Minnesota Youth Ski League

Spark Joy in Winter!

Shukri never imagined winter could become something her family would look forward to.

When she and her husband moved to Minnesota more than 20 years ago, snow and cold temperatures were completely unfamiliar. “Before moving here, we had never experienced snow,” she shared. Winter felt overwhelming at first, and spending time outside in the cold seemed impossible.

But over time, things began to change.

A friend introduced Shukri to MyXC SkiSparks at Hiawatha, after hearing her husband talk about wanting their children to experience skiing — something he never had the chance to try growing up. Their kids had already explored activities like soccer and karate, so when the family heard about SkiSparks, they decided to give it a try.

Now, winter looks completely different for their family.

“Our kids loved skiing last winter and are excited to do it again,” Shukri said. “Now it’s like they can’t wait for the snow again.”

Her children especially love skiing up and down hills, chasing the excitement and adventure that comes with being outside together. What once felt intimidating has become one of the family’s favorite ways to connect, stay active, and embrace winter.

“It has made our winter routines more active and engaging as a family,” Shukri shared. “We now spend more time outdoors together doing something fun and healthy.”

Beyond skiing itself, MyXC helped the family feel connected to something bigger — a welcoming community where they felt supported and included. As her children grew more confident outdoors, Shukri felt inspired to give back herself, becoming more involved as an outreach volunteer and coordinator.

“I wanted to help other families have a similar positive experience,” she said.

Today, she helps welcome new families into SkiSparks, especially families from communities who may have never imagined their children could participate in winter sports.

“I love watching families experience skiing for the first time and gradually gain confidence,” she shared. “Especially those from my own community who have never seen snow back home and believe their kids can’t participate in winter activities.”

Through scholarships, welcoming volunteers, affordable rentals, and supportive clubs, MyXC is helping more families discover joy outdoors in winter — together.

Ski for Fun. Ski for Sport. Ski for Life.

"Through MyXC, I learned not only how to ski, but how much fun I could have while outside in the winter! I learned that playing tag on skis was incredibly funny, and I loved logging the kilometers I skied to see how far I could go every winter....My family and I loved being part of the Minnesota Youth Ski League. I had so much fun learning how to ski and making friends on the trails, and I hope that you do, too!"

 ~Jessie Diggins, Olympic Gold Medalist

We are leaders in the XC ski community, committed to teaching kids and their families how to ski and embrace winter.  This upcoming year we will get our glitter on and cheer for Olympic Gold Medalist Jessie Diggins, a MyXC alumnus, at the 2026 Olympics in Milan Cortina, Italy. She is considered a favorite for gold in the 10km freestyle and has the potential to be a podium contender in other events, according to NBC Olympics. MyXC is committed not only to growing the sport of cross country skiing, but also to bring more joy to winter. 

An exciting thing is happening to our organization, it's growing!  We have over 4000 kids in our 50+ clubs and rent over 2000 sets of skis to kids throughout the region.  

Will you help kids have fun in the winter and learn a healthy lifestyle?  Together we can build community, healthy kids, and lifelong skiers.

• $10 will purchase a famous MyXC fleece hat for a new skier
• $25 trains a volunteer SkiSparks coach
• $55 pays for a SkiSparks membership scholarship
• $150 purchases a set of rental equipment for a skier to enjoy all winter
• $500 supports a new SkiSparks club with start-up expenses
• $1000 buys Grad Hats for next year's class
• $2000 sets a club up with an equipment library

Every contribution helps and brings more joy, and skiing, to kids in the winter.