Welcome to the 2024/2025 season
**********Jackrabbits registration is Open
!
2023 March 11 – Birds eye view of the Fun Day – Smiles all around.
Programs Descriptions:
Bunnyrabbits (3-5 year olds)
The Bunnyrabbit program is geared towards kids aged 4 to 5, and parents must stay with their child during the lesson. The lesson typically ranges from 45 minutes to 1 hour. If your child is new to Cross Country skiing and is 4 or 5 years old, they should start in Bunnies.
Jackrabbits (5-12 year olds)
Jackrabbits has four levels: 1-4. Children typically start in level 1 when they are 5 or 6 years old, after completing Bunnyrabbits the previous year; have skied with their family; or are starting out at 6 years old. Skiers progress through the levels as they meet skill requirements. An older skier (around 9 years old) who has just started cross country skiing, would be placed into a group of older beginners (as long as there is a coach for the group), or would be placed into a level 2 or 3 group depending on their skiing and athletic ability.
Youth Explorers (11-16 year olds)
The Youth Explorers Group is a group of youth skiers with strong parental support that explore the Larch Hill trail system. The program is designed for younger Larch Hill members [ages 11 to 16] who have completed the Jackrabbit ski lesson program (minimum one year completed of Level 4) and wish to continue to spend their Saturdays skiing with an energetic bunch of young skiers. The emphasis of the program is on fun, social skiing and longer ski times [approx. two hours] providing a great alternative to the Racing Team.
Waffles (7-12 year olds)
This program is run by the Jackrabbit program and is for kids who are in levels 3-4 and are looking for a bit more than what the regular Saturday Jackrabbits has to offer. This extra session will be offered on Thursday evenings from 5:15 – 6:15 pm. The cost to register will be $50, in addition to the regular Jackrabbit registration fee. Participants must also be registered in the regular Jackrabbit Program to participate.
This is a fun program with volunteer coaches teaching ski skills and techniques, developing strength, speed, power and aerobic fitness. Games, fun events and challenges, and short and long adventures are used to teach skills and nurture a team atmosphere. Classic and Skate equipment is required (waxable skis are encouraged but not required). Some skate equipment may be available to borrow.
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, 2024. 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. To register in the Waffle group you must register as a Jackrabbit for $80 and then add theh Waffle registration with an additional $50
The deadline is November 27 (or when the program is full).
Registration for all Jackrabbit programs 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
When registering on zone4 you will work your way thorough a series of web pages. This can be confusing at first. 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
Bunnyrabbit, Jackrabbit, Waffles and Explorer lessons will run on the following Saturdays:
December 14, 21, 28 January 4, 11, 25 (Jan 18 RKS Loppet) February 1, 8, 15, 22 March 1 and 8
The Reino Kesi-Salmi Loppet is on Jan 18th 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
Bunnyrabbits and Jackrabbit Level 1 – lessons run Saturdays from 10:20am – 11:15am
Jackrabbit Level 2,3,4, Explorers – lessons run Saturdays from 10:20am – 11:20-11:35am Waffles will meet Thursdays evenings from 5:15pm – 6:15pm
(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.
