Site Navigation

FXC Program Philosophy

  1. Athletes ski boundingWe believe that a year-round training program is the best way to prepare young skiers to excel in the future. A seasonal program is not effective in accomplishing this goal.
  2. We believe that the interests of the sport of cross country skiing, Alaska skiing, the Fairbanks cross country skiing community and the young skiers who will joint the program this year and in the future are best-served by a program which is operated under the umbrella of the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks.
  3. We believe that such a program can best operate within the club, but of necessity must operate with a great degree of functional autonomy in conducting its program.
  4. We believe that the program must be designed to be "permanent," so that young skiers in Fairbanks will have the opportunity to join such a program not just now, but for many years into the uture.
  5. We believe that the program must be self-sustaining financially so that the can continue to exist "forever." The program must not be a financial burden on the NSCF.
  6. We believe that for younger skiers regular, frequent hands-on coaching throughout the entire year is invaluable in the process of learning technique, learning proper training methods, and learning how best to compete.
  7. We believe that one of the primary needs that now exists within Fairbanks junior cross country ski racing is race support at major events, such as the Besh Cup races, and that this program is the ideal vehicle to provide such race support.
  8. We believe that a coach can only provide the proper support (strategy and tactics, mental imagery and preparation, waxing, in-race support, post-race debriefing/evaluation/ support)for the athletes in the program at such an event is if the coach dedicates his or her efforts to supporting the athletes, and does not participate in the competition as a competitor.
  9. We believe a junior program should provide continuity and offer coaching from at least the J3 level on the young end through the OJ level on the older end. A successful program will be based upon a sound operating philosophy and a consistent approach to all aspects of coaching: training, technique, and interpersonal relations. This philosophical consistency will create the optimal environment for young people to progess through the program over several years, and to grow and improve over the duration of their participation in the program.