At Foothills Nordic, we’re passionate about cross-country skiing. We thrive on being active outdoors in winter, we enjoy the challenge of improving our technique and we love the warm friendships we form in the nordic community. Foothills Nordic offers instruction in classic and skate techniques for all ages. Programs are offered in Confederation Park Golf Course, and many programs include weekend sessions at the Canmore Nordic Centre or in the mountain parks.
Program Framework ‘Sport for Life’
Foothills Nordic Ski Club programs are aligned with Sport Canada’s Sport for Life model and are designed to meet the physical, mental, emotional and cognitive developmental needs of participants. Sport for Life emphasizes the importance of sport in children’s development, as well as for the health and well being of all Canadians. Learn more about Sport for Life and how Foothills Nordic programs fit into the model: Sport for Life
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
Our children’s programs focus on the FUNdamentals of cross-country skiing. Foothills programs offer children a fun way to learn cross-country skiing from some of the best coaches in Canada. Our goal is to instill in children a love of cross-country skiing and winter outdoor activity.
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Our youth programs train in Calgary during the week and often venture into the mountains on weekends. Youth Group (T1, T2, and LC) continues to develop overall fitness and ski skills by providing a mix of both recreational and competitive experiences for cross country and biathlon. It’s a transitional program for 12-16 year olds where athletes develop a strong background in ski technique from which they can continue to develop their ski skill/recreational interests and/or more competitive goals. We use the Nordiq Canada (CCC) long term athlete development model (LTAD) as a guide in implementing our training sessions. Adventure Ski is a recreational program that builds on the fitness and technique base acquired in T1 and T2 in a fun, easy going environment. LC (Learn to Compete) is a comprehensive, year round training program that allows athletes to meet their competitive or non-competitive sport and fitness goals.
ADULT PROGRAMS
Our Adult Programming has something for everyone from Learn to Ski to more advanced. The adult learn-to-ski and ski skill improvement programs focus on improving your skiing, either as a “learn-to-ski” or more advanced ability. Adults looking for intense and technical year round training can join Masters, a program focused on technique refinement and intense conditioning. This is a perfect program for people looking to take their skiing to the next level.
Adults looking for a less intense program focusing more on technique and skill improvement (but still providing a fitness workout) can join Ski Fitness. Ski Fitness combines dry land and on-snow training.
OUR CROSS COUNTRY PROGRAMS
AGES 4-5
AGES 6-10
Jackrabbits Levels 1 and 2
Jackrabbits will acquire basic ski skills while developing agility, balance, coordination and speed with an emphasis on FUN and participation! Jackrabbits develop through a progressive skill program following the Cross Country Canada Jackrabbit model.
Jackrabbits Level 3, 4, Plus, and Dryland
Jackrabbits develop through a progressive skill program following the Cross Country Canada Jackrabbit model. Jackrabbits Plus is designed for kids with an interest in skiing more than once a week
Jackrabbits Learn to Ski U8 (Pikas)
JRL2Ski Pikas program is targeted at kids ages 6-8 who are NEW to skiing (or have done limited nordic skiing). The program will mainly work at Jackrabbit Level 2 skills (classic), with the goal to have kids ready for JR level 2 or 3 in the next season. The group will be divided into sub-groups as needed for age and ability.
AGES 10-13
Track Attack
As a progression from the Jackrabbit program, Track Attack is a skill development program aimed at improving skate and classic techniques in a fun and social environment. Track Attack will promote teamwork and personal interaction skills.
Jackrabbits Learn to Ski U12 (Hares)
JRL2Ski Hares program is targeted at kids ages 9-12 who are NEW to skiing (or have done limited nordic skiing). The program will mainly work at Jackrabbit Level 2 skills (classic), with the goal to have kids ready for JR level 2 or 3 in the next season. The group will be divided into sub-groups as needed for age and ability.
Train to Train 1 (T1)
As a progression from the Track Attack program, Train to Train 1 is the next stage in Cross Country Canada’s Long Term Development Framework. It is aimed at improving skate and classic techniques in a fun and social environment. Skiers are encouraged to participate in competition and will be able to race many times during the season.
U14 Adventure Ski
The U14 Adventure Ski (formally Marmots) program is intended for youth who are interested in skiing for fun, fitness and friendship. Includes group ski sessions to develop and improve on skills.
AGES 14-19
Train to Train 2 (T2)
Train to Train 2 includes an introduction to sport rules and ethics, nutrition, goal setting skills, teamwork, personal interaction skills and fitness testing.
Learn to Compete
Learn to Compete (LC) is for athletes seeking improvement and refinement in XC skiing. Training sessions and workout modes are specifically catered to meet different athlete needs depending on their development.
Post Secondary
The University Program is for athletes racing U20 and Senior while attending post
secondary education. The aim of the program is to allow each individual athlete to reach
their maximum potential while balancing academic pursuits.
U18 Adventure Ski (formally Teen)
U18 Adventure Ski (formally Teen) is intended for skiers aged 14+ with prior nordic experience who are interested in skiing for fun, fitness and friendship. *NEW* Participants can register for the Fall Adventure Dryland program independent of the On-Snow program.
Adult Cross Country Programs
Ski Fitness
Ski Fitness is an adult program coached by passionate and qualified Masters athletes/instructors. Sessions focus on fitness and improving classic and skate techniques – giving participants the skills and fitness to ski effortlessly!
Masters X-Country
The Masters program is built for intermediate and advanced skiers who want to improve their fitness and ski technique in both classic and skating styles in a fun group atmosphere. Group training and varied sessions build motivation.
Adult Learn to Ski
This is an adult learn-to-ski and ski skill improvement program coached by experienced Masters and high-performance athletes. The focus of the program is on improving your skiing, either as a “learn-to-ski” or more advanced ability.
Learn to Loppet (formerly Masters Level 1 – Chill Group)
The Masters Training Group (MTG) is for adults who desire a cross-country ski training program with instruction for both skate and classic techniques.
LIMITATIONS
Foothills Nordic reserves the right to reconfigure programs based on the numbers and skill levels of the subscribers. Programs may be limited to a specific number of participants. There may be multiple groups within each level depending on how many athletes sign up for each level. Within a level, groups will be structured based on ability and skier chemistry.
Sessions missed due to inclement weather will be made up at the coaches’ discretion.
There is no guarantee to the number of nights that the programs will run. Typically we are able to get 8-10 weeks in during the December-March period. Sessions may be canceled due to lack of snow, temperatures below -20c, and conflicts with racing schedules.
NOTES
- Program costs do not include Club membership fees, Confederation Trail Fees, or the Canmore Nordic Centre.
- Foothills is volunteer-powered; members are regularly asked to contribute in various ways. Volunteering with Foothills is a great way to connect with the Nordic community. Get involved!
If you are unsure which program is best suited to you or if you have questions, please email our Program Manager.
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