Welcome to the 2023/2024 season
**********Jackrabbits registration is now closed, as we have hit our maximum number of children. If your child is still interested in Jackrabbits, please email lhjackrabbits@gmail.com, and your child will be put on a waitlist. Please include their full name, birthdate, and Jackrabbits experience as well as the parents contact information including phone number. If we find more coaches, we will open up the registration to children on the waitlist.********
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2023 March 11 – Birds eye view of the Fun Day – Smiles all around.
Volunteer Coaches!
We are looking for more volunteers to coach this year as we have lost some of our coaches from last year. Even if you are not an avid cross country skier, you can still coach. Many parents or guardians start as coaches when their child is in Bunnies, as each child is required to have a guardian with them at each lesson anyway. The commitment is very minimal, but every year we turn away some skiers because we don’t have enough coaches.
If you are interested in coaching, please follow the Coaches link below.
Click Here for Coaches Information
FAQ
If you are new to the program or have questions, many are answered on our FAQ. Click Here for the FAQ
Registration
Registration will open October 1, 2023. Please register early as the program will fill up quickly. Currently there is a cap at 100 participants due to the shortage of coaches. A wait list will be maintained on a first come first serve basis should room become available.
Jackrabbits registration cost is $80 per registrant.
The deadline is November 27 (or when the program is full).
Registration for Jackrabbits is part of the general LHNS registration which is done online at Zone4.ca.
Click the link above to register.
You will be contacted by your group leader prior to the first session
Fees and Zone4 Registration Instructions
Part 1: Register your family for the Larch Hills Nordic Society membership, or an individual if only your child will be skiing.
Part 2: Enter the information for each member of your family. Only select the Jackrabbits or Ski Team option when you are entering your child’s information. Each member of the family will also have to pay a CCC and CCBC membership fee of $19.
Lesson Dates
Bunny Rabbit, Jackrabbit and Explorer lessons will run on the following Saturdays:
December 23, 30
January 6, 13, 27 (no lesson on Jan 20 due to the Reino Keski Salmi Loppet)
February 3, 10, 17, 24.
March 9 (no lesson on March 2 due to the Teck BC Track Attack Championships)
The Reino Kesi-Salmi Loppet is on Jan 20th and Jackrabbits are encouraged to participate in the Loppet. Registration is free for kids in the Larch Hills Jackrabbits Program.
There will also be some optional Wednesday lesson for some of the higher levels. Jackrabbits will be notified by their coaches if the Wednesday lessons are available to them.
Lesson Times
Bunnies and Level 1 – lessons run from 10:20am – 11:15am
Level 2,3,4, Explorers – lessons run from 10:20am – 11:20-11:35am
Ski Team – practice 10:00am – 12:00pm
Cancellations
Cancellations are made if there’s not enough snow or if the temperature is -12 Celsius. On cold days we will make a decision at 8:30am and have the coaches email the groups as to whether or not jackrabbits will go ahead.
Contact
If you have questions that aren’t answered on the website, please contact the jackrabbit coordinators at lhjackrabbits@gmail.com
Parental Involvement
Our ski program is entirely dependent on volunteers. Please plan to volunteer at least once during the sessions. Check with your leader for sign-up. Also, we are always in need of Jackrabbit coaches. Please contact one of the organizers if you are interested.
TAX RECEIPTS – Child Fitness Tax Credits
According to the Government of Canada, “The children’s fitness tax credit, including the supplement for children with disabilities, will be eliminated for 2017 and later tax years.” so you do not have to worry about printing off the tax receipts.
Equipment
Poor equipment, equipment that doesn’t fit, or skis that are poorly prepared for the snow conditions may lead to a negative ski experience that can have a lasting impression on a child. – CCBC Ski League, Leader Manual. Please acquire suitable equipment for your children. Good equipment is an investment in a positive, fun learning experience and it retains its re-sale value.
Frostbite and Hypothermia
Be prepared. The chances of frostbite and hypothermia are forever present. Frostbite occurs when the body’s extremities (fingers, toes, ears) freeze. Body parts exposed to wind and wet, and cold temperatures, combined with constrictive clothing or boots, greatly contribute to frostbite. Being cold, wet, tired, and hungry, or a combination of these, can cause hypothermia. Children are more at risk as they are less able to retain body heat in cold temperatures. BE PREPARED.
Clothing
Layering is recommended. It is good to wear a nice insulating layer, then a fleece coat or sweater and then a windbreaker. If it is really cold, one may want to add an extra fleece layer. Always bring a toque. It is better than an attached hood because if a child takes off their winter coat, then they still have head protection. Mitts are a must for Jackrabbits.
Snacks
Children can get really hungry out on the trails. Take along some snacks in your pockets.
Trail Etiquette
Good trail etiquette makes skiing more enjoyable for all. Please follow these guidelines:
- During recreational skiing, slower skiers yield to the right when being passed. Faster skiers should call out ‘track’ when approaching slower skiers, and should pass on the left.
- If you need to stop, or if you fall, move off the trail to allow clear passage for other skiers.
- If at all possible, step over the track that has been set.
- Do not litter. Whatever you pack in, please pack out.
This Season
See our events page for many fun family events!
Family Fun
Joining our cross-country ski program is lots of fun. We encourage you to pack a lunch and have a family ski once lessons are completed. Enjoy your time up here in these beautiful Larch Hills.
