DXC Birkie & Korte Training Group

Are you targeting a specific race this season, and hoping to make skiing a part of your weekly routine this winter?  DXC is excited to offer our Birkie / Korte Training Group designed to help skiers build strength, fitness, and community throughout the winter.

While registration for American Birkebeiner or the Korteloppet is not required, our training timeline is built to align with the event, as well as other Midwest races — and it gives our group a great name that focuses on race training!
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What to Expect:
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Structured Group Training: Focused on interval-based workouts designed to build strength and endurance. Training outlines will be sent out weekly to help athletes plan their training schedule.

Progressive Program: Starting with a dryland phase featuring core work, plyometrics, and bounding intervals, then shifting to on-snow intervals as conditions allow.

Coaching Support: While advanced, individualized coaching and formal technique sessions are not included, our qualified coaches will offer guidance and technique tips throughout the group; plus, DXC guest coaches will add insights to improve your skiing technique during specific sessions.

This group is intended for skiers looking to train seriously with others — and not designed for beginners. It is a great way to meet fellow skiers and racers while staying accountable to your training goals.

If you're interested in learn-to-ski lessons, please click on our programs: Adult Ski Classes.

When:  Mondays:  6:00  - 7:30 p.m // Nov. 9, 2026 - Feb. 15, 2027 (15 Sessions)

Where:

Dryland - Lester Amity Chalet and Chester Park
On snow - Will vary with snow conditions and training needs. Primarily based at Lester Amity, with Snowflake & Spirit Mountain Nordic Center as backups. 

Who: Nordic skiers who are proficient on skis are necessary, either classic skis and/or skate skis, but high-level fitness is not required – we will help you gain strength, fitness, and endurance.

What is Required:
Required ski passes are the responsibility of participants
Your own ski equipment: Classical and Skate. 
Your own wax. bounding poles, and appropriate shoes / clothing.

Cost:
$140 for 15 sessions.

Registration:  RunSignUp

This training group is currently offered on Monday nights from 6:00 - 7:30 pm. A waitlist will be available, and if demand is high, additional coaches will be added to the training group. Plus, guest coaches will be scheduled to provide ‘focus points’ throughout the season.

Coaches:    

Karl Holub: 
Email: karljholub@gmail.com

Coaching Background: Karl has been skiing for over 20 years, coaching for 7 years, and is beginning his 2nd season coaching the DXC Birkie / Kortie Training Group! He has many top five race finishes, including the  Vasaloppet, Ski North Ultra 100K, City of Lakes Loppet, and Birkie Classic. Karl brings a wealth of Nordic experience to DXC training group.

Avery Tolbert: 
Email: averytolbert03@gmail.com

Coaching Background: Avery has been skiing since she could walk, before becoming a competitive athlete within the Wisconsin Nordic Ski League and the captain of the College of St. Scholastica Nordic Ski Team. This winter will be Avery’s 2nd season coaching the DXC Birkie / Kortie Training Group! She is excited to showcase her collegiate skiing and her Exercise Physiology degree with the DXC athletes this ski season.

Questions:

Bruce Manske, DXC Program Coordinator
Email: brucemanske2011@gmail.com
Telephone: 651-304-0647

Coaching Background: Bruce has completed 33 Birkies, along with many other Nordic ski races. He is a USSS Coach Developer, and has completed his USSS Level 100 & 200 Coach Certifications. Bruce has coached juniors and masters in several programs:  CXC, WPCC, NorthXC, and the Nordic North Stars.