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Nordic skiing is one of the most accessible and rewarding winter activities in Bend, with miles of trails and multiple snow parks to explore. Glide along Meissner’s gentle slopes, and you’ll find skiers soaking up the winter sun, sharing big smiles on the trail—and, occasionally, moving to the beat of something unexpected.
Reggaeton? Salsa? Merengue? Wait… what? That’s right—if you’ve skied at Meissner this season, you may have heard Latin music blending with the sounds of the chickadees and the forest. Those beats are the soundtrack of Camp Chica, an after-school Nordic ski program by Vámonos Outside, where students new to skiing are learning to find their rhythm—on skis.
From Zumba to Skiing: A Lesson in Confidence
Molly Alles an educator for 20+ years coaches with the group and shares “the best practise in teaching anything to anyone is to relate it to something that the student already knows and loves. This year for one particular student- it was Zumba!”
At the start of the program, this student was eager to learn but hesitant on the trails—skiing with her head down, hands tucked into her pockets. The coaching team, using an inquiry-based approach, discovered that her favorite activity was going to Zumba classes with her mom. That was the a-ha moment.
From that day forward, warm-up circle transformed into high-energy Zumba sessions—on skis. With her confidence growing, she took the lead, sharing routines with the group, her smile shining behind her ski goggles. By season’s end, she had become a leader, the most improved skier in the group, and a reminder of the power of meeting students where they are.
Skiing to the Beat
Rhythmic music isn’t just fun—it helps skiers learn. The beat of Zumba tracks naturally mirror the rythym of weight transfer needed for gliding on skis. Whether during a Nordic limbo drill (where young skiers practice bending their knees and getting low) or a session of playful movement on the trails, the music keeps the energy high and the learning intuitive.
So, if you see a group of skiers at Meissner warming up with Zumba moves, don’t be shy—jump in and join the fun. The Meissner Nordic community thrives on moments like these, where shared experiences bring people together.
Join Us for “Tamales at Meissner”
This sense of community extends beyond the trails. Camp Chica participants not only enjoy skiing together but also take part in Meissner events—like building the snow dragon, a hands-on piece of public art meant for kids to enjoy. Now, they’re inviting the community to come together for another special event.
On Sunday, March 23rd, students will host “Tamales at Meissner”, a fundraiser supporting Vámonos Outside’s summer programs. Enjoy homemade tamales for a suggested donation of $5 each, with all proceeds directly funding summer camps for Latine and BIPOC youth in our community.
We appreciate your support and hope to see you there—whether for a ski, a Zumba warm-up, or a delicious tamale!
