Chet Hope is designed for youth skiers ages 4 – 10 years old.

Accomplished skiers, age 8 and up, interested in more coached ski time each week, are invited to join the Junior Jets. Please view the Junior Jets page for more information.

2024-25 – Registration Open!

Glacier Nordic Center located at the Whitefish Lake Golf Course

Block 1:

 Seven Wednesday afternoons 4:15 to 5:30 pm, January 8 – February 19, 2025

and/or

Block 2:

Seven Saturday mornings, 10 am to 11:30 am, January 11 – February 22, 2025

and/or

At the Columbia Falls/Meadow Lake location –

Block 3:

Seven Monday afternoons 4:15 to 5:30 pm, January 6 – February 17, 2025

What to Bring—All Labeled with Child’s Name

• Clothing: Skiers need to dress in layers, with a snow—and wind-resistant outer layer. They should wear wool or synthetic socks (cotton tends to make feet wet and cold). Waterproof/wind-resistant gloves or mittens are necessary. Remember to bring a hat and sunscreen. A scarf or neck gator is recommended to protect your face and eye protection.
• A small belt pack or backpack with a water bottle and extra gloves if possible.

Equipment Needed

Skiers will need Classic skis (no wax with fish scale pattern on bottom preferred), boots, and poles. Having gear in good shape and sized appropriately leads to successful happy skiers!.  All groups will be learning classic techniques.

Glacier Nordic Shop offers seasonal rentals for CHYSL participants ($60 for the season). In early December, Glacier Nordic will email registered participants with the link to sign up for rentals.

>>> Equipment Rental Costs CLICK HERE <<<

$95/Block

Monday, Wednesday, or Saturday for seven classes.

>>> Equipment Rental Costs CLICK HERE <<<

You can sign up for multiple sessions. The fee includes a Glacier Nordic Ski Team GNST hat for first-time participants.

Scholarships are available for tuition and ski rentals. See SCHOLARSHIPS in our FAQ for more information.

Scholarships are available for both Rentals and Tuition.

Please fill out and submit the application by clicking the link below.

>>> GNST SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION <<<

At Glacier Nordic Club, we believe all community members should have access to the benefits of Nordic Skiing. We partner with another local nonprofit called DREAM Adaptive Recreation, which provides empowering outdoor recreation opportunities for people with disabilities. DREAM offers Nordic lessons for children and adults with physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities, including Military Veterans. Military Veterans with disabilities participate for free, and financial aid scholarships are available to offset the cost.

Please visit their website to learn more and sign up:  dreamadaptive.org/winter or call (406) 885-9539

**Please note any special needs on your registration form in the designated area and DREAM will contact you for specifics.**

Become a Chet Hope Coach or Assistant Coach, or sweep and ski at the rear as a volunteer!

Without parent and community volunteers, this program would not happen. Please consider helping with the CHYSL this winter.

We need lead and assistant coaches. Coaches are generally paired with another coach to co-coach the group. It is rewarding, and the youth of the valley need your support and help.

A FREE GNC individual membership (membership includes a season pass for skiing at the Glacier Nordic Center) will be given for coaching.

Coaches need to attend a training session  that includes:

• • • Program Organization
    • Needs of kids as they grow and develop
    • Nordic Skill Development
    • Lesson Planning and Delivery.

**All regular coaches must complete a background check.**

**Adaptive coaches complete CHYSL and DREAM training.**

**Substitutes, organizers of fun, sweepers, and hot chocolate helpers are also needed**