Guiding Our Athlete's Outdoor Journey With Expertise and Passion!
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.
Coaching responsibilities are shared between Carl Theriault for biathlon specific training and Charlie Cobb for ski technique, strength and endurance train
the University of Maine at Fort Kent to stay intellectually stimulated while training and fulfill some early collegiate course requirements. The University offers scholarship programs to all athletes training with the FKOC Post Graduate Program.
The training will take advantage of the excellent facilities at the Fort Kent Outdoor Center. This includes a 3km paved roller skiing loop, a 30-point shooting range, and 25km of excellent 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.
We offer two housing options for out athletes, our lodge and the Jalbert Biathlon Residence. While the coaches do check in frequently, the athletes are living independently and are expected to maintain their space appropriately.
The PG Program will be limited to the first 5 athletes registered due to housing restrictions, so don't delay! Follow the link to download and submit your application today.
The Post Graduate program is supported by the generous help of Phyllis Jalbert, who has provided us with the “Jalbert Biathlon Residence”, located within walking distance of the FKOC. There are 5 bedrooms, a spacious living room/kitchen, and a common area in the basement. at the located at 42 2nd Ave, about a mile from FKOC. Available to full time athletes on a first come first serve basis.
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 (FKOC) 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 at the FKOC are skiable. Whether your child ends up coming to just one session, or catches Ski Fever and doesn’t miss a single one, each week’s session will incorporate most of the necessary skills, including balance, glide and uphill and downhill techniques into the activities and games.
A dedicated team of FKOC volunteers help coordinate ski rentals and provide instruction to the participants according to their ability level and preferred technique. While most participants are equipped with classic skis (fish-scales on the base), some participants take advantage of the opportunity to try skate skiing (no fish scales). Classic technique is the best choice for beginning skiers.
Participants who have rented complimentary ski packages through the Jalbert Program will be asked to return their skis/boots/poles at the last session
We are always looking for volunteers (ages 15+) to help out inside and outside. Our indoor tasks include helping with registration and running the rental shop. Our outdoor volunteers would be helping with instruction out on the snow. If you are interested in helping out, please send us a message.
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 of the program extends beyond the winter months, however, with training and events 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. The FKOC is very grateful for her ongoing support.