The Saskatoon Nordic Ski Club offers ski lessons for children and teens of all ages and abilities. There are two basic streams: the Cross Country Canada program which is structured with numerous levels and the Youth Learn-to-Ski which is designed for older kids and teens new to cross country skiing.
Kids that have never cross country skied before or are developing core skills will find the Cross Country Canada Bunnyrabbit and Jackrabbit programs a fun way to be active in a winter sport in Saskatoon. After completion of the Jackrabbit program kids may move on to the Track Attack program. At this stage youth are eligible to join the HiPer (High Performance) Junior Race Team in order to benefit from high level coaching and racing experience.
Ski lessons are held from November through to March but are dependent on snow conditions. All classes are conducted at Kinsmen Park in downtown Saskatoon, with the exception that Sunday classes move to Wildwood Golf Course during January and February.
For more information on ski lessons, beyond that provided below, contact saskatoonnordicski@yahoo.ca.
Bunnyrabbit Ski Program Saskatoon (ages 3 – 5 years)
This program is directed at children in the “Active Start” stage of the development (children five years of age and younger) with a fun introduction to a great family-friendly winter sport. The objective of this Cross Country Canada program is to introduce cross country skiing and the healthy lifestyle associated with it through organized activity and active play. In addition, the program is designed to:
- Help children develop a positive self-image.
- Be a fun winter activity for kids in Saskatoon.
- Provide children with the opportunity to make ski-friends.
- Develop fundamental movement skills.
- Help children develop an awareness and appreciation of our natural environment.
Program materials include an enrolment kit, an age appropriate booklet and skill award stickers. Classes end with a warm drink and snack in the shelter [delete – at either Kinsmen Park or Wildwood Golf Course]. Parents must accompany their children in the Bunnyrabbit Program.
Time:
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Weekly classes Wednesdays 6:30 - 7:15pm OR Sundays 3:00 - 3:45pm
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Fee:
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$25 + membership
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Equipment:
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Due to the skill level of very young nordic skiers, poles are not used. Equipment needed to participate includes skis (either with regular winter boots or cross country ski boots depending on the style) and warm winter clothing. For information on the annual children’s ski equipment swap please see the events calendar.
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| Registration:
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Online registration is now available through Zone4.
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Jackrabbit Ski Program Saskatoon (ages 6 – 9 years)
This program is directed at skiers in the “FUNdamentals” stage of development (children six to nine years of age) and is the second level of the Cross Country Canada program. The objective is for children to learn basic cross country ski skills (both classic and skating) and to instill a lifelong interest in the sport, thereby enhancing their quality of life and health. In addition, it is designed to:
- Help children develop confidence.
- Be a fun winter activity for kids in Saskatoon.
- Provide children an opportunity to ski and socialize with their ski-friends.
- Build overall motor skills.
- Help children develop outdoor winter safety skills.
Previous enrollment in the Bunnyrabbit program is encouraged but not required as kids are grouped according to experience and skill level. Children are encouraged to learn at their own pace, based on their personal abilities, skills and interests – making it very common for kids to repeat levels. Program materials include an enrolment kit, an age appropriate booklet that provides a comprehensive record of the young skier’s ski career and “technique” and “program” award stickers to chart the different levels of achievement. Classes end with a warm drink and snack in the shelter. Parents are welcome, but not required, to participate in the Jackrabbit Program.
Time:
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Weekly classes Wednesdays 6:30 - 7:30pm AND/OR Sundays 3:00 - 4:15pm
(Higher Jackrabbits are encouraged to participate in lessons 2x/week)
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Fee:
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$25 + membership / wk, $50 + membership for 2 lessons/wk.
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Equipment:
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Skis with bindings, ski boots, poles and warm winter clothing. For information on the annual children’s ski equipment swap please see the events calendar.
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| Registration:
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Online registration is now available through Zone4.
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Track Attack Program (ages 10 – 12 years)
This program is designed at skiers in the “Learning to Train” stage of development (skiers ten to twelve years of age) and is the third level of the new Cross Country Canada program. The objective is for the participants to become technically competent cross-country skiers and to utilize those skills to explore a wide range of cross-country ski activities, from backcountry excursions to ski tournaments. In addition, it is designed to:
- Develop fitness through active play, games and activities.
- Be a fun winter activity for kids in Saskatoon.
- Provide children an opportunity to be part of a sports “team.”
- Develop overall sport skills.
- Expose children to a variety of “adventure-based” cross country ski activities.
Previous completion of the Jackrabbit program is required. Program materials include a program-specific enrolment kit, an age appropriate booklet and coaching materials specific to this stage in the skier development progression. Classes end with a warm drink and snack in the shelter.
Time:
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Twice a week classes, Wednesdays 6:15 to 7:30pm
AND Sundays 3:00 to 4:15pm. |
Fee:
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$50 + membership
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Equipment:
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Skis with bindings, ski boots, poles and warm winter clothing. For information on the annual children’s ski equipment swap please see the events calendar.
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| Registration:
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Online registration is now available through Zone4.
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Youth Learn-to-Ski (ages 10 and up)
This program is designed for older kids new to cross country skiing. Each year we have teens interested in taking up skiing and this is the program for them. No previous experience required.
Time:
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Weekly classes Wednesdays 6:15 - 7:30pm
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Fee:
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$25 + membership
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Equipment:
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Skis with bindings, ski boots, poles and warm winter clothing. For information on the annual children’s ski equipment swap please see the events calendar.
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| Registration:
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Online registration is now available through Zone4.
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Cancellation Policy
Youth programs are cancelled if at 1 hour before the start of lessons conditions as listed on the Environment Canada Weatheroffice (http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/city/pages/sk-40_metric_e.html) indicate:
- Temperature is -20°C or below, OR
- Wind chill is -25°C or colder
For example:
- a temperature of -18°C with a wind chill of 22 below - programs are on
- a temperature of -18°C with a wind chill of 25 below - programs are cancelled
- It is each parent’s responsibility to check the weather 1 hour before each lesson.
Parental Time & Financial Contributions
Hint: very little
Beyond the nominal cost of the lesson and club membership there are no annual costs or fundraising activities required to support the participation of your child in cross country skiing lessons. NO casino nights, NO bake sales, NO bottle drives and NO sales campaigns. We ask that you consider assisting with serving the snack at the end of the class a few times during the season (all snacks are purchased and provided by the club). We also strongly suggest that you get out and ski with your child and enjoy the Saskatchewan outdoors!