FAQs
What is the Bogus Basin Nordic Team?
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 Masters Team is open to adults of all ages and abilities.
What is the mission and vision of the team?
Bogus Basin Nordic Team inspires, engages, and develops cross country skiers and biathletes of all ages and abilities through excellent nordic ski training and events. BBNT provides every opportunity for excellence in nordic skiing and is highly regarded locally and nationally for supporting the achievement of athletic goals.
Do we need Nordic ski experience to join the team?
No ski experience required! Our coaches have experience instructing all levels of skiers, from beginner to elite racers.
When does the season start? End?
Winter programming begins the first week of November and concludes in mid-March with a final BBNT Spring Banquet. We typically hold practices until Spring Break. BBNT takes April off from any programming, then begins full summer programming the first week of June.
How do I register myself or my child for BBNT?
To register, please go to the Sign Up page. Reach out to Lettie Stratton for questions regarding registration.
What age bracket is my child?
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.
What is dryland training? When are practices?
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, team-building environment. For more information, visit our summer programs page.
What is the difference between Classic and Skate skiing?
Classic skiing (or diagonal stride) is the more traditional form of Nordic skiing. Skate skiing uses a skating motion, similar to ice skating or rollerblading. Both types of skiing are taught and developed within BBNT.
Do athletes need a Bogus Basin Nordic Pass?
Yes, all athletes need a Bogus Basin Nordic Ski season pass for the winter.
How does team information get communicated to parents?
The team communicates to parents through regular emails from BBNT’s coaches and Executive Director. There is also an event calendar on our website.
What are the volunteer expectations for parents?
BBNT relies heavily on parent volunteers for many aspects of the team’s programming, including fundraising, Bogus Challenge races, and team family socials. Parents are expected to volunteer for events throughout the season.
Do athletes need their own Nordic skis to be on the team? How do I get ski equipment?
Seasonal leases are available for Youth Rec and first year Devo athletes new to skiing. Rentals are limited and 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 fall.
What other equipment is needed for winter ski practice on the mountain?
For every “on snow” practice, athletes should have flexible ski pants, ski jacket, warm layers, hat/gloves, and a head lamp. Think athletic attire for running in cold weather. Check out our team store for great clothing options.
Is there transportation to Bogus Basin Nordic Center in the winter?
Youth Rec families may opt for 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 tuition.
Are there races that my child can participate in? Does my child have to race to be part of the Nordic team?
Participating in ski races is 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 Race 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.
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.
Do athletes need to be a member of U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association?
Yes, any athlete over the age of 12 needs to have a 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.
What’s the deal with West Yellowstone and Thanksgiving?
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 travel as a team for the 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, getting loads of productive skiing in. 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 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. Check out the Ski Festival website.
What’s the BBNT Concussion Policy?
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.
What is BBNT’s COVID policy?
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.
How do I find out more specific information?
Explore the website and download the Parent/Athlete Handbook below. If you have further questions, please email lettie@bbnt.ski