A Journey of Journeys for Glenshire Elementary’s Kindergarten Classes at TDXC

Though storm clouds loomed large across an angry sky, a chilling wind nipped at their cheeks, and the mist on their breath hinted at the biting frost in the air; it seemed nothing was going to stop over 50 kindergarteners from Glenshire Elementary School from striding their way across the expansive trail system at the Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center – a journey of journeys for these intrepid explorers.

Lining up to their skis, specially laid out for each young adventurer, their one-mile trek through wooded and snow-covered – albeit expertly groomed – pathways was about to begin, but not before a necessary warm-up in the Equestrian Center arena. There were flips and flops and forgotten gloves, but soon, they were off!

Two by two or twelve by twelve, this frenzied herd of five- and six-year-olds poured onto the trail in droves, plodding along at a mostly moderate pace, some in and some out of the cross country tracks, but all with a remarkable sense of purpose. A cacophony of children’s squeals and laughter joined with the usual chorus of birds to create a symphony of winter celebration for all to hear! Neither the bitter cold nor the edgeless skis were going to discourage these plucky youngsters from staying the course.

Some two hours since their arrival and precisely one mile later, they rounded the final corner of the trail, the Alder Creek Adventure Center now in full view. Weary and ravenous from the journey, having not enjoyed any sustenance since their mid-morning snack, the tiny travelers willed themselves across the meadow with the last of their might.

At long last, the pack returned. With huffs and grunts, the children ejected from their skis, tossed their poles (neatly back into their specified buckets) and hurled themselves onto the cobblestone patio to savor the sweet taste of victory – a neatly packed lunch. Going round and round, the children swapped stories of the day’s journey – the thorns, the roses, the hardships and the triumphs – all the while grinning with delight. The morning would prove an epic adventure for all, the experience unforgettable.

STUDENT STRIDERS

How a Partnership with TTUSD Brings Local Students to TDXC

As a child, to grow up in Truckee is to be fully immersed in the outdoors all year long. Once the snow falls, the mountains come alive with winter enthusiasts chasing adventure, and for local kids, this marks the season of a variety of exciting winter sports. Through storms and sunshine, blizzards and bluebird skies, you’ll find children of all ages on the ski slopes, the trails and even the ice rink, racing, striding or skating their way through the season. With a multitude of competitive and recreational youth programs available, there are many opportunities for kids to learn and develop a passion for winter sports.

Ski PE at TDXC

So ingrained is the ski culture in the Truckee lifestyle, Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD) has upheld a longstanding tradition in partnership with the Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center (TDXC) of providing elementary-aged kids the opportunity to experience the joy of winter sports as part of its physical education and field trip offerings. For decades, students have been provided cross country skis, poles and boots to explore the expansive and world-class trail system.

“It’s a program we’ve been running for as long as we’ve been here with TTUSD. Roughly 30 years! We think it’s a great way to introduce the kids to the sport of cross country skiing. They give it a try, they have fun, and the next thing you know, they’re back for our after-school programs. It’s so important to us that as many kids as possible in Truckee’s public school system are afforded this unique opportunity.”

– Sally Jones, TDXC Manager

A Fast-Growing Winter Sport for Kids

While perhaps not as popular as downhill skiing among kids, classic and skate skiing provide a variety of health and wellness benefits, including building confidence, cardiovascular fitness, an immersive nature experience, leisurely recreational enjoyment and more! Nordic ski racing and biathlon are also growing in popularity among children who enjoy endurance sports like running.

To learn more about the Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center youth offerings, including lessons, recreational programs, junior racing and biathlon, click here.