Children’s Programs

Skill Development Programs (SDP)

Contact: Colleen Ellens
Phone: 250 395 3421
Email: [email protected]

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND SKIERS

2011 - 2012

PRACTICE SESSIONS

Practices are scheduled for Sundays and Tuesdays followed by hot chocolate in the lodge.

• Sundays - 1:00 to 2:30
• Tuesday - 5:00 to 6:30

Please arrive about 15 minutes before practice begins to allow time to wax skis, get dressed, etc.

Practices happen in groups.  Skiers are grouped according to skill level and age.  However, there may be times when groups are combined, as some coaches will be attending races with their own children.  Parents are encouraged to participate and improve their own skiing at the same time!

Clothing

It is quite important that skiers are dressed appropriately for practices.  Skiers should wear several light layers of clothing rather than 1 or 2 bulky pieces.  This allows skiers to stay warmer and to move easier.  Please NO cotton (just say “no” to cotton!).  Also choose clothes that repel snow.

• winter thermal socks
• thermal underwear, turtleneck, fleece top, light sweatpants
• wind and waterproof jacket and pants (if pants are lined you probably don’t need the sweatpants)
  • Non-bulky snow suits are acceptable for young beginner skiers
• neck warmer (if don’t have a turtleneck or shirt with a high neck)
• toque, mitts
  • mitts are warmer than gloves
  • No wool or fleece mitts (choose mitts that snow does not stick to)
• ski boots – should not be too tight or too loose
• Bring and leave at the lodge – extra toque, mitts, socks

Other gear

• water bottle with water bottle holder is ideal
• snack that provides energy such as Granola bar or trail mix
• fanny pack or small backpack

Safety

• A parent or coach within each group must have a cell phone for practice.  Cell phones have acceptable reception along the trail.
• One parent must remain in the lodge during practice in case of an emergency.
• All parents and coaches must be familiar with use of the snowmobile in case of an emergency.
• Groups must keep together at all times

Selecting Equipment for Ski Leaguers

Following are some general guidelines to assist you in determining which kinds of equipment you need.

Bunnyrabbits:

• A child’s first ski equipment set would include a pair of no-wax (fish-scale) skis.  Skis should be approximately the same height as the skier.
• If you choose to purchase poles, they should be “classic” length (with the pole tip in the snow, the pole height would reach the underarm).

Jackrabbit Levels 1 & 2

• For learning the skills required at these levels, it is preferable to have waxable skis, even if they are your first pair.
• Your skis can be dual purpose (classic skis that can also be used for skating), but your poles must remain “classic” length.

Jackrabbit Levels 3 & 4

• At this point, you will be introduced to the skating technique.
• You can learn skating technique skills while using classic, dual-purpose skis, but you will now require both skating length poles and classic length poles.
• For skating technique sessions, if you are using classic, dual-purpose skis, you must remove the grip wax from the kick zone and have the entire length of the ski prepared with glide wax.
• For classic technique sessions, the kick zone must be in place again, and grip wax must be applied.
• It is also important that you are using bindings that do not rub the track when your ski is on edge or when you are using the skating technique.
• By the time you have completed the Jackrabbit Program, you may wish to have two sets of equipment (both skating and classic), especially if you plan to continue on to the next stage in Cross Country Canada (CCC’s) skill development progression, the Track Attack Program.

Track Attack Program

• We’re assuming you are fully into skiing if you are in Track Attack and have selected good equipment for both classic and skate techniques.
• Talk to your coach if you have any question about what you might need!

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?

• Talk to your child’s coach(es) about specific concerns about your child.
• Skill Development Coordinator
  • Colleen
    • 250-395-3421
    • [email protected]
• Coaching Coordinator
  • Barb
    • 250-395-2099 or 250-395-0983
    • [email protected]

Have a great ski season!

MORE INFORMATION:

Bunnyrabbit Program

The Bunnyrabbit Program is directed at children in the “Active Start” stage of athlete development (children 5 years of age and younger). It is a fun, skill development program designed to introduce children to the sport of cross country skiing and the healthy lifestyle associated with it. Parents are encouraged to come and ski with their child during lessons.

Jackrabbit Program

The Jackrabbit Program is directed at skiers in the “FUNdamentals” stage of athlete development (children 6 to 9 years of age). It is a fun, skill development program where the objective is for participants to learn basic cross country ski skills (both classic and skating) and to instill a lifelong interest in the sport. Children in this program will have the opportunity to work on techniques towards 4 Technique Awards. As well, they will be able to earn Snow Goals (time spent skiing outside of lesson time and Sprint Awards (timed sprints after technique lessons).

Track Attack Program

The Track Attack Program is directed at skiers in the “Learn to Train” stage of athlete development (skiers 10 to 12 years of age). The objective of the program is for the participants to become technically competent cross country skiers and to use those skills to explore a wide range of cross country ski activities from back country excursions to Ski Tournaments and other competitions.

Please note: For further Information about the CCC Skill Development Program (SDP) go to the CCBC website at www.crosscountrybc.ca.