The Vasa Raptors are the competitive junior Nordic ski program of the Vasa Ski Club. Supported by the Club, the team provides high-level training and race support for athletes competing at the local, regional, and national levels. The dedicated coaching staff is committed to mentoring skiers of all abilities and inspiring a lifelong passion for the sport. The Vasa Raptors strive to be Northern Michigan’s premier junior development program—a destination for athletes seeking exceptional coaching, comprehensive training, and outstanding race support.

Values

Fun: Share the enjoyment that skiing can bring through community, hard work and sport.
Excellence: The drive to succeed at whatever the desired level
Passion: Promote skiing as a sport for life through healthy competition and community

The Winter Season

The winter season begins in the second week of November with dryland training, where athletes build on their off-season fitness to prepare for when the snow arrives. As soon as the trails are covered, the team transitions to skiing at Hickory Hills, home to some of the most technical terrain in Northern Michigan. These trails provide the perfect environment to prepare athletes for the local, regional, and national races they compete in throughout the season. The team emphasizes fostering a love for the sport through hard work, competition, and plenty of fun.

Off-Season Training

The Vasa Raptors offer a comprehensive off-season training program divided into three periods: Spring, Summer, and Fall. The Spring period focuses on recovery and maintenance following a long, demanding competition season. Summer training emphasizes building fitness and preparing athletes for the winter ahead. The Fall period is designed to complement—rather than replace—an athlete’s fall sport. The coaching staff encourages all athletes to participate in a fall sport while incorporating ski-specific training to maintain readiness for the upcoming ski season.