Training & coaching.
Along with community outings and events for adult members, FKOC offers ongoing educational programming for youth — from U10 development to post-graduate high-performance training.
The FKOC coaching team.
Guiding our athletes’ outdoor journey with expertise and passion.
Carl has been involved with coaching skiing and biathlon for the past 23 years, and is a life long lover of anything you can do on skis! Coordinating training programs, range activities, FKOC development, and the local High School Nordic team fill most his days. When he is not working on ski programs and activities, you can find Carl out traveling, or riding horses, bicycles, and motorcycles.
Sarah Ashley is our wonderful middle school and ladies night coach who is an alumni of our high school ski team and she always finds a way to instill and have fun out in the ski trails with a smile on her face!
Ben Paradis has been coaching Nordic skiing for over 30 years and has never had a bad day skiing. No matter what, skiing puts a smile on his face. Ben is especially adept at analyzing and explaining technique to all age levels, and you will surely come back from a refreshing ski in the brisk air with a smile on your face!
PG training program.
Description
The FKOC Post Graduate program is a high performance training program designed to bring high school graduated Nordic skiers and Biathletes, aged 18–23, to the next level of competitive performance with a dedicated annual full time training program.
Coaches
Coaching responsibilities are shared between Carl Theriault for biathlon specific training and Charlie Cobb for ski technique, strength and endurance training.
Academics
Athletes are encouraged to take courses at the University of Maine at Fort Kent to stay intellectually stimulated while training and fulfill early collegiate course requirements. The University offers scholarship programs to all athletes training with the FKOC Post Graduate Program.
Facility
Training takes advantage of the excellent facilities at the Fort Kent Outdoor Center — a 3km paved roller skiing loop, a 30-point shooting range, and 25km of Nordic trails that are FIS and IBU homologated. Fort Kent has the longest snow-covered season in the Northeast, usually starting in early November and finishing in late April.
Housing
We offer two housing options for athletes: our lodge and the Jalbert Biathlon Residence. Coaches check in frequently, but athletes live independently and are expected to maintain their space appropriately.
Pricing
- Housing — $300/month — Utilities and internet included.
- Coaching/Training — $200/month — Includes daily training, race support, wax supplies, and Team FKOC uniforms.
- Ammunition — $50/month — Biathletes only.
- Training Camps/Events — In Region — We provide transport, housing, and food. You cover registration costs.
- Training Camps/Events — Out of Region — We provide housing and food. You cover airfare and registration fees.
Space is limited.
The PG Program is limited to the first 5 athletes registered due to housing restrictions — so don’t delay! Download and submit your application today.
Jalbert Biathlon Residence.
The Post Graduate program is supported by the generous help of Phyllis Jalbert, who has provided the “Jalbert Biathlon Residence” — located within walking distance of the FKOC at 42 2nd Ave, about a mile away. There are 5 bedrooms, a spacious living room and kitchen, and a common area in the basement. Available to full-time athletes on a first come, first served basis.
Jalbert Ski Program.
The Jalbert Youth Ski Program is a great opportunity for children grades K–6 to get outside and learn to cross-country ski! This exciting winter program hosted at the Fort Kent Outdoor Center offers trail passes, ski rentals, and instruction at no cost thanks to Phyllis Jalbert, who has supported the program for many years. Sessions are typically held on Saturday afternoons twice a month (January–March). Dates and details are posted each year once the trails are skiable.
Whether your child comes to just one session or catches Ski Fever and doesn’t miss a single one, each session incorporates balance, glide, and uphill and downhill techniques through activities and games.
A dedicated team of FKOC volunteers helps coordinate ski rentals and provide instruction according to ability level and preferred technique. Most participants use classic skis (fish-scale base), though some try skate skiing. Classic technique is the best choice for beginners.
Participants who rented complimentary ski packages through the Jalbert Program will be asked to return their skis, boots, and poles at the last session.
We are always looking for volunteers (ages 15+) to help out inside and outside. Indoor tasks include registration and running the rental shop; outdoor volunteers help with instruction on the snow. If you’re interested, please send us a message.
Jalbert Biathlon Program.
For youth ages 10+ interested in competing in biathlon, the Jalbert Biathlon Program offers instruction at the same time as the Youth Ski Program. The biathlon portion extends beyond the winter months, however — training and events are held throughout the summer for a nominal fee.
Since it began in 2011, the Jalbert Youth Ski & Biathlon Programs have been funded by the generosity and enthusiasm of Fort Kent native Mrs. Phyllis Jalbert. Phyllis is happy to see cross-country skiing and biathlon thriving in our community, and the FKOC is very grateful for her ongoing support.
