New Skis Help Lander Nordic Skiers Compete Fairly Against Well-Equipped Programs

In Lander, youth are excited about Nordic skiing, but the high school program lacks enough equipment to meet the needs of the growing number of skiers continuing from the successful middle school program. In most mountain states, Nordic skiing is only a club sport requiring families to purchase equipment and pay for travel, so Lander is fortunate to offer it as a public school sport with low activity fees ensuring accessibility. The middle school program thrives with 60-80 participating students. Many of these dedicated athletes are continuing to high school, but the high school operates on a lean budget. While low fees keep the sport accessible, the quality of equipment suffers, and Lander skiers—arguably better athletes—lose races against well-equipped competitors not due to talent or training but because of inferior skis. So the high school coached reached out to LOR with a request will allow the growing program to start building new skis into the annual budget. LOR’s funding will help purchase classic and skate skis with appropriate bindings and poles, removing equipment as a barrier to success.