Melanin In Motion Battle Creek Blow-up - Nordic Skiing for the Family (8+)

On Tuesday evenings, MIM offers introductory and progressive Nordic(XC) Ski lessons for the BIPOC community. Tuesdays at Battle Creek are our newest effort to connect Eat of the River BlPOC families to the benefits and joy of winter activities. Each week we offer an intro-to and progressive Nordic program that allows community members to learn and master the fundamentals of skiing and gain knowledge of the environment, enabling true enjoyment of the outdoors in winter.

Our partnership with Ramsey County Parks enables us to offer the program for $11.00, which includes equipment rental, a trail pass, and our progressive instruction during each session. Scholarships are available to anyone who demonstrates need.

We have developed a progressive teaching strategy that helps participants feel successful and progress through the skills at their own pace.

We offer the first three levels of the progression every week, with coaches leading groups across five skill levels. We provide age-specific opportunities for youth 6-9 and 10-13. Participants will also learn about gear, clothing, and park navigation. All of our leaders are Black and POC and/or BIPOC women and youth. The MIM community includes participants in their 3rd or 4th years and super supporters. MIM youth coaches were trained in the very program they now teach. Families and individuals in their second or third winter, or those who are all-in and interested in purchasing equipment, will be offered special pricing and custom fitting at the preseason family info night at Finn Sisu. MIM members will receive special friends-and-family pricing on new equipment. We will end the season with a celebration at the Loppet Festival.