Training

Finn Sisu Training Programs

Summer 2013: Vakava Juniors Summer Program. Finn Sisu is excited to announce our second year of Vakava Juniors, a summer training program for junior high, high school, and collegiate skiers. Our program will help young athletes become better cross country ski racers. We will work on both skate and classic techniques, and will help skiers develop the building blocks of successful racing: endurance, strength, agility, and speed
- Our coaches are Ahvo Taipale, Greg Weier, Kris Hanson and Richard Clark
- The program includes dry-land and roller ski sessions (helmets are required.)
- We will meet at Battle Creek-Winthrop (Monday and Friday) and Battle Creek Ravine on Point Douglas Road (Wednesday.)
- Sessions with run from 7:00 am to 8:30 am, June 17 through August 9.
- Cost is $325 for 3 days a week (M,W,F) or $250 for 2 days a week (M,W).
- Download the registration form or call us with any questions.

New for Summer 2013: Masters Technique and Training Year-Round Program. Finn Sisu is very pleased to announce our newest training program for masters skiers. Coaches will lead small groups, and work with each individual to develop strong technique in both skate and classic so skiers can achieve their goals. Dryland drills and training, roller skiing, core strength, quickness, and agility until snow. Once we have snow, we will be working on specific strength, quickness, technique, and intensity. Individual video analysis also provided, depending on light levels.
- Our coaches are Kate Ellis, Ahvo Taipale, and Greg Weier.
- We will meet at Battle Creek-Winthrop.
- Two sessions: One on Tuesday, 6:30-8:00 p.m., May 7- February 11, and the other on Wednesday, 10:00-11:30 a.m., May 8 -February 12.
- Cost is $395.
- Download the registration form or call us with any questions.
- Here's some feedback from our 2012 Masters Fall / Winter program:
    - Even after having been in nordic ski training programs for over 15 years, the program felt fresh and I learned a lot. - Carrie
        - As far as the instruction I received from Kate and Ahvo I can't say enough...I had never been on cross country skis prior to this training. Kate took time with me and continually encouraged me and low and behold I picked it   up way faster that I thought I could. - Bob
         - Compared to other ski training groups that I have participated in, this one was the best by far. Kate and Ahvo were patient, amazing and so helpful with specific comments. Thank you. - Liz

The Vakava Race Team was founded 10 years ago at Finn Sisu to provide the top masters ski racers in the Twin Cites a chance to train together and work together for the benifit of the ski community. In that time they have become arguably the most successful and recognizable group of masters racers in Minnesota, and some would say the US. In the 2009-2010 season Vakava athletes won 14 overall races, had over 50 age group wins, and won the Minnesota Skinnyski Series team championship
- Vakava Racing is a more competitive group and certain criteria need to be met to become a memeber. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Dave Christopherson or Ahvo Taipale.

Other Training Programs

Are you a beginning skier interested in learning the basics? Or do you have some skills but need a refresher course? Maybe you are a citizen racer looking to improve your Birkie time by 20%? These are not FinnSisu programs but are some ideas to help you on your way.

The Minnesota Youth Ski League (MYSL) is a club-based organization that offers youth (ages 4 to 15) and their families the opportunity to learn, develop skills and enjoy cross-country skiing together.

Ride and Glide Bike and Ski Club offers cross country ski instruction and workouts to cyclists and other fitness minded individuals. By exposing cyclists to the skiing community and skiers to the cycling community they hope to increase participation in both sports.

The Loppet Running Club is the Twin Cities' first trail running-based fitness club. The training group meets on Monday evenings and some Saturday mornings from July to September at Theodore Wirth Park and other metro area trails. It's a great way to prepare for the Salomon Half Marathon and Finn Sisu 5K with a great group of people.

Sisu Nordic Ski Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development, support and promotion of Nordic skiing in Minnesota. Sisu Skiers offers training for all levels and ages of skiers on a year-round basis..

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