APUNSC Masters Program Description
The APU Master Program is a community cross-country ski program that offers group training and coaching. The goal of the program is to develop cross-country ski skills, improve fitness, and promote skiing in the community.
Programs are offered through out the year with options for two, three and five day a week. There are two groups meeting times: The Noon group meets 12:15 pm to 1:45 pm and the Evening group meets 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. If you need more flexibility in your schedule, check the ‘Flex” option, this signs you up to attend either noon or evening sessions as you need.
Master coaches design training sessions to meet the level of the group. Groups typically have a broad skill range from intermediate to advanced. Activities include skate and classic skiing, strength training, running, road biking, mountain biking, and ski specific exercises. Sessions are built around distance training, intervals, speed, and technique.
The APU Ski Center hosts’ annual events including wax clinics, community races, BBQs, program parties, spring crust skis, and club ski selection-fitting night.
If you are seasoned racer, skiing for fitness, or just getting started, the APU Master programs offer great training and are a lot of fun!
2013-14 Seasons Options:
Year Round Program (May 6 to April 4)
The year round program is recommended for those who want consistency in their training. The program is a great way to enjoy the Anchorage trails in all seasons and have training partners on a daily basis. Year round athletes benefit from continued fitness and have the highest likelihood of experiencing improvement from year to year. The Year Round program includes the Summer, Fall, and Winter Seasons.
Summer (May 6 to August 9)
Summer training is important for building fitness and skills. Our program’s approach of training through out the year using a variety of activities is the best way to improve fitness and enjoy skiing. Training includes roller skiing, strength, running, biking, and foot with poles. Summer training is scheduled 4 days a week Monday thru Thursday. There are two day and four day a week options. For the two-day program choose any two days in the week to attend.
Example of summer schedule:
Monday: Run or bike with strength and core training
Tuesday: Skate roller ski, technique
Wednesday: Bike
Thursday: Foot or bike – Intervals
Fall (August 19 to September 27)
Fall is a great time to build specific fitness for winter skiing. Group training is scheduled 4 days a week Monday thru Thursday. Training includes strength, roller skiing, foot with poles, and biking. There are two day and four day a week options. For the two-day program choose any two days in the week to attend.
Winter (August 3 to April 4)
The winter season focuses on ski fitness and technique. Group training is scheduled 5 days a week Monday thru Friday. Activities include classic skiing, skate skiing, and strength. Sessions are held at Hillside ski trails, APU, and Kincaid. There are two, three, and five day a week options. For the two-day and three-day programs pick any two or three days to join the group.
Example of winter schedule:
Monday: Run or bike with strength and core training
Tuesday: Classic ski with coordination exercises
Wednesday: Skate ski with technique drills
Thursday: Classic ski intervals
Friday: Skate ski with technique training or Gym day (before snow in town)
Flex option
The flex option offers the flexibility for APU members to train with the noon or evening group as best fits your schedule. This option is great for people that work and would occasionally miss practices due to other commitments. If you’re busy at noon, come in the evening – or if you have plans at night, come at noon!
Training Locations:
Training is typically at Hillside, Kincaid, or APU. In early winter we may ski at Glenn Alps until the snow is ready in town. Meeting locations:
APU: Atwood parking lot next to the water fountain.
Hilltop: Turn off of Abbott Rd, drive past the ski jump and day lodge, park at the Nordic ski trailhead.
Kincaid: Summer meet in the lower parking lot near the stadium scoreboard. In the winter meet in the upper parking lot in front of the chalet.
Additional program details and registration policies:
Registration payments are due in full before the first day of the session.
Payment plans are available for year round participants. The first ½ of the fee is due on the first day of practice with the second ½ due on October 5. Please choose the “Year round payment plan” option on registration sheet.
Programs will be weekday Monday thru Friday with the exception of Holidays and weeks for US National Championships.
Family discounts are available. To be eligible you must have three or more family members signed up for APU programs, two of which must be year round members. After purchasing two year-round memberships, all additional memberships are half price.
