical release to your physician if you get a concussion. Your physician will help guide you through the return to learn and return to play protocol and sign off when you are cleared to return to full sport.
Q: What is BBNT’s COVID policy?
Masks are encouraged in team vans
At any time, BBNT may enforce a mask mandate at the Head Coach’s discretion.
If you’re feeling sick, stay home
Covid tests may be required prior to team travel. BBNT will provide tests.
If you test positive for Covid, you must let the Head Coach know. BBNT follows the American Pediatric Association’s Return to Sport Protocol.
Athletes should keep a mask in their bag at all times
BBNT reserves the right to modify this Covid policy at any time. Positive cases within our team, high rates of community spread, and other factors may lead us to a temporary change in policy.
Q: How do I find out more specific information?
A: Explore the website and download the Parent/Athlete Handbook below! If you have further questions after that, please email lettie@bbnt.ski