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Great Divide Nordic Ski Team

Find your stride. Build your team. Love winter.

Looking for a fun way to stay active, make friends, and enjoy Montana winters? Come ski with us!

The Great Divide Ski Team (GDST) Nordic Program brings together middle school and high school athletes from the Helena area to learn, train, and enjoy cross-country skiing. Whether you're stepping onto Nordic skis for the first time or training for your next big race, there's a place for you on our team.

We're about more than racing. Our goal is to help young athletes develop skiing skills, improve fitness, build confidence, and form lasting friendships—all while having fun outdoors.

Our team trains at local Nordic ski venues, including MacDonald Pass and Bill Roberts Golf Course. We focus primarily on skate skiing, with opportunities to develop classic technique and participate in local and regional races.

Something for Every Skier

Nordic Novice – Discover the Sport

An introduction to Nordic skiing in a fun, supportive environment. Learn the fundamentals, gain confidence on skis, and discover what makes cross-country skiing such a great winter activity.

Nordic Devo – Build Your Skills

For athletes ready to develop their technique, fitness, and confidence. Ski with teammates, challenge yourself, and explore opportunities to participate in local races.

Nordic Comp – Take It to the Next Level

For motivated skiers interested in structured training and competitive racing. Athletes develop advanced technique, endurance, and race strategies, with opportunities to compete in Montana races and regional Junior National Qualifiers.

No Gear? No Problem!

Getting started in Nordic skiing doesn't have to mean buying all-new equipment. GDST offers seasonal ski and pole rentals for junior athletes, used equipment options, and guidance from our coaches to help families find the right gear.

Scholarships are also available to help make Nordic skiing accessible to more young athletes.

Come Ski With Us!

Whether your goal is to try something new, stay fit with friends, or compete at a higher level, we'd love to have you join us.

Questions? Contact our coaching staff at GDSTNordic@gmail.com.

Dryland bounding
Early Season Dryland Training
  • Prepare for the season ahead. Focus on body weight strength, aerobic fitness, agility and roller skiing.
  • Eligibility: Open to Alpine and Nordic Junior skiers. Interested athletes should contact Dave Armstrong for more information.
  • Schedule: Begins December 1, 2026 and continues until there is skiable snow. 
  • Practice: Tuesdays and Thursdays at Bill Roberts Golf Course Ski School (driving range) from 4 pm until 5:30 pm. Saturday 10a-Noon (optional).

  • Program Fee: $150

    Register

Nordic Novice
  • U10, U12, U14
    Up to 15 skiers
    $150 GDNST fee
    New to Nordic skiing
    Learn to skate ski each Wednesday for 6 weeks.
    USSS General Member. $42
    What to expect:
    1. Wednesday practices begin Jan 6, 2027 on the Bill Roberts Ski School area
    2. Practice is 4p – 6p
    3. Learn to skate ski,
    4. Learn to race (racing is optional)

  • Register

Nordic Devo
  • Some experience Nordic skiing.
    2 days per week. Tuesdays and Thursdays 4-6p beginning December 1, 2026.
    Bill Roberts Ski School area
    12 weeks
  • What to expect:
    1. Proper double pole
    2. Downhill mastery
    3. Flat ski glide
    4. V1 on both sides
    5. Master V1, V2 and V2 alternate, start to know when to use them
    6. Introductory roller skiing
    7. Nutrition for practice and racing
    8. Racing (local citizen races) optional and encouraged

  • Register

Nordic Comp
  • Expert skiers
    Direct coaching 3-days per week. Tuesdays, Thursdays (4-6p) and Saturdays 10a beginning
    December 1, 2026.
    14 week program
  • 1. 30+ Practices
    2. Training plan
    3. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday expect a focus on speed work (intervals)
    4. During no-snow periods we will switch to roller skis
    5. Skiers should plan to ski at least 3 additional days per week on their own.
    6. Skiers should plan to race
    7. V1, V2, V2 alternate within a race, muscle memory
    8. Develop classic ski striding
    9. Waxing basics
    10. Coaching at all JNQ events, and waxing
    11. Travel logistics

  • Register